Located at the farthest end of Sackville from Halifax, Lost Creek subdivision is a peaceful and serene community that offers residents the best of both worlds. It's situated just 10 kilometers from the exit to #101 highway and downtown Lower Sackville, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to live in a quiet area while still being close to everything they need.

Age of Houses

The houses in Lost Creek were built in the late 1990s to the present day. As a result, there are plenty of new homes available in the area, which means that anyone who's looking to buy a home can find one that suits their needs and preferences.

Advantages of Living in Lost Creek 

One of the biggest advantages of living in Lost Creek is the large country-style lots. Many of the lots are an acre or more, which gives residents plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the great outdoors. The subdivision is also a new area, which means that there are many new or almost new homes available.

Another advantage of living in Lost Creek is that the Lost Creek Golf Course is located across the street from the subdivision. This is great news for anyone who loves to play golf or wants to take up the sport, as they'll have easy access to a beautiful course that's just a stone's throw away.

Kinsac Drive Elementary is located about 2 kilometers from the subdivision, making it an excellent choice for families with young children. The school has an excellent reputation, and parents can rest assured that their children will receive a high-quality education.

For those who love spending time outdoors, Lost Creek Park is located within the subdivision. This beautiful park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and other outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for families and nature lovers alike.

Finally, living in Lost Creek means that residents are just a short drive of 10 minutes away from most amenities. This includes shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, and other essential services, which means that residents never have to travel far to get what they need.

Style of Housing Available

Only single-family detached houses are available in Lost Creek, including bungalow, split-entry, and two-story homes. All of the homes are on well and septic, which means that residents can enjoy a more self-sufficient lifestyle without having to rely on municipal services.

Streets in the Subdivision

Lost Creek subdivision is home to many beautiful streets, including Lost Creek Dr, Pinehurst, Bent Tree Way, Laurel Ridge Drive, Crooked Stick Pass, and Heather Glen Drive. Each street has its own unique charm and character, and residents can choose from a variety of homes that suit their needs and preferences.

Schools in the Area

Beaverbank Kinsac Elementary, Harold T Barrett Junior High, Lockview High School, and Fall River are all excellent schools that serve the Lost Creek subdivision. Parents can rest assured that their children will receive a high-quality education at any of these schools, which are staffed by dedicated and experienced teachers who are committed to helping their students succeed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lost Creek subdivision in Beaverbank is an excellent choice for anyone who's looking for a quiet and peaceful community that's still close to everything they need. With large country-style lots, new homes, and plenty of amenities nearby, it's no wonder that so many people are choosing to call Lost Creek home. So if you're looking for a beautiful and affordable place to live, be sure to check out Lost Creek subdivision today!

If you're looking for a peaceful and convenient place to call home in Sackville, look no further than Sunnyvale Subdivision. Located on the farthest end of Sackville towards Halifax off the Beaverbank Road, Sunnyvale offers a range of advantages to homeowners, including its convenient location, nice family neighborhood, and easy access to major highways.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes Sunnyvale Subdivision a hidden gem in Sackville, including the age and style of houses available, some of the streets in the subdivision, nearby schools, and more.

Age of Houses

Most houses in Sunnyvale were built in the early to mid-1980s to early 1990s. While the houses are not brand new, they are well-built and have been well-maintained over the years. This means that many of the homes in the subdivision have already stood the test of time and have proven to be reliable and durable.

Style of Housing Available

If you're looking for a single family detached house, Sunnyvale Subdivision has plenty of options. There are split entry, side split, and two-storey homes available, as well as some two-storey semi-detached homes. The diversity of housing options means that there's something for everyone, no matter what your family size or lifestyle.

Streets in the Subdivision

Sunnyvale Subdivision has several streets, including Sunnyvale Crescent, Sunnyvale Court, Hillsdale, and Woodhill. Each street has its own charm and character, and homeowners can choose the one that best fits their preferences and lifestyle.

Schools

Sunnyvale Subdivision is located close to several schools, making it an ideal location for families with children. The nearby schools include Cavalier Drive Elementary School, Leslie Thomas Junior High School, and Sackville High School.

Advantages of Living in Sunnyvale Subdivision 

One of the biggest advantages of living in Sunnyvale Subdivision is its convenient location. Homeowners can easily walk to Downsview Mall and downtown Lower Sackville, where they can find a range of shopping and dining options. The subdivision is also located near the #101 Highway, which makes it easy to travel to Halifax and other nearby areas.

In addition to its convenient location, Sunnyvale Subdivision is also a nice family neighborhood. The community is close-knit, and homeowners can enjoy a range of activities and events throughout the year. Whether you're looking to connect with other families or simply enjoy a quiet and peaceful lifestyle, Sunnyvale is a great place to call home.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a hidden gem in Sackville, look no further than Sunnyvale Subdivision. With its convenient location, diverse range of housing options, and nice family neighborhood, Sunnyvale is an excellent choice for anyone looking to settle down in Sackville.

Indigo Shores is a highly sought-after neighborhood located in Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia. With large, beautifully treed lots and access to the stunning McCabe Lake, it's no wonder that this area is highly sought-after by families and individuals alike.

Location: Indigo Shores

Located just off Exit 2A - Hwy #101, Indigo Shores is situated between Hammonds Plains and Sackville, offering convenient access to both areas. The location also offers easy access to the rest of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), making it a desirable place to live for those who need to commute.

Age of Houses

Most homes in Indigo Shores were built from 2015 until now, making the area relatively new. There are new homes available in the area, providing residents with the opportunity to purchase a brand-new home.

Advantages of Living in Indigo Shores

One of the biggest advantages of living in Indigo Shores is the access to McCabe Lake, which is one of the best lakes in HRM. Many homes in the area back on to McCabe Lake, providing residents with breathtaking views and the opportunity to take advantage of all that the lake has to offer.

The parkland at Indigo Shores is also a major advantage, with walking trails, a picnic area, and access to the lake for swimming, fishing, or non-motorized boating. The parkland provides residents with the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and take advantage of all that McCabe Lake has to offer.

Housing Styles Available in Indigo Shores

Only single-family detached homes are available in Indigo Shores, including two-story, split-entry, and bungalow styles. There are also some large executive homes available in the area, providing residents with a range of housing options to choose from.

Streets in the Subdivision

Some of the streets in the Indigo Shores subdivision include Magenta Drive, McCabe Lake Drive, Maya Court, and Azure Court. Each street offers its own unique charm and character, providing residents with a range of options when it comes to choosing a home.

Schools in the Area

Indigo Shores is located in the catchment area for Sackville Heights Elementary, Sackville Heights Junior High, and Millwood High School. These schools are highly regarded and offer excellent educational opportunities for children in the area.

Conclusion

Indigo Shores is a highly desirable neighborhood located in Middle Sackville, offering convenient access to both Hammonds Plains and Sackville. With large, beautifully treed lots, access to McCabe Lake, and a range of housing styles available, Indigo Shores is the perfect place to call home. Contact a local real estate agent to learn more about the available properties in this stunning area.

So, you are looking to move to Nova Scotia, but you don’t really know the lay of the land very well. You’ve heard of Halifax, Dartmouth, and perhaps a couple of other places, but that’s about it? No fear. There are a few great areas in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) that may not have been on your radar but make wonderful places to live.

Let’s talk about Fall River. Named after a stream that ran between Miller Lake and Lake Thomas that had a small waterfall, this is a wonderful suburban area in the HRM. Fall River has coffee shops, restaurants, and an excellent high school (shout out to Lakeview Secondary – in my opinion one of the best high schools in the HRM). French Immersion education is also available. This town is appearing on people’s radars, so the housing prices are not as cheap as they were pre-COVID, but you can still score some impressive deals. Lots tend to be larger here in part because Fall River is usually on well water and septic tanks. Perhaps a bit daunting for some city folk, but really not that difficult to adjust to.

There is a wonderful Rec Centre (Gordon R. Snow Community Centre) which has programming for everyone from young children to seniors. https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/programs- activities/recreation-centres-your-community/gordon-r-snow-community. There is also a skateboard park in Fall River. Of course, no town would be complete without a strip mall where one can get groceries at Sobeys, pick up prescriptions at Shoppers ’Drug, visit Tim Hortons and the like. But there are also cafes for those latte lovers.

Several lakes are found in the area for kayaking, swimming, boating, paddling, and jet skiing. Those loving water sports can take full advantage or noting the size of most lots, you can easily put in an in-ground pool (if your property does not already have one). For those preferring dry land, there are several really nice walking trails. One is never far from nature in Fall River. Golf is quite popular in the area with both the Ashburn and Oakfield golf clubs nearby.

Back when Canada was a mere glint in the eye, Halifax was a major player as far as Canadian cities went. Being the closest port to Europe it was a bustling trade centre, and one of the founding provinces of Canada. Rather like celebrity status, there seems to be ebbs and flows regarding the popularity of cities. But like Cher, Halifax is rebranding and rising again.

What makes it special?

Halifax is the largest city in all of the Atlantic provinces. For your information, the Atlantic provinces include Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. Halifax is a largely English-speaking city but due to the quality of its many post-secondary institutions, it attracts a lot of international students. By far it is one of the most diverse cities in the east.

A large number of people choose to move to Halifax each year for a variety of reasons. Really, it is a city for any demographic. Seniors will find it easier to live on their pensions out here than in many other major Canadian cities, while still having a larger city feel. Our sales tax is high at 15%, but many things cost less out here. As an example, I recently had some blood work at a local hospital and my hour parking fee was $1 (much to the chagrin of my friend in Toronto who would pay $7 or $8 for an hour at one of her local hospitals).

Young families will find that housing is cheaper out here. It is true that prices went up considerably during the height of the COVID pandemic (we were deemed one of the safest places to be in the world at that time) but prices, at the time I am writing this, are also levelling off here at a faster rate than anywhere in the country. If you are looking for a family home, Halifax is a great place to raise your children. On average you are going to pay between $500K- $800K for a family home. You can certainly go higher depending on the neighbourhood, but you can also go a bit lower.

Singles also have a place here in Halifax. Argyle street is where many popular bars and restaurants can be found. There are actually more bars per capita in Halifax than any other city. For socializing, it is a fun city to be in. Just be sure not to drink and drive!

Do know, it is a car dependent community. There is a bus system but it is faster and likely easier to get around by car. Bike lanes are being added fairly regularly as many people like to bike around the city, so biking can be another option. Winters in Halifax are generally warmer than in Toronto or Montreal! Nova Scotia is actually second to British Columbia as the warmest province in the winter. Halifax was second to Victoria as having the warmest winter. Surprised us too! It does get cold and you will want snow tires on your vehicle. Most places close when we have snow and if you wait a day or two it will probably rain, washing all the snow away. Do avoid potholes whenever possible as they are deeper than you think!

Looking to start a business?

