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 ...
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 ...
St. Patrick's Day is a widely celebrated holiday around the world, and Halifax, Nova Scotia is no exception. Every year, people of all ages come together to celebrate Irish culture, music, and tradition. If you're in Halifax during St. Patrick's Day, here are some things you can do to join in on the ...
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. ...
Buyer Tips when making a lowball offer in #Halifax Look, I get it. HGTV teaches all of us to low ball offers. Seminars come to town educating people to flip homes and make a profit. Our market for almost 9 years has been in a slump. It makes sense that buyers would write low offers on properties. When ...
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 ...
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 ...
What was it like to move to Halifax? I have to admit, moving to #Halifax was such a big step for me. Originally from Newfoundland, I had moved to Ottawa area in 1989 and stayed there till 2006. While at work one day, my boss came to me with an ultimatum, move to NS or get a pay cut here. It took a month ...
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 ...
“I’m so sorry, they went with another offer.” It’s a shocking thing to hear; you’ve already moved into that dream home in your mind. It’s common to start second guessing yourself, even condemning yourself for not offering more money or better terms, but the truth is sometimes it just doesn’t work out. ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, ...
When it comes to buying a home, many potential buyers set their sights on a brand-new build. But there are also buyers that prefer to buy a home with a little more history or character—and if you’re thinking about buying an older home, there are a ton of benefits you’ll get from your home purchase! 3 ...
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.
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:
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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. ...
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%) ...
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. Limitation Number One: Distressed Properties The first limitation is distressed properties. A distressed ...
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 ...
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. ...
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 ...
Halifax Real Estate : Are we in a bubble? Monday, Jan 24, 2022 My 2nd video of the year interviewing agents about the Halifax Market. Are we in a bubble? Are we the cause of the prices? What will happen in 2022? Today I am interviewing a great panel of local agents. Chris Peters of Royal LePage Atlantic ...
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 ...
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 ...
Instagram is one of the best platforms for spotting emerging home decor trends—and getting inspiration for how to bring those trends to life in your own home. And that includes in your kitchen. So, when it comes to kitchen decor, what’s currently trending on Instagram? A recent article from realtor.com ...
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 ...
New Construction ... NEVER ... well MAYBE ..... YES! Truth be told I was a buyer myself this past summer. Looking at homes, becoming frustrated with the pricing.. I was every agent's nightmare. I would have fired me. Being as particular as my partner and I are, we decided we were better off to purchase ...
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?
Today's topic is focused around new agents in our market. What difficulties or challenges have they been facing? Are their challenges the same thing that our market's first time buyers are faced with? Welcome to my panel, 2 up and coming agents from Royal LePage Atlantic, Yena Lim and Jack Luke. Find ...
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 ...
The Old Lady Rant AFFORDABLE HOUSING What if the government was able to help local developers and landlords with the building and carrying costs of a home or rental unit? Would this make places more affordable? Love to hear your thoughts on how we can improve this situation. #halifaxhousing #halifaxhomes
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 ...
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 ...
The property sold for WHAT? I am pretty sure that this has been said by most: "the market is just crazy" Truth be told this is the first time our province has experienced such an upheaval. Having said that 2012, showed us a glimpse of how crazy times can get. Today I interviewed 3 industry members to ...
Halifax Buyers notice everything – good and bad. From the moment they walk in the front door, they are trying to determine if this is the right home for them and their family. If you have your home listed for sale, paying attention to what the buyers notice can mean the difference between an offer and ...
"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. ...
YOU LOST AGAIN.... Why your offer was not accepted Frustrated with our sellers market? Tired of not winning? Wondering what it will take to secure a home in our market? I can honestly say that is the sediment of most buyers in Halifax. Imagine, seeing the home of your dreams. There are 55 showings. 31 ...
Choosing the Right Offer Congratulations, you have multiple offers on your home listing. It’s exciting to hear that you have a choice in buyers. Yet how can you make sure that you choose the right offer? With varying sales prices and terms, comparing offers might be harder than you expected. Still – ...
Is It Time to Move? 6 Telltale Signs Most people dread the thought of moving, yet those same people love it when they move. Why? Most likely it’s emotional attachment and nostalgia for a beloved home. It’s understandable but yet a home that just doesn’t fit your needs any longer can make even the most ...
