#ottawa home for sale

[jeanricher]

Selling your home before the season ends is possible, learn how today!

[ottawarealtor]

YOU are Invited to come our Open House this coming Sunday September 24th from 2:00PM to 4:00PM! Come by and see the unit or just stop by to say hello and we can chat real estate, current market, predictions and more :)

283 MONTFORT ST #2, Ottawa K1L 5N7 Listed for sale at $699,880 MLS#1360909 Lot size: 20.01 x 94 Feet Taxes: $4465/2023 End unit townhome / Original Owner/ Move in Ready/ Walk out basement / Garage / Landscaped

Welcome Home to 283 Montfort Street in the heart of Vanier with easy access to schools, transit, shopping, parks and a central location with quick access to downtown Ottawa. This turnkey end unit townhome has been impeccably maintained by the original owner and offers a walk-out basement which can be great for extended family or for possible income unit conversion. Great space throughout the main level with large foyer, open white kitchen with plenty of cupboard space and brand new never used appliances. The oversized living room with gleaming hard wood floor which has access to backyard balcony is perfect for entertaining. The 2nd level consists of 2 great sized bedrooms as well as a large primary bedroom with cathedral ceilings with cheater door access to the full bathroom. The fully finished basement has tons of space for a family room or to be converted into secondary unit. Book your showing today! Updates include freshly painted, new appliances 2023 and lights, roof 2018 Approx

Checkout the video I did discussing 5 Reasons to buy this home in link below: https://lnkd.in/eiFDmS6H

#ottawa#homes#openhouse#vanier#montfortstreet#soldbysorin#endunit#townhome#walkoutbasement#vanierhomes#vanierrealestate#ottawahomeforsale

[hometeamottawa]

10 Grants, Programs, Rebates, and Incentives for Home Ownership 2024

Tulip Team REALTORS® Bill Meyer, Bryanne Rheault, Kayla Meyer, Saeideh Shabani, and Dave Williams share programs to help you buy and renovate your home. Let’s begin with First Time Homebuyers The First Home Savings Account program was created by the Federal Government in 2023 to allow new home buyers to save up a down payment in a tax-free environment. Each year you can contribute up to $8,000…

[ottawapropertyshoprealtyinc]

Sell Your House Fast In Ottawa - Factors That Are Within Your Control

Selling your house in Ottawa can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. Whether you are relocating, upgrading, or downsizing, the goal is often to complete the sale as swiftly as possible. Fortunately, several factors are within your control that can expedite the process and help you sell house fast in Ottawa.

Setting the right price for your home is paramount. It is essential to establish an initial price that is both appealing and competitive, as this can greatly accelerate the selling process. A common error among sellers is to overprice their properties, with the belief that they can reduce the price later if necessary. However, this strategy can backfire by discouraging potential buyers and prolonging the time your property spends on the market. Conversely, under-pricing your home may lead to missed opportunities for maximizing your returns. Achieving the ideal balance necessitates a deep comprehension of the Ottawa real estate market and an accurate evaluation of your property's true value.

The significance of presentation cannot be overstated. When your home is listed on the market, it essentially becomes a product you are selling. A cluttered, disorganized, or overly personalized living space can present challenges for potential buyers in envisioning themselves residing there. Investing in professional home staging, where experts craft a visually appealing, neutral, and inviting ambiance, can yield remarkable results. Not only does it enhance the attractiveness of your property, but it also expedites the selling process.

Additionally, timing plays a pivotal role in expediting your property's sale. Ottawa, much like other cities, experiences seasonal fluctuations within the real estate market. Traditionally, spring, and early summer are considered peak selling seasons due to favorable weather conditions and buyers' desire to settle before the new school year begins. However, this does not mean that selling in other seasons is impossible. In fact, each season offers its unique advantages. For instance, winter may feature fewer listings, resulting in reduced competition and more motivated buyers. Strategically aligning your listing with seasonal trends and economic conditions can lead to quicker sales and more favorable offers.

