If you didn't know about our marketplace in recent years, you wouldthink it was a sinking ship.

As seen in this report for single family homes, 36% drop in sales for single family homes and median price drop of 8.5% seems alarming but when compared to statistics collected since 2019, it just shows a bit of a correction. This is demonstrated by a list to sale ratio showing 2% over ask price.

The same period for condominiums, the report shows a decline of 19% of sales and a big drop of 12% in median values, selling for 2.3% above list price and in 9 days.

Put in perspective when compared to first quarter statistics over the previous 5 years, the declines are just a natural progression of our marketplace. It's unrealistic for too many years with incredibly high increases.

As I see it, we're seeing realistic pricing with strong demand. Sales are usually slower in the winter but made worse with higher interest rates and anyone in the marketplace not affected or had no choice, were getting deals in some areas of the city but there are still other areas with very strong demand.

The market at the beginning of April has picked up significantly and we're seeing many more competing offers. New inventory is picking up so it will be interesting to see if the market shifts to be more balanced or continues to be strongly competitive with new buyers jumping off the fence and getting back into the market.

 

 

 

 

 

For the first time in years, I'm doing a home seller seminar. Well, two in fact.  Why now? Though the market is still a seller's market, buyers are not desperate and they are smart. It's a fabulous opportunity for sellers to make the most of their opportunity to make as much money while they can.

Attendees will go home knowing more about:

• Home merchandising, sell for more with less stress.
• Home Staging secrets, you won't find these on the internet.
• The 5-stage selling process, what to expect.
• Solutions to moving with mortgage money or keep your primary as an investment.
• Pre-home inspections.

Scan the code or sign up here.

 

It began with a couple looking to relocate but didn't find what they were looking after viewing several homes. As the saying goes, "things happen for a reason." They broke up and a short time later, had to sell the home they lived in.

This story is just one thing to be cautionary about when living together and real estate is involved. Luckily, the house sold and in the end, all parties signed and moved on with their individual lives.
 

There are just some clients that make a mark on you and this couple who lived in their home for 40 years in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and will forever be one of my favourites.

They called me to view a condo in Dartmouth I had listed and after picking them up, discovered in the conversation that they had listed their property the year prior with another agent and it didn't sell.

After viewing the condo, they invited me into their home to give them ideas of what they can do to improve their chance to sell in a very strong buyer's market.

The video tells the story but in short, the journey was a lot of work for us both but successfully sold quickly. They were moved into their condo purchase within a couple of months.

I've had the privilege of helping some pretty great people get where they want to go. This video, I share a a story of a really great young couple just starting out. 

They first contacted me one year prior to actively buying to set up a plan and five years later, they have increased their home's value by more than $300,000 with work, dedication and really great choices in improvements... all paid with cash! Amazing! Now a family of four and set for the rest of their lives. 

I'm so incredibly thankful for this experience and journey they invited me on

The market here in Halifax, Nova Scotia has continued its pattern as with previous months this year so I thought it would be interesting to see how this market compared to 2015. It was a strong Buyer's market and the surprise was how the median value for condos was higher than single family homes. It's no longer the case because we have a lot more condos that were built since. 

The increase in median values was a surprise too! Where else can you make $300,000 return on investment in just 7 years than real estate??!!

Moving can be an expensive ordeal. Costs can add up fast and cause stress when money gets tight. Start preparing early. Before you begin, make a moving checklist that you can follow and adjust as needed while planning your move. Learn to move more affordably with some of these budget-conscious guidelines, even if you are going a distance.

Declutter

Make it a family project, or get friends to help you sort through small and big items. Decide what to discard, donate, or sell. Garage sales, online apps, and social media are some avenues to merchandise your unwanted wares. Otherwise, you can arrange for pick up or take items to your township’s disposal system. You may also contact a charitable organization that can use your items.

Use Household Items as Packing Materials

Why buy expensive bubble wrap when you can use everyday items around the house? Old newspapers, kitchen towels, socks, blankets, or suitcases can protect your fragile items without any cost. Save boxes by breaking them down and then retaping them when ready to pack for the move.

