Testimonials

Below are some of my Client Testimonials

By: B. Scott Cawfield, Professor of Business Administration Glendon College, York University scawfield@glendon.yorku.ca

My parents, George and Ina Cawfield, lived in a home on Abbeyhill Drive in Kanata, Ontario for 44 years. It was a comfortable home but with no major renovations over the years. My wife, Diana and I became responsible for the sale of the house in early 2018. In May of 2018, I looked for a sales representative and found SERGE GUENETTE OF REMAX HALLMARK REALTY GROUP.
Because my parent’s home was in Ottawa while my wife and I live in Ajax, Ontario there was a long delay in clearing the house. We did our best on weekends, however, many months turned into a year. Serge was always helpful, informative, and patient. He kept in touch every week, and I found Serge to have the very highest level of expertise in his field.
In May of 2019, Serge put the house on the market, got over 60 expressions of interest, 22 offers, and sold the house for $70,000 or 24 percent over asking price within a week. A Toronto real estate agent claims that he is the best in Toronto, and he is currently advertising that he may be able to get you the asking price for a home. Serge is not just a seller, rather he is an excellent business strategist, and his amazing record in sales success “speaks for itself”.
On a personal level, Serge is a pleasant, helpful and gregarious person, personal characteristics that I think are important in sales. I have no hesitation in recommending Serge and his assistant, Lise, to be your sales representative. You will not regret your decision to work with Serge Guenette. If you wish any more information, you can always write me at the address given below.

By: Christianne Racine Sept. 8, 2020

I chose Serge Guenette as my realtor because of his excellent reputation. He is a well-informed realtor. He was very patient with me and explained clearly the process for the sale of my condo. He had a strategy to sell my condo. He gave me good advice to prepare the unit. Working with him is Lise Legault who is in charge of staging. Serge and Lise are a good team and they did an excellent job. The video for the listing was just spectacular. I certainly would (and I have) recommend Serge as team member to sell your property. The whole experience was smooth and quick. The sale went exactly as predicted. It sold in one week. I sold my condo unit but I also made a friend. Thank you, Serge

By: Ed and Lucie Arvisais – June 25, 2018

We met Serge at an open house in our neighbourhood. He had previously left his door knob card at our place. We were 75-year old’s having not only to downsize but also to move to another area of the province. Over the next 5 months (starting in middle of winter 2017-2018)), he guided us through the decluttering process with a personable and respectful staging advisor and an incredible photographer. He was patient with us. He did a thorough evaluation of the market specific to our neighbourhood and presented it in a binder that echoed professionalism and knowledge. Selling a house with snow and ice is not easy. With his guidance, we got our price and closing date within hours of putting it on the market. This was and remains a “crazy” market with bidding wars and buyers competitive pressure. He was calm and supportive through it all. We recommend Serge as an honest, knowledgeable and aggressive realtor.

By: Annick L. Pilon – le 2 février 2018

Moi et mon fiancé avons fait l’achat d’une première maison avec l’aide exceptionnel de Serge. Cet agent est formidable, travaillant, dévoué et ne compte pas les heures pour satisfaire ses clients. Nous le recommandons à tous les acheteurs qui cherche quelqu’un à la hauteur.

By: Tracy Arnett – February 14, 2018

When you meet Serge, you will feel at ease and know that Serge has your best interest at heart. He is passionate about finding the right home or condo whether it takes 2 days or 2 months. He wants to ensure you have the right home. Serge’s smile and personality make the buying or selling experience so enjoyable. He has patience and expertise that are above and beyond a typical agent. You won’t be disappointed in calling Serge.

By: Lea Ann Ouimet - July 11, 2018

Serge is friendly, professional, attentive and attuned to the Ottawa housing market. He helped us sell our home quickly, with very minimal stress and I’m looking forward to working together as I search for a new place to call home!

By: Ed and Lucie Arvisais – June 25, 2018

We met Serge at an open house in our neighbourhood. He had previously left his door knob card at our place. We were 75-year old’s having not only to downsize but also to move to another area of the province. Over the next 5 months (starting in middle of winter 2017-2018)), he guided us through the decluttering process with a personable and respectful staging advisor and an incredible photographer. He was patient with us. He did a thorough evaluation of the market specific to our neighbourhood and presented it in a binder that echoed professionalism and knowledge. Selling a house with snow and ice is not easy. With his guidance, we got our price and closing date within hours of putting it on the market. This was and remains a “crazy” market with bidding wars and buyers competitive pressure. He was calm and supportive through it all. We recommend Serge as an honest, knowledgeable and aggressive realtor.