Lastly, working with an experienced real estate agent can be a game-changer when you want to sell house. Realtors bring a wealth of knowledge, industry connections, and negotiation skills to the table. They can help you navigate the complexities of the Ottawa real estate market, provide guidance on pricing and presentation, and market your property effectively. Their expertise can make the entire selling process smoother and more efficient.

OPS Team is the author of this article on sell house fast ottawa. Find more information, about sell house.

[ottawapropertyshoprealty]

Striking Great Deals When Buying Your New Ottawa Home

A new home is definitely going to be one of the biggest investments of your lifetime. It is natural to want to get the best possible deal when you are searching for home for sale in Ottawa. However, with a competitive real estate market and fluctuating prices, it can be challenging to know how to negotiate and strike a great deal when buying a new Ottawa home. Let us explore some tips and strategies for getting the best possible deal on your new home purchase.

Firstly, it is important to do your homework to know more about the current market conditions. This means staying up to date on real estate trends and developments in Ottawa, including changes in housing inventory, interest rates, and local economic conditions. By understanding the current state of the market, you can identify areas where you may be able to negotiate a better deal.

Another key strategy for getting a great deal on the house for sale in Ottawa is to work with a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent. An experienced agent can help you navigate the complexities of the buying process and can provide valuable insights and guidance on negotiating a fair price. They can also help you identify properties that are priced below market value or that have been on the market for an extended period, which may be more likely to be open to negotiation.

In addition to working with a real estate agent, it's important to be prepared and flexible in your search for a new home. This means having a clear understanding of your budget and priorities, as well as being open to different neighbourhoods, property types, and amenities. By being flexible and open-minded, you may be able to identify properties that are undervalued or that have potential for appreciation, which can help you get a better deal in the long run.

When it comes to negotiating the purchase price of your new home, it's important to be strategic and patient. You should also be prepared to make concessions or adjustments in your offer based on the seller's response, such as adjusting the closing date or offering a higher deposit.

Another important factor to consider when negotiating the purchase price of your new Ottawa home is the condition of the property. However, it's important to be realistic and fair in your expectations, and to work with your real estate agent to determine a reasonable estimate of the repair costs.

[staticspaces]

French Style Chateau

Have you checked out the video yet!?

Now on to the primary suite, this main bedroom was huge, including a massive ensuite with a round stained glass window…as well as a few more photos of the staircase from the second floor!!

This mansion was built in 1985 on two lots in The Bridle Path neighbourhood of Toronto, Canada and was designed to resemble a French style chateau. The 30,000 square foot mega mansion had 10 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, and was located on a huge four acre property that also included a tennis court. It also had a granite cobblestone driveway, a horseshoe staircase at the back and extensive gardens which completed the experience of living in a castle in France.

Originally built by Robert Campeau a financier and real estate developer. Robert began his career by building just one single house in 1949 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. His company then known as Campeau Corp was also responsible for building Scotia Plaza, a hi rise built in 1988 in the financial district of Toronto, as well as the Harbour Castle Hotel in 1975. In the 80s, Campeau began a series of leveraged buyouts of companies, both in Canada and the United States. The final company was Federated Department Stores, the owners of Bloomingdale's for $7 billion. This was the beginning of the end for Campeau Corp, as they filed for Bankruptcy in 1990, one of the largest in history. Robert was forced to sell the home in 1990.

The home was purchased in 2002 by Harold and Sara Springer who entrusted architect Gordon Ridgely, interior designer Brian Gluckstein, and landscape architect Ronald Holbrook to bring their vision to life. They brought in 17th century antique furniture from france, original royal academy paintings, Italian marble and even crystal chandeliers.

Other features of the large house included a two-story indoor Olympic-size swimming pool with a retractable floor that converts into a ballroom. It also had an elevator, an oak wood bar, recording studio and even its very own bomb shelter!

The mansion has been featured in several movies including Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's 'It Takes Two', 'Kissinger and Nixon', 'That Old Feeling' as well as most recently in an episode of Suits. A party was also held for Jane Fonda in the two-storey ballroom, which was then disassembled overnight so that Campeau could swim in the pool the next day with Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

The Springer's listed the chateau for sale including all of its contents starting in 2014 for $25 million and was last publicly listed in 2018 for $39,500,000. Finally, the home was purchased by Nascond Holdings in 2020 for $30.8 million.