Measure Furniture

Make sure you know the dimensions of large items before you move so that you know what you can carry with you and what you can’t take. That may save you money with a mover and any hassles of not being able to get a couch or other item through the front door of your new home.

Don’t Overspend

There is a tendency to want to spend money to decorate your new abode before settling in. Buy only the articles you need, so you have less to move. Once you get there, shop for cable and satellite provider deals.

Check on Tax Deductible Expenses and Reimbursement

Your moving expenses may be deductible if you’re in the military. If moving out of state for a job, ask your company if they will pay for moving costs or if they offer compensation for relocation.

Moving Service vs. DIY

If you are going a distance, have much to move, or your belongings are heavy and valuable, you’ll probably want to pay a professional mover. However, if you can save money by having capable friends help with the transport, that would be a better choice.

Avoid Moving During a Peak Season

Movers generally cost more and can get quickly booked up in the warmer months. It’s easier to schedule a mover during the off-season and the week.

Pack a Necessities Box

Pack a box of commonly used items you need quickly or in an emergency to avoid buying them again in case you don’t have easy access to a packed away box.

Reviews and Compare Costs of Movers

Ask for a fixed rate, so you are not charged per hour in case the duration of the move is lengthy. Understand how a mover charges and avoid extra fees if possible. Don’t hire overly cheap services lest you get what you pay for.

Buying a home and all the transactional costs that go along with it is a huge financial investment. If you can curtail your moving expenses, that will allow your wallet some relief. It may also allow you some wiggle room in your budget to invest in new furnishings and décor for your new residence. In preparing for a move, always take the time to plan by lightening your load, being practical, and thinking economically without sacrificing the quality of your moving services. These tips should help you do just that.

I love hot water baseboard heat and in Nova Scotia, you'll find many homes here that have it. It's an efficient heat and before the price of oil jumped, it used to be economical. Electric baseboard heat is still the most expensive and provides a dry heat so for some, they'll need to get humidifiers and/or install ductless heatpumps.

On to hot water baseboard heating; it's a wonderful warm heat unlike electric  but there are some things you need to know; especially if you want to travel in Winter time.

This short video provides a basic understanding so you'll need to call a professional if you want to know specific information about your case scenario.

If you do not live in a warm, tropical climate, the fall months are the best time to get your home ready for freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and icy conditions that lie ahead in the wintertime. Without the proper care and adherence to a maintenance routine, your living space and appliances are prone to damage that can lead to considerable costs for repair and high energy bills.

Protect your home and property by reserving some autumn weekends to check the interior and exterior space for proper drainage, protection from winds, and insulation from the cold. You also want to ascertain that all your heating appliances are in tip-top shape. Here is a checklist to help you get through your maintenance schedule in time for the onset of old man winter.

INSULATE PIPES. Pipes that run along unheated areas can freeze and burst when temperatures drop to 32F and below. Protect them with foam or blown-in insulation you can purchase at a hardware store.

CLEAN OUT GUTTERS. Avoid clogs that can damage your shingles or roof. Use a strong ladder or get a handyman to help. Use work gloves to scoop out leaves and other debris that can block proper drainage. You can also purchase gutters with leaf guards to keep maintenance minimal.

DRAIN SPRINKLERS, UNHOOK HOSING, AND TURN OFF EXTERIOR FAUCETS. Like pipes, these can expand and crack when frozen. Remove any residual water or get help from a contractor who can blow out the water with compressed air.

INSTALL INSULATION. Block drafts by stripping around windows and door frames. Silicone caulk is best for exterior use because it is impervious to the elements. For baseboards, use paintable caulking.

GET YOUR FURNACE CHECKED. Hire an HVAC Contractor to inspect all parts and replace the filter with one that will easily trap particles. Ensure it is operating efficiently and that there is no carbon monoxide leakage.

FIREPLACE CLEANING AND INSPECTION. Gas fireplaces should be inspected every three years. However, wood-burning fireplaces require annual cleaning by a certified Chimney Sweep to prevent the ignition of soot build-up.

