6 Day Trips You Need to Take From Halifax this Summer!

As we approach the summer months, residents and tourists alike are always looking for ways to take a quick day trip around Halifax. The small communities and towns that surround our city offer natural wonders, charming shops, tasty restaurants and more. We are so fortunate to be one of the few cities in Canada surrounded by the ocean, and our residents love to take advantage of it when the weather is warm. If you are like most Haligonians, and are planning your next local getaway, keep reading to find our top 6 recommended day trips from Halifax!

Peggy's Cove and Mahone Bay

Are you ready for a coastal adventure? Head to Peggy's Cove, a picture-perfect fishing village that will steal your heart. The iconic lighthouse, perched on rugged granite rocks, offers a striking backdrop for unforgettable photos. Take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, feel the ocean mist on your face, and embrace the serenity of this tranquil place (Just be sure to not step on the black rocks!) Afterward, venture to Mahone Bay, a charming town filled with colourful heritage houses and a waterfront straight out of a painting. Explore unique boutiques, and art galleries, and soak in the laid-back coastal vibe.

Lunenburg and the South Shore

Prepare to step back in time as you visit Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site that exudes old-world charm. Marvel at the beautifully preserved colonial architecture, wander through the cobbled streets and immerse yourself in the seafaring heritage. Take a trip to the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to learn about the region's rich maritime history. And don't forget to explore the South Shore's natural wonders, like Kejimkujik National Park and its beautiful forests, and Hirtle's Beach, where golden sands meet crashing waves.

Annapolis Valley and Grand Pre

Calling all wine enthusiasts and history buffs! The Annapolis Valley makes the perfect day trip destination with its rolling vineyards, apple orchards, and quaint towns. Make your way to Wolfville, home to Acadia University and a vibrant wine scene. Sip and savour award-winning wines at local vineyards including Lightfoot, Lucketts and Gaspereau vineyards and indulge in farm-to-table cuisine. Dive into the Acadian heritage at the Grand Pré National Historic Site, where you'll learn about the region's history and cultural significance. As you drive through the valley, soak in the idyllic scenery of farmlands and vine-covered hills.

Lawrencetown Beach and Eastern Shore

Need some beach therapy? Escape the city and head to Lawrencetown Beach, a surfer's paradise just a 30-minute drive from Halifax. Feel the soft sand between your toes, watch surfers ride the waves, or simply unwind while gazing at the endless horizon. After enjoying the beach, take a leisurely drive along the scenic Eastern Shore. Explore charming fishing villages like Fisherman's Cove, where you can sample fresh seafood, browse local boutiques, and soak up the coastal atmosphere.

Taylor Head Provincial Park

Ready for a nature-filled adventure? Taylor Head Provincial Park, located along the Eastern Shore, awaits your exploration. Lace up your hiking boots and wander through pristine forests, marvel at rugged coastal cliffs, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The park offers a variety of trails catering to different fitness levels, so whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual stroller, there's a path for you. Keep your camera handy, as breathtaking lookouts await around every corner.

Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park

If you're craving sun, sand, and sea, Crystal Crescent Beach Provincial Park is the place to be. Located just outside Halifax, this pristine coastal gem boasts three stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and scenic hiking trails. Take a refreshing dip in the ocean, stroll along the shore with the salty breeze in your hair, and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. It's the perfect spot to unwind and recharge your batteries.

Halifax offers a gateway to unforgettable day trips that showcase the province's natural wonders, coastal charm, and rich history. From the rugged beauty of Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg's historic treasures to the vineyards of the Annapolis Valley and the serene beaches along the Eastern Shore, there's something for every adventurer. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to create lasting memories as you explore the wonders that lie just beyond Halifax's doorstep!

Author: Jordan Gunn
Real Estate Assistant
Andrew Perkins Real Estate
Keller Williams Select Realty

Invest With Success: Our Step-by-Step Guide to Investment Properties

Investing in rental properties can be lucrative and rewarding, can offer a steady stream of income and can result in long-term wealth accumulation. However, for beginners, the process can seem overwhelming and complex. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the essential considerations and actions to take when venturing into the world of rental property investments. By following these steps, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions and set yourself up for success.

Step 1: Define Your Investment Goals and Strategy

Before diving into the rental property market, it's crucial to establish your investment goals specifically related to rental properties. Consider factors such as your desired rate of return, cash flow expectations, and the level of involvement you're willing to commit. Determine whether you're aiming for long-term capital appreciation or immediate cash flow from rental income. For example, if you're targeting cash flow, you may prioritize properties with high rental yields and strong rental demand in areas with low vacancy rates.

Step 2: Assess Your Financial Situation

Next, take a close look at your financial situation. Evaluate your savings, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio. Assessing your financial position will help determine your borrowing capacity and identify any areas for improvement. Lenders typically consider factors such as your debt-to-income ratio, credit history, and rental income potential when evaluating your eligibility for a loan. Strengthening your financial foundation will enhance your chances of securing favourable financing terms.

Step 3: Research and Identify Target Markets

Market research plays a crucial role in determining the success of rental property investments. Identify locations with strong rental demand, low vacancy rates, and favourable economic conditions, specifically for rental properties. Look for areas where rental prices are on the rise or where job opportunities are abundant. Explore neighbourhoods with amenities that attract tenants, such as proximity to schools, transportation, shopping centres, and recreational facilities. Additionally, consider future development plans and local regulations that may impact the rental market.

One example we notice in Halifax is: Many people think it would be a good idea to purchase a Downtown Halifax Condo and rent it as an Airbnb. While this seems like a good idea, a bit of research will show that the majority of condo buildings in Halifax have banned short-term rentals and the few that still allow it are in the process of banning them too. Imagine if you purchase a condo for that reason without doing your research. 

Step 4: Secure Financing

Securing financing is a critical step in acquiring rental properties. Research different mortgage options specifically tailored for rental properties, such as investment property loans or buy-to-let mortgages. Compare interest rates and terms from various lenders. Aim to secure a loan with favourable terms that suit your financial situation. Consider additional costs such as down payments, closing costs, and reserves for unexpected repairs or vacancies. Working with a knowledgeable mortgage broker experienced in rental property financing can help you navigate this process more effectively. We recommend Neil Keeping with The Mortgage Group!

Step 5: Analyze Potential Properties

Once you've identified your target market, it's time to start analyzing potential rental properties. Look for properties that align with your investment goals and strategy. Consider factors such as location, property type (e.g., single-family homes, multi-unit buildings), and rental income potential. Evaluate the property's condition, including the age of the building, structural integrity, and the need for any immediate repairs or renovations. Additionally, review the property's historical rental income and expenses to determine its cash flow potential.

Step 6: Purchase and Property Management

Once you've identified the right rental property and secured financing, it's time to make your purchase. Consult with a real estate attorney and a real estate agent (like us!) to handle the legal aspects of the transaction and ensure a smooth transfer of ownership. If you're not planning to manage the property yourself, consider hiring a professional property management company specifically experienced in rental properties. They can handle tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and other day-to-day responsibilities, ensuring your property is well-managed and minimizing your direct involvement. We recommend Anchor Property Management!

Step 7: Set Appropriate Rent and Tenant Screening

Setting the right rental price is crucial to attract quality tenants while ensuring a positive cash flow. Conduct thorough market research to determine competitive rental rates in your specific area and for similar properties. Consider factors such as location, property condition, amenities, and the local rental market. Additionally, develop a thorough tenant screening process specifically designed for rental properties to minimize the risk of problematic tenants. Screen potential tenants for their credit history, employment stability, rental references, and previous rental payment track records. A reliable and responsible tenant will help ensure a smooth rental experience and reduce the likelihood of payment issues or property damage.

