Ottawa's dynamic real estate team!


Buying or selling a home is a big decision and we can guide you through the process.

Buyers: House hunters can count on FAST RESPONSE, personal service, market knowledge and expert negotiation skills.

Sellers: We go ALL IN to help you get market ready and then promote within our established network with confidence and creativity to maximize results.



We use a modern and professional strategy that works.

Brad Gilbert - Broker

Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University, Marketing Major

Brad is a brilliant communications expert, committed to customer service excellence since 2013. As a real estate Broker, he has the utmost obligation to uphold trade standards and oversee team transactions. Driven by his passion for people and deep rooted values of honesty and integrity, Brad embraces positivity and creativity in the housing market and in life. Animated and ambitious, you will love his vision for your home.

Lindsey Merkley - Sales Representative

Marketing and Event Coordinator Diplomas from Algonquin College


Lindsey brought her great energy and management skills to the team in 2016. She owns a dual role as Buyer Specialist and Marketing Coordinator. Lindsey is there when you need her most, offering delightful and efficient service! She is not afraid to share her valuable insight when you find ‘ the one ’. Rest assured that your real estate transaction will be facilitated by someone who really cares.

Seasonal Inventory Growth Meets Steady Demand

OTTAWA, ON – Ottawa’s housing market in August 2025 offered buyers greater choice amid subtle signs of shifting dynamics. Last month, demand remained healthy, while supply continued to increase. Active listings climbed to 3,971, approximately 37% above the five-year August average.  

This increase in inventory, while worth monitoring, is not currently a cause for concern. Ottawa’s real estate market follows well-established seasonal cycles, with late summer typically bringing a build-up of available listings ahead of the busy fall market. Both the sales-to-new-listings ratio of 58.3% and 3.2 months of inventory indicate that demand is keeping pace with supply, maintaining balanced market conditions.  

It’s also important to recognize that 2020 and 2021 were historic outliers, with unusually low active listing levels that distort the five-year average. Excluding those years and instead referencing the pre-pandemic 2018 and 2019 figures, August 2025 inventory sit roughly 33–34% above the revised five-year trend — a more accurate measure of current market standing relative to historical norms.  

Property-type trends continue to diverge. Single-family home HPI benchmarks remain broadly steady, and townhouse values are showing gains, while the condominium segment, particularly in the downtown core, remains comparatively soft. These variations present differing market opportunities depending on location, property type, and price point.  

For buyers, the current combination of elevated inventory and steady demand presents a strategic window: more choice and greater negotiating power are available for those in a position to act on it. Meanwhile, broader provincial trends — such as slowing sales and rising supply elsewhere in Ontario — remain factors to watch. There are emerging signs of a potential turnaround in these markets, that could support improved conditions in the months ahead.  

OREB will continue to monitor these developments closely to ensure Members and consumers remain informed as Ottawa’s market evolves. 

“August was an active month for Ottawa’s housing market, with overall prices trending upward and sales activity stronger than in recent years as the summer season winds down,” said Tami Eades, OREB President-Elect. “While we continue to see different price movements across segments, the broader picture points to renewed momentum in the Ottawa Region as buyers and sellers alike re-engage ahead of the fall market. Ottawa’s market reflects balanced conditions, though we are mindful of broader economic factors—such as federal employment trends and U.S. trade policies—that could affect our market in the months ahead.” 

Residential Market Activity

In August 2025, a total of 1,236 homes were sold across the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB) region. While down from 1,318 units in July 2025 and 1,602 in June 2025, this represents a 12.1% increase compared to August last year. Two consecutive months of slower sales is consistent with the spring to summer market seasonality, particularly as we are already approaching what is typically a more active fall market. 

Looking at the bigger picture, there have been 9,936 home sales so far this year, which is 4.1% higher than at this time in 2024.  

The average sale price for all sold listings in August was $686,536, up 3.6% from last year.  

This year, the average year-to-date price is $700,828, a 3% increase over the first eight months of 2024.  

Altogether, the total value of homes sold in August reached approximately $850 million, up 16% year-over-year, with the housing sector continuing to be one of the major drivers of the overall Ottawa economy.  

On the listing side, there were 2,121 new residential listings added in August, a significant 8.6% increase compared to last year, and 3,971 active listings on the market, up 13.3% from August 2024, and 37.1% above the five-year average for this time of year.  

Finally, the months of inventory—a measure of supply— sits at 3.2 months, which is unchanged from last month and identical to last August’s metric as well. 3.2 months of inventory is typically understood to be an indicator of what is considered a balanced market.  Another indication that despite Ottawa’s high active listing count that demand is currently keeping pace with supply. 

MLS® Home Price Index

As for prices, the MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark price in Ottawa was $633,000 in August, a modest 1.5% increase year-over-year.  

If we break that benchmark price down by property type:   

Single-family homes came in at $700,100, up 1.5%.  

Townhouses saw the biggest jump — up 8.3% to $466,200.  

Apartments, on the other hand, dipped slightly, — down 1.1% to $412,300.  

Source: Ottawa Real Estate Board

 

MAKEITHAPPEN E-Newsletter Volume 28: It Pays to be a Practical Seller but It’s a Buyers Market


Click here to read our latest E-Newsletter! 

 

Neighbourhood Spotlight: Merivale Gardens


Could this be the perfect Ottawa neighbourhood for your post-pandemic move? We think so! Merivale Gardens is surrounded by protected forest, trails, parks and the area’s only inland sand dunes. You heard it first-hand from Brad, and the whole Gilbert Family: it’s an ideal neighbourhood to grow up.