By: Francine Blanchette le 15 octobre 2018

Un travail Exceptionnel Serge Guénette, je t’ai confié un défi de taille avec toutes mes restrictions, et en seulement quelques semaines je signais le contrat de vente. Je veux souligner ma grande appréciation du service exceptionnel et professionnel que toi Serge et ton équipe m’a donné tout au long de la vente de mon condo. Lise a été formidable avec ses conseils pour la décoration, la photographe a su accentuer la beauté du condo et vous m’avez rendu la tâche des plus faciles à cause des signatures à distance. Tu as toujours été disponible, tant pour le suivi des visites ou pour retourner mes appels et répondre à mes messages texte, tu m’as vraiment bien accompagné tout au long du processus de vente et je t’en suis des plus reconnaissantes. Serge, ton équipe et toi formez une équipe du tonnerre fortement recommandable et je n’hésiterais pas à vous recommander à n’importe qui cherchant un professionnalisme et un service irréprochable. Merci Serge Guenette et ton équipe pour un travail hors pair.

By: Zach and Laura

A big thank you to you Serge and Christiane for all your help with selling the old and buying our new house. You were both professional the whole way through but not without a few laughs along the way! In record time, with the ink on the representation documents hardly dry we were surprised with, and accepted an offer to sell our house and couldn't be happier! Purchasing the new house then came right down to the wire but we lucked out with your impressive negotiating skills. Knowledgeable and quick to answer any and all questions we had–you both made this a smooth (as can be) process. We will definitely be referring you to anyone else who might be looking to buy or sell! Thank you both again!!

By: Sophie Hisko – March 7, 2017

We would (and have) recommend this team to anyone!

When my fiancé and I started our house hunt last Spring, my aunt quickly swooped in and convinced us to enlist the help of Serge Guenette and Christiane Lafleur (and probably helped us avoid certain disaster!) Convinced we could still do fine on our own (as first-time home buyers, HA! How naive!) we scheduled a meeting just to get more info. We are both SO glad we did. I wouldn't say they sold us a house... I'd say they helped us find our home, as cheesy as it may sound. My fiance and I work odd and opposite hours making communication complicated. Christiane was always so helpful by answering us at near-lightning speed, allowing us to be able to make informed decisions in the 5 or 10 minutes a day we had together. She also had plenty of contacts for other experts when we needed them, referring only the best! Even though we were first-time home buyers, Christiane's simple yet professional and informative emails were always easy to understand and helped us learn a bit about the process along the way. She also made sure to keep our file up-to-date to make sure our experience was always perfectly tailored! We viewed a number of properties with Serge and I have to say my favourite part was his honesty. My fiancé and I both expected a realtor to be a bit pushy in trying to "get the sale" so to speak, which is why we wanted to avoid using one. We never once felt pressured by Serge, at all! He was able to get a good feel of what we were looking for, and when we viewed homes that he knew we wouldn't be happy in, even if we didn't realize it on the spot, he would tell us. When we visited the home we would eventually buy, Serge could tell we were in love with it before we even reacted, just because he knew this was exactly what we were looking for. Serge and Christiane both worked with us on putting in that offer and the subsequent negotiations. They were with us until the very end and made sure we were comfortable and informed every step of the way! We moved in almost six months ago now and we couldn't be happier with our first home. Thank you, Serge and Christine, for helping us find the perfect backdrop to the life we've started. Two birthdays, one Christmas, and an engagement later and we are already building many memories! We would (and have) recommend this team to anyone! But even more so for first time home buyers who have no idea what they're doing but want to feel comfortable and well-looked out for!

By: Jo-Anne Ivey - August 25, 2018

Serge helped with a new house deal for my Mother.She trusted him and could not be happier with his professionalism and caring attitude. He is highly recommended by our family. He is a great person.

By: Marrisa Theresa – February 7, 2017

As first-time home buyers we were a little overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. Thankfully we were connected with Serge and Christiane. They were very friendly and helpful through our journey to buy our first home. They offered honest advice about the houses we saw and we never felt pressured to buy something we were unsure of. They helped connect us to all the right people and followed up with us step by step. We are so thankful for their help in finding the perfect first home for us. We couldn't be happier.

By: Anonymous

Even after our move you continued to support us. I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for your great support to me during the recent sale of my home. I came to you because I needed to sell my home and a quick sale was essential. Even after our move you continued to support us. I would gladly recommend you to any of my friends who need a Realtor in the Ottawa area.

By: Anonymous

Tu nous afais vivre une belle expérience. Salut Serge. C'est nous qui te remercions. Au début on avait pas cru que tout se ferait, comme si ça aurait été planifié, et qu'on serait à Ottawa en deux mois. Tu nous asfait vivre une belle expérience. Quand j'entends un petit avion,je dis à Pauline, C'EST SERGE! MERÇI, à toi. PS: Le condo n'est pas assez grand... ou... ton bouquet est trop gros!