Step 8: Maintain and Upgrade the Property

To maintain the value of your rental property and attract quality tenants, it's essential to keep it in good condition. Regularly inspect the property, address maintenance issues promptly, and make necessary upgrades when required. Consider renovations or improvements that will increase the property's appeal, such as updating kitchens or bathrooms, enhancing curb appeal, or adding amenities like laundry facilities or parking spaces. By providing a well-maintained and comfortable living space, you'll increase tenant satisfaction, reduce vacancies, and potentially command higher rental rates.

Investing in rental properties can be a rewarding investment strategy when approached with careful planning and execution. By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be better equipped to make informed decisions, identify suitable rental properties, and manage them effectively. 

Author: Jordan Gunn
Real Estate Assistant
Andrew Perkins Real Estate
Keller Williams Select Realty

Navy Lane Condos: Halifax's Newest Condo Development is now for sale!

Just last week, Navy Lane officially launched its sales in Halifax. We had the privilege of being part of this incredible event that everyone had been eagerly awaiting. Real Estate Brokers and their friends and family were given first dibs at this new condo building coming to Gottingen Street.

The event truly reflected Halifax's pent-up demand for new construction condos. Units were selling rapidly, and excitement filled the air as attendees caught a glimpse of the future of Gottingen Street. Halifax has been in great need of new condo developments, as the focus over the past decade has been mainly on building apartment buildings. This has resulted in a significant shortage of condos in Halifax. For the past couple of years, we have had only 70-150 condos available for sale at any given time. We, along with many condo buyers we've spoken to, are thrilled about this new development, which provides more Halifax residents with the opportunity to own a Downtown Condo!

Navy Lane Condos is Urban Capital's second recent development on Gottingen Street, following NRTH Condos, which is currently under construction. These two new buildings will bring a surge of residents to the north end of Halifax, boosting economic activity, supporting local businesses, and much more.

If you haven't heard about this condo development yet and are curious, we have all the information you need right here in this blog post!

What is Navy Lane Condos?

Navy Lane is Halifax's newest condo development. This 9-storey, 169-unit building will be situated on the corner of Maitland and Gottingen Street. Developed by one of Halifax's leading developers, Urban Capital, Navy Lane promises polished looks, smooth functionality, and numerous features and elements in each unit.

Navy Lane Condos Future Construction Site

What are the suite sizes and price range?

Suites are starting at $339,900 and range up to $1,499,900. The smallest suites start at 575 square feet, and the largest units are approximately 1700 square feet. Suites range from 1-3 bedrooms. 

All suites include 9-foot exposed concrete ceilings, wide plank luxury vinyl flooring, contemporary kitchen and bathrooms with quartz countertops and integrated appliances.

Is Parking Included?

Parking is deeded in this building and purchased separately. There are 87 underground parking spaces. Parking is only available to purchase with units 715 square feet or larger. There will also be storage lockers available for purchase.

What are the anticipated amenities of the building?

Navy Lane will showcase some of the coolest amenities in the North End: a swimming pool, a lounge with fire pits, an outdoor barbecue prep area and dining room, an indoor bar and lounge, an indoor gym, an outdoor fitness area, and a tower viewer. But wait, it gets even better! All of these amenities will be located on the rooftop, providing residents with a private retreat to gather, relax, and exercise—a hidden oasis amidst the city.

In this era of remote work, Navy Lane goes the extra mile for its residents:

"Need to attend a private video meeting? There's a 'zoom' room available. Want to make a presentation or host an in-person meeting? There's a reservable boardroom. Additionally, a large harvest table and chairs offer communal or group workspaces. And for more informal workspaces, two lounge areas are available.

To support your work efforts, free Wi-Fi and a printer/scanner are at your disposal when you need to print something out.

And for your coffee fix, the work-share space comes equipped with its own Nespresso machine.”

Who wouldn't want to live here?

Model of Future Navy Lane Condo Building

Is there anything else you should know?

With no other new condo developments currently in progress for Halifax, you don't want to miss out on Navy Lane Condos. This building will feature executive concierge service, high-security features including the 1Valet entry system and approximately 3600 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. We cannot emphasize enough how exceptional the buildings built and designed by Urban Capital are.

While there are still plenty of available units as of today, they won't last long. Many have already been sold, and this building has yet to hit the MLS system. We receive weekly calls from buyers inquiring about new construction condos, so we know that these units are likely to sell quickly. If you're interested in learning more, simply fill out our form by clicking the button below!

Author: Jordan Gunn
Real Estate Assistant
Andrew Perkins Real Estate
Keller Williams Select Realty

You just bought a condo, now what?

Congratulations on becoming a condo owner! Owning a condo is a significant milestone that comes with a sense of accomplishment and pride. However, it also requires responsibility, effort, and patience. As Halifax Condo Specialists, we would like to share some insights and tips to help you navigate condo ownership smoothly.

1. Understand Your Condo Fees

One of the most significant financial commitments you will make as a condo owner is your condo fees. These fees cover the maintenance and repair of the common areas in the building, such as the lobby, elevators, and amenities. It is essential to understand the terms of your condo fees, including the amount, frequency of payment, and what they cover. Be sure to read your condo agreement thoroughly and ask your real estate agent (or us) any questions you have.

It is also essential to make your condo fee payments on time to avoid any penalties or late fees. Set up automatic payments to ensure you do not miss any payments accidentally

2. Plan for Expenses Beyond the Condo Fees

When you own a condo, you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the interior of your unit. From minor fixes to significant renovations, there are expenses you need to account for beyond your condo fees. It is wise to have a home maintenance fund to cover any unexpected expenses that may arise.

Additionally, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and utility bills are ongoing costs you need to consider. Having a budget and planning for these expenses will help you manage your finances better.

3. Take Care of Your Unit

As a condo owner, it is your responsibility to take care of your unit. Regular maintenance and repairs can prevent costly damages down the road. Ensure that you follow a maintenance schedule for your unit's major systems, such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.

Keep your unit clean and well-maintained. This includes regularly changing air filters, cleaning appliances, and ensuring that your unit's plumbing is functioning properly. Caring for your unit will help preserve its value and ensure that it remains a safe and comfortable place for you to live.

4. Build Equity

One of the significant benefits of condo ownership is building equity. Equity is the difference between your unit's market value and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. As you make mortgage payments, your equity increases, and you build wealth over time.

To build equity faster, you can make additional principal payments, such as paying more than your minimum monthly payment or making an extra payment per year. Additionally, you can increase your unit's value through renovations or upgrades.

5. Get Involved in Your Community

Owning a condo means being a part of a community. Take advantage of this opportunity and get involved in your building's community. Attend building events, volunteer, and get to know your neighbours. Building connections and relationships with those around you can enhance your experience as a condo owner.

Additionally, staying informed about building issues and events can help you make informed decisions about your unit and community. Attend condo association meetings to stay up-to-date.

6. Keep Your Records

Keeping accurate and organized records related to your condo is an essential part of responsible condo ownership. By doing so, you can avoid potential headaches down the line and ensure that you are prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise.

Here are some important documents and records to keep track of:

Purchase and Sale Agreement: This is the document that outlines the terms and conditions of the sale of your condo, including the purchase price, closing date, and any contingencies or conditions that must be met.

Closing Documents: These include the settlement statement, deed, and title insurance policy, which are important legal documents that prove ownership of your condo.

Condo Corporation Documents: Make sure to keep a copy of your condo association's rules and regulations, as well as any other documents related to your condo association, such as meeting minutes and financial statements.

Home Warranty Information: If you purchased a home warranty when you bought your condo, make sure to keep the paperwork in a safe and accessible place.

Home Inspection Reports: These are important documents that detail the condition of your

condo at the time of purchase, including any repairs that were recommended or completed.

Receipts for Repairs and Improvements: Keep receipts and invoices for any repairs, maintenance, or improvements that you make to your condo. This will come in handy if you ever need to prove that work was done, especially if you plan to sell your condo.