Nascond Holdings is a company owned by the Muzzo Group which is a well known development company in the area. Marco Muzzo caused a drunk driving crash that killed four people and seriously injured two others. It was a very high profile incident several years ago, because of his ties to such a wealthy family. There was also a guest list of people found in the home including Marco's name as the host of the party.

The mansion was demolished shortly after my visit in August of 2022. Not much happened after that until more recently when some activity began to happen on the property. Ferris Rafauli who was also behind Drake's Bridle Path Mansion, is the designer and builder behind the new mansion that will take shape in the coming years.

[beardedmrbean]

The Left Alliance and the Greens are now the only political parties in parliament which clearly oppose Finland withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines, the news group Uutissuomalainen reports.

A survey of parliamentary party group leaders found that the National Coalition Party, the Finns Party, the Christian Democrats and Movement Now are in favour of withdrawing, while the Social Democrats and Swedish People's Party are willing to discuss the issue.

The Centre Party did not respond to the question.

However, Ilta-Sanomat points out that the Centre Party's chair, Antti Kaikkonen, told the party newspaper Suomenmaa at the weekend that anti-personnel mines must be re-evaluated if the Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) demand it.

The debate on anti-personnel landmines was reopened at the weekend by the FDF's commander, General Janne Jaakkola. He told Finnish news outlet MTV the changed security environment is now different from when Finland joined the Ottawa Treaty in 2011.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) told Iltalehti on Sunday that the nation's foreign policy leadership is discussing the land mine issue. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen (NCP) said on Monday that he launched a study on the need for anti-personnel mines already this past summer.

The government is currently finalising its latest defence policy report. The report is due to be submitted to Parliament during before the end of the year.

More resources for police

This past autumn, the government decided to increase the budget for the Interior Ministry by 19 million euros, of which around 11 million will be allocated to the police, in particular to fight street gangs, juvenile crime and the grey economy.

The additional resources are expected to be allocated to police departments in the capital region and in Central Finland.

Hämeen Sanomat is among the papers reporting that the number of police officers is expected to increase by just under 60 members next year.

Additional personnel have already been recruited for operational police tasks, in particular for criminal investigations, and operations targeting gang crime and cybercrime.

According to preliminary estimates, 310 new police officers will graduate from Finland's Police University College this year and 250 next year. The number of openings for police training was increased to 500 this year, up by 100 over previous years.

Over 100,000 foreign students

The news agency STT takes up figures published by the Finnish Education Employers organization (FEE) showing that there were more than 114,000 foreign students studying in the country last year.

The number of foreign students in vocational and other higher education and has doubled since 2014 and tripled since 2009. The number of foreign children and pupils has also increased in both early childhood education and other forms of primary and secondary education.

"The fastest growth has been in vocational education and training, where there were over 40,000 foreign students last year. The internationalisation trend is positive and necessary, as Finland needs immigration for work and education," FEE Managing Director Susanna Niinistö-Sivuranta said in a release.

The number of international teaching staff also increased at all levels of education during the past year, according to the FEE report.

Home purchase discounts

The new housing market remains stagnant, new houses and flats are selling poorly and builders are now more willing to negotiate discounts on list prices, reports Helsingin Sanomat.

According to the paper, there are more than 3,000 new homes for sale in the capital region.

Among the sellers interviewed by HS was Markus Heino, CEO of JM Finland, who said that right now it is difficult to sell new homes without negotiating over price.

According to Heino, how much can be cut from list prices is a case-by-case matter, depending on factors such as overall supply in the area.

"Some discounts are very small, others can be more than 10 percent," he told HS.

JM Finland has also adjusted its list prices, but Heino added that it is unlikely that the market will see big price reductions.

There are already small signs of an upturn in the market for older homes, and Heino said he believes this will soon be reflected in the new housing market, as well.

Cold and colder up north

A new record low temperature for this early winter season is possible in Lapland on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

The coldest temperature so far this season was -22.5 Celsius on 21 November in Utsjoki in the far north of Finnish Lapland.