By: Taylor Jamieson – July 9, 2017

He will answer every single question you can think of! As a first-time home buyer Serge was absolutely amazing at making the whole process of finding/buying my new home as simple as possible. He will answer every single question you can think of (and believe me, I had plenty), is always available, and won't put on any pressure to make quick decisions. Thank you so much for helping me find my first home, see you again when I buy the next one!

By: Anonymous

They offered honest advice. As first-time home buyers we were a little overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. Thankfully we were connected with Serge and his team. They were very friendly and helpful through our journey to buy our first home. They offered honest advice about the houses we saw and we never felt pressured to buy something we were unsure of. They helped connect us to all the right people and followed up with us step by step. We are so thankful for their help in finding the perfect first home for us. We couldn't be happier!

By: Anonymous

We Also Enjoyed Working with the Stager! We recently sold our house with Serge Guenette and Christiane Lafleur within a couple of weeks from listing! Both Serge and Christiane were readily available to provide us with any information we needed. We also enjoyed working with the stager who made our home look great. We were able to obtain full asking price for our home and couldn''t be happier with the result. Serge also helped us find our new home. His professional approach was really appreciated. He always let us have plenty of time to look at each home, and was very helpful with his expert knowledge of the marketplace. Serge and Christiane expertly guided us through the offer stage of both our sale and purchase. We would highly recommend Serge and his team to anyone looking to buy a home in the Ottawa area.

By: Cindy Frechette and Mark Houlton

The Guenette Real Estate Group helps us find the home of our dreams. This summer, we began our initial search for a new property to combine our households. We had planned to take our time and search out a property over that met all of our requirements. As fate would have it, we came across a completely renovated home in Beaverbrook within the first three months of our search that we fell in love with. Serge skillfully helped us to develop a sound understanding of the value of the property, to execute our negotiation strategy and close on the home of our dreams – this despite a last-minute hiccup with our bank which required Serge’s delicate touch when we had to extend our proposed firm offer date with the anxious sellers. Having concluded the purchase of one home, the Guenette Team swung into action to help us to sell one of properties. From useful tips to improve the resale value of the property to professional staging support, expert videography and building interest in the property through targeted marketing – Serge and his team helped us to conclude the sale at the full asking price with no conditions and within hours of the release of the listing. We had a challenge establishing the list price for the sale of our property because of the renovation that had been completed which made comparables with neighboring properties difficult. While we may have been able to secure a slightly higher price, we managed to come away with the highest resale value in the neighborhood despite the reality of other listings on the street. Special thanks to Christiane Lafleur for the incredible support she provided us throughout our journey. From coordinating our initial meetings, helping us to develop our list of wants/needs, scheduling walkthroughs and putting us into contact with her extensive network of business and industry contacts, she took the stress out of the process with continuous and positive contact.

By: Guy et Suzanne Tremblay – le 13 mai 2018

La disponibilité, la connaissance des marchés et le professionnalisme de Serge Guenette n’ont d’égal que son engagement total et inconditionnel vis-à-vis son client. Notre transaction récente nous a démontré sans équivoque que Serge recherche l’intérêt du client et y parvient avec l’expérience acquise comme stratège et négociateur. Nous sommes entièrement satisfaits de ses services.

By: Léonard Lavoie – le 25 juin 2018

Honnête et dévoué! Monsieur Serge Guenette est l’agent que j’ai choisi pour vendre ma propriété sur la rue Cadboro, à Ottawa. Monsieur Guenette a fait montre d’un dynamisme et d’une efficacité remarquables. Tout au long des semaines qui ont procédé la vente, il m’a tenu régulièrement au courant de l’évolution de la situation et ne s’est pas laissé prier pour venir me rencontrer. J’ai apprécié au plus haut point sa probité et son honnêteté. Finalement la transaction s’est effectuée à la hauteur de mes attentes.

By: Denise Labbé - le 14 Aout 2018

J'ai beaucoup apprécié le professionnalisme, le savoir- faire et la facilité de communication de Serge. Son appui dans l'achat de ma nouvelle maison m'a beaucoup rassuré. Aussi son expertise m'a valu une vente rapide de mon ancienne demeure et ce au meilleur prix. Je remercie Lise, son associée, pour ses bonnes suggestions concernant l'aménagement de ma maison en guise de préparatifs à la vente. Aussi les photos étaient superbes. Je recommande fortement M. Serge Guénette et son équipe à tous ceux qui veulent entreprendre vente ou achat.

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Recent Blog Posts

Experience Ottawa in a different light! From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, get your camera ready to capture magical sunsets at five of the top locations to catch the golden hour in Ottawa.

 1. Alexandra Bridge: Enjoy a front-row seat of Ottawa’s city skyline overlooking the Ottawa River as you view the sunset from the iconic pedestrian and cycling bridge that connects Ontario to Quebec. Stroll along the bridge and take in the city and sunset from a different angle. 