Insurance Policies: Keep copies of your condo insurance policy, as well as any other insurance policies you may have, such as flood or earthquake insurance.

Property Tax Records: Keep track of your property tax bills and receipts, as well as any assessments or valuations that are done on your condo.

By keeping these documents and records organized and accessible, you can ensure that you are prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise. It is also wise to have digital copies of these documents stored securely, so you can access them from anywhere if needed.

Additionally, it is wise to have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses, such as job loss or medical bills. Having a financial cushion can help you weather any financial challenges that may arise.

In Conclusion, Condo ownership is a significant milestone that requires responsibility, effort, and patience. By understanding your condo fees, planning for expenses beyond the condo fees, taking care of your unit, building equity, getting involved in your community, and planning for the future, you can make the most out of owning a Halifax Condo.

Halifax Restricts Short Term Rentals

Short Term Rentals (STRs) like AirBNBs and Vrbo Homes have become equally popular accommodation options as traditional hotels when planning vacations. Not only do they make great options for tourists due to added space, rooms and sometimes amenities (pet-friendly, pools, themed rentals etc), but they are great investment options too! Short-Term Rentals, when managed properly, can generate thousands of dollars a month in revenue.

While short-term rentals are a great option for tourists and investors alike, our city is in a housing shortage. We currently have a vacancy rate of less than 1% for long-term rentals and only 602 properties for sale. In response to this shortage, our municipality has recently placed new restrictions on short-term renting, in hopes to free up some properties to house residents. If you currently own a short-term rental property, are looking to invest in one, or have one booked for a future vacation, this blog post is for you. Read below to learn how these new restrictions impact short-term renting.

As of February 21, 2023, Halifax Regional Council established regulations for short-term rentals. You should note, these amendments still require ministerial review before being considered official. If they do pass review, these new regulations will take effect on September 1, 2023.

What is defined as a short-term rental?

Short-term rentals are temporary overnight accommodations rented out for a few nights or weeks at a time. The province officially defines short-term rentals in their Tourism Accommodation Registration Act as “the provision of roofed accommodations to a single party or group, for payment or compensation, for a period of 28 days or less.”

What are the new rules?

• STRs will only be allowed at the host’s primary residence. This may include backyard suites. Any secondary or subsequent properties will be prohibited from Short-Term Renting.

• STRs will still be allowed in commercial or mixed-use zones where tourist accommodations are already permitted.

• Short-term renting of an individual bedroom within a primary residence will be permitted.

• Existing provisions related to parking, bedroom limits and maximum signage requirements for bed and breakfasts will be extended to short-term bedroom rentals.

• All STRs will be required to be registered by April 1, 2023.

Where are we currently in these new regulations?

Council has recently approved the first reading of these new regulations. Next, staff will return to the council in the upcoming months to present a report regarding the implications of allowing STRs in backyard suites, and will provide additional details on how these new regulations will be enforced. Staff are also working to explore approaching tourist accommodations in rural parts of the municipality, as many of these properties may be exempt.

Whom should I contact if I have questions?

You can read the full report on these new regulations here.

If you still have questions on how this will impact your property or future travel/real estate goals, you can contact any of the following:

Jill MacLellan at maclelj@halifax.ca;

Jamy-Ellen Klenavic at klenavj@halifax.ca

Brandon Umpherville at umpheb@halifax.ca

Or, if you have a lawyer you typically work with concerning your properties, they can also assist you with current or new regulations.

Or, you can always reach out to us!

Stay tuned for more updates concerning Short Term Renting in Halifax!

Jordan Gunn

Licensed Real Estate Assistant

The Andrew Perkins Real Team

Keller Williams Select Realty

Selling Your Halifax Condo in the Digital Age!

Before the rise of digital advertising, the REALTOR® Standard in any given listing was to stick a sign in the front of the condo building, maybe pay for an ad in the local paper, and conduct an open house to get your condo sold. This was all it took to find a buyer, as the traditional way of property shopping was to check the paper or drive around the city.

Now, everything has changed.

According to Matterport, a company with cutting-edge technology to advertise listings virtually, 90% of buyers across all demographics use mobile and web technology to narrow down their list of properties to consider.

Real estate listings with digital advertising content receive 403% more inquiries than those without.

And

92% of buyers search the internet before ever contacting a listing agent about a particular property.

The rise of digital advertising and technological advancements has completely moved the real estate advertising-game from a simple yard sign to 3D virtual tours, social media, email targeting, listing alert systems, video chat viewings and so much more.

As a condo owner, when it is time to sell your property, you need an agent who understands the importance of digital advertising in today’s market. Someone who will be able to execute advertising in all corners of the internet, and make your listing the most appealing to virtual buyers. Have a look below at how we have made digital listings and advertising our forte:

First, let’s talk about the virtual tour.

What is a virtual tour?

A virtual tour is an immersive, 360-degree view of your condo. This technology allows buyers to click different points in the unit, and the software will bring them through those rooms, similar to walking through in an in-person tour. Buyers can rotate the angles of their perspective to view everything they would view in real life, without leaving their computer.

Why does this matter?

Virtual Tours are changing the game of real estate. Now, buyers can tour properties before they even request a formal viewing. That way, when your listing does receive viewings, you are having buyers coming through that already know they are interested in your condo. Virtual tours cut out a lot of the “browsing” folks, so you only need to prepare for qualified buyers booking viewings and stepping into your condo.

We offer all of our listings complimentary virtual tours of their condos, to help bring only motivated buyers to your door.

Social Media Marketing

Social media has impacted and changed all of our lives in the past two decades, and real estate is no different.

Social media is a great way to advertise your listing to thousands of people instantly. With our combined reach across social media platforms of over 3500 followers, many of these followers being buyers and other agents (who have access to different buyers), we take social media marketing very seriously. The minute your listing is live, we start marketing your condo across social media, to make it go from reaching the MLS system to thousands more.

Our social media strategy includes multi-day posting at specific, timed intervals to ensure maximum exposure, a combination of photo and video content, and paid social media ads. Paid social media advertising reaches beyond our followers, to other users with an interest in Halifax Real Estate.

Promo Videos

Our newest digital marketing strategy is to create promo videos for all of our listings. Many social media platforms which were traditionally only photo-based have switched to video being the predominant form of media over the past year. We keep track of current social media trends to ensure your listing is being advertised in the most beneficial way possible.

In these videos, we do a walkthrough of your listing, edited to catch users’ attention. That way, buyers who are not set up on any sort of listing alerts through a real estate agent, and can not access our virtual tours, will still get a walkthrough of your property prior to reaching out. This minimizes unmotivated buyers again, scheduling viewings and disrupting your day.

Email Marketing

Emailing is another powerful digital tool when marketing real estate. One of the most common ways to view new listings in today’s real estate market is through email listing alerts. Our team alone has over 4000 buyers receiving daily listing alerts in Halifax. Most, if not all of REALTORS’® automated listing alert systems are synchronized to the Nova Scotia MLS system, meaning as soon as your listing goes live, it is included in the following day’s listing alerts for any buyers with criteria matching yours.

Not only will your listing be marketed in this way, but we also take time to design additional marketing emails that target our database with every listing. These additional emails feature your listing’s professional photography, and all of its details and give potential buyers a clear means of reaching out to set up viewings. In these additional marketing emails, your listing stands alone to shine.

Monthly Newsletter

Another digital marketing strategy we have implemented to make your listings stand out is our monthly newsletter. At the end of every month, we create an email campaign to send to our entire database of over 4000 contacts, with tons of information on what is currently happening in the Halifax Real Estate Market. You can check out our past issues here. When you list with us, your listing is featured in its own section of our newsletter. That way, if any of our contacts missed your listing in their daily alerts or our target email marketing, then they can also catch it at the end of the month. We get great responses every month from our newsletter - many of our contacts have told us they look forward to receiving it each month.

