October has come and gone.  We were lucky enough to spend some COVID responsible time with family over Thanksgiving and the kids still got to go trick or treating.  However, the Halloween costumes weren't the only thing causing a bit of fear in the HRM.  Things continue to be difficult for Home Buyers in Halifax.  The real estate market has been competitive all year and it shows no sign of getting any easier.  Worryingly, the opposite is looking more likely. 

The average price of a single family home in the Halifax area jumped by another 1.7% in October to $375,567.  That's a 13% increase from a year ago and a continuation of the sharp upwards trend we've been watching since May.  Sales are up by 12.8% year over year and our inventory has been…

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Did several weeks of lockdown change the way people think about high-rise living? It would not be surprising that a modern and minimalist space that once fostered feelings of freedom to do whatever you want quickly turned into the opposite - four walls closing in with COVID claustrophobia, causing you and your cat to figuratively and literally climb the walls.

Suddenly, the desire to live inside to avoid outdoor chores has been replaced with the desire to have outdoor space to complete those very same chores, but willingly. Time outside to have the privilege to achieve the same tasks that seemed taxing before. It's amazing how a slice of perspective can so drastically change your views on things you thought you'd figured out.

Condo sales in…

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Before we talk about how challenging this market is for home Buyers, let's talk about what is causing this unprecedented demand.  The number of sales year over year are only up by 8% and that alone would not cause a substantial price jump.  However, prices have risen by 12% in the last twelve months and it is almost entirely down to a lack of supply. The number of listings available in September 2020 is down by a whopping 51% from 2019. It is down an even more alarming 64% from 2018.  There are simply not enough homes for sale to satisfy demand and this is causing an extremely competitive environment for home Buyers in and around Halifax.

The Landscape

Almost all homes that hit the market in Halifax are being put on a "program" by Real Estate…

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7 School Ave | Fairview

Fantastic opportunity to own a three unit investment property in affordable Fairview. The property offers two three bedroom units plus a one bedroom in-law suite. Immaculate condition with extensive recent renovations including: 50 year shingles, insulation in walls, roof + between floors, windows, three kitchens, laminate and ceramic flooring, doors and trim, three bathrooms, decks, paint, electrical panels, heat pump, water heaters, electric thermal storage heat unit. A complete list of upgrades is available upon request. Simply acquire your investment and take advantage of a historically low vacancy rate without having to invest anything in renovations.

For more information about this #NicePad, contact us. 

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For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Chris Perkins and I’m the Broker/Owner of HaliPad Real Estate Inc.  I’ve been selling real estate since 2007 and moved to Halifax with my wife, Joelle in 2018.  We founded HaliPad Real Estate Inc that same year and opened an office on Gottingen Street, we’d love to have you stop by when things return to normal.

Now, before they return to normal, what does that mean for the local real estate market and how we do business. From a market perspective, things are more active than I was expecting.  We’ve written a couple of blog posts looking at new offers written and new listings in the past three weeks.  From March 16-22nd there were 133 offers written in comparison to 117 the year before.  From March…

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Best practices from Dr. Robert Strang when buying or selling a home amid the COVID crisis

The Real Estate Commission reached out to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Strang, asking what advice they would convey to the real estate industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was recommended that we comply with the following information:
  • Social distancing, travelling in separate vehicles and not showing houses of those in self-isolation.
  • Frequent hand hygiene. Real estate licensees and buyers will be going into homes where the risk may be unknown. It is extremely important for these individuals to touch as little as possible during the viewings and practice hand hygiene before entering and after leaving the premise.
    • …

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What is Centre Plan?

Centre plan has been in development for several years.  It is focused on simplifying zoning bylaws and the development application process in the urban core of Halifax and Dartmouth. The goal is to add density to address our increasingly competitive housing market.  To date, this has been achieved by creating density corridors that allow taller buildings to be constructed along the busiest transit routes like Gottingen Street, Robie Street and Quinpool Road. 

Introducing Package B – Draft Stage.

Some changes are significant but perhaps the most impactful is R1 zoning will no longer exist.  R1 zoning states that you are only allowed one unit per household, meaning you are not allowed to have a legal secondary suite.  In…

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We are excited to welcome Adam Wigmore to the Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty Team!

Adam Wigmore, originally from Prince Edward Island, has called Halifax home since 2012. He loves Halifax for its big city feel, local amenities and close-knit sense of community. Adam believes the Maritimes are one of the very best places in the world to put down roots.

Adam is outgoing, enthusiastic and approachable which allows him to build fast and meaningful relationships in both his personal and professional life. He has received several awards acknowledging his innate ability to provide his clients with exceptional customer service. With over twenty years’ experience working in the customer service industry, he recognizes the importance of taking the time…

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After a lot of thought, you’ve decided your home is too big.  You haven’t seen the cat in days and the living room hasn’t been lived in for years.  The kids have moved out or you quite simply hate the idea of cleaning three bathrooms.  The reasons for downsizing are numerous, but the tactics to accomplish the goal of downsizing are very similar.  We simplify the downsizing process so you can focus on the things that matter most.

On November 26/19 join Coldwell Banker Maritime Realty and renowned Organize Anything expert, Colette Robicheau to learn how to effectively right size your life.

Why you might want to downsize:

  •         Less upkeep and responsibility
  •         Financial freedom
  •         More flexibility
  •         Your…

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The Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission is responsible for protecting the best interests of the public.  In a recent press release, they've brought attention to a scenario which creates vulnerability for home buyers and we want to make sure you know what to do about it. 

Before I dive into how it affects you, I need to explain a few things regarding the agreement of purchase and sale:

  • An Amendment - A change to the purchase contract (i.e changing a closing date, requesting home inspection repairs)
  • Notice of dissatisfaction - A buyer or seller delivers notice in writing that they are not comfortable with an "out clause" in the contract (financing, lawyer review, home inspection) and they are not proceeding with the purchase.  A termination…

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