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The Call of Fall River

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 ...

Posted by Shari Burnard Ostrom on Apr 29, 2023

The Lure of Halifax

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 ...

Posted by Shari Burnard Ostrom on Apr 29, 2023

St Patrick’s Day in Halifax

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Mar 13, 2023

Why Move to Bedford Nova Scotia?

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. ...

Posted by Shari Burnard Ostrom on Jan 13, 2023

Buyer Tips when making a "lowball' offer in Halifax

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Nov 01, 2022

4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Buy in A Hot Market

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Oct 31, 2022

My Journey of Real Estate

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Oct 31, 2022

What is moving to Halifax like?

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 ...

Posted by Sandra Pike on Oct 31, 2022

Should You Buy and Sell at the Same Time?

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Oct 31, 2022

How to Get Over Losing Out On Your Halifax Dream Home

“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. ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Oct 31, 2022

Top 6 Reasons Renters Have for Not Buying a Home (And Why They May Be Wrong)

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Oct 26, 2022

Features 2022 Home Buyers Are Searching For

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Oct 04, 2022

Getting Divorced and Need to Sell?

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Oct 04, 2022

The Effect of Good and Bad Photography in Real Estate

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, ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Sep 22, 2022

3 Benefits of Buying an Older Home vs Brand-New Build

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Sep 13, 2022

Here's to 80s Music.... My tribute to a friend who used another agent

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.

Posted by Sandra Pike on Aug 04, 2022

Will Solar Panels help or hurt the sale of your home in Halifax? Wednesday, Jun 22, 2022

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:

Posted by Sandra Pike on Aug 03, 2022

6 Reasons Selling Without an Agent Is a Bad Idea in Halifax

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Jul 21, 2022

How Time Can Be a First-Time Buyer’s Advantage in the Halifax Market

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Jul 19, 2022

Should you get an appraisal prior to listing your Halifax Home?

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Jul 15, 2022

Want to Sell Your Home Faster? Make These Upgrades Before You List

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Jun 23, 2022

Halifax Real Estate : Military Moves in 2022

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on May 22, 2022

Halifax Real Estate: What is happening in out market?

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. ...

Posted by The Pike Group on May 17, 2022

If you moved to a new house, would you want to bring your old neighbours?

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%) ...

Posted by Sandra Pike on May 10, 2022

3 Limitations to Consider when Home Buying in Summer or Winter

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Mar 16, 2022

How To Create a Home Office That Will Inspire Productivity

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Mar 01, 2022

Happy Valentines Day to my Real Estate Career

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. ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Feb 14, 2022

Buyer Agent Lingo that only Agents Understand

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Jan 25, 2022

Halifax Real Estate : Are we in a bubble?

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Jan 19, 2022

Purchasing and Selling your home

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Jan 17, 2022

How can buying a home in winter save time and money?

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Jan 10, 2022

The Latest Kitchen Decor Trends According to Instagram

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Dec 17, 2021

Understanding Appraisals in Halifax

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Dec 14, 2021

Purchasing New Construction in Halifax: the good, bad and the ugly

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Nov 30, 2021

Nurses and Doctors in Halifax Nova Scotia

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?

Posted by The Pike Group on Oct 28, 2021

What is it like to be a new agent in our Halifax Real Estate Market?

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Oct 19, 2021

Is the Halifax Real Estate Market Sustainable?

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Sep 30, 2021

Halifax Real Estate : Affordable Housing Wednesday

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

Posted by The Pike Group on Sep 22, 2021

Changes in the MarketPlace

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Jul 15, 2021

300ft of Ocean Front is calling your name

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Jun 30, 2021

SKYROCKETING HALIFAX HOME PRICES: BLAME THE AGENT

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on May 31, 2021

What are 8 things a buyer notices?

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on May 30, 2021

Should you buy a home virtually in Nova Scotia?

"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. ...

Posted by The Pike Group on May 26, 2021

Your offer was rejected.... AGAIN

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on May 26, 2021

What is the right offer to select on your Halifax Home

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 – ...

Posted by Sandra Pike on May 06, 2021

Is it Time to Move Halifax?

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on May 06, 2021

How to choose the right offer on your Halifax Home

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 – ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Apr 28, 2021

The property sold for WHAT?? Wednesday, Apr 28, 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. Today I interviewed 3 industry members to ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Apr 27, 2021

Halifax Real Estate Update

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. ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Apr 21, 2021

What are Halifax Agents saying about the market?

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Mar 26, 2021

In Halifax let the Seller pick the closing date

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Mar 03, 2021

Buying in a Seller's Market Tip #1

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

Posted by The Pike Group on Feb 11, 2021

Snuggle up with your honey in your Halifax Home

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Feb 04, 2021

What are the benefits of completing a home inspection on your Halifax Home>

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? ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Feb 02, 2021

Feb 2021 Real Estate Chatter from Coast to Coast

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Feb 01, 2021

Consumer Top Choice 2021

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.

Posted by The Pike Group on Jan 12, 2021

LOVE LOCAL Fitness in BEDFORD

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? ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Dec 29, 2020

Are you ready to buy a house in Halifax?

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Dec 23, 2020

Why Dec is a Good Time to Buy a Home in Halifax

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Dec 03, 2020

Should you have your own agent when purchasing new construction in Halifax?

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 ...

Posted by The Pike Group on Nov 18, 2020

Check Our Podcast and Youtube Videos

Halifax Real Estate: The New Deed Transfer Tax Will It Help With the Housing Crisis?

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.

New Mortgage Rates and our Market

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?

Halifax Real Estate: It's All On The Table

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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