These are just some of the ways we ensure your listing stands out online. Digital marketing is important now more than ever in Real Estate. 

Ready to sell your home? Work with us today!

Author: Jordan Gunn
Licensed Real Estate Assistant
Keller Williams Select Realty
The Andrew Perkins Real Estate Team

Design Your Den for You!

Ah, the den. Not quite a bedroom, however, an easy place to put guests for the night. It is the room in the house that many find the most difficult to decorate and give purpose to. 

If you are not careful, that valuable extra space ends up being a catch-all cupboard for personal items we’d like to deal with later: Christmas decorations in the closet, laundry on the bed, your kid's toys that they are not ready to part with stacked in the corners - dens can be just as big of a headache as they are a blessing.

Yes, spare bedrooms are great for when families visit, however, the majority of the time, spare bedrooms are left unused. There are many more innovative ways you can design your dens so YOU get the most out of them in your everyday life!

Here are 7 ideas to maximize your space and turn your den into a room you get to enjoy on the daily!

The second most common use for a den is a home office

With the rise of working from home, side hustles and flex hours, why not convert your den into your own personal office space? Here you can create a mental divide between work and play, and get to spend time in your den multiple times per week! The main aspect of working-from-home most complain about how it blurs the line between home and office. Working from your couch only to continue sitting on it for the rest of the evening in your personal time makes for a dreary day. Having a dedicated space to get work done not only allows you to relax better in your family spaces but also helps you shift into the work mindset when need be. Remember - keep your office free from clutter, invest in a comfy chair and use Fengshui principles to keep your space calm and collected, helping you work stress-free! 

Turn your den into a mini gym/yoga studio

Fitness fans out there, save on gym memberships and commute times by converting your den into your own personal gym or fitness space! Stop having to move sofas and rugs to complete your workouts in the living room. We recommend installing a monitor or tv to your den's wall to play workout videos, make space for a few select fitness equipments and maybe a mirror or two to watch your form. Keep it simple so you have space to move! Once your space it set up to succeed, there's really no excuse to stay active!

Use your den as a dining room

If your den is close to the kitchen, why not convert it into a dining room for you and your family? Having a designated space to sit down and eat meals together is so important in today's hustle and bustle. If you choose to turn your den into your dining room, we suggest using warm hues in your decor such as beige, red or yellow to stimulate your appetite. Hang a beautiful light fixture in the centre of the room and you’ve got a gorgeous gathering space!

Use your den as a walk-in closet

One way to make your daily life feel more glamorous is to convert your den into a walk-in closet! Having a dedicated space for your clothes may help you keep them more organized, and can help you keep a more cohesive wardrobe. I don’t know about you but, when all of my clothes are jammed into a tiny closet, I often feel like I have nothing to wear and end up buying more clothes that I do not need - which in turn jams my closet further, and leads to an unhealthy cycle. Spacing your items out in your den and giving yourself a dedicated “get-ready” space may help you feel more put together, and allow you to care for the clothes you already have!

Kids’ playroom/Game Room

Every parent can agree that having kids’ toys sprawled all over the house is a headache. Why not convert your den into a playroom to contain all of your kids’ fun? This dedicated space will keep the rest of your home tidy, and allow for your children’s imagination to run wild! If you have older children who do not necessarily need a space for toys, you can use your den as a family game room to spend some quality time and have some laughs!

Cinema

I personally had a family friend who converted their den into a home theatre, and it was the best decision their family made. They thrifted old movie theatre seats, installed a mini bar in the back of the room, and projected a large screen onto a blank wall. It was genius! If you are someone who likes to entertain, a den-turned cinema is sure to impress! 

Library

Last but not least, convert your den into a peaceful sanctuary by adding some built-shelving and surrounding yourself with your favourite novels! If you are someone who loves to get away from the business of the day and delve deep into a good book, a mini library would be the perfect use of a den space for you! Add a comfortable chair, fuzzy rug, side table and warm lamp to the centre of the room and you’ve got the perfect peaceful space.

Maybe you use your den in a cool and creative way that we did not list here? Let us know! 

Jordan Gunn

902-401-0373 

Keller Williams Select Realty

Gift Your Halifax Condo These 10 Products for the Holidays!

Gifts for Mom, Dad, the kids, and the dog: when the holidays come around each year, we have a chance to show our loved ones how much they mean to us through gift-giving. 

But what about our homes? The spaces where we gather each holiday season, visit family and friends, make memories and share laughs deserve some holiday love too!

The holiday season is a great time of year to show your condo a little appreciation. There are usually many sales around the holiday season, and not to mention, you will benefit from these gifts to your condo too. 

And with extra visitors over the holidays, these upgrades will go a long way!

We’ve compiled a list of 10 products you can gift your condo this holiday season to upgrade your space!

*Disclaimer: we are not endorsed by any of these products, and do not receive compensation for any purchases through these links. These are simply products we love and want to share!*

1. Smart Security

There are a ton of smart security options to choose from that can upgrade the safety of your condo for a relatively cheap price. From doorbell cameras to video surveillance, you are sure to find a smart security system that fits your budget. Here are a few examples below!

The Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera

The EZVIZ Video Doorbell Camera

The Simplisafe Home Security System

2. Motion Sensor Lighting

When most think of motion sensor lighting, they picture the outdoor light that illuminates their yard if a trespasser enters during the night. There are, however, many other ways you can use motion sensor lighting to upgrade your space. They can light up your closet upon opening your closet door, light up your counters when you grab a glass of water in the middle of the night or even light up your cupboards when searching through them for a snack. The opportunities are endless!

LED Closet Light

AMIR Motion Sensor Light

EZVALO Under Cabinet Lights

3. Motorized Blinds

Our team lead Andrew can attest to this: Motorized Blinds are worth every penny. Not only can you pair them to your smart devices to rise and fall at set times during the day, but you will never have to worry about the sun coming in through the crack of a curtain, or obstructing the view of your tv screen again. Budget Blinds is a locally owned company that you can use for all of your motorized blinds needs!

Budget Blinds

Zebra Blinds

Select Blinds Canada

4. New Bedding

We spend most of our time at home asleep in our beds. If you are going to splurge on anything, comfortable bedding is key. Our rest is so important to our health, and to how we feel during the rest of the day. Our licensed assistant Jordan swears by Sleep Country’s Bio-Soy Pillows, Camelus Eucalyptus-Fibre duvet covers and Camel Wool duvets to keep you in a deep sleep all hours of the night!

Bio-Soy Pillow

Camelus Bedding

Amazon Basics Cooling Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress Topper

5. A Water Filter for your Kitchen Tap

The taste of tap water cannot compare to the taste of water from an electric dispenser. But, what if you could make your tap taste as good as dispensed water? There's a way! Install a water filter on your kitchen tap to filter out all of the minerals, metals and impurities that alter the taste!

Waterdrop WD-FC-01 NSF Certified 320-Gallon Life Water Filter

Brita Tap Water Filter System

DuPont WFFM100XCH Premier Faucet Mount Drinking Water Filter

6. Re-caulk your bathtubs and showers

There's nothing more relaxing than getting in the bathtub or shower after a long day of work. Something that can ruin your relaxation in a matter of seconds is staring at mould or mildew build-up on the caulking around your tub. Re-caulking your tub or shower is a quick and easy diy that can make your bathroom feel like new!

Gorilla Waterproof Caulk and Seal

Dap 18304 Dynaflex 230 Clear Sealant

Red Devil 826 100-Percent Silicone Sealant Clear

7. Add Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that when inhaled, can cause serious tissue damage and death. Carbon monoxide poisoning is especially dangerous in homes that burn gasoline, wood, propane, charcoal or other fuel. Maintain your peace of mind by installing carbon monoxide detectors in your condo so that if exposure were to ever occur, you would have sufficient time to leave your condo and protect your health.

