Diane Ritchie, Royal LePage Team

02/21/2026

Quick reminder that the City of Ottawa requires you to complete your Vacant Unit Tax (VUT) declaration for the 2025 occupancy year for each residential property you own by March 19, 2026. The City will charge a $250 fee to late submissions.

Fastest way (online, takes under a minute):
- If you have a MyService account: log in and submit through your Property Tax account: https://myservice.ottawa.ca/
- If you don’t have an account: submit using your roll number + secure access code (found on last year’s property tax bill/notice) here: https://ottawa.ca/vut

Other ways to declare:
- By phone (Mon–Fri, 8:00am–4:30pm): 613-580-2444 (option 3)
- In person: City Client Service Centres (locations/hours): https://ottawa.ca/csc

More details (including the program info and results): https://ottawa.ca/vut

VUT declaration form is now available Submit your declaration now Close VUT declaration form is now available × Understanding the Vacant Unit Tax Background, application, exemptions, ownership changes, compliance, FAQs... Declare property status Submit a property occupancy declaration Appeals Appea...

01/04/2026

🏡 Real estate is about more than buying and selling homes — it’s about people, life transitions, and trust. ❤️

The majority of my business involves working with families after a loved one or elderly parent has either passed on or is transitioning into a seniors’ residence. I often support families who are out of town or out of the country 🌍, working directly with them as they help their senior parents navigate the emotional reality of this change.

This is a very emotional time for everyone involved 💛. I also work with individuals who don’t have family support, ensuring they are never alone during such an important transition.

I go well beyond traditional real estate services by helping with:
📦 The emotional side of downsizing
🧹 Decluttering, boxing, and organizing
🤍 Donating items to women’s shelters
🥫 Supporting the Family Centre, where donated items are sold to benefit the local food bank
🧠 Removing emotion from decision-making while still honouring memories
📝 Clear communication with Powers of Attorney

I also love working with first-time home buyers 🏠✨. Buying a first home is a huge financial milestone 💰, and I enjoy guiding clients through every part of the decision — running comparables, reviewing neighbourhood statistics 📊, evaluating schools 🎓, and helping them feel confident making the biggest investment of their young lives.

📞 I’m always available to answer questions and offer real estate advice — whether you’re planning a move now or just thinking ahead.

This is why I love what I do ❤️. Helping others through meaningful transitions isn’t just my job — it’s my purpose.

10/28/2025

When you become a REALTOR®, you’ll quickly learn that clients turn into friends much faster than friends turn into clients.

09/27/2025

See you at the fair this Saturday! Just a few days away from the Heavy Horse Show at the Carp Fair, proudly presented by Royal LePage Team Realty.

Experience the incredible display of power and beauty as these magnificent horses take center stage.
📅 Saturday, September 28th – Morning
📍 Center Ring, Carp Fair

Don’t miss this highlight of the fair—bring the whole family!

Full schedule here: https://buff.ly/RZmqTzo

09/27/2025

Big dreams start with first steps. 🏙️ For over 110 years, Royal LePage® has been helping Canadians unlock the door to their very first home. 🏡

06/25/2025

✨ Celebrating 15 Years! ✨
I’ve been with Royal LePage Team Realty for 15 incredible years — and I can honestly say, they’ve been the key to my success in real estate.
They’re not just a team... they’re an extension of my family. The support, guidance, and camaraderie I’ve experienced here have helped shape the agent — and person — I am today.
Here’s to the people behind the signs who make it all possible. ❤️🏡

05/16/2025

After over 30 years of owning and managing multiple rental properties, I’ve made the decision to start a new chapter — one that focuses on investing back into myself and my family.

It was an easy choice to start letting go of something that’s been such a big part of my life, but it’s time. I listed this property just a few days ago and already received an offer — a great start to this new journey.

Grateful for the opportunities real estate has given me over the years, and even more excited for what’s next.

04/11/2025

We stand for Canada and Canadians who firmly believe our country will never be for sale. For all other properties, talk to a Royal LePage professional. 🇨🇦

01/15/2025

PRICE REDUCED $665,000.00
Don't miss your chance to own a rare gem in Carlington. Priced for Lot Value! Discover one of the largest lots in Carlington, measuring 50' x 196.42', currently zoned R1 with the potential for a future R4 zoning change. This property is perfect for savvy buyers looking to capitalize on its exceptional size and location in a vibrant, continuously evolving neighbourhood. The existing home features sun-filled rooms with large windows, particularly in the living and dining areas, and includes 2 spacious main floor bedrooms. The basement offers versatile options, including space for a family room, an in-law suite with a full bathroom, a home office, a gym, a workshop, and a cold storage room for canning. A unique feature of this property is the attached secondary with huge potential for a tiny home project, guest retreat, in-law suite, or income-generating rental. With a little creativity, this space could be transformed into something extraordinary. Located near bike paths, public transit, and popular destinations such as Westgate, Dows Lake, Little Italy, Westboro, and the Experimental Farm, Heart Institute and the new Civic Hospital currently under construction. Enjoy seasonal festivals, and the opportunity to embrace a healthy commute by biking or walking to work! This property offers flexibility, whether you're looking to build, renovate, or invest in the future of this dynamic community. Offers will be considered on January 21, 2025, at 5:30 PM. Contact us today for more information or to book a viewing. Act quickly opportunities like this don't last long! Contact Diane Ritchie, Royal LePage Team Realty, [email protected], 613-725-1171

10/04/2024

BREAKING: The Globe and Mail is reporting that OSFI will remove the stress test for uninsured mortgage switches. A formal announcement is expected on Nov. 21. https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2024/09/osfi-to-end-stress-test-requirement-for-uninsured-mortgage-switches/