realtor – The Evans Real Estate Group Blog

Real Estate - ANALYSIS, Thought Process - THOUGHT PROVOKING

How Evolutionary Instincts Shape Ottawa’s Real Estate Migration Patterns

Ever notice how people naturally gravitate towards certain neighborhoods, housing types, and communities? Turns out, it’s not just about affordability or convenience—it’s wired into us. Two key psychological concepts, the Dunbar Principle and the Savanna Theory of Happiness, explain why people move the way they do. Understanding these instincts helps us predict migration trends in Ottawa’s real estate market and, more importantly, helps you make smarter buying or selling decisions.

The Dunbar Principle & The Need for Community

The Dunbar Principle suggests that humans can maintain meaningful social relationships with about 150 people—this comes from our evolutionary past when small, tight-knit groups were the key to survival.

How does this relate to Ottawa real estate?

Buyers today aren’t just looking for square footage; they’re looking for connection. Young professionals, growing families, and even downsizers want communities that offer familiar faces, a sense of belonging, and walkability to social hubs. It’s why areas like The Glebe, Westboro, and Barrhaven are so popular—walkable streets, community events, and vibrant local businesses make them feel like modern versions of ancient villages.

For sellers, this means that marketing your home isn’t just about showcasing the granite countertops. It’s about selling the lifestyle—the neighborhood coffee shop where the barista knows your name, the local park where neighbors gather, and the farmers’ market that brings people together. The more you can highlight the built-in sense of community, the more desirable your home becomes.

The Savanna Theory of Happiness & The Pull Toward Space

The Savanna Theory of Happiness argues that humans are happiest in environments that resemble the landscapes where our ancestors thrived—open spaces, greenery, and the balance of nature and community.

This explains why we see so many young families migrating out of the downtown core to suburban and semi-rural areas like Manotick, Stittsville, and Rockland. The appeal isn’t just bigger backyards—it’s the subconscious pull towards environments that align with our evolutionary happiness triggers.

Sellers looking to downsize should take note: empty nesters moving from the suburbs to the city aren’t just looking for a condo—they’re looking for a new kind of freedom. While they’re giving up space, they’re gaining proximity to urban parks, bike paths, and social hubs, which satisfy that same savanna-like need for balance between movement and connection.

How This Applies to You—Whether You’re Buying or Selling

Understanding these migration patterns can help you strategically position yourself in the market.

For Buyers: If you’re debating between urban and suburban, consider not just your current needs, but where you’ll feel most at home in five years. Do you thrive in a high-energy, walkable environment, or do you crave more space and access to nature?
For Sellers: Knowing where your likely buyer is coming from (both literally and psychologically) allows you to tailor your home’s marketing to highlight what really matters to them—whether it’s community engagement or a retreat from the noise.

The Big Takeaway? We Move the Way We’re Wired To

Every real estate decision, whether buying or selling, is shaped by instincts far older than the housing market itself. By understanding these deeper motivations, you can make better, more informed decisions—ones that don’t just fit your budget, but fit your nature.

Looking to make a move that aligns with how you’re wired? Let’s talk.

Real Estate Sales

Reaching Buyers Who Don’t Live Here (Yet)

I met a really rich guy over 10 years ago that was selling a few million dollar penthouses (yes… a few of them). He explained to me how a young kid like myself (at the time) could essentially take over the luxury home market with some good old fashioned hard work and strategic thinking.

“You see”, he begun to explain, “the current top dogs have the market cornered, and most of the wealthy people in this City desperately want some other options”. He took a deep breath and said “None of us want an agent. We want Buyers for our homes -the problem is that we don’t have the means to find them”.

Interesting, I thought. “So… what would be the best means to find them” I asked.

“Well it certainly isn’t just cornering the market through local connections – most of the Buyers aren’t from here – they’re from all over the world.”

He continued “If you were to take your time and build out a list of top agents in all the major markets of the world, open lines of communication with them for the purposes of selling Ottawa as a destination and yourself as their contact to show your homes to – you would clean up”.

So guess what I did. I leaned into the Remax Network which has offices all over the world and started doing research and opening lines of communication.

As it stands now, I have personally curated rolodex of many of the top agents in China, India, Philippines, Nigeria, London and France. While Remax is in literally 104 more countries, those 6 that I mentioned contribute to the vast majority of immigration to Ottawa specifically.

So my strategy as it stands, is to regularly send these contacts reasons for moving to our City, updates on what makes it so attractive, as well as… you guessed it.. my listing inventory.

Now is it a guarantee that I will sell your townhouse to someone in Manila? Not really.

But that’s not really the point either.

The point is that I am constantly and deliberately working on my system to get your home in front of the best Buyers – and a major part of that system is to focus on Product Placement.. that is.. WHERE your home is advertised.