Mini CO2 Detector 

First Alert CO400A Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Carbon Monoxide Alarm

8. Give your walls a fresh coat of paint

Nothing revives a space like a new colour. Painting your walls a light and neutral colour can help open up your space, while a dark and bold colour can add interest and intimacy. Either way, freshening up your space with a new colour is a great way to signal a new year, and a new you!

Check out Benjamin Moore’s 2023 colour trend predictions!

9. Treat yourself to an Instant Pot or Air Fryer

Our team lead Andrew swears by adding an Air Fryer to your cooking regime, and our assistant Jordan adds an Instant Pot to her recommendations. These two cooking appliances will not only speed up your cooking time but also open the doors to hundreds of new, delicious and easy recipes! They are much easier to clean than multiple pots and pans when cooking dinner too!

Instant Pot 

Air Fryer

10. Replace your Shower Head

A new shower can level up your shower game immensely. From shower heads with multiple pressure options, to waterfall styles, the options are endless. There are many finishes to choose from as well to match your bathroom decor!

Moen 26009 Magnetix 2.5 GPM Shower Head

NERDON High-pressure Rainfall Shower Head

High-Pressure Shower Head - Black Finish

If your condo could talk, we know they would ask Santa for all of these things on their Christmas list! 

Jordan Gunn
Licensed Real Estate Assistant
Keller Williams Select Realty
902-401-0373

Reverse Mortgage: What You Need to Know

Are you planning to purchase a Halifax Condo in the next 6 months? It is CRUCIAL to have a pre-approval in place before viewing properties! Contact us to get your pre-approval started!

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It has been our (and most people's) longstanding understanding that after age 75, you cannot get a mortgage.

So, when a buyer reached out to us early last month to purchase a condo in her late 70s, we immediately thought that it would be impossible without paying in cash.

As part of our due diligence, we reached out to our trusted mortgage broker Neil Keeping with The Mortgage Group to confirm what we thought we already knew.

To our surprise, Neil stated that is it actually illegal to deny someone a mortgage on the basis of age. 

If you are 55 years or older, lenders will look at your assets, credit history and income, just like any other applicant. The only difference is your income may be your pension versus your salary.

Our buyer was relieved to hear that she had options: one of them being the reverse mortgage.

When Neil told us that a reverse mortgage would be perfect for our buyer, we had never heard of such a thing. That is why we asked Neil to write this article explaining exactly what a reverse mortgage is for our audience! 

Take it away Neil!

One of the most common observations made concerning the financial profile of average baby boomers is: too much of their net worth is tied up in their primary residence. 

While real estate investments have served boomers well over their lifetimes with steadily appreciating values and tax free capital gains, this asset class is also relatively illiquid, and has a future that some fear may not be as bright as its past.

Reverse mortgages offer Canadians over the age of fifty-five the opportunity to tap into their existing home equity without having to sell and move. The proceeds are tax free and the loan does not require any scheduled repayment. A reverse mortgage is simply a loan that is paid back with home equity, instead of with ongoing cash flow.

Homeowners (and spouses) must be at least fifty-five years of age and the maximum amount of home equity that can be withdrawn is set on a sliding scale according to age (55 yrs = approx. 25%, 70 yrs = approx. 40%, 80 yrs = approx. 55%). Canadian reverse mortgage transactions have until very recently been funded under the Canadian Home Income Plan (CHIP) brand, which has been around for 25 years and is now part of HomeEquity Bank, a Schedule One Canadian bank.

Here are the primary advantages of using a reverse mortgage:

• There is no ongoing monthly payment obligation. Your interest charges are added to the outstanding mortgage balance. (That said, you have the option to pay all or part of each year’s interest charges on the anniversary date of your mortgage if you wish.)
  
  

• You can’t be forced to move or sell your property, as long as it is maintained and all property taxes and associated fees are kept up-to-date. If your interest payments eventually eat through all of your equity, you (and your spouse) can remain in the house until death and the total amount owed is capped at the fair-market-value of the property at the time of sale. In fact, the longer you live, the more the reverse mortgage numbers start to tilt in your favour. (Approximately two-thirds of CHIP mortgage holders stay in their homes for the remainder of their lives.)
  
  

• You still benefit from future increases in your home’s value, which can offset some or all of your borrowing costs. Of course, you have to sell your house to realize the gain, so this is only a paper profit which can disappear if your property value decreases in subsequent years. (CHIP says that to date, 99.9% of their customers have money left over when the loan is repaid.)
  
  

• The money advanced to you is tax-free and is not counted as income when determining eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits. Also, if the proceeds are used to buy registered investments, mortgage interest costs can often be deducted from any income earned.
  
  

• It’s easy to qualify. reverse mortgages don’t require any health or income information, so if your property is deemed suitable, you are more than likely eligible.

Here are the primary disadvantages of a reverse mortgage:

• Borrowing back your home equity includes an interest cost that would be eliminated if you sold your home outright. People typically pay interest because they don’t have money, and in this case, you do. Financially, it makes much more sense to sell your house (any capital gain is also tax-free) and to then use the equity to generate future income.
  
  

• The interest rates charged are high. Reverse mortgage lenders are advancing you money, foregoing any repayment and giving you unfettered use of the collateral security for an extended period of time with no set date for recovering their principal and interest, so it’s not surprising that their rates are higher. But the bottom line is that a 5 year loan at 6.75% (today’s typical rate) is still very expensive.

In summary, a reverse mortgage may be a good solution for two types of borrowers.

1. Borrowers who can’t bring themselves to sell – If your house is important to you on an emotional level, then paying a premium for a solution that helps ensure you never have to leave it, is worth considering. (Even if from a purely financial standpoint a reverse mortgage is more expensive than the alternative of selling your home and downsizing.)

2. Borrowers who think their house price may decline – if you think house prices have peaked and want to hedge against a significant reduction in value, then monetizing your home equity at today’s values is a way to “sell high” without having to hire a moving van.

For everyone else, selling your house and cashing out is the way to go.

Searching for pre-approval to begin your condo buying journey?

Neil Keeping

Associate Mortgage Broker

The Mortgage Group

902.402.3505 

neil.keeping@mortgagegroup.com  

& 

Jordan Gunn

Licensed Real Estate Assistant

Keller Williams Select Realty

902-401-0373

jordan@andrewperkins.co

8 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Halifax Condo (#5 is a must!)

Wellington Court - 2677 Gladstone Street, Halifax NS - Photography: Trevor Kennedy

Are you planning to buy a Halifax Condo? Request our FREE Halifax Condo Buyer’s Guide for all the information you need to set yourself up for success!

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It’s no secret that Halifax Condo living has its perks: less maintenance, added amenities, increased security and more. 

More and more we see Halifax residents catching on to these benefits, and broadening their property search to include condos. We expect this to only increase with Halifax’s population growth. 

Condominiums are, in our opinion, one of the best types of property to own in Halifax. Now, this doesn’t mean we suggest you buy into just any Halifax Condo building. You should understand that condos run like a corporation, and condo buildings cannot fail.

What do we mean by saying, they cannot fail?

We mean, if the roof needs replacing, it will be replaced. If a pipe bursts and causes damage, repairs must happen. And in these cases, the money for these repairs can come from two places:

• The reserve fund that you as an owner contribute to monthly (via your condo fees)

• If there are not enough reserves in the reserve fund, it comes out of owners’ pockets through a special assessment.

This is one of the biggest concerns Halifax Condo buyers come to us with. They are worried their condo fees will increase dramatically due to a building repair.

While we do not have a crystal ball to predict your building's future repairs, we do understand condo documents thoroughly and know the questions to ask to ensure you are buying into a secure and sound condo corporation. 