The markets are not oversaturated out here so you may stand a better shot at success than elsewhere. Our population is growing which always speaks to opportunities. Last year 35,000 people moved to Nova Scotia. So, we do continue to need new businesses and amenities. Small town feel but with so much growth potential.

We have so many green spaces here. The Halifax Commons, Point Pleasant Park and the Public Gardens are all in the centre of the city. We enjoy a slower paced lifestyle which makes for great work/life balance. You actually have time to enjoy the green spaces around you!

People are quite friendly here but the easiest way to make friends is always to join clubs or groups that interest you. Repeatedly seeing the same people ensures an organic way to make friends. Join a church, temple, mosque, or synagogue. They would likely love to have another member/volunteer. Help out on a political campaign or join your local constituency for whichever party you support. If you have a hobby there is likely a group out here for it so check Facebook, bulletin boards etc.

There are many wonderful neighbourhoods in Halifax so it might be hard to decide where to live. Seniors might want to first look at living on the Peninsula. If you find you are no longer driving, you can walk to many places. You are also in close proximity of hospitals. There are a few condos downtown in a wide range of prices. The north end of Halifax has an artsy feel and you get to take full advantage of the Hydrostone. This area was involved in the infamous Halifax Explosion. There are some nice stores, and even a Starbucks. You can choose from row houses, detached houses, townhouses, and condos. It is also a popular area for young professionals and families.

If you are looking to spend more, the South end has more upscale condos and houses but you are also close to the universities and student housing. An eclectic mix in other words. Pete’s Frootique is an upscale supermarket similar to Whole Foods with a location downtown. The West End is also a nice area with many family homes in a wide range of prices. It is quieter than downtown so also great for the more studious students, and of course families. The great thing is you can walk downtown if you want to.

Once you get off the peninsula you may find a more reasonably priced home. Armdale is a lovely neighbourhood and you can find waterfront condo townhouses around Regatta Way. As you move up the arm you will find more homes for young professionals who want a quieter homelife for their families. Wedgewood is an up-and-coming area with some lovely detached bungalows and split ranches. Fairview is also still a reasonably priced area for family homes. Clayton Park has a mix of young professionals and often more established families. It has great proximity to Bayers’ Lake for shopping.

Ultimately, you never make a mistake choosing one area over another. You will find everything from fixer upper homes to grand houses in many of the areas. You may want to research schools for your children to determine which area works for you. If you prefer a waterfront view why not look for a home near one of the lakes? If you buy a house, I recommend you get a generator for power outages. We do not have a lot of them, but depending on where you live, they can last for a few days.

When we were moving, our Toronto realtor recommended Sandra Pike and the Pike Group to us. We were very happy with the care and attention they took in finding us the perfect home. Not knowing the areas of the city, we were not an easy family to place, but Sandra was always gracious, informative and has become a cherished friend

We get it; as soon as the market starts to go crazy, we see record-breaking home prices plus lower than low-interest rates, and some of us start to wonder, “Is the market going to crash? Maybe I should just wait for the market to slow down so I don’t waste my money!”  While it is natural to think (or hope) this way, history proves those theories wrong (at least in Nova Scotia, Canada)

Here are four reasons why you shouldn't wait to buy: 

1. Getting Priced Out: Let’s say you were pre-approved last year for $300,000. The market just started going crazy and houses that were listed at $260,000 were selling for close to $300,000. You may have thought that you would be overpaying if you went that high over the list, so you decided to wait. Now, since your job hasn’t changed and your pre-approval is still $300,000, the market appreciation has essentially priced you out of this market. Fewer homes are being listed in your price range and the house that sold for $300,000 last year might sell for $315,000 this year.

2. The Market Catches Up: If you buy a house for $30,000 over the list price and go to sell it tomorrow, you might not make any money on it. You might even lose money after closing costs, legal fees, etc., but that doesn’t mean you overpaid. If you are buying a house to live in for at least 3-5+ years which is most typical, the market will catch up and you will make money once you go to sell again.

3. Losing Out on Equity: While you are waiting on the market to crash, your home could have already increased its value by thousands of dollars.

4. Pay A Premium for The Right Home: If you find the right house and must spend over asking, consider it paying a premium now that will pay off in dividends later. If there are still improvements you can make to increase the value even further; you are in a great position.

Ready to start or continue your search? Get the newest hottest listings sent directly to your email

Every serious buyer wants to find the next best deal—that new property on the market that no one else knows about. After all, the quicker you know about a listing, the quicker you can view, decide, and potentially put in an offer. 

Of all the crazy things I could do, I launched a new career at the age of 40 in a city that I only knew a handful of people. What was I thinking?

Reminiscing of the day I joined real estate in July 2010, I knew this was going to be the career for me. Work hard. Hustle. Grind. Verbs and Adjectives, that were very familiar to me over the years in anything I set out to do. Real Estate was going to be no different.

Over the span of my career, I was able to set and meet several milestones that would place me apart from most agents.

Both buying and selling a home are equally stressful, but what about when you are trying to coordinate both at the same time? There are a lot of moving parts, and the agents involved work together to insure the smoothest possible transactions for our clients. If you are selling your home and want to close on a new home purchase at the same time, here are some things to think about to make your move as smooth as possible.

Truly simultaneous closings are rare these days, especially when financing is involved. Regulations put in place to protect consumers have made simultaneous, or double, closings very difficult to pull off. Concurrent closings occur when a party is selling and buying properties at about the same time, usually within a couple of days of each other. If you wish to close on the sale of your home and the purchase of a new home back-to-back, the best scenario is to work with the same title company and escrow company for both transactions. Usually the sale of your home is closed first, your mortgage is paid off, then the purchase of your new home is closed.

Selling your home ahead of buying is the most risk-free alternative, as neither transaction is contingent on the other. However, this requires your family to make an extra move and have a place to live while you wait to close on a new home, so in terms of convenience and expense, it’s not always the best scenario. If you have the ability to secure a short-term rental, or to put your belongings in storage and stay with family, then you can enjoy the luxury of taking your time to look for and close on your new home. One option that sometimes works out is to rent your home back from your buyers while you wait to close on your purchase. This works well when the buyers are not in a hurry to move in themselves and you can agree on a timeframe for you to remain in the home.

Buying ahead of selling is a dream in terms of convenience. You can take your time moving, and maybe do some renovations or decorating before you move in. But will you qualify for a new mortgage without a contingency on selling your existing home? If you can swing the mortgage, or are paying cash, it may be a great option for you. Remember to realistically consider how long you can afford to maintain two properties– with maintenance costs– in case it should take you longer than expected to find a buyer for your present home. In this scenario, you may want to rent your new purchase back to the sellers, or list it as a short-term rental, while you wait to close on the sale of your existing home.

Consider your buyers and sellers carefully when trying to coordinate a sale and purchase within a short amount of time. The last thing you need is a seller or buyer who is displaying signs of being uncommitted to the deal. While no deal is guaranteed until all the closing documents have been signed, when you need a purchase or sale to coincide with your schedule, you should carefully evaluate who you sign a contract with. A contract with contingencies on other deals going through, a lender expressing doubt about final financing approval, a low good faith deposit, buyers asking for unreasonable repairs or allowances, or sellers whose moving plans are questionable are red flags that your deal could fall apart.

Owning a home isn’t the right decision for everyone. There are plenty of circumstances and reasons for someone to rent a place to live rather than buy. The problem is, sometimes people get stuck in the mentality that they should rent, based upon things they’ve heard, but never really questioned or thought through.

Nobody can (or should) force you to buy a home, but it can’t hurt to at least take a look at the flip side of the coin when it comes to the most common reason you may have for not buying one.

So take a look at the top 6 reasons renters give for not buying a house and consider if it’s something you truly believe, or if buying might just make sense for you when you really think about it:

1) “I don’t want to pay for or do repairs…”

Let’s be clear, most people don’t want to pay for or do repairs! And yes, if you own your own home, you’re definitely responsible for anything that needs to get fixed. But you’re not entirely off the hook as a renter a lot of times either! Depending upon your landlord and the terms in your lease, you may be responsible for the cost of some repairs up to a certain dollar amount or type of repair. You may even be responsible for some maintenance and upkeep.

So if this is your reason, make sure you only agree to sign a lease that puts all of the responsibility and cost of repairs and maintenance on the landlord. That said, getting your landlord to take care of a problem can be tough. Some landlords hate paying for repairs and avoid it as much as possible. At least when you buy your own place you have control over what gets done, when it gets done, and can even choose to do things that make the place better and more enjoyable for you.

2) “It’s cheaper to rent…”

You’d think renting has to be cheaper than buying a home, but it’s not necessarily the case. It can be, but buying a home can also be cheaper than renting. It depends on rents in your area and what you could buy in your area. Don’t just assume that you couldn’t possibly buy a place of your own for less than what it would cost you to rent. Look into whether or not it’s true, especially with rents increasing so much and so quickly in the recent past.

3) “House prices are too high right now…”

Real estate prices almost always feel high and as if they couldn’t possibly go any higher. People in the 1970s could never have dreamed their house would be worth what it is today, and likely felt prices were too high back then. Same with people in the 1980s, the 1990s, early 2000s, etc. Eventually, the value of whatever you buy will be higher than it was when you bought it, even if you bought it at a peak. Sure, you could wait for a dip in the market and try to buy then, but that usually means other economic issues at stake may make it impossible for you to buy, or the cost will be higher in other ways, like interest rates.

4) “House values could go down and I’d lose money…”

If only you could look into a crystal ball and see the future, it’d be a lot easier to feel OK about buying a house. Well, that depends upon when in the future you looked of course! Because if you looked into the future you’d most likely see that it’s true that the home you bought is worth more money unless you happened to look at a brief period of time that values happened to go down. It’s true; they do. But the secret is to just not sell when they’re down if you don’t have to. Just hold on for a while and the values will not only bounce back, but they’ll exceed where they were before they took a dip.

On another note, think about how often do rents go down?! If the housing market takes a dip, do you think your rent will go down in the future?

5) “I need a bigger down payment…”

You do need some money for a down payment and to cover closing costs, but it may not be as much as you think. It certainly doesn’t have to be 20% of the value of the home you want to buy. It could be as low as 3% to 5% depending on the type of loan you apply for. A more significant down payment may be helpful in getting you a better rate or lowering your payments. But that takes time, and home prices or mortgage rates could go up while you’re saving, putting you as far out of reach as you started.

6) “I want the freedom to move…”

If you know you’re going to move in the near future or like to move frequently, then buying probably isn’t the best idea for you. But if you just don’t like the feeling of being tied down, you may want to think about buying rather than renting. After all, renting a place ties you down as well. You still have to sign a lease, and you may not even be allowed to break it or may have to pay a penalty or the remainder of the lease amount if you do move. If you own your own home, you can decide to sell it (or become a landlord and rent it out) whenever you want.