A forecast carried by Iltalehti looks to chilling daytime temperatures in Lapland this week of 10-20 degrees below zero.

According to Foreca weather service meteorologist Joonas Koskela, if skies remain clear, part of Lapland may see the thermometer dip down as low as -25 Celsius overnight.

[goldengateconstruction]

How to Plan a Basement Renovation on a Budget in Ottawa?

Renovating a basement can be an excellent way to add usable space and increase the value of your home. However, undertaking a basement renovation in Ottawa can also be costly. With the right planning, you can achieve your desired results without breaking the bank.

Follow our comprehensive guide on how to plan a basement renovation on a budget in Ottawa.

Set a Realistic Budget

Before diving into your basement renovation project, it’s crucial to establish a realistic budget. Begin by assessing your financial situation. Determine how much you can afford to spend without straining your finances. When setting your budget, consider the following:

Total Costs: Estimate the total costs, including materials, labor, permits, and contingency funds (about 10-20% for unexpected expenses).

Prioritize Features: List out what you need versus what you want. Focus on essential elements like insulation, flooring, and lighting before considering luxury features.

Research Local Regulations

In Ottawa, basement renovations may require permits and adherence to local building codes. Research the necessary regulations in your area:

Building Codes: Familiarize yourself with the Ontario Building Code and any local by-laws specific to Ottawa.

Permits: Determine whether your renovation requires a building permit. Projects like adding bedrooms, bathrooms, or major electrical work typically require permits.

Zoning Laws: Check if there are zoning laws that may affect how you use the space (for example, if you plan to create a separate rental unit).

Design Your Space Wisely

Once you have a budget and understand the regulations, it’s time to design your basement. A well-thought-out design can save you money and create a functional space. Consider the following tips:

Functional Layout: Think about how you will use the space. Do you want a guest room, home office, or recreational area? Ensure the layout maximizes the available space.

Open Concept: An open concept design can make your basement feel larger and reduce the need for additional walls and doors, saving on construction costs.

Natural Light: Utilize existing windows or consider adding egress windows to bring in natural light, making the space feel more inviting.

DIY Where Possible

One of the most effective ways to cut costs in a basement renovation is to do some work yourself. Here are areas where you can save money by taking on DIY projects:

Painting: Painting walls and ceilings is a relatively simple task that can dramatically change the look of your basement. Choose neutral colors to make the space feel larger and more inviting.

Flooring: If you’re comfortable with basic flooring installation, consider options like laminate or vinyl planks, which are user-friendly and budget-friendly.

Simple Fixtures: Install light fixtures, shelves, and other simple features yourself. This not only saves money but also gives you a sense of ownership over the project.

Source Affordable Materials

The materials you choose will have a significant impact on your overall renovation costs. To stay within your budget, consider the following:

Local Suppliers: Look for local building supply stores and lumberyards in Ottawa that offer competitive pricing. Sometimes, smaller businesses may have better deals than large chains.

Reclaimed Materials: Explore options for reclaimed or second-hand materials. Websites like Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace often have great deals on used fixtures, furniture, and building materials.

Sales and Discounts: Keep an eye on sales, clearances, and discounts at home improvement stores. Timing your purchases can lead to significant savings.

Consider Energy Efficiency

Investing in energy-efficient features can save you money in the long run. While some upfront costs may be higher, the savings on energy bills can make it worthwhile:

Insulation: Proper insulation can help maintain a comfortable temperature in your basement, reducing heating and cooling costs.

Energy-Efficient Windows: If you plan to replace windows, opt for energy-efficient models that can help reduce your energy consumption.

LED Lighting: Using LED lights instead of traditional bulbs can cut down on electricity costs and reduce the need for frequent replacements.

Hire Qualified Professionals Wisely

While DIY is a great way to save money, some tasks may require professional expertise. If you decide to hire contractors, ensure you choose wisely:

Get Multiple Quotes: Contact several contractors for estimates on the work you need done. Compare their prices, experience, and references.

