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Buying in Ottawa or Gatineau

Find the right home, not just any home.

Whether it's your first home, more space for a growing family or a move across the river, I help you search smart, understand the real costs and negotiate with confidence, in English or in French.

A real estate agent handing the keys to new homeowners

How I help you buy

From the first conversation to the day you get the keys.

  1. 01

    Your plan and budget

    We talk about your needs, the areas that fit them and a realistic budget, including closing costs.

  2. 02

    Pre-approval

    I connect you with trusted mortgage professionals so you can make strong offers.

  3. 03

    Search and visits

    You get matching listings as they come up, and I book and attend visits with you.

  4. 04

    Offer and negotiation

    We prepare a competitive offer with the right conditions, and I negotiate on your behalf.

  5. 05

    Inspection to keys

    I follow inspection, financing and the notary or lawyer until you move in.

Know the real costs

Buying in Ontario vs. Québec

The price is only part of the cost. Here is what changes when you cross the river.

Ottawa · Ontario

Land transfer tax

Paid on closing, calculated in brackets on the purchase price. First-time buyers may get a refund of up to $4,000.

Real estate lawyer

Handles the title search, mortgage documents and closing.

Listings

Homes are listed on REALTOR.ca (MLS®) and purchases use OREA forms.

Gatineau · Québec

Welcome tax (taxe de bienvenue)

Billed by the city a few months after you buy, also calculated in brackets on the purchase price.

Notary

Prepares the deed of sale and the mortgage deed and handles the closing.

Listings

Homes are listed on Centris® and purchases use OACIQ forms.

Every listing page on this site includes a calculator that estimates the monthly payment, transfer tax and cash needed at closing for that home.

Questions buyers ask

Buying, answered.

How much do I need for a down payment?

In Canada the minimum is 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the portion above it, up to $1.5 million. With less than 20% down, mortgage default insurance is required.

Should I get pre-approved first?

Yes. A pre-approval tells you your real budget and makes your offer stronger. I can introduce you to mortgage professionals I trust.

What closing costs should I plan for?

Plan for the transfer tax (Ontario land transfer tax or Québec welcome tax), lawyer or notary fees, inspection, and adjustments such as property taxes. A common rule of thumb is 1.5% to 4% of the price.

Should I get a home inspection?

Almost always. An inspection can reveal hidden issues and give you room to negotiate repairs or the price before you commit.

Can you help me buy in Gatineau if I live in Ottawa?

Yes. I'm licensed in both Ontario and Québec, so I can help you buy on either side of the river and explain every difference along the way.