Hopefully, this gives you some food for thought. Whether you decide to rent or own a place of your own, you’re doing it having considered both sides of the coin! 

You can also try our calculator to compare your rent with owning a home for FREE.

Spring has officially sprung—which means we’re about to enter the busiest home-buying season of the year.

So, the question is—what, exactly, are homebuyers looking for this spring?

A recent data analysis from realtor.com identified some of the most sought-after home features buyers are searching for in 2022. Which features make the top of buyers’ wish lists you ask?

Some of 2022’s most popular home features include:

• Water features. With spring and summer on the way, people are getting excited to spend more time outdoors—and many of those people want to enjoy the outdoors with their very own water feature. Swimming pools topped the list of most searched terms on realtor.com in the early months of 2022—while hot tubs came in at #10.
• Waterfront views. Not only do people want water features, but they also want water views, as evidenced by some of the year’s most popular search terms, including river view (#2), waterfront (#3), beach (#6), and lake view (#14).
• Plenty of space. The COVID pandemic saw people spending more time at home than ever before. All that time at home created serious demand for more spacious homes—a trend that’s set to continue in 2022, with popular search terms like cathedral ceiling (#5), big lot (7), outbuilding (8), and library (12).

The Takeaway:

If you’re planning on selling your home, understanding what buyers are looking for is crucial. That way, you can frame your home in a way that highlights what buyers want—and (hopefully!) fetch top dollar in the process.

Divorce is never easy for anyone. Emotions are running high. Finances are in question. If you have a home, who gets it?

I’ve had many of my Halifax clients in this exact situation. And with the pandemic stretching well past a year, it was not surprising the rise in marital conflict.

March 2021 found that 15% of Canadians – both married and unmarried –had experience a break-up since the start of the pandemic. (Source)

Be smart about your divorce and avoid these four common mistakes couples make when selling their home in the heat of the moment (or I suppose the fire has completely died out at this point eh?).

SCENARIO #1: Disagreeing with the choice of agent simply because your ex recommended them

Let’s assume that your partner suggested an agent that they know personally. You are opposed as you feel that they will NOT have “your back” and will only work for your ex. As a Halifax agent it is our duty to remain neutral. We are representing you the homeowner, not one or the other.  You may see yourselves as separate entities, but we view you together as the homeowners. We are not there to pick sides or make side deals with you or your partner. Our job is to help facilitate the process by making the transaction as stress free and seamless as possible. And our goal is to sell the home quickly and for top dollar.

SCENARIO #2: I don’t trust that my ex won’t do something I disagree with

What if you don’t trust what your ex is telling the agent? You’re concerned that they are planning to do something without your knowledge? In a nutshell, THEY CAN’T.  When selling the matrimonial home, all documents require a signature from each partner. No side deals. No secret documents. 

To put your mind at ease, documents should include the following:

• Listing Paperwork
• Price changes of any kind; Any change for that matter
• Offers received on the property

You both MUST sign all appropriate forms and documents.  For there to be an agreement or for anything to be legally binding The Halifax, Nova Scotia Trading Real Estate Act requires this.

SCENARIO #3: I do not agree with the listing price

Worried that your partner’s friend will do something about the pricing? Consider hiring an appraiser. In Halifax this will run you upwards of $500, but the peace of mind will be worth every penny. They are a neutral third party who will truly be unbiased.

SCENARIO #4: I don’t want my ex to get all the funds. How can I be sure that this does not happen? 

For any real estate transaction, the money from the sale is directly paid first to your real estate lawyer. The money is held in a trust account and can be divided between both parties once it closes. The only time this would not be the case would be if:

• There is a Court Order instructing the lawyer as to who gets what, or
• A finalized separation agreement exists, which is agreed to, and signed by, both parties and both family lawyers. In this case all parties must have agreed on exactly who gets what funds.

Those documents would be accompanied with a Letter of Direction to the Real Estate Lawyer from your Divorce Lawyer.

Regardless of how persuasive you might be or how persuasive you fear your spouse can be, the Real Estate Lawyer will hold all funds in Trust until the above criteria are met.

Real Estate Agents to the rescue

As an agent who has been divorced, I understand that my job isn’t just to sell the house. Even if one spouse is more stressful to deal with, my job is to communicate fairly, professionally, and equally with both spouses. You are both my clients.

I will facilitate communication between you both and to de-escalate the tension, if necessary. Ultimately, I need to keep you focused on the goal of selling your home and keeping tensions down, so you are both able to make important decisions regarding the sale of the property.

I was a classic 80s teen and LOVED almost every genre of music.  Almost every situation had its own song.  From broken hearts to fun times, you knew what song fit the occasion. Music was the perfect way to say how you feel without saying it to someone’s face.  

Imagine the scenario if you will, you just found out your BFF (allegedly) used another agent to sell their home.  You are devasted.  Your heart has been ripped from your chest?  What songs come to mind?

Dig out your old Walkman, slip those foam-covered earphones on, and feel all the feels by reading through the universal thoughts an agent has when someone close to them works with another agent…

1. Culture Club – Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?
   Is that what you wanted? To hurt me?! To make me cry?! Well, whether you meant to or not…you did.
2. Bonnie Tyler – Total Eclipse of the Heart
   Just so you know, I’m totally fallin’ apart over here. Sure, I might put on a good face and look like it doesn’t bother me, but my heart is just broken.
3. Biz Markie – Just A Friend
   Oh sure, I get it, your friend just got their real estate license and you feel like you needed to give him some business. I mean, OK, I get it. But I thought we had something together. What about me needing the business? Would it help if I said I just got my license?
4. Mr. Mister – Broken Wings
   Just so you know, this doesn’t have to break our relationship for good. We can mend it. It might take time, but we can get there. (Although if you sent me a referral, it’d speed the process up a bit I think!)
5. Simply Red – If You Don’t Know Me By Now
   I’m sorry, I know I just said we could mend things, but it still hurts. I gotta say that I thought, after all these years, you understood how much it means to me to work with my closest friends and family. I feel like if you don’t know that by now, you might never truly understand…
6. Twisted Sister – We’re Not Gonna Take It
   I’m really struggling with how I feel over here. Now I feel like I need to just scream at you! Well, I’d never do that, so I’ll let Dee Snider do it for me instead!
7. Culture Club – Karma Chameleon
   I always thought I knew your true colors and that you were a true friend to me, but now I’m feeling like you just come and go when it’s convenient for you. Well, as they say “Karma’s a…”
8. The Clash – Should I Stay or Should I Go
   Look, if you just want me off your back, fine, just let me know. I’ll stick around if you want, but I’m not going to chase you either.
9. Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up
   You deserve to be Rickrolled for using another agent! I might sound like I’m talking all tough, but if I’m being honest, I can’t…and I’m never gonna…give you up.
10. Blondie – Call Me
    I know you say you know how busy I am and didn’t want to bother me. But seriously, next time call me! Any time, day or night! I thought you knew that…but I guess not. Or was just that a convenient excuse?!

First of all, it’s difficult to quantify how much, if anything, solar panels add to the bottom line when you sell your house. But more importantly, they could limit your pool of buyers considerably for a few reasons:

• Some buyers just aren’t into how they look on a house… You could argue that it’s awful for a buyer to judge them based upon aesthetics, but buyers turn their noses up at houses for even a paint color they don’t like which they could easily change.
• It might cost them… If you leased the system, they could be on the hook for the remaining term of the lease, or have to sign a new lease with the company that installed and owns the system.
• Maintaining them… It’s hard for buyers to fully know how much solar panels will cost to upkeep. Plus, they often wonder if it will have an impact on the roof and potential leaks. Even if it doesn’t, when they do have to replace a roof, they have to consider the added cost of dealing with removal and replacement of the panels.

But the reality is, there’s a good chance you’ll hear a solar salesperson tell you that it will add value to the home. Ask them for the data that backs up the claim, and make sure the data is specific to your area. In all likelihood, anything they can point to will be general and broad strokes. It would be highly unlikely that a solar salesperson would be able to accurately assess exactly how much value it would add to your home.

The Takeaway:

Perhaps someday every home will have solar power, but at this point that isn’t the case.

The demand and appeal for solar panels will vary depending upon where you live, the local market conditions overall, and the mindset of the buyers in your area.

So if you’re concerned about how much solar panels will add or detract from the value or saleability of your home, speak to your local real estate agent (ahem!) before committing to putting them on your house. A local agent can advise you on how well-received solar panels are by buyers in your area, and price range, and help you assess how much it will add to the value of your home, if anything.

Do-it-yourself projects are in vogue these days. From HGTV and Pinterest to Instagram, you can find advice online for everything from investing in crypto-currency to renovating the kitchen.

And while there are many pros like saving money and many projects that are perfect to ‘do-it-yourself’ and don’t really require a professional, selling your home isn’t one of them.

We know that when considering your costs to move, everything comes into play, including commissions for real estate agents. While a good agent will make it look like selling your home can be effortlessly completed, selling it yourself may not be the same.

Learn 6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Sell Your Home Without a Real Estate Agent

1. The Safety of Your Home and Family is a Priority: We control access to your home. Our lockboxes here in Halifax are all blue tooth accessible; That way we know when the box is opened and who is entering at all times.
2. Buyers Start their Search Online: An experienced listing agent will market your home aggressively online, which is where the buyers are searching. They have access to target demographics and advanced marketing tools to set your home apart from the competition.
3. The Buyer Might Not be Qualified: Given our competitive market, a buyer agent will have their clients preapproved with a mortgage broker and will not waste time with those who are not prepared.
4. Negotiation: For most, selling your home is very personal. As a listing agent, we are unbiased and can complete a sale that is in your best interest without an emotional attachment interfering.
5. You Could Expose Yourself to Liability: Required disclosures and paperwork for a home sale are extensive; unless you plan to use an attorney, you could miss critical disclosures and expose yourself to financial harm.
6. Get a Better Return on Your Investment: Sellers typically net more money when they use an agent versus when they try to do it themselves.

Thinking of selling your home? Work with a professional real estate agent to sell your home faster and get the best return on your investment.  

Meet our team. We’re ready to help enjoy selling your home.

If you’re in the market to buy your first home in this market, it’s probably felt like an uphill battle. There aren’t a lot of houses to choose from, and the minute a house gets listed there are a ton of offers to compete against.

Adding to the stress, now you’re probably worrying about the news that interest rates are going up and you’re hoping to scoop up a house before rates go up too high and make buying a house even less affordable.

But then there’s the news about pending home sales dropping over the past couple of months, which may sound hopeful to buyers. 

Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Are buyers putting on the brakes and waiting to see if house prices come down due to rates rising? Should you wait and try to time the market?

All understandable questions buyers may be thinking about but speculating and trying to time the market is a gamble that may not pay off as one would hope.

