Real estate is a fast-moving, ever-evolving, endlessly challenging and interesting business. It comes with enormous responsibility since the decision to buy or sell a home is among the most important decisions you will make, about one of the largest single assets you will ever own.
But home is also emotional, deeply personal and a fundamental need the world over. Whether you rent it or own it, as the Royal LePage tagline says: Home. It’s who we are.
Call me and let’s connect for #resultsthatmoveyou!
Real estate is a fast-moving, ever-evolving, endlessly challenging and interesting business. It comes with enormous responsibility since the decision to buy or sell a home is among the most important decisions you will make, about one of the largest single assets you will ever own.
But home is also emotional, deeply personal and a fundamental need the world over. Whether you rent it or own it, as the Royal LePage tagline says: Home. It’s who we are.
Call me and let’s connect for #resultsthatmoveyou!
Sell for more money, in less time, with less stress
Contact Wendy to request an honest, well-researched, and realistic home valuation.
Client reviews
Wendy is an honest real estate agent who gives sound and honest advice to her clients. She ensures that her clients get the best service and money for their property. I highly recommend Wendy and will use her again in the future should I sell another property. [Read more]
Sherryl Fraser
★★★★★
As a mortgage broker, I have recommended Wendy to my clients as a knowledgeable, hard working REALTOR® who will focus on their needs. Her expertise in the real estate industry makes buying or selling with her a smooth and rewarding process. Her advice adds value, and her commitment … [Read more]
Cathy Macdonald
★★★★★
Wendy helped our family find our home in Stittsville. She is passionate about her work and dedicated to her customers. She insisted we see a house my wife and I had already ruled out after viewing it on MLS. We walked in, fell in love with the place … [Read more]
Chris MacDonald
★★★★★
Wendy is a phenomenal agent! We had little time to find a place since we are from the U.S.A. She was highly recommended by another American family and thus our adventure began! We were not able to visit Ottawa prior to our move. When it came … [Read more]
Ryan and Diana P.
★★★★★
We’ve known Wendy for many years, and there is no one else we would’ve entrusted to the sale of our home. She is extremely thorough in her research so when we put our townhouse up for sale it sold within days at the asking price! We … [Read more]
Gus Miranda
★★★★★
Wendy goes the extra mile. I found her to be very diligent and persistent in her efforts to not only sell my property, but represent me on several occasions in multiple offer situations. She was persuasive and very, very patient. She showed great professionalism dealing with difficult vendors. … [Read more]
Lynne P.
★★★★★
Wendy was very thorough and patiently explained each step of the process. No question was stupid and Wendy provided excellent customer service. I would absolutely recommend her to my family, friends and colleagues! [Read more]
Hilary V.
★★★★★
One of the best choices I made in life was to buy an income property. The second was to find Wendy Lepore to handle the business of renting my condo unit, a number of times, throughout a six-plus year period. Wendy’s honesty, notable business ‘savoir’ in her … [Read more]
Elizabeth M.
★★★★★
Wendy Lepore is an amazing realtor! She is very knowledgeable, professional, and has extremely good work ethics. She is prompt with her responses and has answers to all of our questions (even doesn’t know, she knows how to source her answers to give us the proper answers). … [Read more]
Annie Kay
★★★★★
Wendy is a fantastic choice for a realtor; knowledgeable, experienced, patient and always well-prepared. She successfully navigated competing offers and tight deadlines with true professionalism. I would certainly recommend her to anyone. [Read more]
Ryan Telford (Nepean)
★★★★★
As first-time home buyers, my wife and I entered the real-estate market with a lot of questions and wanted to make sure we had a knowledgeable agent to work with. When we met Wendy for the first time, we immediately knew we had found an agent that would … [Read more]
Jonathan and Janine Taylor
★★★★★
Wendy was great and so patient. She helped us (finally) find our first home in a very chaotic market. She worked with us for over a year and half as our preferences and budget changed considerably. She was always understanding to our complex situation and always treated us … [Read more]
Mel Fio
★★★★★
Ottawa real estate collections
Go exploring! We’ve put together some helpful shortlists to give you quick access to popular searches.
