The 2010 Winter Olympics begin!

The 2010 Winter Olympics begin!

Did you know… This is the 21st Winter Olympics and it’s the third Olympics hosted by Canada? This year the Winter Olympics is being held in Vancouver, British Columbia. In 1976 Montreal hosted the Summer Olympics and in 1988 Calgary hosted the Winter Olympics.

Who, what, where and when… From February 12-28, over 80 nations will compete in 15 different sporting events including, men’s and women’s hockey, curling, speed skating, snowboarding and more. It will take place in downtown Vancouver, suburban Richmond and three hours north in Whistler.

Interesting fact… This year will mark the first time that the energy consumption of the Olympic venues will be tracked in real-time and available to the public. Energy data will be collected from the metering and building automation systems of nine of the Olympic venues and is being displayed online through the Venue Energy Track project.

How much will it cost… Well, as of late 2009, the total operating costs of the XXI Winter Games is estimated around $1.76 billion CAD! It is expected that approximately $580 million CAD will come out of taxpayers’ pockets. Although a lot of money is going into hosting this years Winter Olympics, the tourism industry will explode once light shines on the beautiful British Columbia.

I wish all of the athletes the best of luck and I’d love to hear from you about your thoughts on the Olympics! If you have any real estate related questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Time is running out!

It's hard to believe that the month of January is almost over.. Time is flying by and soon the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics will be starting! I also want to remind everyone that January 31st is the last day you are eligible for the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC). The credit may be claimed on eligible expenses exceeding $1,000, but no more than $10,000, for a total credit of up to $1,350.

Renovating can be a great way to add value to your home. Whether you are considering selling your home, or you are hoping to make your home a more comfortable environment for you and your family, right now is a great time to start those renovations!

If you are looking to sell your home for top dollar, my recommendation is to utilize the HRTC and consider doing some renovations.

Paint! Having your home freshly painted in neutral colours attracts buyers and gives your home a calm, relaxed feeling while making your home look great.

Renovate your kitchen. Alongside cabinetry, counter tops and flooring, consider changing the hardware. A simple piece of hardware can help modernize almost any kitchen.

How are your floors? It is the perfect time to put in those hardwood floors you have always wanted.

Take advantage of the HRTC while it is still in effect! Ensure before you make purchases, that the renovations are eligible for the credit!

Last but not least, I want to encourage everyone to please help Haiti and all those that have been affected by the earthquakes. Please visit www.redcross.ca or any other website accepting donations to help.

Skiing in Tremblant

I hope that the New Year has started off as good for everyone as it has for me. I just got back from a great trip in Mont Tremblant where I was able to get on the slopes and enjoy some skiing.

I also got the chance to take a look at their real estate market. I learnt that their market is moving well. When arriving back home to Ottawa, it was apparent the trend wasn't just in Tremblant, but Ottawa as well.

The 2010 Ottawa Real Estate Market.. Outlook Good!

Have a Safe & Happy New Year!

New Years is just around the corner. Here's hoping you have a safe and memorable celebration! Look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

All the best,
Rolando

P.S. Remember that somebody loves you, so don't drink and drive!

Happy Holiday's & Best Wishes in 2010!

'Tis the Season to spread Goodwill and Cheer amongst one's Family, Friends & Acquaintances.

It is also a time for personal reflection. A time to take a look back the the year and make note of significant moments that occurred that have made an impact on your life.

More often than not, we overlook the 'not so significant' moments, which can sometimes hold the most important messages about what is truly important.
You need only turn on the daily news to count your many blessings.

I look at my children, and although I may disapprove of some of their choices, or I may give them 'heck' for forgetting to do something I asked them to do, I am so thankful and appreciative that I have them in my life & that they are healthy and happy.

Too often, we get caught up in the hustle & bustle of everyday living which is even more intensified at this time of year, but if you can take a moment to slow down, take a deep breath and look around you, you will find that true happiness is found in the one's that you love.

On that note, I would like to extend my Best Wishes to you and your loved one's during this Holiday Season, and all the Best in 2010!

'Tis the Season to be Merry...

This Season's Festivities have just begun....30 more days of celebrating to go!

Christmas is a great time to connect or re-connect with friends & family that mean the most to us. Just make sure that you make wise decisions when you plan to celebrate. Take a taxi or have a designated driver when you go out.

This is the best time of the year, make it a memorable one!

It's a Seller's Market...

If you have been considering selling your home, now is the time to do it!
The Real Estate Market, at least here in Ottawa, is experiencing all time low levels of inventory when it comes to active property listings. There are so many Buyers out there looking for properties, and not enough listings to satisfy them all.

What does this mean to Sellers? Not only could you be able to sell your home faster, but you could also possibly get full or more than your asking price if there is interest from more than one prospective Buyer. Why wait for the Spring when you will have to deal with alot more competition on the market. Just because you sell now doesn't mean you need to close now, you could put off the closing date towards the Spring or whatever is mutually desireable to both parties.

If you're in the market to Buy, please check out my new listing at 9 Steggall Crescent in Stittsville pictured above. You can also check it out by visiting www.9Steggall.com or on my personal webpage at www.rolandodilabio.com .

Don't take too long to decide...Spring is just around the corner, and we don't know what to expect when it arrives!