3 reasons why you might not want to try to time the market:

1. Even if interest rates go up, prices may not come down enough to make buying a house cost less.
2. Inventory won’t likely increase enough to outpace demand. That can only be solved by either more houses being built, or more Baby Boomers listing their houses, which hasn’t happened as anticipated.
3. Trying to time the real estate market is almost impossible for even a seasoned real estate investor, let alone an average homebuyer or first-time homebuyer.

So, timing may not be the best bet, but time itself can be on your side as a first-time buyer in any market, but especially in this one. 

Part of the reason why there are so few homes for sale, and pending sales have dropped over the past few months, is due to the fact that many homeowners worry about where they’ll move to if they sell their house. Think about your concerns as a first-time buyer having to find a house to begin with, and then hope you can beat out a bunch of other buyers. That concern is even greater for someone who already owns a house. Even if they truly want to move, it can be scary to pull the trigger and list their house because they have legitimate concerns that they won’t be able to find and buy another house.

This is where you, as a first-time buyer, have an advantage. Most sellers would love to have time on their side to look for a home once they get their house under contract. Sure, they want as much money as they can get for their house, but time to look for a house can be more valuable than a higher offer another buyer makes. 

The Takeaway

Rather than put your house hunting on hold and speculating that prices will come down, or that more inventory will magically appear, focus on what you have to offer that other buyers can’t offer to a seller—as much time as they need to find a house to buy.

This doesn’t mean you can get away with a lowball offer against other buyers, but it can give you the upper hand. So, consider writing terms into your offers that give the seller as much time as they need to find a house.

 And perhaps your real estate agent can even use your ability to wait as a reason to reach out to their network of past clients and other agents. There’s no guarantee, but he or she might be able to find a seller who hasn’t listed their house because they’re concerned about timing. It could be just the right thing that gets a hesitant homeowner to sell and gets you your new home!

Take a look at some listings on the market.

The most important thing on every seller’s mind is the listing price. No one wants to leave money on the table by pricing a home too low. At the same time, pricing the home too high will also likely result in lost dollars either from wasting valuable time on the market or once stale, selling for below market value in desperation. Getting a professional appraisal ahead of time might seem like the solution, but is it?

An appraisal can be defined as an opinion of value at a given moment in time. If you are in an ascending market where listings are selling quickly, the appraiser can only use closed sales as a reference in the appraisal, so you might be tempted to list too low for the market, but not accounting for the increase in sales activity and prices. Contrarily if the market is slow and prices are declining, an appraisal received in May could be too high for the erosion of prices seen over the summer, and your listing will be overpriced for the reality of the neighborhood.

More than just these scenarios, a pre-listing appraisal means nothing to the buyer or their lender. They will still use market data to write their offer and their lender will order a new appraisal regardless. While you can reference your appraisal in negotiations, the buyers will still only offer what the property is worth to them and you might miss out on a great deal by trying to stick to your price.

In the end, a pre-listing appraisal is probably a waste of time and money. Your agent has access to the latest market data and can show you the same comparable properties the appraiser would use. Find a good local agent you trust and work with them to price your home correctly.

When you sell your home, you want to sell it as quickly (and profitably!) as possible. And, depending on the state of your property, that may mean making a few upgrades before you put it on the market.

But what upgrades can actually help you sell your home more quickly?

*Study from homeownership resource Knock

Upgrades that can help homes sell more quickly than others include:

1. Repainting kitchen cabinets. Adding a fresh coat of paint to kitchen cabinets costs, on average, $1,319—but according to Knock’s analysis, it can help a home sell a whopping 10 days faster than homeowners who choose not to repaint shabby cabinetry.

1. Remodeling the bathroom shower. Remodeling a bathroom shower will cost, on average, $1,043—but it can also help you sell your home 9 days faster, which makes it worth the investment.
2. Refreshing the backsplash. If you’re looking for an upgrade that’s going to deliver serious results for a relatively minor investment, consider refreshing your kitchen backsplash. The improvement costs, on average, $641—but can help you sell your home 9 days faster than homeowners who choose not to upgrade their backsplash.

The Takeaway:

Taking the time to upgrade your home before you list can help you save time on the market, saving you money on mortgage payments, taxes, and utility bills. Also, the longer your house is on the market, the less likely you’ll get your asking price (or above)! So, make sure to make any necessary upgrades before putting your home on the market.

Military Moves from Halifax.

Are you being posted in 2022?  Where are you being posted? If you are being posted to Ontario, will it be in the cites of Trenton, Kingston or maybe Borden? 

3 amazing cities that are always host to many DND families.  Today we interview local agents to get the scoop on what to expect.

Meet Lorraine O’Quinn from Trenton.  Jane Furter of Kingston and Linda Knight of Borden.

We all know that 2021 was an anomaly for real estate, not only in NS but in most of Canada. Record sales were met locally with properties selling up to and over $100k of listing price. The population grew from 413 000 people in 2020 to 439 819 in 2021. All of NS from 2020-2021 saw an increase of 58 234.

What is in the cards for us in 2022? Depending on who you speak with, some say that the market is slowing down, and we will actually be in more of a balanced market. Others believe that we will continue to grow.

I took the time to interview a group of brokers who are engaging with their office agents each day to get their opinions. Introducing Pam Cherington of Red Door Realty. Marc Doucette of Royal LePage Atlantic. Adam Hennigar of Sutton Professionals. Linda Smardon of Exit Metro.

Do you have a neighbor that annoys you? The chances are, you do! According to this REALTOR Magazine article, a recent survey done by Lending Tree revealed that 75% of people don’t like their neighbor.

What bugs people about their neighbors the most? Take your pick:

• They give off a “weird vibe” (28%)
• They’re too loud (27%)
• They’re rude (27%)
• Disruptive pets (17%)
• They’re nosy (16%)
• They don’t maintain their home (16%)
• Unruly kids (13%)
• Guests park in front of their home or in their spot (13%)
• They’re smokers and the smell is bothersome (11%)
• Disagree with political views (4%)
• They rent their house out short-term (3%)

So if you have a neighbor that annoys you for any of those reasons, just know that you’re not alone. But simply knowing that doesn’t make it any better, so here are a few tips on how to avoid or deal with neighbors you don’t get along with.

1. Try before you buy

   Before you buy or rent a place, take a walk around the neighborhood during the time people will likely be outside. Get a feel for how they greet you…or don’t greet you. Chat with the neighbors you’ll potentially live directly next to if possible, and see what they’re like. Walk around and just watch and listen to what goes on in the area. If possible, do this on different days and times to get a more thorough feel.

2. Be pleasant and friendly

   Most people aren’t going to intentionally annoy someone who’s pleasant and friendly with them. Whether you like them or not, just being nice can go a long way in getting them to treat you nicely. And if they do something that bothers you, it’ll be easier to have a conversation and resolve the issue.

3. Avoid them

   People complain about how everybody is so busy nowadays, and even when they’re home, they spend all their time inside. So, you can probably live on the same street or in the same neighborhood as someone and not interact all that much. So if you don’t see eye to eye with someone, just do your best to avoid having to even lay eyes on them as much as possible.

4. Have a chat

   If you have a problem with a neighbor and can’t avoid them or the issue, don’t come at them aggressively. Bring up what bothers you in a diplomatic way. See how they react before you presume they’ll be defensive or argumentative. They may have no clue that they do something that bugs you, and they might be willing to do whatever it takes to keep the peace.

5. Put it in writing

   If you have a chat and it doesn’t go over well, or the problem persists, see if what they’re doing violates any local laws or ordinances. If it does, let them know that you’d prefer to avoid reporting the behavior to authorities, but will if it continues. Putting it in writing puts them on notice that you’re serious. But, it is a serious step, so only do this if it’s intolerable, because it’ll be hard to be on friendly terms at all afterwards. The best outcome you can hope for going this route is that they cease the behavior, but you still won’t be on good terms.

6. Call the authorities

   If it persists or escalates, you may just have to call the police or local authorities to step in.

7. Maybe move

   The last resort is to just move. If you don’t feel safe or comfortable, definitely consider moving. But if it’s just not ideal, and you wish you had better neighbors, think twice about moving. As you can see by the results of the survey, the chances are, even if you move somewhere else there’s a good chance you’ll have a neighbor you won’t like.

The Takeaway:

As statistics show, there’s a good chance you won’t like a neighbor wherever you move, which also means there’s a good chance one of your neighbors won’t like you. Even if you live on a one-way street, being a good neighbor is a two-way street. As much as a neighbor might annoy you, you could be doing something to annoy them. So think about how you’d want to be treated if that were the case, and treat your neighbors similarly. Try to handle your grievances with diplomacy, respect, and understanding.

Do you know the three limitations that come with doing your most active looking during periods of the year where real estate is traditionally quiet? Do you know what the off-seasons are? Let’s discuss.

COVID has made the home office a must-have item. Even as things are slowly returning to the ‘new norm’, remote work is here to stay and will continue to increase through 2023.

So, if you’re moving to a more permanent remote work situation, you need to start investing in your home office to avoid burnout and boost your productivity.

Here are 5 tips to help you get the home office of your dreams:

1. Pick The Perfect Spot 

If you're short on space, you’ve probably dedicated the kitchen table as your work area. This may have been alright for a few months, but forever? Maybe placing a table in front of a window in your bedroom might work better? Likely you want a dedicated spot just for work. For those with more space (and maybe kids), you might have to choose between complete silence and isolation or hectic surroundings. Test both spots before you decide on what area to make into an office. 

2. Give Yourself A View  

If possible, opt for a spot with a view.  Even if you are just looking at your front yard, the natural sunlight will benefit you and your space. If the secluded place you’ve picked for yourself doesn’t have a window, freshen up the walls with a bright new colour, add a piece of artwork or bring in a few plants to liven up the space. Consider checking out peel and stick wallpaper. It is not very expensive and super easy to apply to walls. AND, you have the added bonus of being able to create a “feature” wall without damaging the walls themselves. Peel and stick is just as easy to remove as it is to install.  Get tired of the look? Change it up with a different peel and stick wallpaper.

3. Get A Great Chair 

Every great office needs a great chair. One that is comfortable, ergonomically correct, and the right size for your desk. Spend the few extra bucks and shop online for a suitable office chair. Remember, the mind can only absorb what the rear end can endure! Ask your workplace if they’re willing to invest in proper equipment too and you just might be able to expense or have it provided at no cost to you!

4. Light Up Your Space 

Make sure your office has suitable light. Natural light is best but if that isn’t possible, have overhead lighting or a small desk lamp to do the trick. Some people prefer lamp light to overhead light. Take some moments to determine your preferences. Your eyes will thank you later. This is also important for all those Zoom or Teams conference calls you’re sure to be joining.

5. Add Personal Touches  

Whatever inspires you, put it into your office. It could be quotes, pictures or small trinkets. Anything to add a little personality to your space is perfect. A perfect excuse to hop on Pinterest and get some DIY inspiration.