Questions people are asking real estate agents in Ottawa
What are the first steps when buying a home in Ottawa?
There are actually two first steps when you are preparing to buy a home in Ottawa: hiring an Ottawa real estate agent and choosing a mortgage specialist (if you will require financing). Some people prefer to sort out their financing first, while others choose to hire a real estate agent in Ottawa who can help them find the right financing specialist based on their situation and needs.
Whichever you choose to do first, it is very important you have your financing arranged before you begin house-hunting.
Worth knowing: If you would like a list of experienced mortgage specialists, please get in touch and I’ll be happy to share my recommendations.
Are being pre-approved and pre-qualified just different terms for the same thing?
Though they sound similar, these terms definitely do not mean the same thing. Here’s how each one works.
For pre-qualification: Your mortgage specialist can advise whether they think you will qualify for a mortgage based on some basic information including your income, monthly expenses and debts, the amount you have for a down payment, the approximate value of your current home (if applicable) and whether you qualify for a first-time home buyer program.
For pre-approval: You will need to complete a mortgage application, provide down payment details, proof of recent employment income, and information about debts and expenses. Your mortgage specialist will run a credit report and submit your application for approval from one or more lenders. Once they receive an approval, they will issue a pre-approval letter that includes the proposed interest rate, mortgage term, expected down payment, and available loan amount.
What is the difference between a REALTOR®, real estate agent and real estate broker in Ottawa?
In Ontario, once someone has completed the required training and passed exams, they are a real estate salesperson and are issued a real estate licence by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). If that person goes on to successfully complete additional courses and exams, they can become a real estate broker and are then permitted to manage or own a brokerage. A real estate salesperson or real estate broker may also be called a real estate agent, which is a more familiar term for many people.
To be identified as a REALTOR®, a real estate salesperson or broker must be a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Membership in CREA is granted through the brokerage a salesperson works for, if that brokerage is a member of the local real estate board. Boards are members of both their provincial real estate association and CREA.
REALTOR® is a registered trademark of the Canadian Real Estate Association in Canada and the National Association of REALTORS® in the United States.
Worth knowing: I am proud to be a Canadian real estate broker and a REALTOR®.
Where can I get information on mortgages and the mortgage stress test?
Unless you are able to make a cash offer, arranging financing is the first step toward buying property. You can learn about the mortgage stress test and your options for mortgages by contacting a mortgage broker or financial institution.
While there may sometimes be compelling reasons to work with your bank, I believe clients are best served by working with a mortgage broker. An experienced mortgage broker can run a credit report for you and then "shop" your business to a number of lenders to find the best mortgage rate and terms to meet your needs. Banks can only offer you their own mortgage products, and their terms can be much more restrictive.
Whichever avenue you take, don’t shop around for mortgages on your own. When you go from one bank or financial institution to another, each may run a credit report. If many credit reports are run on your name in a short timeframe, it can negatively affect your credit rating.
Worth knowing: If you would like a list of experienced mortgage specialists, please get in touch and I’ll be happy to share my recommendations.
What is the Vacant Unit Tax?
Ottawa’s vacant unit tax came into effect on January 1, 2023. All of the revenues collected through this tax will contribute to affordable housing initiatives in the city. The intent of the tax is to encourage property owners to live in or rent out properties they own and help increase Ottawa’s housing supply.
Each year, all homeowners in Ottawa must declare the status of their property or properties during the previous year. Any property unoccupied for more than 184 days in a given year is considered to have been vacant. Failing to make a declaration about a property will automatically classify it as vacant, and the tax will be applied to the owner’s property tax bill.
