What to look for when buying a house in Halifax.
It is so easy for buyers to get caught up in what I call the ‘lipstick’ of a home. Pretty lighting and paint are so easy for you to change once you move in. Anytime I am in the role of a buyer agent, I like for my clients to pay attention to the following that I talk about below. One thing to always keep in mind, is the resale of the property. Anything you buy, you are going to sell.
Let’s talk Driveways.
Long driveways that are on ‘flag lots’ while they do add privacy can be painful to maintain. Not everyone wants to have a quad or truck with a blade to plow.
If your driveway is steep, rethink this purchase. Too many sellers I have met over the years have longer sales times because of the fear of NS winters and the lane being full of ice.
The Lot
If the lot is sloped, it is very hard to fix. If the yard is small, common complaints when you sell will be exactly that. Corner yards may appear very advantageous, but most consumers avoid.
The Layout
I am a mixed bag on this. My thoughts will be scattered here, but I think you will understand.
- 2 bed up. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a home that has 2 bedrooms on the 2nd It just depends on the area the house is located. For example, in the downtown core of Halifax as well as the North End, these types of homes are rampant. Most people living here are young professionals with no kids. The 3rd bedroom is not really important. HOWEVER, that same home for example in Sackville will have a smaller audience of buyers as most in that neighbourhood are families.
- The Master bedroom I recommend being on the same level as the rest of the rooms. While you may love to have the degree of separation, most moms want to be near their children during the early years. Check as well for the sizing of this room. If you have a king bed, you need at least 14ft.
If you are thinking of purchasing your home, have a look at our website www.thepikegroup.ca for a list of active properties.
Sandra Pike
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