6. Keep Your Background In Mind

Having said the above, do keep in mind that when you are on those video calls, your background is very visible. Some programs allow you to blur the background, but some items are still visible. Use a mirror to get a good handle on what your background looks like. If you have the room, you may want to put up a nice bookshelf where you can curate items that reflect your work image. Check the lighting for those video shots too. What you enjoy while working at your desk may cast shadows on the camera. If there is a window behind you, consider drawing a blind or adding sheers so that your key statements are not lost while your audience watch your neighbours through the window. Windows can also create back lighting which bleach out your features.

Taking time to ensure you have a proper workspace that will foster inspiration, calmness, and productivity. It can be the big things like the space and comfy chair to a fresh plant, scented candle or like me an unlimited supply of pens (who else agrees pens are like socks – ALWAYS going missing in my OWN home!). Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Dear Real Estate,

Remember when we first got together? People didn’t think we’d last. Maybe they didn’t always say it, but they thought it.

“You could do so much better. Why would you be a real estate agent?”

“What’s your back-up plan?”

“You should get a real job…”

I’m sure they were well-intentioned. But I ignored them.

There were times, though, when even I wondered if you were worth the chase. You do tend to play hard to get. Not even sure you know you’re that way. But maybe you do. Maybe you just wanted to see how much I really cared.

I’ve come to love and appreciate that about you. If you were too easy, our relationship wouldn’t be so rewarding…and my love and respect wouldn’t be so deep.

Who knows, maybe I’d have scrammed when times got tough.

We jumped right into marriage

I’m glad we jumped right into marriage. If we’d just dated—if I’d kept my options open—we probably wouldn’t be where we are today. Commitment was a good thing.

For better or for worse…

We’ve certainly had our share of worse, right Real Estate? You remember 2005-2010, don’t you? Those were some tough years. You were sluggish. Money was tight. Things just didn’t seem right.

But we stuck it out. And we’re better and stronger because of those years. And I’m sure we’ll go through times like that again. We’ll be OK.

To me, you were never a one night stand

Not just anybody can see the depth of your beauty. Takes a special type. It’s weird how some people look at you like the “love ‘em and leave ‘em” type. You’re not… necessarily. But if that’s how someone treats you, you’re cool with it. The truth is, you’ll love anyone.

And you do. You have millions of lovers. Some new, some old. Some will come and go, some will be with you forever.

Used to bug me. Thought we had something special. But I’ve come to terms with it. I know many will be nothing but a quick fling. They won’t truly love you and will be out the door quickly. Nothing wrong with that. Things happen. Sometimes relationships don’t work.

I’m totally fine sharing you with others. I just hope they love and respect you as much as I do.

They say you’re moody

I get a little defensive when people say you’re in one of your moods. Sure, you have your ups and downs. Who doesn’t?

But it’s not you… it’s them. You’re never going to be perfect to everyone at every moment. Someone’s always gonna have something to say about you. But I dig that you ignore what everyone’s saying and how you just keep on being you.

Don’t get me wrong, I know we’ve had a few spats over the years. But now that I get that you’re not the boss of me, any more than I can tell you what to do or when, we almost never disagree.

But sometimes I wish you wouldn’t go around looking so sexy. Every time I hear people saying how hot Real Estate is right now, I can’t help but to question their motives in my own protective little way.

It’s not about the number of transactions

When I was younger, I never really got what people meant when they’d say that love grows deeper over time. But now I realize it does. It evolves.

I’m not sure about you, but for me, early on it was all about having as many transactions a month as possible. Heck, I was always hoping for multiple transactions in a day!

But the honeymoon is over. It’s not about the quantity for me anymore. It’s about the quality of the transactions. And don’t take that as me saying I’m “settling” for quality… I just yearn for quality more than quantity is all.

(But hey, don’t get me wrong… I’ll take as many quality transactions as I can get! Just sayin’…)

It’s not you, it’s…

There’s a lot of reasons people get angry at each other and break up. With you, I think it’s typically over money issues. Or, about not having enough transactions. They kinda go hand in hand.

You do stress people out.

Dragging you to counselling isn’t gonna work, though. It’s on them to make the relationship work. You couldn’t be more flexible, understanding, or accepting.

Maybe it’d be best if they just spent some quiet alone-time with you.

Real Estate, it’s not you when things are aggravating. It’s not you that causes the stress, the worry, the wasted time, and ups and downs. It’s people that cause these things…

It’s other agents. It’s buyers and sellers. It’s appraisers, attorneys, inspectors, and lenders.

It’s the economy.

It’s how they all interact and affect each other.

But deep down it’s not you, Real Estate.

Over the years, I’ve learned to help people understand you better. Calm them and help them see you for what you are. Help them love you as much as I do and deal with you as you are, not as they want you to be. And ideally, I help them all deal with each other with love and respect and an understanding that we all have a relationship with you, and we all need to get along.

To marry you is to marry your family

To marry you is to marry your whole family… and each and every one of their quirky ways.

Speaking of which, if another one of your relatives says, “You still doin’ Real Estate?” one more time… Don’t they know it’s more than that with us!?

But I’ve learned that it’s important to love them all, even if they are difficult to like at times. But I certainly have my favorites to sit next to at the holidays.

But at times, it seems we’re always around other people…

Alone time, just me and you

Whether it’s clients, inspectors, appraisers, attorneys, or other agents–the family of people it takes for us to get anything done–the busy-ness can get in the way of remembering what it is I love about you.

It’s funny though, isn’t it? When we’re alone, I just can’t wait to be around everyone, anyone…to be busy again. And then the noise, the motion and commotion of it all, gets in the way of seeing you for everything you are and could be.

So, sometimes it’s just plain good to sit down and be alone with you, and let you know I am constantly thinking about you and working on “us”. It’s good for you to know, but more importantly it’s good for me to remember.

And as we ride off into the sunset, I recognize your free spirit, and that’s a good thing.

Because ultimately, your love is meant to be shared with the world. We’re nothing without others.

Somehow, some way, no matter who you are, how long you’ve been in the business, or where you do business, there are certain phrases every agent hears (or utters) when interacting with other agents.

At face value, an outsider may think they mean exactly what the words are saying, but after you’ve been around the real estate block a time or two, you get to know what certain phrases really mean.

Let’s take a look at 7 common phrases a listing agent hears from a buyer’s agent, and how it translates to an agent once they know how to read between the lines:

1) “My clients are well qualified.”

This is usually just a quick little phrase a buyer’s agent drops in conversation with a listing agent to dance around the one thing everyone wants to know—how much their buyer is offering. It’s presumed that the buyer is well qualified for the house; otherwise, why would you even be coming in with an offer…

Translation: So you’re saying their offer’s probably gonna suck, right?

2) “My clients could buy this cash if they wanted to.”

There are a number of reasons why this would come out of an agent’s mouth. But it’s usually in response to the listing agent questioning or pushing back on a low down payment, a low offer, or their pre-approval letter.

Translation: But they’re not…and probably actually couldn’t…so why are you bringing it up?

3) “My client’s initial offer is…”

This comes out a millisecond before the buyer’s agent tells you the actual amount the buyer is offering. And in that millisecond, an agent who knows a thing or two knows way more than they should…

Translation: First of all, your client’s offer is probably coming in way low, you don’t agree with how much your client is initially offering, and they’re willing to offer more.

4) “My buyer will accept the house as-is.”

Sounds like the buyer’s gonna be totally cool, and this will be a smooth transaction! No need to worry about any home inspection issues!

Translation: Your buyer is 100% going to ask for every single thing to be repaired that the inspector finds, including the squeaky hinge on the bedroom closet door.

5) “In my experience…”

This could also come out more specifically as, “In my 13 years as an agent…”, but this is a nicer, gentler way of saying it. It can come out at any given moment in a transaction, from the initial offer, all the way to the closing table, and applied to any number of issues.

Translation: You don’t agree with what I’m saying, and you want to establish dominance and get your way by playing the years-in-business card. (FWIW, the picture on that card probably hasn’t been updated any more recently than your actual business card headshot.)

6) “I look forward to working with you on this transaction.”

This one’s tricky in that there are two distinct times you’re most likely to hear this. It could be as you’re submitting an offer, or right after they find out their buyer’s offer was accepted. Who’d question such a basic, genuine-sounding sentence? An experienced agent, that’s who!

Translation(s): If it’s said as the offer is being submitted, there’s a good chance the agent is puffing up the offer a bit with a little “presumption”, as if they’re so confident in their client’s offer, even though it’s not all that great. If it’s said after all negotiations are done, and the offer is accepted, there’s a good chance it literally means the opposite and that they are in no way looking forward to working with you, but let’s just do this and get it over with.

7) “Are you happy with your current broker?”

You’d probably think they’re asking because they’re wondering if your company is great and if they should consider working there as well.

Translation: I’m about to recruit the ever-living hell out of you!

Enjoy your giggles

Halifax Real Estate : Are we in a bubble?

Today I met with Leanne Myles a local mortgage broker from Team Clinton, as well as Kelly Brown, a local agent with Keller Williams.

When you have to sell your home in order to purchase, it can be very tricky. More often than not, your offer may not be accepted. Is it possible not to have to sell to purchase? YES, it can be done.

We have been working with Leanne for several years, have a listen to find out how she can assist you. Thank you so much for stopping by our site.

Have you been thinking about buying a new home in the Halifax? Don’t feel you have to wait until the spring to start looking. There are some solid reasons to start your hunt in the Halifax Real Estate market during the winter.  In fact, here are 5 Reasons Why Buying a Home in the Winter Can Save You Time and Money.

• Lower Purchase Prices – Many people do not want to deal with the boots, and the snow by putting their homes on the market in the winter, so you must think that winter sellers have a strong reason to be selling. That generally means they are very motivated to sell. Often, they have had an unexpected change in their lives like a job transfer, new baby coming etc. so they need to sell quickly. That means a reasonable price for you.

• More Room for Negotiation – Who wants to leave their toasty home and head out into the cold for a few hours while a showing is taking place? Sellers always want their homes to sell quickly, but this is even more so in winter. That gives you the edge when it comes to negotiating a fair price.

• Less Competition – Homeowners are not the only ones who are not thrilled about going out into the cold. Buyers are scarcer during the winter months as well. Agents often hear their buyers want to “take a break” over the winter. This could be an opportunity for the savvy home buyer who realizes there is less competition, which can work nicely in your favour.

• Catch Expensive Problems Early – Several larger home issues are more apparent in the winter. You can readily see if that melting snow is sloping towards the property which can results in leaks. Melting snow is also a great indicator of roof issues and eavestrough damage. Snowstorms or cold days can alert you to drafts, poor windows, warping doors, insulation deficits, and HVAC challenges, to name a few.