You can make your annual declaration online, in person by appointment, or over the phone. If you are unsure of your property’s roll number and PIN, please reach out and I will look it up for you.
Worth knowing: If you live in Ottawa, visit the City of Ottawa Vacant Unit Tax page for further information and to make your declaration.
I want to sell my home. Do I have to have it staged?
You don’t have to stage your home before listing it for sale, but in many cases it’s worth doing. Properties that have been professionally staged and photographed attract more buyers and sales research tells us staged properties sell for more money in less time. What’s not to like about that?
Staging does not mean your home is unattractive, so please don’t take a recommendation to stage as an insult. A good stager works to neutralize your home and remove your personality so buyers can more easily see themselves in your space.
There are two other side benefits to staging. The first is that packing your personal photos and memorabilia helps protect your identity. The second is that making your home more neutral and less "you" helps you set aside your emotional attachment to the home and instead focus on it as a business asset you are preparing to sell. That detachment can help when it comes time to negotiate.
Worth knowing: This Forbes article provides a thorough overview of home staging.
Can I buy a home in Canada if I am not Canadian?
At present, non-Canadians are generally not permitted to purchase homes in Canada, although there are some exceptions.
The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Real Estate by Non-Canadians Act (PPRA) came into effect on January 1, 2023, and will remain in place for at least two years. Commonly known as the "foreign buyer ban," the intent of the Act is to make it easier for Canadians to find homes in a market where housing is in short supply.
Worth knowing: The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation provides detailed and useful information about the Act and its exceptions.
What is Land Transfer Tax (LTT)?
Land transfer tax is a one-time tax paid by a property buyer in Canada at the time they take possession of the property. The amount of the tax is based on the purchase price of the property being sold. It is included in the closing costs that are managed by the buyer’s lawyer when a property changes hands. You can visit this link to calculate the closing costs on a home’s purchase price.
There is no legal requirement for you to have a home inspection when you buy a home. But why wouldn’t you?
It is normal to worry about expenses when buying a home. It is likely to be the largest single asset you will own in your lifetime. But a home inspection and title insurance are two expenses well worth their cost, and both offer you protection as the homeowner. Being aware of any potential issues or defects in the home you want to purchase can save you a lot of money later on.
Worth knowing: If you’re debating the pros and cons of a home inspection, you may find this page a worthwhile read.
What are "closing costs"?
Closing costs are costs that are incurred by a property buyer in the process of finalizing the purchase or sale of real estate. They can include land transfer taxes, pro-rated property taxes, legal fees, pro-rated water and sewer costs, deed and mortgage registration, title search, title insurance, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Your closing costs are usually laid out in a final letter from your real estate lawyer detailing the work they have done for you to complete the property purchase.
Typically, lenders and lawyers suggest budgeting an additional 2 to 4 per cent of the purchase price for closing costs. I recommend setting aside 3 per cent of the purchase price. If all of the budgeted funds aren’t needed, you’ll have money left over, which is always welcome.
Worth knowing: Have a read of my blog post for more information on closing costs.
What is title insurance?
Title insurance is an insurance policy that protects property owners in the event of title issues such as fraud, unregistered easements, unexpected liens against the property, or errors on surveys or in public records.
Buying title insurance is optional, but as a one-time expense included in the closing costs, it is recommended, since it can make the closing process easier. Title insurance remains valid for as long as you own the property. To learn more, please visit my blog post.
What time of year is the best time to sell my home?
Some would say any time of year is the best time. If you need to sell your home because you are relocating, or for personal or financial reasons, then list it anytime. The real estate market never closes.
Having said that, there are more active and less active seasons, so if you’re looking to attract the largest group of prospective buyers and get the best price in the shortest time, spring and fall are typically the busiest and best times to buy or sell.
Worth knowing: One of the benefits of working with a real estate agent is their understanding of the real estate market from season to season and year to year. If you’d like to discuss the current real estate market in Ottawa, please call or email to make an appointment.