Buying into a secure and sound corporation = less chance of special assessments, and less chance of dramatic increases in condo fees.

Read through to equip yourself with 8 essential questions you must ask before you purchase a Halifax Condo to set yourself up for success.

Aqua Vista - 67 Kings Wharf Place, Dartmouth, NS - Photography: Trevor Kennedy

1. Does the declaration prohibit any particular occupation or use of the units?

Common examples are the prohibition of pets and of conducting business from the unit. Time and time again, Halifax buyers come to us interested in purchasing a condo for Airbnb purposes, and we have to break the bad news to them: the majority of condo buildings in Halifax do not allow Airbnb, and the ones that still do are in the process of phasing it out. Condo buildings are typically ok with long-term renters, but most buildings are not comfortable with multiple, new, short-term residents coming and going. 

Some condo buildings also have restrictions on what kind (if any) businesses can be run from their units, and what kind of pets owners are allowed to have.

Domvista - 267 Gary Martin Drive, Bedford NS - Photography: Trevor Kennedy

2. Is the project registered as a condominium corporation? If not, when is registration anticipated?

This only applies to brand new buildings. Sometimes, there is an interim phase in which the condo building is being registered as a corporation, and owners begin to move in. If a new builder allows for occupation before registration, you may be subject to an interim occupancy fee. The fee can be made up of three parts: interest on the unpaid balance of the purchase price of your condo, an estimate on the municipal taxes for your unit, and a projected common expense contribution to keep the building running. The fee is usually charged monthly and requested in the form of post-dated cheques made out to the developer or vendor. This does not always occur, and new condo buildings are rare nowadays in Halifax, so most buyers will not have to think about this, however, it is worth noting if you are moving into a brand new building before it is registered.

It’s good to note, that developers cannot force you to move into the building before condo registration. Moving in early can be given as an option, but is not mandatory. If you wish to avoid these fees, you can wait to move in until registration is complete.

The Tides - 36 Southgate Drive, Bedford NS - Photography: Trevor Kennedy

3. How many of the units are owner-occupied versus rented?

Knowing what percentage of a building is being rented can give you insight into the community atmosphere of the building. Generally, renters take a shorter-term perspective on issues that can affect condo living, versus owners who live in the building, who may see things more long-term. Renters are also less likely to conduct regular maintenance in their units in comparison to owners. 

Condo buildings in Halifax that are close to universities typically have large numbers of renters, as opposed to condo buildings in, for example, Bedford. It’s not to say having a building with a lot of renters is always a bad thing: If you are looking for a condo as an investment opportunity, you may want a building that has many renters as it may be easier to find a tenant. 

Knowing the percentage of renters in a condo building you are interested in is good knowledge to have to evaluate whether you may want to purchase. Most buildings with professional property management will have this information available, whereas, in smaller buildings that are not professionally managed, it may be harder to find out.

Gorsebrook Park - 1048 Wellington Street, Halifax NS - Photography: Trevor Kennedy

4. If the unit is presently occupied by a tenant, how much notice to quit is required by the Residential Tenancies Act?

If you are purchasing a condo that is tenant occupied in Halifax, you have a few options:

• If you are moving into the unit and the tenant is on a periodic lease, then the owner must give the notice to quit with a move-out date no earlier than 2 months after the date the tenant receives the notice.
  

• If you are moving into the unit and the tenant is on a fixed-term lease, the seller must give the notice to quit with a move-out date no earlier than the date specified on the lease as the end of tenancy
  

• If you are purchasing an investment condo with a tenant that has a periodic lease, you cannot evict the tenant unless they do not adhere to the lease agreement.
  

• If you are purchasing an investment condo with a tenant that has a fixed lease, you can choose to not renew the tenant’s lease when the fixed end of tenancy date arrives.

5254 Green Street, Halifax, NS - Photography: Trevor Kennedy

5. Has a reserve fund study been conducted? Is the corporation's budget and financial status in keeping with the recommendations of the study?

The financial status and reserve fund are very important factors for owners in a condo building. Essentially, your condo corporation should be taking a percentage of your monthly condo fees and contributing those to a reserve fund for when (not if) repairs need to be made. 

If the condo corporation is not following suit with the recommendations of a reserve fund study, and a large repair needs to be made, your condo fees may increase substantially, or a special assessment will need to be done. Either way, it would be unexpected money out of your pocket.

Falcon Ridge - 277 Rutledge Street, Bedford NS - Photography: Trevor Kennedy

6. Are any major renovations or repairs anticipated?

This question coincides with question #5: If there are major repairs anticipated, where is the money coming from for them? Does the building have ample reserve funds to cover the costs? Repairs will inevitably happen at some point in every Halifax Condo building, so it’s crucial to understand how prepared your condo corporation is to handle this.

Artillery Place - 5530 Artillery Place, Halifax NS - Photography: Trevor Kennedy

7. How much are the condo fees? What expenses do they cover?

Some condo newbies are shocked to hear that condos require a monthly condo fee on top of their common living expenses. Condo fees typically cover maintenance of the building, landscaping, snow removal, common areas and amenities. Understanding what your condo fees cover can help you budget what you can afford. Some Halifax condo buildings include heat, hot water, or even property taxes in their monthly fees. If these fees are not paid, a lien can be issued against the condo owner.

The Greystones - 1457 Brenton Street, Halifax NS - Photography: Trevor Kennedy

8. Is the corporation self-managed or managed by a professional management company?

Generally speaking, in Halifax, large buildings are almost always professionally managed, whereas small condo buildings may or may not be. It’s always a bonus when a condo building is professionally managed, as the condo board does not get burned out, and the professional management has access to things like full-time superintendents, additional staff and are experts in building laws and regulations. 

Knowing the answers to these questions before deciding if you are going to purchase a condo in a given building will help you form a solid picture of whether this building is for you. As condo experts, we understand condo documents through and through and can help you navigate these and other questions before purchasing. The more informed you are, the greater the chance of a successful purchase.

Ready to purchase a Halifax Condo?

Jordan Gunn

Licensed Real Estate Assistant

Keller Williams Select Realty

902-401-0373

10 Halifax Summer Events You Do Not Want to Miss

Whenever I work with a client looking to buy a Halifax condo, I always like to ask what brings them to Halifax. The most popular responses I receive are the ocean, their job, their schooling, being closer to family and the balance our city has between slow pace living and fun activities. 

Although Halifax is the biggest city in Atlantic Canada, it still has the calm atmosphere of smaller towns in comparison to the rest of Canada’s major cities. Many agree that Halifax achieves a perfect balance of always having something to do and quiet relaxation. 

For those who love to engage with their city, Halifax comes to life in the summer. Our famous Halifax Waterfront fills with residents and tourists alike in the warmer months. Patios open, events emerge and weekends are filled with sightseeing, shopping, dining, drinking and entertainment. 

With its plenty of shops, local restaurants, outdoor activities and more, it’s hard to choose what to do on a summer weekend (Not a bad problem to have!). 

In Downtown Halifax alone, there are over 400 restaurants, pubs, retailers, and service providers!  Multiple condo owners who have been living here for years have told us that you could not visit every Halifax restaurant in a lifetime! Halifax is truly the hub for Maritimers, tourists and residents for entertainment and leisure in the summer months.

As a true Haligonian, I do not want to miss out on the best Halifax events of the summer, and if you are reading this, I bet you do not want to either. This is why we did our research and found 10 events that are not worth missing. Whether food, theatre, shopping or music is your thing, there will be an event for you on this list. 

If you currently live in Halifax or are moving to Halifax soon, read through to get the info you need to up your summer game, have some fun, and see what our beautiful city has to offer.

Are you moving to Halifax this summer? Get our FREE Halifax Relocation Guide which covers everything you need to know before arriving!