• Higher Availability of Services - Realtors, contractors, banks, etc. are all very busy in spring and summer when most people are making home purchases. Statistics show that if you buy your home in the winter you get better service and more attention from every professional you need to work with to close your deal. Also, since contractors have less work in the winter months, you likely can get any internal renovations done faster, and cheaper, than waiting until the spring. You might even consider connecting with landscapers during the winter to set your plans for first thing in the spring.

As you can see, there is no bad time to consider purchasing a home in the Halifax Real Estate market. To get an idea of what is on the market, consider asking your Agent about Halifax MLS listings, Realtor.ca, and also about exclusive listings. Never underestimate putting your home buying thoughts into your conversations as you may hear about homes for sale by owners. Even if the owner is not being represented by an Agent, you can still be protected in the process by connecting with an Agent.

How Appraisers Determine Value

Once a buyer and seller agree on a sales price, the contract is then sent to the lender for the loan approval process. One of the first things the lender will do is to order an independent appraisal. The appraiser will use local data to determine a value for the subject property. The main purpose is to protect the lender in the event of borrower default by ensuring that the property is actually worth what the buyer is willing to pay, but this also protects the buyer from over-paying as well.

Determining Value

The process appraiser use to determine value is relatively simple. They start by searching for local comparable properties which have closed recently. They choose the 2 or 3 which most closely match the subject property and use them for comparison. Since these comparable homes have closed recently, they are assumed to represent market value. Once the appraiser has the comparable properties identified, they will then compare the subject property to them. They will add or subtract value for size, location, amenities, features, upgrades and so on until they have a value for the subject property. This is then reported to the lender in the form of a final appraisal.

Today's topic is about our current market conditions and our thoughts about the 2022 real estate market. Currently it is projected that we will be down by 16% in 2022. Has this trend started?

Personally, I have noticed that since July, showings are down as well as offers that I am receiving are not as aggressive as they were during the spring market. While YTD we have 1000 more units sold than this time last year, however the last 2 months, sales are down by 100 units. What are your thoughts of 2022? Will you sell or buy?

Change in the Market Place

 Today's panel discusses the latest trends of our market.  In some areas it has slowed down tremendously. Showings are less frequent.  Multiple offers have gone from 20 to maybe 2, or nonexistent. Houses are taking a little longer to sell.

What is the cause of the trend?

• Time of year
• Covid Restrictions
• Buyer Fatigue

Will the trend continue, or will Halifax see another spike?

Meet Thomas Bagogloo of Remax.  Richard Payne of EXP.  Adam Hennigar of Sutton and of course your host me, Sandra Pike of Royal LePage.

300ft of Ocean Front is calling your name

75 Old Ferry Wharf, Port La Tour, NS B0W 2T0

Do any of these adjectives  ring a bell? Have you been longing for a home where you sit on the porch, breathe in smell of the salty air while contemplating the meaning of life over your morning coffee? Sounds like pure bliss right?  We are so excited to bring to market this Pre Confederation home.  Built by Ebenzer Snow in 1860, it has become fondly remembered as Fran's Hill where most adults hold onto childhood memories of  sledding during the winter

Click here for more info:   https://www.75oldferrywharf.ca/

Sandra Pike has a background in marketing, and it’s obvious.

She entered the realty industry eight years ago, after working in a variety of fields. Her pursuits included law enforcement, group home counselling and franchise ownership before breaking into the realty industry as an advertising sales representative.  It didn’t take long before she realized that what she really needed to do, was become an agent herself.

So, she did…with gusto.

If you mention Sandra or her brand persona, ‘Deals in Heels’ to anyone in the Halifax region, they’ll know who you mean. Chances are, they, or someone they know, has recently worked with her to buy or sell their home.

It wasn’t always an easy road though.

At first, Sandra’s forward-thinking approach to real estate marketing had many in the industry scratching their heads.  Despite this doubt, Sandra forged into the unknown, and created a path that has helped her become one of the most well-known real estate agents in the area.  Her tenacity has led to multiple speaking opportunities, recognition on a national and international level and the creation of a highly successful team of her own, The Pike Group.

So, what is her secret, you may ask?

Well, as Sandra says, “it’s social”.

Social media, that is.  When she entered the industry, she started sharing any and all accomplishments on her social media platforms.  Her ‘centre of influence’; family, friends and close acquaintances took it from there and shared these achievements.  This was all it took to get the ball rolling.  From there, she began adding custom graphics and positioning to her posts. This attracted more engagement and a growing following. Leading to a referral frenzy that continues to fuel her business today.

It took four years in the industry to build up the courage to launch her brand persona, ‘Deals in Heels’. As an avid shoe lover and collector, this persona allowed Sandra to connect with potential clients on a personal level, one that was authentic to her, and it worked.

 

“Branding is your connection to yourself and your clients.”  Sandra says in reference to her brand persona, Deals in Heels.

A consummate trend setter, Sandra began introducing selfies, virtual walk throughs, entertaining video segments and drone incorporation in her listings.

She was disrupting the Halifax real estate market and people were noticing. Lots of people, including executives at Facebook, who contacted her to become the first realtor in the world to initiate their artificial intelligence chatbox program on her website.

To stay top of mind, Sandra and her team use a mix of platforms to engage with their clients.

She treats Facebook as her storefront, where she posts new listings, events she is hosting and an ever-mounting number of success stories.  Instagram is her relationship building portal, where she shows her personality through authentic content, infused with nods to mainstream fashion and fun video segments.

As her team grows, Sandra accredits consistency and industry leading service standards to their continued success.  Her authentic approach to her business, her brand and her life, is apparent in her success.

Success, not only as a real estate agent, but also as a social media disruptor, industry trend setter, educator and overall Powerhouse, in heels.

SANDRA PIKE, FOUNDER, THE PIKE GROUP

In 2010, Sandra joined a boutique Real Estate Brokerage and hit the ground running in her signature high heels. In 2011, she won the Rookie of the Year Award. She joined Royal LePage Atlantic in 2014. Three short years later, Sandra was one of the Top Selling Agents in Nova Scotia, and in the top 1% nationally. Her attention to detail and follow-up, networking and systems approach to home sales powered her sales successes. “I’m a hunter and a hard worker. I always had three jobs, when I was growing up. Those experiences define who I am today,” the Halifax REALTOR® says. 

One of the reasons Sandra is so successful is that her social media smarts are virtually unparalleled on the east coast, maybe even the rest of Canada. In 2017 BOMB BOMB chose Sandra as a Top 5 Video Influencer for Real Estate in Canada and the U.S. She was also an International Social Media Presenter at a real estate convention in Las Vegas attended by 6,000 realtors. As well, in 2017, Sandra was the first Real Estate Agent in the world to align with Facebook Messenger, by having the Messenger App on her websites. By 2018 she was one of the Top 3 users of this real-time communication through artificial intelligence of Chat Bots. 

Using digital magazines, which include live links to her current listings, Sandra is most excited about her most recent social media initiative - YouTube videos, highlighting her high-end listings. “It’s more of a lifestyle video than the typical virtual walk through. My YouTube channel allows me to put my advertising, PR and marketing skills to work for my clients, in a fun and innovative way. I challenged myself to move beyond boring, static, statistical information and to connect with my prospective purchasers in a truly emotional way before they even walk through the front door. Social media is a very important marketing tool, especially because many of today’s purchasers start their search online,” the Halifax REALTOR® says. 

Mike S., a satisfied client agrees. “Sandra is…a social marketing guru who will get your house sold in no time. She checks in weekly to give a status updates and is always there for any questions. We are on our third home sale/purchase with Sandra.” 

Sandra is also committed to transparency. This has led her to systematize her Real Estate service. In addition to staging her clients’ homes for sale, and professional photography, all of her vendors receive a schedule of advertising so that they know exactly what to expect, and when. 

Clients are also updated on the status of their listings, including viewings, through her weekly, “Stay in Touch Program.” Her “Market Report” keeps clients up to date on what’s happening in their neighbourhoods, including anything that is listed or sold. “I do everything I can think of to ensure my vendors always know exactly what I am doing for them, and when,” she adds.

Shawn and Crystal, two other satisfied clients, agree. “We strongly believe that Sandra’s creative marketing approaches, knowledge of the market and her enthusiasm is what helped sell our home within the first week of being listed…” As do clients Michael and Christina, “…(Sandra) was always available for discussion and she promoted open and consistent communication. You can tell that she is passionate about what she is doing, and it shows in her results. After just five days on the market our house was sold, and we feel that it was a seamless process with Sandra’s help.”

Sandra understands the power of networking and has developed many close working relationships with Real Estate colleagues in other provinces - in the last few months alone she has sold property to two different clients from Toronto, Ontario. “In the last year I have received 31 referrals, the year before it was 27. This is a win/win/win for everyone, especially my vendors,” the Halifax REALTOR® says.

According to Sandra, professional coaching has also made a difference in her business. “I don’t treat Real Estate like a hobby nor do I leave my business to chance. I invest in my business and myself. I’ve made changes since beginning my career and I expect to keep making them, because what worked yesterday may not work today. I’m constantly innovating to stay on top of my game,” Sandra says.

“I love being an entrepreneur. I also love the fact that my clients trust me to do the right thing with what is often their biggest asset or their biggest purchase. I am also very close to, and enjoy spending quality time with, my parents. My mother worked in a fish plant and my father in a shipyard. I am very grateful that they instilled the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity, and that I have an opportunity to use these qualities every day,” adds Sandra. 

Not one to rest on her Jimmy Choo’s, Sandra also believes in giving back and contributes to Lady Balls, a fashionable evening in support of the only charity dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer in Canada and fearless women everywhere (http://www.theladyball.ca/halifax.html) and Alice House. The organization provides opportunities for women and their children to create a life free from intimate partner violence with housing, counselling, and support services. (https://alicehouse.ca/about-us).

When she is not working, or attending a networking or charitable event, Sandra posts pictures of shoes on Instagram – fun fact: her passion for shoes inspired her professional tagline “#dealsinheels.” Sandra also has a decent collection of fashionably hip boots and running shoes that she wears when she walks her fur kiddies Daisy, a Lhasa Apso/toy poodle mix, and Buttons, a puppy she adopted from Labrador. 

“Believe it or not, I originally wanted to be a cop. My law enforcement studies taught me discipline, how to think of my feet and to keep calm in the face of setbacks. But, I quickly realized that I was not as tough as I thought and did not want to spend my career wearing tactical boots or sensible shoes. Thanks to a healthy dose of self-awareness, I now have a career that I adore, that satisfies my desire to help, and that finances my not-so-secret shoe obsession. Life doesn’t get any better than that,” Sandra concludes with a smile. 

