By Lynda Cox
During this time of COVID lockdowns, when our thoughts cannot safely turn to vacations, large family gatherings, reunions, big weddings etc. , many Ottawans are finding themselves dreaming of much needed renovations to give them more space for home offices, or possibly a recreation room for their cooped-up kids or perhaps even a new and expanded kitchen which, during this time of “Stay at Home” orders, is running at maximum capacity with more storage and counter space needed.
If you are into DIY you might have already started your project. If not, I’m sure you are surfing the net for design ideas and watching every home- makeover show you can find.
If this is your plan, I have a suggestion for you. Leave your mark. Leave a surprise. Leave a memento of your time in the home for the next owner to discover. What do I mean? There are many stories of Canadians finding treasures behind walls, under floorboards or in basement or attic crevices. Yes, some have been worth lots of money but more have been worth a value of a different sort, .a value that cannot be measured.
Here is what I’m suggesting. It could be as simple as a zip-lock bag or shoebox with a few items like before and after photos, newspaper clippings, a letter, a few labelled family photos etc. from your years in the home OR it could be a USB stick filled with the same items. If you are artistic, how about painting a mural or some messages on the basement walls before the new drywall goes up or under the new flooring? Handprints, pawprints…… Get creative.
Consider it your time capsule. The next owners/renovators will get such a happy surprise, and they’ll tell all their friends. Your effort might even get a mention in the local newspaper. I’d love to hear what you have already found OR what you are planning to leave. Drop me a line at lynda@coxhometeam.ca
Now for an update: December 2020 was a record year, surpassing 2019 in the number of sales and sale prices. Residential home prices were up 20% and condominiums 19%. Compare that with 2019 where increases were approximately 9%, and 2018 from 3 to 5% and 2017 from 3 to 7%. “We feel that Ottawa is just coming into its own as a national capital city” commented the president of the Ottawa Real Estate Board. Combine that with low interest rates and low inventory and it is indeed a good time to sell.
Lynda and son Jim Cox form the COX HOME TEAM with Royal Lepage Performance Realty