In today’s world, it’s just a fact that the local MLS might not have enough of a reach to find Buyers who aren’t here yet.

Real Estate Sales

How PropTx is Changing the Game for Home Buyers and Sellers

At the Evans Real Estate Group, we’re always looking for ways to improve the home buying and selling experience for our clients. That’s why we’re excited about the recent introduction of PropTx, a cutting-edge platform now used by many REALTORS® in Ottawa, including our team. PropTx isn’t just a fancy new tool for agents—it’s designed to streamline the entire real estate process and deliver real benefits to home buyers and sellers. Here’s how:

For Home Buyers: Making the Process Smoother and More Transparent

Access to Real-Time, Accurate Information 🏡
PropTx integrates MLS® and land registry data, meaning buyers can trust the information they’re getting about homes on the market. Whether it’s the latest listing price, home features, or even neighborhood data, you’ll always have up-to-date details at your fingertips.
Smarter, Faster Communication 📲
The platform allows REALTORS® to communicate faster and more efficiently with buyers. This means fewer delays in receiving answers to your questions, scheduling viewings, or submitting offers. In a competitive market, speed can make a big difference!
Detailed Neighborhood Insights 🌳
Through integrated tools like HoodQ, buyers can get comprehensive neighborhood reports, including information on schools, parks, transit, and local amenities. Knowing what’s nearby can help you make a more informed decision when choosing a home.

For Home Sellers: Streamlining the Sale Process

Faster Offer Management 📄
With tools like SkySlope Offers, managing offers is easier than ever. Offers are submitted, tracked, and organized digitally, ensuring nothing gets missed. Sellers can review multiple offers quickly and easily, making it simpler to decide on the best deal.
Increased Visibility and Listing Performance 📈
PropTx includes tools like ListTrac, which tracks how much interest your property is generating. Sellers can see how many views their home is getting online and how well it’s performing compared to other listings in the area.
Compliance Made Easy ✅
Selling a home involves a lot of paperwork, including regulatory compliance. PropTx streamlines this process, ensuring that all forms and documents are handled correctly. This reduces stress and gives sellers peace of mind knowing everything is being done by the book.

The Evans Real Estate Group Advantage

At The Evans Real Estate Group, we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to real estate technology. Our adoption of PropTx means we can offer our clients a faster, more transparent, and stress-free experience—whether you’re buying your first home or selling a property you’ve loved for years.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in the Ottawa area, let’s chat! With the power of PropTx and our dedicated team, we’ll help you navigate the process smoothly and successfully.

Real Estate - ANALYSIS

Why Time in the Market Matters More than Timing the Market

The primary financial advantage of owning real estate is the equity you build as your mortgage is paid down. The longer you wait, the more time you lose to grow that equity. Even if rates drop, higher prices can erase any savings on interest. In many cases, those who wait to buy end up with less equity and fewer financial gains in the long run.

The Numbers: Buying Now vs. Waiting for Lower Rates

Let’s compare two scenarios:

Scenario 1: Buying Now

Home price: $700,000
Down payment: 20% ($140,000)
Mortgage amount: $560,000
Interest rate: 3.25%
Amortization: 25 years

Using these terms, the monthly mortgage payment is approximately $2,730. Here’s how much principal is paid down and equity is built over the first 30 months:

Month	Equity Built
6	$8,300
12	$17,000
18	$26,000
24	$35,400
30	$45,000

By month 30, you will have built $45,000 in equity, just from principal paydown. This doesn’t include any potential home appreciation, which could further increase your total equity.

Scenario 2: Waiting for 6 Months for Rates to Drop

Home price (after 6 months): $730,000 (a 4.3% price increase)
Down payment: 20% ($146,000)
Mortgage amount: $584,000
Interest rate: 2.75%
Amortization: 25 years

At the lower rate, your monthly payment would be about $2,686. However, because you waited 6 months, you only have 24 months left in this comparison. Here’s the equity built over the next 24 months:

Month	Equity Built
6	$7,800
12	$16,200
18	$25,100
24	$34,800

By month 30, you’ll have built $34,800 in equity, which is $10,200 less than if you had bought earlier at a higher rate. Even with a slightly lower monthly payment, the missed time for equity-building results in a smaller total gain.

Key Takeaways

Delaying your purchase means losing equity-building time. Even with a lower rate, the missed opportunity for principal paydown can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in equity over a short period.
When rates drop, prices typically rise. Ottawa’s real estate market tends to experience price surges when borrowing becomes cheaper, meaning any savings on interest are often offset by higher home prices.
Wealth in real estate comes from holding property long-term. The longer you own your home, the more equity you build through both principal paydown and potential price appreciation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re waiting for lower rates before buying your home in Ottawa, think carefully about the true cost of waiting. The sooner you start building equity, the better your long-term financial position will be. With the right strategy—and a trusted real estate advisor—you can navigate today’s market confidently and make a smart investment in your future.