TEST YOUR SUMP PUMP. Slowly pour several gallons of water to check that it will turn one, especially during a previous dry season or before rainfall.

INSPECT YOUR ROOF. Check for damaged, loose, or missing shingles that could cause a leak from melting snow and storms. Hire a handyman for small repairs or a roofer for larger sections.

PREPARE FOR SNOW AND POWER OUTAGES. Be ready for an emergency and proper snow clearance. Restock rock salt and check that your snow removal tools are operational and in good condition. Have a generator handy in case you need a backup of power.

MAINTAIN OUTDOOR PLANTS AND TREES. Trim dead branches that could fall and cause major damage. Add mulch to insulate plant roots from low temperatures. Cut back perennials to eliminate harmful insects that may hibernate and resurface to impede spring growth.

Fall is fun for pumpkin carving, farm festivals, and comfortable, cool-weather hikes. Set some time to enjoy activities and appreciate nature. However, don’t put off the tasks needed to prepare and protect your greatest asset, your home. The fall months fly by, and before you know it, you are faced with the unforgiving harshness of mother nature. Be ready and armed with that first snowflake, a gust of wind, and a dangling icicle until you can let your guard down again in the spring.

 

We all know our world is full of germs, but it’s likely you don’t really know what’s hanging out on your electronic devices. In fact, you probably don’t want to know.

 

These devices carry and spread germs like nobody’s business, so it’s time to get scrubbing. Below, we give you safe and effective ways to clean the various gadgets you use in and around your home every day.

Cleaning Supplies

• Microfiber cloths
• Cotton swabs
• Distilled water
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Dish soap
• Compressed air

 

Tablets And Smartphones

Like everyone else, you’ve probably taken your tablet or phone into the bathroom with you. No need to be embarrassed. You need something to do while in there, right?

 

Unfortunately, it’s these trips to the bathroom that leave your gadgets filthy – like get-you-sick filthy. To deep-clean your phone or tablet, remove its case. You have to be careful of its fingerprint-resistant coating, so dampen a microfiber cloth with distilled water and wipe it down. Use cotton swabs to clean around edges and buttons.

 

Laptops

There’s no telling what kind of gunk and bacterium lives within the keyboard of your laptop since it travels everywhere you do. To begin cleaning this piece of equipment, open it up, turn it upside down, and give it a good shake to remove crumbs and dirt.

 

Next, turn the device off and remove its battery. Using a microfiber cloth dampened with alcohol, wipe down its metal and plastic surfaces. If your laptop has an LCD screen, make sure to use a cleaner designed for the purpose. If it’s a touchscreen, use distilled water to wipe it clean.

 

Flat Screen Tv

Flat-screen TVs usually have anti-glare coatings that are sensitive to most household cleaning solutions. To safely clean your TV, dampen a microfiber cloth with distilled water and wipe it down. Avoid using any other type of cleaner as it will likely damage the screen permanently.

 

Game Consoles And Controllers

You wouldn’t believe the level of nastiness your game controllers can achieve. Since you handle them so much, they collect germs and bacteria like a magnet.

 

To clean the console and controllers, dust everything off first with a dry cloth. Next, dampen a cloth with alcohol and wipe all surfaces thoroughly. Dip a cotton swab in alcohol as well and go around any crevices and buttons to remove any buildup there. Since you use these gadgets so often, it’s a good idea to keep some anti-bacterial wipes handy to wipe them down often.

 

Earphones And Headphones

These gadgets are so close to you that it’s important to keep them clean. For over-the-ear headphones, wipe them down with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. For earphones, remove any plastic tips and then use a dab of soap on a damp microfiber cloth to remove any built-up earwax. Lastly, gently wipe any cords with a cloth dampened with alcohol.

 

In today’s technologically advanced world, we take our gadgets for granted. Unfortunately, these handy pieces carry a plethora of nasty germs and grime that can make us sick. To keep the bacteria to a minimum and stay healthy, use the tips outlined above to clean the various gadgets around your house.