1. Harbourside Ribfest

Dates: June 30 - July 3

Where: 2 Ochterloney St, Dartmouth NS B2Y 4W1

“After taking a couple of years off, Atlantic Canada’s largest volunteer-run event is back on!”

This year’s RibFest will feature:

• no admission fee

• 5+ world-renowned ribbers

• live entertainment all day

• full bar serving beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks

Dates & Times

• June 30th, 2022 5PM – 10PM

• July 1st, 2022 10AM – 10PM

• July 2nd, 2022 10AM – 10PM

• July 3rd, 2022 11AM – 5PM

“This is a 100% volunteer-run event hosted by Rotary Halifax Harbour. Proceeds from vendor fees, bar sales, and on-site donations support local and international causes.”

2. The Curio Collective Summer Vintage Show

Date: July 9

Time: 10:00am-6:00pm

Where: Lighthouse Arts Centre

“ONE DAY ONLY! Join us July 9th for our Summer Vintage Show where 25 of the top local vendors bring their best vintage clothing, estate and costume jewelry, vintage, midcentury, records & collectibles to Downtown Halifax!”

3. TD Halifax Jazz Festival

Dates: July 12 - July 17

Time: All Day

Where: Halifax Waterfront

“Since 1987, HJF has organized a diverse range of musical and educational activities, including the annual Halifax Jazz Festival. The TD Halifax Jazz Festival, formerly known as the Atlantic Jazz Festival, is the oldest jazz festival and largest summer festival in Atlantic Canada. Designated a Hallmark Event by the Halifax Regional Municipality, the festival attracts up to 65,000 visitors, involves 400 volunteers and employs over 350 local musicians.

The Halifax Jazz Festival (HJF), formed as JazzEast Rising is a non-profit organization created in 1987 to present the first ever Halifax Jazz Festival (formerly known as the Atlantic Jazz Festival) in Nova Scotia, Canada. As a registered charity, HJF has widened its horizons beyond the successful TD Halifax Jazz Festival to become involved, throughout the year, in a diverse range of musical and educational activities.

HJF’s mandate runs from the promotion and presentation of soft-seat concerts and club shows to planning educational workshops (such as the renowned Creative Music Workshop). We develop opportunities for amateur musicians, established local artists and the local “jazz aristocracy”. We bring renowned performers from many parts of the world to a city that doesn’t always find itself naturally on the maps for touring artists.

In brief, we think jazz is important to the culture which we’d like to have, and we want to make sure that kind of culture is strong in Halifax, where we love to live.”

4. Halifax Pride Festival

Dates: July 14 - July 24

Time: All Day

Where: Garrison Grounds

“Mark you calendars, the Halifax Pride Festival is back July 14-24, 2022!

The Halifax Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, July 16, 2022 starting at 12:00PM in downtown Halifax. Learn more at halifaxpride.com.

The Halifax Pride Festival is an annual 11 day gathering in the Halifax Regional Municipality for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. It features over 150 community and Pride organized events celebrating the history, culture, activism, and perseverance of the queer community.

While the Halifax Pride Society organizes a number of large and small scale events, we engage actively with various queer groups and individuals throughout the year to support them in the planning of their own events and activities.”

5. Halifax Busker Festival

Dates: July 27 - August 1

Time: All Day

Where: Halifax & Dartmouth

“This summer, Halifax Busker Festival will entertain thousands across Halifax and Dartmouth’s beautiful and historic downtown waterfronts.

Featuring the hilarious, wacky, and breathtaking entertainment that can only be found at the annual Halifax Busker Festival – crowds are treated to mind-blowing shows from the world’s top street performance artists as they showcase their unique talents and skills with acrobatics, music, visual arts, comedy, fire shows, and so much more.

Visit buskers.ca for more information.”

6. Movie Night in the Gardens by Fin Aiff

Date: July 29

Time: 8:45pm-11:15pm

Where: The Public Gardens

“Every FRIDAY,  July 8 to July 29     8:45 to 11:15 PM

THE SUMMER OF SARAH POLLEY
     

 July 8          My Life Without Me, 2003   (Rated 14A)

July 15        Away From Her, 2006         (Rated PG)

July 22:       Take This Waltz, 2011        (Rated 18A)

July 29:       Stories We Tell, 2012         (Rated PG)”

7. Jason Mraz & Raining Jane

Date: July 31

Time: 8:00pm-10:30pm

Where: Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

“Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Jason Mraz has announced the Lalalalivesongs Tour in celebration of Lalalalovesongs, his recently released collection of iconic ballads. Included in his most extensive run of Canadian dates in more than a decade, including a stop at Halifax’s Rebecca Cohn Auditorium on Sunday, July 31.

Raining Jane, the all-female eclectic rock/folk band and Mraz’s longtime collaborators, will join Mraz on the trek.”

8. Halifax Seaport Cider & Beerfest

Dates: August 4-6

Time: 7:00am-10:00pm

Where: Halifax Seaport

THE 14TH ANNUAL HALIFAX SEAPORT CIDER & BEERFEST

AUGUST 4TH, 5TH, & 6TH 2022

“THE FESTIVAL IS BACK, 100% OUTDOORS & NOW INCLUDES FIZZFEST

We’re ‘Getting Fizzy With It!’ We’ve expanded to bring you a wide variety of refreshing hard seltzers, pre-mixed cocktails, and sodas for to try, in addition to our extensive assortment of delicious craft beers and cider.

New licensing rules prohibit all-inclusive drinks ticket, so we’ve lowered admission.  Your ticket now includes, 10 complimentary drink tickets for 4oz each (the max. allowed) and a souvenir 5oz. mug. Extra drink tickets are available onsite, 5 for $10, etc…and you’ll be able to “taste” before you buy at the stands.

A limited VIP ticket, for just $10 (+fees & taxes) includes 1-hour early access (1pm & 6pm) to interact with brewers and enjoy access to limited and specialty brews, and a souvenir glass.  There are no extra drink tickets, just the original 10 all attendees receive.

Great food from Jamdouns, Asado Grill & King of Donair

Great tunes from DJ Lukas Stilldrunk”

9. Halifax Wanderers Football Match

Date: August 13

Time: 3:00pm-5:00pm

Where: Wanderer Grounds

“HFX Wanderers Football Club, commonly known as HFX Wanderers, and also spoken as Halifax Wanderers, is a Canadian professional soccer club in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The club competes in the Canadian Premier League at the top of the Canadian soccer league system, and play their home matches at Wanderers Grounds.”

10. Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition

Date: August 21

Time: All Day (Starts at 9:00am)

Where: 158 Beach Road, Clam Harbour, NS

"The Halifax Regional Municipality is pleased to announce that the 42nd Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition will take place on Sunday, August 21, 2022 with gates opening at 9:00am.

2022 Event Description:

The sandcastle and sand sculpturing contest attracts over 10,000 people every year to the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia. There are cash prizes for various categories. First Aid personnel and provincial lifeguards will be on site. There is an on-site bus shuttle service to transport people to and from the beach after the park opens at 9:00 AM. Only registered “Service Dogs” are permitted on the buses.

Bring a positive attitude and your sand building tools and skills. Please note there is a fee of $10 for adult groups to participate in the competition and no fee for children or youth. The Registration Tent will be available onsite as soon as you step onto the beach. No advanced registration.  This event is rain or shine. Bring sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, water, snacks, and appropriate beach attire. Various food vendors will be on-site.

Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition was not permitted to take place over the last two years due to the Provincial Government State of Emergency. It is with great excitement that we announce the return of this Eastern Shore summer tradition. Look forward to seeing you at the beach!

For more information please contact Andrew Cox at coxa@halifax.ca or Shari Dillman at dillmas@halifax.ca. 

Learn more about Clam Harbour’s famous sandcastle contest that attracts thousands of people to the Eastern Shore! View winners from past years and other pictures on the Clam Harbour Beach Sandcastle Competition Facebook page."