If you have questions about whether now is the right time to buy or sell, contact us at Evans Real Estate Group. We’re here to help you make informed decisions that build lasting wealth.

Real Estate Sales

How to Sell Your Home in the Winter (and Win the Market)

Winter in Ottawa may seem like an unlikely time to sell, but it’s actually full of opportunities. With fewer listings, less competition, and motivated buyers braving the cold, you can position your home to stand out and shine.

Here’s how to make your winter sale a success:

1. Maximize Your Curb Appeal (Even in the Snow)

Snow and ice can hide your home’s best features. Keep pathways shoveled and salted, light up your entryway, and add evergreen wreaths or winter planters for a warm touch. Buyers should see your home as inviting, not frozen over.

2. Light is Your Best Friend

Winter days are short, and natural light is limited. Inside, open blinds, turn on all lights, and use warm-toned bulbs for a cozy glow. Outside, add pathway lights or soft spotlights to create a welcoming evening appeal.

3. Highlight Energy Efficiency

Ottawa winters remind buyers of heating bills. Showcase energy-efficient features like new windows, upgraded insulation, or a smart thermostat. These upgrades make a strong selling point in winter months.

4. Create a Cozy Atmosphere

Make buyers feel right at home.

Turn up the heat (comfort matters).
Use seasonal décor—like a throw blanket or candles.
Offer warm touches during showings, like freshly baked cookies or hot drinks.

5. Work With a Market Expert

The winter market has fewer listings, but buyers are serious and ready to act. Having the right agent ensures you market your home effectively to attract motivated buyers and close on your terms.

Final Thoughts

Selling in winter doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right preparation and strategy, your home can stand out and sell for top dollar—even when the snow is falling.

📞 Contact me today to discover how we can make your winter sale a success!

Real Estate Sales

What Buyers Really Want: Energy-Efficient Homes

Did you know that energy-efficient homes are now topping the wish list for today’s buyers? With rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, buyers are prioritizing efficiency—and sellers who adapt stand to gain big.

Why Buyers Care About Energy Efficiency

Rising energy costs make efficient homes more affordable immediately and over the long term. Lower monthly bills are a big selling point for buyers watching their budgets.
Environmental awareness is driving demand for greener living. More buyers want homes that reduce their carbon footprint.
Smart buyers see energy-efficient upgrades as an investment, not just a feature. For them, it’s about saving money, adding comfort, and protecting the planet—all at once.

Easy Energy-Efficient Upgrades for Sellers

If you’re planning to sell, you don’t have to break the bank to make your home more energy-efficient. Here are a few simple upgrades that buyers love:

LED Lighting: Replace outdated bulbs with energy-saving LEDs. They last longer and cut utility costs.
Improved Insulation: Focus on attics, basements, and walls—key areas where heat escapes.
Energy-Efficient Windows: Double or triple-pane windows reduce drafts and lower heating/cooling bills.
Smart Thermostats: These allow buyers to optimize energy usage and lower monthly costs with ease.
Major Upgrades: Solar panels, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and tankless water heaters are investments that truly stand out.

The Financial Impact

Energy efficiency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a selling point. Here’s why:

Homes with energy-efficient features often sell faster and for more money because buyers see the immediate and long-term value.
Buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes that promise lower utility bills and a smaller environmental footprint.

Why This Matters for Sellers

For homeowners looking to sell, energy-efficient upgrades aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re what buyers are actively searching for. Even small changes can make a big difference in attracting offers and increasing your home’s appeal.

Want to know how energy-efficient upgrades can boost your home’s value? Send me a message—I’d love to chat!

Market Update, Real Estate Financing

Lower Rates = More Money in Your Pocket

As we move into late October, there is growing optimism in the financial world regarding interest rates. Many forecasters are eyeing a potential decrease of 0.25% to 0.5% in variable mortgage rates, creating a buzz about what this could mean for home buyers and sellers here in Ottawa.

For potential home buyers, lower mortgage rates represent a golden opportunity. A decrease in rates can reduce monthly payments significantly, allowing you to stretch your budget and potentially afford a more comfortable home. For example, on a $100,000 mortgage, a drop to 4.75% could save you around $15 a month compared to the current 5.0% rate. If rates fall to 4.5%, that savings could reach nearly $30 per month! This could be the deciding factor that helps you move from window shopping to actually closing on your dream home.