2. Central Experimental Farm: When golden hour hits the Central Experimental Farm, the gardens, walking paths and greenhouses are lit with the perfect Insta-worthy glow. After a few hours of exploring the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, take a walk around the farm to catch the last few minutes of sunlight. 


3. Major’s Hill Park: Located just steps from Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park offers an expansive green space, flower gardens and stunning views of the Ottawa River. Explore the park's walking trails before choosing one of the many benches and catching the sunset over the water. 


4. Rideau Canal: As one of the most popular landmarks in Ottawa, the Rideau Canal locks one to eight are a favourite spot among nature lovers and photographers capturing the sunset. Take a stroll around Parliament Hill before heading down toward the Bytown Museum to witness the setting sun and the glow off the water. 


5. Andrew Haydon Park: A gem of the west end and situated along the shores of the Ottawa River, Andrew Haydon Park offers lush green spaces, peaceful ponds and fountains and winding paths through the trees. Walk along the water and catch the perfect golden hour, as the sun sets over the Gatineau Park hills across the river. Just watch out for the geese! 


Whether you’re looking to capture the perfect photo or simply seeking a moment of quiet, these top spots to view the golden hour in Ottawa will offer an unforgettable experience. Got your own favourite spot? Share it below!



*Image Copyright Licence - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

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With over 150 kilometers of trails winding through forests, wetlands, and meadows, the  Ottawa Greenbelt is a hiker’s paradise. Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely walk or are open to something a bit more challenging, the options are endless. 


Before you hit the trails, be sure to prepare properly with these five tips for safe and enjoyable hiking in the Greenbelt. 


1. Check the weather: The Greenbelt covers a large span in Ottawa, which means the weather can change from one location to the next and do so quite quickly. Check the  forecast in the area of your hike before heading out and be sure to pack layers or a  rain jacket to help you stay comfortable on the trail if the weather changes. 


2. Pack water and snacks: Stay hydrated and fuelled during your hike by bringing water and high-energy snacks like granola bars or fruits in a pack. If you’re planning  on hiking a longer trail, packing a lunch to picnic halfway through the trail can give you a break along the way and a moment to take in the views. 


3. Wear appropriate footwear: Rocky, muddy and uneven terrain are only some of the trail elements that you may run into while hiking in the Greenbelt. Opt for hiking boots or running shoes with good grips to protect and support your feet during your hike. 


4. Keep to the trails: The Greenbelt has a unique ecosystem that’s full of life, with a variety of wildlife, plants, and species that are at risk in Ontario. Staying on the trail helps to preserve this ecosystem, keep all-natural habitats in place, and can prevent you from getting lost. Stick to all marked trails and be aware of your surroundings at all times. 


5. Take out what you bring in: Be sure that anything you bring into the trail leaves with you when you finish your hike. Always practice the Leave No Trace principles to help maintain the beauty of the Ottawa Greenbelt for future hikers and the wildlife that resides within. 


Follow these tips, grab your hiking boots, and head out on the trails of the Ottawa Greenbelt. 


Happy hiking!

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Start your new year off right by creating home renovation goals to complete by the end of the year. Think of projects that could help with the functionality of your home, could improve the value when selling, or just projects that you've put aside. 


Need some inspiration? Compare what your home needs to this list of top projects and get ready to start your first New Year’s reno task!


Exterior improvements: Installing outdoor lighting, planting trees for privacy, creating a new walkway, or spreading fresh mulch are all small projects that can help maximize your property. Choosing to update your landscape will also help with first impressions of your home when it’s on the market.


Bathroom remodel: Creating a functional space in your bathroom, while also making it clean and esthetically pleasing is a big plus for your home’s value. Try adding new fixtures and lighting, upgrading the vanity and storage, replacing flooring and painting to freshen up the space. 


Outdoor living space: Patios, wooden decks, outdoor kitchens and fire pits are all considered an additional outdoor living space. If you have the property for an outdoor add-on, you can improve the chances of selling your home faster, all while enjoying your new outdoor oasis.


Basement remodel: A finished basement adds usable space to your home, but when looking at increasing your value, be mindful of how defined your space is. Keeping it open concept and easily changeable for a buyer to create different uses for the space is more appealing than a room that has to be used a certain way. 


Window replacement: Replacing and adding new windows to your home can be a big and costly job, but it can have a higher return rate, depending on the design. Choose windows based on the style to match your home and opt for framing and glass that’s more energy efficient. Not sure which ones to replace? Pick windows in rooms that are used most often, like your kitchen or living room to get you started.


Speaking of kitchens, if you can afford a kitchen remodel, this project is among the most popular updates for a home. But if you’re renovating to sell, you’d be better off giving your existing kitchen a refresh rather than a full update as your choices for style and materials may not be what a buyer wants. It’s common for an owner to update the kitchen to sell only to have the new owner rip it out and re-do it. But if you’re doing it mostly for you, a new kitchen will give you much enjoyment.


January,2023


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