Suzen Fromstein is the author of Suits and Ladders, Ten Proven Ways to Keep Your Job Safe - with a few jokes thrown in. Suits and Ladders was an Amazon Best Selling Book in the Career Guides Category

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, January 12, 2021 (Newswire.com) - The real estate market is invariably dynamic by itself. It is an industry of volatile and heterogeneous nature. So many factors influence the real estate sector on a day-to-day basis. Every year the preferences and expectations of the buyers and sellers keep on changing. And it directly impacts the real estate market and alters the trends. 

We are yet to find out what 2021 has in store for the real estate market. However, real estate experts could give an overview of the real estate market in 2021. Notably, Sandra Pike, a multiple-time ThreeBestRated® Award-winning real estate agent from Halifax, Nova Scotia, sheds some insights on top real estate trends to look for in 2021.

Top 5 real estate trends to look for in 2021

• There will be a push from those living in the Urban Core to move to suburban areas, as it facilitates room for flex office spaces. As more people work from home and look for more affordable housing outside Halifax, there is a greater demand for areas that offer more space to live, work, and play.
• Waterfront and recreational properties will be in higher demand.
• There will be a surge in demand for Modular buildings. As most builders now are faced with a shortage of staffing, It delays construction. So, prefab homes may be the way the consumer will trend. They are more efficient, they cost less, and could be constructed quicker than a stick-built.
• Most of the agents who were not using digital tools would have to adapt to digitalization in 2021.
• Given the fact that Atlantic Canada did extremely well during the pandemic, we may see an increase in buyers from other parts of Canada wanting to move here. More homes may be sold sight unseen.

About Sandra Pike - THE PIKE GROUP

As surreal as it may sound, Sandra Pike started her career as a realtor at the age of 40. Within a short span, she mastered the art of selling or buying a property and became a pioneer in her field. By 2014 she formed a group of determined and hardworking real estate professionals and launched the pike group. Through their sheer negotiation skills and innovative marketing initiatives, they grew into becoming one of the best real estate agents in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Sandra has an affinity for technology. She actively adapts to the latest technologies and digitalization of the business. Sandra is a recipient of the honorable ThreeBestRated® real estate agents award for more than three years in a row. After all these achievements, She says, "At the end of the day, it is all about the client; making them smile is what motivates me to provide exceptional services to our clients."

SANDRA PIKE, FOUNDER, THE PIKE GROUP

Social media, PR savvy, REALTOR®  Sandra Pike began her entrepreneurial journey as owner of a health and wellness company. She had to hustle to get every sale. This valuable experience led to a successful sales and marketing career (and quite a few sales awards) from a number of Halifax print, public relations, and media companies. A career in Real Estate was the next logical step for the ambitious and well-connected sales and marketing professional. 

In 2010, Sandra joined a boutique Real Estate Brokerage and hit the ground running in her signature high heels. In 2011, she won the Rookie of the Year Award. She joined Royal LePage Atlantic in 2014. Three short years later, Sandra was one of the Top Selling Agents in Nova Scotia, and in the top 1% nationally. Her attention to detail and follow-up, networking and systems approach to home sales powered her sales successes. “I’m a hunter and a hard worker. I always had three jobs, when I was growing up. Those experiences define who I am today,” the Halifax REALTOR® says. 

One of the reasons Sandra is so successful is that her social media smarts are virtually unparalleled on the east coast, maybe even the rest of Canada. In 2017 BOMB BOMB chose Sandra as a Top 5 Video Influencer for Real Estate in Canada and the U.S. She was also an International Social Media Presenter at a real estate convention in Las Vegas attended by 6,000 realtors. As well, in 2017, Sandra was the first Real Estate Agent in the world to align with Facebook Messenger, by having the Messenger App on her websites. By 2018 she was one of the Top 3 users of this real-time communication through artificial intelligence of Chat Bots. 

Using digital magazines, which include live links to her current listings, Sandra is most excited about her most recent social media initiative - YouTube videos, highlighting her high-end listings. “It’s more of a lifestyle video than the typical virtual walk through. My YouTube channel allows me to put my advertising, PR and marketing skills to work for my clients, in a fun and innovative way. I challenged myself to move beyond boring, static, statistical information and to connect with my prospective purchasers in a truly emotional way before they even walk through the front door. Social media is a very important marketing tool, especially because many of today’s purchasers start their search online,” the Halifax REALTOR® says. 

Mike S., a satisfied client agrees. “Sandra is…a social marketing guru who will get your house sold in no time. She checks in weekly to give a status updates and is always there for any questions. We are on our third home sale/purchase with Sandra.” 

Sandra is also committed to transparency. This has led her to systematize her Real Estate service. In addition to staging her clients’ homes for sale, and professional photography, all of her vendors receive a schedule of advertising so that they know exactly what to expect, and when. 

Clients are also updated on the status of their listings, including viewings, through her weekly, “Stay in Touch Program.” Her “Market Report” keeps clients up to date on what’s happening in their neighbourhoods, including anything that is listed or sold. “I do everything I can think of to ensure my vendors always know exactly what I am doing for them, and when,” she adds.

Shawn and Crystal, two other satisfied clients, agree. “We strongly believe that Sandra’s creative marketing approaches, knowledge of the market and her enthusiasm is what helped sell our home within the first week of being listed…” As do clients Michael and Christina, “…(Sandra) was always available for discussion and she promoted open and consistent communication. You can tell that she is passionate about what she is doing, and it shows in her results. After just five days on the market our house was sold, and we feel that it was a seamless process with Sandra’s help.” 

Sandra understands the power of networking and has developed many close working relationships with Real Estate colleagues in other provinces - in the last few months alone she has sold property to two different clients from Toronto, Ontario. “In the last year I have received 31 referrals, the year before it was 27. This is a win/win/win for everyone, especially my vendors,” the Halifax REALTOR® says. 

According to Sandra, professional coaching has also made a difference in her business. “I don’t treat Real Estate like a hobby nor do I leave my business to chance. I invest in my business and myself. I’ve made changes since beginning my career and I expect to keep making them, because what worked yesterday may not work today. I’m constantly innovating to stay on top of my game,” Sandra says. 

“I love being an entrepreneur. I also love the fact that my clients trust me to do the right thing with what is often their biggest asset or their biggest purchase. I am also very close to, and enjoy spending quality time with, my parents. My mother worked in a fish plant and my father in a shipyard. I am very grateful that they instilled the values of hard work, honesty, and integrity, and that I have an opportunity to use these qualities every day,” adds Sandra. 

Not one to rest on her Jimmy Choo’s, Sandra also believes in giving back and contributes to Lady Balls, a fashionable evening in support of the only charity dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer in Canada and fearless women everywhere (http://www.theladyball.ca/halifax.html) and Alice House. The organization provides opportunities for women and their children to create a life free from intimate partner violence with housing, counselling, and support services. (https://alicehouse.ca/about-us). 

When she is not working, or attending a networking or charitable event, Sandra posts pictures of shoes on Instagram – fun fact: her passion for shoes inspired her professional tagline “#dealsinheels.” Sandra also has a decent collection of fashionably hip boots and running shoes that she wears when she walks her fur kiddies Daisy, a Lhasa Apso/toy poodle mix, and Buttons, a puppy she adopted from Labrador. 

“Believe it or not, I originally wanted to be a cop. My law enforcement studies taught me discipline, how to think of my feet and to keep calm in the face of setbacks. But, I quickly realized that I was not as tough as I thought and did not want to spend my career wearing tactical boots or sensible shoes. Thanks to a healthy dose of self-awareness, I now have a career that I adore, that satisfies my desire to help, and that finances my not-so-secret shoe obsession. Life doesn’t get any better than that,” Sandra concludes with a smile.

Suzen Fromstein is the author of Suits and Ladders, Ten Proven Ways to Keep Your Job Safe - with a few jokes thrown in. Suits and Ladders was an Amazon Best Selling Book in the Career Guides Category.

Are you using social media to its maximum effectiveness?

Before you answer that, you might want to check out today’s #ThrowbackThursday episode. Realtor and CEO of The Pike Group, Sandra Pike of Halifax, Nova Scotia shares how she receives listings for free from social media! In this revealing clip from our 2017 Success Summit, Sandra discusses her online marketing strategy that helps her business grow online.

She also covers the helpful apps she uses for her posting and vital advice for not letting the competition cloud your objective. Are you ready to boost your business to the next level? Buckle up and get ready to take notes!

Sandra Pike of Royal LePage Atlantic – Nova Scotia is part of this year's REP Top 200 Agents

If you're looking for a quiet and peaceful neighborhood to settle down in Sackville, Nova Scotia, then the Rivendale Estates Subdivision might just be the perfect place for you. This subdivision is located at the farthest end of Sackville from Halifax, between Fall River and Beaverbank, about 6-7 kilometers to the main highway and downtown Lower Sackville. It is connected to the Monarch Estates Subdivision in Beaverbank, making it easy to travel between the two neighborhoods.

The Age of Houses in Rivendale Estates

Most of the houses in Rivendale Estates were built between 2002 and 2010, which means that the houses are relatively new and modern in design. This also means that the houses are likely to have a more modern floor plan, appliances, and technology installed. If you're looking for a home that has modern conveniences and designs, Rivendale Estates might be a perfect fit for you.

Advantages of Living in Rivendale Estates

One of the biggest advantages of living in Rivendale Estates is that the houses have municipal water and septic systems. This means that you don't have to worry about maintaining a well or septic system, and you can rely on the public systems to keep your water supply clean and safe. Additionally, the subdivision is located near an elementary school, the Monarch Drive Elementary, which is in the adjoining subdivision. The school also has a soccer field and playground on-site, making it a great place for kids to play and socialize.

Another advantage of living in Rivendale Estates is the large country-style lots that the houses are built on. This gives you more room to enjoy the outdoors, host barbecues and picnics, and to give children ample space to play. Despite its location in a rural area, the subdivision is only a few minutes away from downtown Sackville, which means that residents can enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside while still having easy access to modern amenities.

Finally, if you're looking for easy access to major highways, Rivendale Estates is only a 5-minute drive away from the #101 highway that connects to Halifax, Dartmouth, and Bedford. This makes it easy to travel to other parts of Nova Scotia, and to access important services and amenities that may not be available in Sackville.

Styles of Housing Available

If you're looking to buy a home in Rivendale Estates, you'll be pleased to know that there are several styles of single-family detached houses available here, including split-entry, side split, and two-story homes. This means that you can find a home that suits your family's needs, style, and budget.

Streets in Rivendale Estates

Some of the streets in Rivendale Estates include:

• Rivendale

• Whitewood

• Forestview

• Maplewood

• Brackendale

• Whispering Way

Schools in Rivendale Estates

As mentioned earlier, the Monarch Drive Elementary School is located in the adjoining subdivision and is easily accessible from Rivendale Estates. For Junior High, students can attend Harold T Barrett Junior High, while Lockview High School is the designated high school for the area.