Negotiate: Don’t hesitate to negotiate pricing. Many contractors are open to discussing costs, especially if you have multiple projects in mind.

Hire Local: Opt for local professionals who are familiar with Ottawa's building codes and regulations, as they can provide valuable insights.

Plan for the Future

When renovating your basement, think about future needs and potential changes. Designing your space with flexibility in mind can save money down the road. Consider:

Multi-Purpose Rooms: Create spaces that can serve multiple functions. For instance, a guest room can double as a home office.

Wiring for Future Needs: If you plan to add technology or appliances in the future, consider wiring for these needs now to avoid expensive retrofitting later.

Stay Organized and Monitor Progress

As your renovation progresses, stay organized to avoid unexpected costs and delays:

Timeline: Create a timeline for the project, setting realistic deadlines for each phase of the renovation.

Track Expenses: Keep a detailed record of all expenses, including materials and labor. This will help you stay within your budget and make adjustments as needed.

Regular Check-Ins: Regularly check in on the progress of the work, ensuring that it aligns with your plans and budget.

Enjoy the Process

Renovating your basement can be a rewarding experience. While it may be challenging at times, remember to enjoy the process and celebrate your accomplishments. As your vision comes to life, you'll be able to create a space that enhances your home and serves your needs for years to come.

Conclusion

Planning a basement renovation on a budget in Ottawa requires careful consideration and smart choices. By setting a realistic budget, researching regulations, designing wisely, and making informed decisions about materials and labor, you can create a beautiful and functional basement without overspending. Remember to stay organized, plan for the future, and enjoy the process, turning your basement into the ideal space for you and your family.

[mywifeleftme]

355: Motörhead // No Remorse

No Remorse Motörhead 1984, Bronze

I heard British comics writer Warren Ellis tell a story about hearing a horrible banging in the hallway outside his flat late one night in the mid-1980s. When he poked his head outside to give the noisenik hell he discovered Lemmy wandering around smacking the walls with a wooden cooking spoon. After he managed to get the metal legend’s attention, Lemmy waved the implement at him and snarled, “You ever hear of a coke spoon? This is my coke spoon!”

*

This past Friday, I talked to a 50-something punk named Joey P who has 26 Motörhead records on vinyl (including the coveted leatherbound version of No Remorse). If you ever want to have a long conversation with Joey P, I recommend starting with a riff on if Ronnie James Dio was a mob-connected / Rat Pack wiseguy, and then letting him go into antiquarian detail on which Motörhead records are kind of underrated (Another Perfect Day), underrated (Bastards), and really underrated (1916). Love that guy, and I think he’s mostly right. 26 is probably too many Motörhead records even for me, but they are one of those long-running, very sonically consistent bands who turn their deepest fans into sommeliers. I can hold forth about the subtle differences in tasting notes between an Ace of Spades and an Iron Fist (let alone a departure like Orgasmatron!) while an outsider looks doubtfully into their two indistinguishable cups of Jack and Coke. A band like this gives men of a certain age a way to sniff each other over when they meet in a clearing, a low-impact ritual of butting heads.

*

For years I remembered a story I thought one of my friends had told me about running into Lemmy at the Dominion Tavern in Ottawa towards the end of his life. He was miserably drinking white wine on his doctor’s orders, not looking for conversation. The image always struck me as both funny (I cannot imagine the house wine at the Dom having a nice finish), and sad (the day Lemmy Goddamn Kilmister lets anyone tell him he can’t have whiskey!). I think I’ve repeated it once or twice over the years as an example of how age mellows us all, but when I asked the pal I thought had told me, she denied it (though she did add that her ex told her Lemmy’d gone to see “the rippers in Aylmer once”). So, I dunno, maybe he escaped the fate of the Dom Chardonnay.