Here’s some #makeithappen ideas on how to be a better neighbour!


One of our shared, lifelong goals is to be leaders and upstanding members of the communities where we live. After all, it takes a village. Especially these days, when the people we see the most are those who live outside the front door or on the other side of the fence. 

 

1. Introduce Yourself and Get Connected

Don’t be shy to say hi, whether you’re old or new. Those who’ve been around have all kinds of tips and tricks and nuisances that might make your new life easier. Swap phone numbers, emails and social coordinates -- this enables an open line of communication.

 

2. Lend a Hand in You Can

Mow that strip of grass between your laneways if it's easier for you. Bring back those recycling bins if they’re bothering you on the curbside; it’s no big deal. Another idea is to look out for a lingering delivery on their porch -- or text them about it.

 

3. Set Boundaries

It’s not always a great time for a lengthy chat. Front lawns are more approachable territory. Even knocking on doors these days is dicey, so you might revert to step #1 and text a heads up!

 

4. Avoid Drama

  Everyone loses their cool at some point but it’s hard to come back from a major blow out so try and calm yourself before bringing up controversial topics. The last thing you want is negative energy that festers. Too late? It’s never too late to squash the beef!

 

5.Be Mindful of Your Pets

As animal lovers, we appreciate cuteness and cuddles, but remember that not everyone is comfortable. Barking and behavioural issues can frighten and frustrate your neighbours. A good move is to make a playdate and have them get to know each other. 

 

6. Reach Out When in Doubt

If you notice they’re not up to their usual routines and activities, it’s always nice to hear that someone cares. Perhaps they’re feeling isolated? An offer to run a simple errand or pick-up essentials is always well received.

 

7. Participate

Most areas have a Community Association where residents can share their perspectives on everything from development, to transit, to parks and rec. Buy & Sell groups and plant swaps are other benefits. These people tend to be knowledgeable and most welcoming! Tip: See if there’s a Facebook group.

 

8. Make it Fun

Home is where the heart is and it’s amazing when you truly enjoy those who surround you. If you’re not quite there, keep on trying. These people have a tremendous impact on our everyday energy and good relations go a long way toward having a happy home life. Sharing is caring!!

Meet the @makeithappenrealtors -- A Mini Series

Episode 1 : Why #makeithappen?

 

Inspired by the real housewives of @bravotv, allow us to re-introduce the team as we look forward to another busy season selling real estate!

Want more? See episodes 2-6 below!

Episode 2: Any advice for 1st time home buyers?


In this weeks’ clip we share some basics to help you break into the market. Lindsey’s tip may surprise you but we think it’s a no brainer! 

Episode 3: What do we love about our job?


In this clip we discuss a few of our favourite things!

Episode 4: What do you recommend to sellers who are trying to get their house ready to sell?


Here is our #1 recommendation and there’s no time like the present!

Episode 5: How's the market?


In this clip we give our insight on the market and what you can do to get in on it!

Episode 6: Why choose you?


In our last clip we explain why you need a Realtor and more specifically us!

Testimonials

"Friendly, personable, knowledgeable, professional, there really aren't enough positive words to describe the agents and the service we received. Thank you so much for help
ing realize this dream home and property. It truly is thanks to the teams devotion and hard work that we ticked off all the boxes!"
- Shannon Robie 

"Both Brad and Lindsay exceed expectations and provide a first class experience. We always felt like we were their top priority. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Brad, he is very attentive to our needs and several requests. I would not hesitate to recommend him to our friends and family!"
- Cristina Divirgillio 

"Brad was honest and encouraging without being pushy. I felt comfortable asking questions and he explained the answers very well. He was very knowledgeable about the things to look for and was focused on my partner and my needs."
- Eva Comeau

"Outstanding. We were purchasing in Ottawa from Barrie, and Lindsey did such an amazing job helping my partner and I find a house."
- Melissa Matson

"Brad and Lindsey were amazing Everything happened so fast but the experience was stress free for me. They took care of everything."
- Chelsea Larock

"Impressive responsive time and highly knowledgeable."
- John Kennedy 

"Always a text or a call away! We always felt supported and that our needs were met. Lindsey you rock! Thank you so much for all of your patience and hard work."
- Emilie Giles


"Lindsey was always very reliable and knowledgeable around the entire process including things even outside of her direct role. As a first time home buyer, I felt lucky to have her support me throughout this entire journey. She was always going above and beyond for me. She would be the first I would contact in the future if I want to buy another home and would refer her to any of my family/friends who are looking to buy"
- Tarek Aljabban

"Friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Brad and Lindsey jumped to when we found the home that we wanted and were by our side through the many days of negotiations to secure the purchase. Without breaking stride, they then led us through the sale of our house with expert marketing strategy. Their staging, photos, video, social media presence, and skillful negotiations helped us to sell at over 100k above asking. We couldn't be happier!"
- CJ Briggs

"Lindsey was hard working and always available to answer questions when we needed them. She offered great advice and took the time to go through the pros and cons of the different properties we were looking at and always kept out budget in mind".
- Evan Trafford

 

Wanna keep up with the latest adventures of Brad and Lindsey?


Follow us on Instagram!
@makeithappenrealtors

Brad Gilbert

Brad Gilbert, B.Comm.

Broker

Mobile: 613.868.5444

Phone: 613.238.2801

Red Diamond Award Recipient 2021

What an honour it is to be named one of the top teams in the country (top 2% that is) and we can’t thank you enough for helping us achieve our highest ever milestone.

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