Final Thoughts

If you're looking for a peaceful and quiet neighborhood to call home in Sackville, Nova Scotia, then Rivendale Estates might be just the place for you. With modern homes, municipal water and septic systems, large lots, and easy access to major highways, Rivendale Estates is a great place to settle down and raise a family. So why not consider Rivendale Estates for your next home purchase?

Located in the heart of Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia, Sunset Ridge Subdivision is a hidden gem that offers homeowners the perfect balance of peace and quiet, while still being close to all the amenities of the city. Situated just off Sackville Drive, this charming community is only a 3 km drive to downtown Sackville and about 25 km from both Halifax and Dartmouth. Plus, with easy access to highways leading to Bedford and beyond, Sunset Ridge is an ideal location for those who value convenience and accessibility.

A Modern Subdivision with New Construction Available

Sunset Ridge Subdivision was established in 2011 and has been attracting families and professionals ever since. With new construction available, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of modern, energy-efficient homes that are designed to meet the needs of today's busy lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a spacious detached home, a cozy semi-detached or an elegant townhouse, Sunset Ridge has something for everyone.

Advantages of Living in Sunset Ridge

One of the biggest advantages of living in Sunset Ridge Subdivision is the convenience of location. Within a 5-minute drive, residents can access a wide range of amenities, including grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and more. Families with school-aged children will appreciate the close proximity of schools, with Harry R. Hamilton, Sackville Heights Junior High, and Millwood High School all within a short drive.

For those who commute to work, Sunset Ridge offers an ideal location. With a reasonable commute to both Halifax and Dartmouth, residents can enjoy the benefits of living in a quiet community, without sacrificing their professional opportunities. Plus, with easy access to highways, getting to and from work is a breeze.

Styles of Housing Available in Sunset Ridge

Sunset Ridge Subdivision offers a wide range of housing styles, with options to suit any taste and budget. From two-storey detached homes to split-entry style homes, there is something for everyone in this charming community. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, growing family or empty nester, Sunset Ridge has a home to meet your needs.

Streets in Sunset Ridge Subdivision

Sunset Ridge Subdivision consists of several streets, each with its own unique character and charm. Some of the streets in the subdivision include Avebury Court, Barnsley Court, Beaconsfield Way, Darlington Drive, Hanwell Drive, Wakefield Court, Thornbury Lane, Swondon Drive, Pendlebury Lane, and Thornbury Lane.

Quality Schools in the Area

One of the most important factors for families when choosing a place to live is the quality of schools in the area. In this regard, Sunset Ridge Subdivision does not disappoint. With several high-quality schools in close proximity, parents can rest easy knowing their children are receiving an excellent education. Harry R. Hamilton, Sackville Heights Junior High, and Millwood High School are all highly regarded schools with excellent reputations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sunset Ridge Subdivision is a hidden gem in Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia that offers residents the perfect balance of peace and quiet, while still being close to all the amenities of the city. With a range of housing styles available, modern energy-efficient homes, quality schools, and easy access to highways, Sunset Ridge is an ideal location for families, professionals, and anyone looking for a comfortable and convenient place to call home. Don't miss out on the opportunity to become part of this vibrant community today!

When my husband and I were looking to move to Nova Scotia from Toronto back in 2019, we kept coming back to Bedford. This suburban community is part of the Halifax Regional Municipality and is located on the northwestern part of the Bedford Basin. It is a family-oriented town and very safe to live in. Bedford has some of the best schools in Nova Scotia.

Honesty, we thought Bedford was an area within the city of Halifax. It is THAT close to downtown. What we later realized was that it is 20 minutes to downtown Halifax and 20 minutes in the other direction to downtown Dartmouth. Best of both worlds. We love the theatre, the Halifax waterfront and the hipster feel of downtown Dartmouth. While we have lived here my husband worked in Halifax and I worked in Dartmouth. Easy commute to both.

Bedford is one of the most diverse places in Nova Scotia. Coming from Toronto, that was important to us. We love to have friends and neighbours who share their cultures and experiences with us. The community is welcoming, and we enjoy the various ethnic restaurants around town.

Being from a large city, we have no clue about wells and septic tanks. Bedford has municipal water and sewage. Not glamorous but realistically, it was something we could handle. We need never worry about well contamination or water drying up. 

We never tire of the clean air. Standing on our balcony in any season inhaling crisp and fresh air is something our city ladened lungs really appreciated. Of course, there were parks and greenery in downtown Toronto, but nothing like what is out here. We are loving being outdoors more. And the views are incredible. Deer actually venture up on to the lawns of many of the houses here. You might see a bald eagle in the trees by the highway! Speaking of highways, people let you merge here! But don’t chance driving through a pothole. Trust us on that one.

The Bedford Basin was an attraction on its own for us. Living directly on the Atlantic is nice, but with global warming we preferred the calmer waterfront. Great views and less hurricane fallout. Watching sailboats from the nearby yacht club is an added bonus.

Bedford has close proximity (roughly 20 minutes) to Halifax Stanfield International Airport. With direct flights to London, Frankfurt, and other European cities, as well as various Canadian and American cities, travel and connecting with loved ones are always an option. We are only a two-hour flight from Toronto so meeting up with our old friends is a cinch.

There are numerous trails and parks around Bedford. DeWolfe Park has a children’s area, workout equipment, and a mile of boardwalk. It’s a great place to take a stroll or walk the dogs. Many activities from charity runs to outdoor movies take place in this great park, and it is where the annual Light Up Bedford Santa Claus parade starts. Parking is FREE! It is THE BEST place for Canada Day fireworks as you not only see Bedford’s, but you can see the Halifax display as well.  The Bedford Lions Park is located within walking distance of DeWolfe park and houses two heated swimming pools and a basketball court. These are just two of the many parks here.

Shopping is super convenient with almost everything you need in Bedford. Nearby shopping means the area is self-sustained. You do not HAVE to drive into Halifax or Dartmouth for things if you do not want to. Both Sunnyside Mall and Bedford Place mall are indoor malls, and there are many plazas like Mill Cove. In fact, the latter is home to our doctor, pharmacy, grocery store, and hairdresser. (Our vet is across the street). You need never travel far to get what you need and if I want big box stores, Bedford Commons, Bayers Lake, and Dartmouth Crossing are minutes away.

We have numerous good restaurants. Il Mercato (Italian), Lemon Tree (Turkish), Rudy and Olive’s (Fish and Chips), Chicken Burger (oldest Drive in Diner in Canada, circa 1940!), a quick bite at Izzy’s Bagels and other wonderful establishments make going out to dine a breeze. New restaurants are opening all the time. Whatever you are looking for foodwise, you likely can find it in Bedford.

Bedford is growing so it will just keep getting better. During COVID, Bedford was one of the fastest growing areas of Canada. With growth comes more opportunity. We love being in an area that is always growing, and always changing. But there is also a connection to the past with the Bedford Archives which are housed in the Scott Manor Museum (Bedford’s oldest house). The museum is open during the summer for tours and various programming. Also, a shout out to our branch of the Halifax Public Library. In addition to books, magazines, and DVDs there are some wonderful programs for families, seniors, and anyone in between. Volunteers will connect one-on-one with English language learners so you can improve your language skills for free.

Everything is close by. Don’t let the map fool you if you are used to Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver maps. The scale is different out here. You can be across the province in a couple of hours. Travelling to areas like Lunenburg, Peggy’s Cove (which is also part of the HRM incidentally), Chester, and so on is only about 30  - 60 minutes away. 

One of the wonderful things about Nova Scotia is that there is a part of the province for every lifestyle. As someone moving from the downtown core of a large city, I have no regrets choosing to live in Bedford. Sandra Pike found the best home for us, and I recommend that you talk to her about Bedford.

For most of the real estate’s long history, real estate photography was virtually nonexistent. Nowadays, with the Internet, e-mail, the MLS, and social media, you could say that professional real estate photography is the most powerful marketing tool at a Realtor’s disposal. 

The reason for this is obvious, photography is usually the very first thing buyers see when viewing homes online. Homes that use high-quality professional photography tend to sell for more than homes that don’t.

That being said if your realtor uses listing photos that look like garbage you might want to consider finding a way out of the contract with them.

So, what’s the effect of good and bad photography in real estate?

First, does it look like their photos were taken by a professional or on a cellphone? Your realtor should be hiring someone to make sure that the photography looks immaculate.

Next, let’s think about how well the rooms that have been photographed look. Without light, you can’t see anything in the house.

In order to for buyers to visualize themselves living in the home, they’ll need to see it close to how it actually looks. Using a combination of natural and artificial lighting and flash leads to a vibrant and sharp photo.

And photographers should know not to use built-in flashes since proximity to your camera's lens can create unattractive dust that reflects and shows up as white flecks in the photography.

If your Realtor’s choice of photography consistently leaves you scratching your head about their choice of angles or photo framing you’ll want to consider finding someone who can do it right.

Photographers need to be able to identify what’s important in each area and room and know how to make it attractive.

See if your realtor’s photography looks like it’s been tidied up. Realtors should give sellers lots of time to prepare their home while giving ideas for making it look as attractive as possible.

The Pike group uses professional in-house photography to make your home look its best. And we promise you the quality of our photography will help get you results when selling your home.

GET IN TOUCH WITH THE PIKE GROUP, SELLING SPECIALISTS TO LEARN MORE

It is just not my industry that is in a crisis here in Halifax....  it is our medicial professionals.

What if my crazy ideas worked? Is it worth it? Would it make a difference? We are faced with  over worked and underpaid healthcare professionals. What can we do to ease the burden of our local practioners?

 "PACK YOUR BAGS BABY WE ARE MOVING TO NOVA SCOTIA!"

Since the pandemic, Nova Scotia has been on the top of mind for many.  Our government along with Dr Strang have done a remarkable job trying to stop the spread.  Yes we have had speed bumps along the way, however you can't deny, NS is the place to be.

Several consumers are contemplating buying a home or piece of land here without any conditions or due diligence. I caution you.

Consider  20k for a piece of land, that's cheap right!  What if there was no access to that land?  What if that land were wetlands?  What if the land could not have a septic or it was unable to produce drinking water?  So now what....  Yes you guessed it.... you are stuck with a piece of land that is perfect to pitch a tent when you move here.

How about that home you viewed virtually, you never looked at the backyard that was non existent, or maybe the driveway that is 300 ft long. Nova Scotia is a great place to move to. 

Heck I even transplanted here from Ottawa 13 years ago. These statements above may elicit  caution...  I hope it does. 

Educate.  Educate.  Don't just pay attention to the pretty home.  Don't just consider a piece of land because of the price.  Do your homework.

Today's panel consists of Ian Angus of Royal LePage Atlantic, Danielle McLean of DCL Law and of course me, Sandra Pike of Royal LePage.   Looking forward to your commentary.