*

Speaking of fate, Lemmy was a damned sharp fellow beneath all the drugging and boozing (who else could’ve written the lyric “Fourth day, five-day marathon / We’re moving like a parallelogram”), and he rightly figured his label had pitched doing a hits compilation in 1984 because they thought the band was washed up. (The limp sales and savage critical reaction to Another Perfect Day having had something to do with that.) Kilmister insisted on inserting a side’s worth of new songs onto the double LP comp to emphasize that Motörhead remained very much a going concern. Of the four, only the brilliantly dumb “Killed By Death” became a classic in its own right, but the new tracks showed the band were still capable of churning out the sound that had defined them with undiminished ferocity. They never lost it.

*

I do know a woman who hooked up with Lemmy towards the end of his life (if anything in rock and roll can be believed, she had about 1,000 peers. It was like a more pleasant [?] Germs burn). They went home from the bar in Montreal and drank whiskey, and then she split in the morning without leaving her number. She thought the story was funny and I thought not leaving a number was a pretty good flex, but at the end she still gave a bit of a wistful, “I know he probably wouldn’t have called me anyway…”

*

Lemmy picked the songs for No Remorse himself, and even provides short annotations in the liners, so if you’re going to quibble with the selections, you’ll have to take it up with the mole man. (As he says of “Like a Nightmare,” a left-field inclusion, “This was one of my favourite B-sides. Everyone didn’t like it, but seeing as I’m the only one of the old band left, here it is!!”) There are a load of Motörhead compilations out there (I’m partial to 2000’s lavish, oddly-sequenced double-CD The Best of, since it’s the one I had as a kid), and as Joey P will tell you, they did lots of good stuff after 1984. But if 1) you only need one Motörhead record on wax, 2) you’re mostly into the original lineup, and 3) you want something reasonably comprehensive, No Remorse is a no-brainer. It has a few relative duds (���Louie, Louie”) and lacks some absolute classics (“Dead Men Tell No Tales”; “Tear Ya Down”; “City Kids”; “Love Me Like a Reptile”; “White Line Fever” etc. etc.) but why complain given the teeth-rattling abundance there is? As Lemmy says, “Here is Motörhead as you’ve come to expect them. Write your opinion on a Beatle wig and send it to someone who gives a damn. Even if you get us banned, we ain’t gonna stop!”

*

Motörhead were obviously a legendary live act, and they were my first metal show (on a bill at Detroit’s Pine Knob with Dio and Iron Maiden). They played a lot of arenas, but they made the most sense in small theatres. Bigger venues tend to dwarf them, like a small motorcycle gang trying to take over a castle. In a theatre, or better yet a bar, they own the place like The Wild Ones. I don’t remember much specific from their Pine Knob set, except that before closing with “Ace of Spades,” a song Lem was famously bored of playing every night, he told us all, “You’ll know this one, sing along if you want, I won’t be able to hear you anyway,” and then abruptly launched into that hellbent bass riff. Then he disappeared (probably there was some walking beforehand, couldn’t tell you for sure).

*

Lemmy’s funeral was livestreamed back in 2015, and it’s genuinely one of the sweetest, silliest things I have ever watched. The altar features flower arrangements in the shape of the ace of spades; an iron cross in place of a crucifix; two Marshall stacks; a pair of Triple H’s wrestling boots; a 3D-printed urn in the shape of his cavalry hat; and a mirror with a big line of speed on it. Everybody cries, many of them the sort of people the PMRC would’ve expected to burst into flames if they were to enter a church. Everybody talks about how genuinely nice he was. His girlfriend Cheryl, a job that earns you instant and eternal That Poor Woman status from all who observe, gives a super brief statement: “Lemmy loved me, but his greatest love was his fans and his music. I remember saying, ‘Baby, stay home, don’t go, skip this tour. And he said, ‘Baby, I can’t. I love my fans.’” (Imagine that being an interaction between two genuine living people—yet I believe it.) Apparently, he was an absolute pinball fiend. His bootmaker gives a speech. Somebody reads some limericks Lem wrote. What a life. What a story.

*

“Can’t get enough / And you know it’s some righteous stuff / Goes up like prices at Christmas! / Motörhead / Remember me now / Motörhead, alright"

355/365

[jeanricher]

Ready to give your entryway a fabulous makeover? This blog has just what you need to get started designing it!