Choosing the Right Offer Congratulations, you have multiple offers on your home listing. It’s exciting to hear that you have a choice in buyers. Yet how can you make sure that you choose the right offer? With varying sales prices and terms, comparing offers might be harder than you expected. Still – ...
The property sold for WHAT? I am pretty sure that this has been said by most: "the market is just crazy" Truth be told this is the first time our province has experienced such an upheaval. Having said that 2012, showed us a glimpse of how crazy times can get. Today I interviewed 3 industry members to ...
Halifax Real Estate Update | April 2021 The property sold for WHAT?? I am pretty sure that this has been said by most: "the market is just crazy" Truth be told this is the first time our province has experienced such an upheaval. Having said that 2012, showed us a glimpse of how crazy times can get. ...
What are Halifax Agents saying about the market? Friday, Mar 05, 2021 Introducing Ian Angus of Royal LePage, Richard Payne of EXP, Brenda Kielbratowski of Keller Williams and myself Sandra Pike of Royal Lepage. Today's discussion is all about our sizzling real estate market here in Halifax. Do we think ...
Totally sounds crazy right? But as stressed as you are to find a home, the seller maybe as well. OR there could be other circumstances such as: 1. Waiting till the kids finished school 2. Their new purchase that is being built was delayed 3. It is pending their posting message The above 4 scenarios are ...
TIP #1 Get Pre-Approved We all know that buying in a seller's market is extremely stressful. As a listing agent, I thought to share with you what seller's are looking for when you are writing your offers. Buying in Halifax? Be sure to contact my team www.THEPIKEGROUP.ca or call me directly at 902-478-8711 COMING SOON
With Covid-19 and winter storms raging throughout the country, you might consider a stay-at-home date night this Valentine’s Day. After all, “home is where the heart is,” right? Let me help you with these ten date night ideas for celebrating Valentine’s night, or any night, in the comfort of your own ...
One of the most important aspects to buying a new home is the home inspection. While that might seem like an obvious statement, the truth is that real estate agents often find themselves explaining the value of a true professional, licensed home inspector. What can you expect from a home inspection? ...
Are other cities across Canada in crazy markets? Is there low inventory of homes? How are buyers winning? We can't wait to introduce you to our panel. COMING SOON ABOUT US The Pike Group makes selling and buying simple. Whether you’re looking for a condo, townhouse, cottage or commercial property, our ...
The Pike Group = The Little Engine that DID IT! Never did we think we would win over a brokerage of over 150 agents. We were so SURPRISED that we were awarded TOP CONSUMER CHOICE for 2021 in Halifax. Thank you for everyone who came out to support our team. Sending virtual hugs.
LOVE LOCAL Fitness in BEDFORD Tuesday, Dec 29, 2020 As we approach the new year, many of us think about our health. If you had to make a quick decision today about your New Year's Resolution commitment to fitness, what would you do? Personal Training? Group Fitness? Go it alone at a gym and use an App? ...
Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments a person can make, you may be wondering if the time is right. Having confidence that you are ready to purchase a home will make you more at ease during the process, as much of the anxiety revolves around the unknowns. Signs that you are ready to purchase ...
6 Reasons Why December is a Good Month to Buy a Home Most people cringe at the thought of buying a home in December. Only the Grinch would want to pack up and moving during the holiday season! But hold on Cindy Lou Hoo, there are several reasons December can be a great time to buy. 1. Sellers are highly ...
Have you ever walked into the model home showroom of a brand new housing development? There is nothing more exciting than the prospect of building a home from scratch and starting absolutely fresh in a new space. You get to pick the colors of the carpet, choose the countertops and flooring and watch ...
Are we still the friendly province? Our commercials certainly tell the tale that we are. However, as of April 01, 2022, we proudly state that we are not. Thank you to all of those who purchased locally our beautiful summer homes, here is a new tax bill.
Today I am interviewing Ian Angus of Royal Lepage Atlantic and Leanne Myles of the Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team. The talk on the street is that people should not purchase any types of homes only if necessary. Rates have gone through the roof and home prices keep increasing. Some state that we are headed for a recession. Are these the thoughts of all local industry members?
We decided to have an open session today on any topic we could think of. Will open bidding work in our market? Should we be able to discuss pricing in an open forum? And much more. Join me, Sandra Pike as I host Adam Hennigar [Sutton] and Chandler Haliburton [Remax] as we put it all on the table for discussion.
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