Frequently Asked Questions: Ottawa Valley Real Estate

While 20% is the gold standard to avoid mortgage insurance (commonly called CMHC insurance in Canada), many first-time buyer programs allow for as little as 5% down. It’s best to speak with a lender early to see if there are special programs available that may allow for a small downpayment.

From the moment you find a home and have an offer accepted, the closing period typically takes 30 to 45 days. This is negotiated between buyer and seller and there may be special circumstances involved. However, the search for the perfect home can take anywhere from a week to several months depending on market inventory.

Absolutely. A home inspection is a small investment that protects you from major "invisible" issues like structural damage, outdated wiring, or plumbing leaks. It gives you the peace of mind that you know exactly what you’re buying.

Spring is traditionally the "peak" season because families want to move before the new school year. However, selling in the winter can also be advantageous because there is less competition from other sellers, and the buyers who are looking tend to be very serious. Our market is also greatly influenced by our large military population in Petawawa. The rotation of personnel is typically most active in Spring and Summer.

Focus on the "Three Ds": Declutter, Deep-clean, and Depersonalize. Neutralizing the space allows potential buyers to imagine themselves living there. Minor repairs—like fixing leaky faucets or touching up paint—also go a long way in increasing "curb appeal."

I perform a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This involves looking at recently sold homes in your immediate area that are similar in size, condition, and features to yours. I also factor in current market trends and "active" competition.

Pre-qualification is a rough estimate of what you might be able to borrow based on unverified info. Pre-approval is much stronger; it involves a lender verifying your income, taxes, and credit. While not required, a pre-approval letter will always help your offer be more competitive, especially when a Seller is reviewing more than one offer.

A real estate transaction involves complex legal contracts, often intense negotiations, and significant financial risk. An agent provides professional expertise, handles the heavy paperwork, ensures you're legally protected, and uses market data to ensure you get the best possible price, or paying a fair price.

Generally, you should budget between 1.5% and 4% of the purchase price for closing costs. The largest portion is the Ontario Land Transfer Tax (LTT). For example, on a $500,000 home, the LTT is approximately $6,475 (though first-time buyers may receive a rebate up to $4,000). Other costs include legal fees (approx. $1,500–$2,500), title insurance, and home inspection fees. At James J. Hickey Realty Ltd., we provide our clients with a detailed closing cost worksheet early in the process so there are no surprises on move-in day.

Military relocations follow the Integrated Relocation Program (IRP). As of April 2026, the new Mobility Allowance has replaced the old posting allowance, providing tiered financial support based on your number of career moves. When you receive your posting message, your first step is to register with BGRS (SIRVA). We specialize in House Hunting Trips (HHT), working within your tight 5-to-7-day window to view homes, negotiate offers, and coordinate inspections with BGRS-approved suppliers to ensure your move to the Valley is seamless.

Waterfront homes in the Ottawa Valley offer a unique lifestyle but come with specific "due diligence" requirements. One of the most important factors is the Shore Road Allowance—a 66-foot strip of land between the property and the water that may still be owned by the municipality. We help you verify if this has been "closed" (purchased) or if you need to apply to buy it. Additionally, we ensure proper testing for septic systems and wells, which are common for riverfront properties in areas like Deep River and Laurentian Hills.

Market pace varies by season and price point, but currently, homes in Petawawa are seeing an average of 30–45 days on market, while Deep River and Pembroke remain steady at 45–60 days. Well-priced homes in high-demand neighborhoods often sell much faster, sometimes within the first week. We use a "Day One" marketing strategy—combining professional photography and targeted digital ads—to ensure your home gets maximum exposure the moment it hits the MLS®.