[remaxdeltarealtyteam]

Charming Family Home: Ottawa Property for Sale

Nestled in a peaceful neighborhood of Ottawa, Ontario, this charming family home presents an ideal opportunity for those seeking comfort and convenience. Boasting a warm and inviting atmosphere, this property offers a perfect blend of functionality and style for anyone looking to buy a house in Ottawa.

Step inside to discover a spacious living area flooded with natural light, providing the perfect setting for relaxing evenings with loved ones or entertaining guests. The well-appointed kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring modern appliances and ample counter space for culinary adventures. Whether you're looking to buy a house in Ottawa or Ottawa, Ontario, this property offers a welcoming space to call home.

[hometeamottawa]

Ottawa Real Estate Update | January 2024 Edition

2023 in Review Last year members of the Ottawa Real Estate Board sold 11,887 residential properties, a decrease of 11.0% from 2022. 6159 (- 9.0%) were Single Family Homes, 3838 (- 12.3%) were Townhouses, and 1890 (- 13.2%) were Apartments. We had 20,723 new properties listed for sale in 2023 (8.8% less than 2022) leaving the total number of residential properties for sale at 1838 an increase of…

[mermaidsirennikita]

Are there any other hockey romances that live up to Heated Rivalry I know you don't read a lot of contemporaries but I'm a little desperate

I have yet to find any, tbh! I've liked some Game Changers books (that's the series HR is a part of, of course) but nothing has hit me quite like HR, in part because I think they often feature one hero who is a hockey player and one who isn't?

Imo, part of what makes HR sooooo good is that Shane and Ilya are both at the top of their game, and so extremely competitive. It adds to the angst because it does make their relationship that much more scandalous (all the questions about them letting each other win in The Long Game), it makes it much easier for them to be discovered... and it adds to the sexual tension because they're both like, top of the line athletes that both like to win. They are very equally matched.

A lot of the times, I feel a bit uncomfortable with m/m books that are written by women because it feels as if like... one of the guys (usually the bottom) is basically just there for the female reader to project onto. Imo, while Shane and Ilya have very defined top/bottom roles in the bedroom (which is fine and normal--not everyone is going to be verse) the relationship very much reads as one between two guys, and two guys who in many ways are super alpha in their "jobs". Yes, Shane has more visible anxiety and is less aggressive outwardly than Ilya, but he's very dominating in his sport. Not that men are all ~alphas~, nor should they be--but I think this is part of what makes HR work (for me). Shane doesn't seem like someone remade their heroine as a guy in order to sell a m/m book. (In fact, Shane has many of the emotional traits you see in many closed off, withholding contemporary heroes, lmao.) Ilya doesn't read like a fantasy hero who's actually hooking up with a girl that got remade as a guy for book sales. Yeah, Shane may even enjoy being sexually submissive at points, beyond bottoming--but that doesn't read like Rachel Reid giving a version of a man who is just there for women to project onto. It reads like Shane being a super tightly wound guy who likes to relax by submitting sometimes. As people of all genders often do.

I've heard good things about Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy's Him, but I haven't read that yet and I need to... give it a while before I do so because I'll compare it to HR/TLG at this point.

Oh, I will say, if you haven't been to Rachel Reid's website, she does have a few short stories/cut scenes from HR/TLG that are real good.

--One is like, a Halloween short story about Ilya's first Halloween in Ottawa where he basically dresses up like Shane and Shane overhears him handing out Halloween candy and understandably wants to have five kids with him.

--One is an in between story about their first dinner with Hayden post Hayden finding out about them. Hammers home that Hayden is bi and doesn't know it, FOR SURE. Also, hot.

--One is a long cut scene wherein Shane, post-HR "catches" (he is not hiding) Ily watching ~content~ featuring a woman... counting backwards from 100... and trying to hold out. Shane is like "WELL I COULD DO THAT BETTER" naturally (he cannot). This is both a hot one, and imo, a good little bi rep discussion moment because Shane literally asks Ilya if he misses girls and they discuss that a bit. Also, Ilya just waiting for Shane to come out of the shower by watching ~content~ and being like "look, she's cute" is very, very funny to me.