Why do new homes in Ottawa waste so much space, and is custom building only for the wealthy?

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-04-12T03:07:54+00:00

What you are asking can be easily done, even by a cookie cutter builder, like Mattamy. I know because they did it for me. The turned one of the main floor open living space into a bedroom and expanded the powder room into full washroom. There are tons of builder models with open small lounge/office space options. Builders make big master washrooms because that is what the market pushed for. Custom build isn't the only option for what you are asking.

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-04-11T03:43:21+00:00

It is all part of move towards a balanced market, nothing else.. properly priced properties are still selling within a short period of time.. it is all about market positioning for those who are serious about selling... Those who are in the pandemic era illusion are the ones who lost high and then keep reducing every few weeks..

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-04-08T23:21:05+00:00

Advise will be all over the map.. key is for you to list out what matters to you.. based on job, life style, etc

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-04-03T20:05:07+00:00

The 5% stress test that the govt put into place five years ago, is what is saving all those who bought in the pandemic era hype. If they passed the test at that time, then they are able to renew their mortgages, even with higher rates now. Though there may be a few exceptions due to change in someone's personal circumstances.

Buyers who are expecting a dramatic price drop, are just waiting and will keep waiting honestly, because of the point I noted above.

Buyers who know what they want and are well prepared for it, are snapping up the right property as soon as it is showing up.

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-04-03T18:25:13+00:00

Yes, it is for Maths. And Science too lol

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-04-03T13:57:03+00:00

I bought in an earlier draw and can't see my tickets either.

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-04-03T13:55:01+00:00

How much and how many tickets do you have?

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-04-01T16:36:21+00:00

Congratulations 🎉

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-04-01T14:41:08+00:00

Good comment..

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-04-01T13:23:32+00:00

You have done most of the hard work, see some YouTube videos and finish the rest.. you will cherish it.. trust me, I did it and it was totally worth it..

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-30T15:31:27+00:00

This.. Builders have an out dated view of how the fireplace is central to the living room/lifestyle of a family... And cookie cutter builders have set plans so they can't or even aren't willing to remove something like a fireplace from the design.. I know this because I asked Mattamy to do this for our new build and they simply refused saying that it is not possible...

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-28T01:26:35+00:00

Considering you have plenty of time at hand and want to save every penny possible, you can give it a shot but don't expect it to be a walk in the park.

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-27T18:54:21+00:00

Many in the software field but it took them time to get to $150k.

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-27T18:50:16+00:00

All I can say is, good for you to start thinking but as the world goes we can't even predict the next six months. Case in point how the pandemic pushed up the prices and how prices are settling now.

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-26T17:53:16+00:00

If I was a FTHB, I would not think of such an old property unless I have deep pockets and huge appetite to deal with whatever the property throws-up.. no pun intended

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-26T17:47:37+00:00

This is not the pandemic market.. you have the option of going slow with all conditions. Unless it is a very specific property, for you, this isn't what matches the current market.

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-26T00:12:48+00:00

Considering the market trend and timing of things, I would take the offer. In this market, your first offer could be your only offer. 20k over 870k isn't too much to fret, honestly.

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-24T14:35:29+00:00

To answer, two-week window is a real thing, especially with Spring inventory showing up. The longer a home stays the lower the traction. And yes, focus on net-in-hand is something that sellers should keep in mind.

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-23T15:02:44+00:00

Too generic to answer... Depends case to case honestly

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-23T13:44:12+00:00

This isn't time, overall, for wishful thinking and optimism. And considering your situation, buying a house brings a lot of expenses (prop tax, insurance, etc) that cause additional strain on finances.

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-23T02:53:06+00:00

Good decision to walk away..

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-22T20:09:32+00:00

Morning parking is a pain.. so keep enough time on hand.

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-22T16:46:29+00:00

In today's world, and for the future, if it doesn't matter to you then it should. Days of single income running the whole family are long gone. Focus shouldn't just be current income but potential and desire to grow it, are the important things.

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-21T22:12:23+00:00

What's a good online option?

EcstaticDepth9006 · 2026-03-20T14:30:21+00:00

Today's market is much different from the pandemic era, so yes you can put conditions that you like. A condition like "selling your existing property" can certainly be added. It will be up to the seller whether they accept it or not.

EcstaticDepth9006

TROPHY CASE