Sellers, too, should take note of these potential changes. Lower rates might attract more buyers to the market, as affordability increases. More buyers often mean a faster sale and potentially greater interest in your property, leading to better offers. With a competitive environment, carefully staging your home and pricing it right can leverage these favorable conditions to your advantage.

In conclusion, as we await the next Bank of Canada announcement, keep a close eye on interest rates. Whether buying or selling, now is a great time to strategize and prepare for a market that could become more favorable with a potential rate drop. The landscape is shifting, and there’s no time like the present to take action in the Ottawa real estate market!

Real Estate Sales, Suburb Series

What Makes a Good Location?

For our Suburban Buyers, finding a good location can often be tricky. It isn’t enough to be in a ‘good’ suburb – you ideally want to be in the most favourable part of it. So what exactly makes one part of a suburb more favourable than others? Here I’ll give you a few great examples to look out for.

First of all, we need to acknowledge that a suburban buyer often has a family that needs and values certain things. Safety being the most important, then proximity to recreation being second, and finally proximity to amenities and transportation being third. Let’s go through those one by one.

First – Safety. One aspect that makes a good, SAFE location for a Suburban Buyer is one that has little to no traffic so that their kids can play or even wander in the street without panic. Every parent wants their kids to be able to play street hockey, ride their bikes, or throw a ball in the street and feel safe doing so. The peace of mind that a location like a base of a crescent provides makes a very particular lot even more desirable. Suburban Buyers would also like to be on a street or block where the other homes are at least as nice and as big as theirs. When neighbouring homes are of a poorer quality (build, look or upkeep) there are generally poorer standards in the area – which can make them feel unsafe.

Second – Proximity to Recreation. Being right next to a park or a sports field gives Suburban Buyers a place to get some space and exercise, and to feel safe with their kids while they do the same. As long as these places are well kept and attract other similar people – this is a massive bonus that makes a home worth even more.

Finally – Proximity to Amenities and Transportation. The trick here is to think of these like your in-laws. You want them close – just not next door. Around the block, a few streets away is perfect lol. Suburban Buyers want the convenience of being able to run out and get some food or whatnot, and don’t want to have to be stuck in traffic for 15 minutes just to go 1 mile down the road doing it. Many suburbs get so developed that getting to the highways or rapid transit stops are easily 25-30 minutes on average. God forbid someone has to take a bus or two just to get OUT of the suburb – time adds up quick.

So if you are a Suburban Buyer thinking of WHERE you want to be in your preferred suburb, I would strongly consider these three items I’ve mentioned above, or at least be very clear about what it is you are looking for.

Too often I’ve seen buyers more focused on a few thousand dollars as their main driver when it comes to finding a home, and I would hate for you to be lured into thinking that would be the most important thing in the home where you’ll be spending the next chapter of your life.

Real Estate Sales

How to Prepare Your Home For Sale

Likely the largest hurdle for our Sellers – HOW to get the home ‘show ready’. Seems like a daunting task for sure, however there are a few good rules of thumb to follow to get you going in the right direction.

For starters – good home maintenance is a must. We want Buyers to come in to your home and feel like the home has been cared for. After all, pride of ownership says a lot about BOTH the sellers and the home. Seasonal maintenance, regular maintenance on appliances and utilities, as well as maintenance on any property damage are all a must. Our most successful sellers are on top of ALL the required maintenance of their homes and keep detailed logs so they can show prospective Buyers.

Second- declutter and clean. We’ve all heard this before, however there is more to this than you might thing. Regarding cleaning – give your home a DEEP clean right before you list. That means dust all those hard to reach places, clean the stove and fridge, and wipe the baseboards. When it comes to decluttering, what you want to do is ideally have a large number of the EXACT same type of cardboard boxes or plastic bins, get some labels, and sort out a proper, clean and well lit place to place all your storage. Why go through all this trouble? Because EVERY house will have 1 or 2 rooms with storage, but most will look like … well… a garbage dump. I’ve seen garages packed the ceiling with what seems like a variety of items just thrown right as far and as high as they’ll go. YOUR storage on the other hand will reflect well on you. It will be clean, organized, and neat. This is an excellent opportunity to stand out from the competition and to give the next Buyers the impression that when THEY move in, they’ll be organized too!

Third – paint your home. Consult with a stager to see what the latest and greatest colours and matches for your specific property, and if you can’t paint like a pro – hire one. This is one of the best ways to freshen up your home, give it a ‘new home smell’, and is also an excellent return on investment. Paint is a few hundred dollars in the cans, but 10-15K worth of value on the walls (if done right).

These are just the basics, and there are many more strategies to get into if the resources exist. Depending on the levels of time, money and energy available, preparing a property can go from the simple rules of thumb above, to a complete transformation.

Any questions? Ask 🙂