Let us know if you stop by one of these events this summer! We hope to see you there!

Sold on Halifax? Browse the Most Up-to-Date Condos for Sale now!  

Jordan Gunn

Licensed Real Estate Assistant

The Andrew Perkins Real Estate Team

Keller Williams Select Realty

902-401-0373

How to Combat Buyer's Remorse

So you did your research, you looked at condos, you investigated neighbourhoods and school districts, you made an offer, and—voila!—you’re a condo owner! This should be one of the happiest days of your life…so why do you feel like driving off a cliff ala Thelma and Louise? Did we pay too much? Did somebody pay off the inspector not to disclose some massive underlying damage and faulty wiring? Is this the true right condo for us? How will we ever scrape up enough to pay the mortgage payments? How can I get out of it?

Well, it’s called buyer’s remorse, and it’s as universal as the common cold. So take a deep breath, do a few yoga poses and relax. It’s going to be okay. Everyone goes through it. Statistics are on your side: 74 percent of first-time buyers say they like their new home better than their previous residence, and 67 percent of repeat buyers like theirs better.

And anyway, you legally have three days to change your mind and cancel the contract. Right?

Wrong! No such law exists. Generally, a buyer can cancel only for failure to qualify for mortgage financing after a diligent and good-faith effort, or based on the reasonable disapproval of some aspect of the home. What constitutes “reasonable disapproval of some aspect of the home”? Read on and find out.

Notice of violations of building, zoning, fire or health laws.

• Flood hazard designation (resulting in the cost of flood hazard insurance).

• The title commitment report from the title company (which may indicate liens, unpaid taxes and easements restricting the use of the property).

• The Seller's Property Disclosure Statement.

• Condo Corporation/Board disclosures (such as the restrictions contained in your community's covenants, conditions and restrictions or other governing documents).

• Cost to repair any septic or other waste-disposal system.

• Lead-based paint information (for condo constructed prior to 1978).

• Wood-infestation reports.

• Damage to the condo by fire, flood, earthquake or act of God.

• Information obtained from the condo inspection and investigation (which may reveal adverse property conditions).

If a buyer tries to cancel the contract just because of cold feet, the buyer is in breach of the contract. The seller is then entitled to request mediation, file a lawsuit, keep the buyer's earnest money as damages or ask a court to order the buyer to purchase the condo.

You're less likely to suffer from buyer's remorse if you have a real estate agent you trust who can help you evaluate your housing needs. But the best way to prevent (or at least mitigate) buyer’s remorse is to prepare yourself in advance, long before you ever sign on the dotted line.

First, draw up a pro and con list. We’ve given you one to get you started below.

Advantages of Renting

• Usually costs less than buying

• You can usually move more easily

• Little responsibility for maintenance

• No responsibility for repairs

Disadvantages of Renting

• No tax benefit

• No investment in or from the property

• No equity is building

• Rent payment can increase frequently

• Possibility of eviction

Advantages of Buying

• Greater stability

• Usually good investment

• Your equity builds

• First property often leads to better one

• Greater individuality in décor/space arrangement

• Greater sense of security

Disadvantages of Buying

• You are responsible for property taxes

• You are responsible for the maintenance (within your unit for condos)

• You are responsible for repairs (within your unit for condos)

• Possibility of foreclosure

• In foreclosure, loss of equity

• Monthly housing usually costs more

• Your cash is tied up

• You have less mobility

• Payment on some mortgage types can increase.

After you’ve looked over your list, compile the costs of buying a condo, of which there are two types: upfront costs (down payment and closing costs) and ongoing costs (monthly mortgage payment, condo ownership expenses, taxes, insurance, etc.)

So when buyer’s remorse hits, remind yourself why you wanted to buy a condo in the first place. Now pop open the bubbly and congratulate yourself.

NS New Non-Resident Deed Transfer & Property Taxes

It was revealed on March 29, 2022, the province of Nova Scotia instated two new taxes for non-residents concerning their properties. Many believe that this is the government’s attempt to cool the Halifax Real Estate Market. The response amongst the public has been very divided. It seems to have caused some hope in buyers who have been struggling to secure homes and caused frustration in property owners who although may not be permanent residents, call our province home through various parts of the year. Either way, these taxes have been implemented, effective April 1, 2022. We decided to create an article to break down the new changes and make sense of them for our readers.

Provincial Deed Transfer Tax for Non-residents

The provincial deed transfer tax for non-residents is a new tax (5% of the purchase price or assessed value) that is charged to non-residents upon the purchase of a property in Nova Scotia. Some key points to be aware of:

• This tax will be implemented on any purchases after April 1, 2022

• This tax is added to the current municipal deed transfer tax. For example, in Halifax, the municipal deed transfer tax 1.5%. This means that if this new provincial tax applies to you, and you are purchasing in Halifax, you will be paying a total of 6.5% deed transfer tax upon closing.

• The tax will be calculated on the purchase price or the assessed value, whichever is greater.

• This new tax applies to residential properties with 3 or fewer dwellings.

The exemptions to the Provincial Deed Transfer Tax are as follows:

• First and foremost, you are exempted if you are a resident of Nova Scotia

• If your agreement of purchase and sale was signed before April 1, 2022

• If 50% or more of the owners are residents of Nova Scotia

• If you intend to move into the residence within 6 months of purchasing

• The residence is being transferred to you under a power of sale

• The residence is being transferred due to foreclosure

• The residence is purely commercial

• The residence will be registered to a Canadian Charitable organization

There are a few other exceptions that you can read more about here.

To view the required forms and process, visit the government’s website here

Provincial Property Tax for Non-residents

The provincial property tax for non-residents is a new annual property tax that must be paid by non-residents on top of the already existing municipal taxes. This tax will have a rate of $2.00 per $100.00 of the property’s assessed value. Some things you should know:

• This tax will be implemented on any purchases after April 1, 2022

• Non-residents will be responsible for both the already existing municipal property taxes and this new provincial property tax.

• This new tax applies to residential properties with 3 or fewer dwellings.

The exemptions to the Provincial Property Tax are as follows:

• First and foremost, you are exempted if you are a resident of Nova Scotia

• If your agreement of purchase and sale was signed before April 1, 2022

• If 50% or more of the owners are residents of Nova Scotia

• If the residence is rented out for at least 12 consecutive months.

• The residence is purely commercial

The Government has stated that required forms and more information will be available in the near future.

For any questions regarding these new taxes, you can contact us at either 902-488-0012, info@andrewperkins.co, contact NSPropertyTax@novascotia.ca, or click here.

Condos versus Co-ops, What's the Difference?

When it comes to purchasing property, there are many different routes you can take. With the increasing prices in the Halifax Real Estate Market and the competitive nature of single-family home purchasing, buyers are considering condos and co-ops now more than ever before. Have you ever wondered what are exactly the differences between owning a condo or co-op as opposed to a single-family home? If so, look no further. Read below to learn the difference!

First, both condos and co-ops are considered Common Interest Subdivisions (CIS), in which individual ownership of a residential unit is combined with the shared ownership of a common area. Let’s look at the differences between the two…

Condominiums

Owning a condo is similar to owning a house. You have a deed and mortgage and pay property taxes, but what you really own is “airspace”, or what is within the four walls of your unit. Exterior walls, floors, and ceilings are owned in common among all residents. You join the condo association of the given building and pay monthly dues to cover management, hazard insurance, maintenance, garbage collection, hallway lighting, contribution to the reserve fund, landscaping and more. Some condo corporations include heat and water costs into their condo fees as a bonus to the residents.

Condo owners usually may remodel only within the guidelines provided by covenants, conditions, and restrictions, which may specify everything from how maintenance is handled to what colour curtains you can hang on your windows. Condo owners are also responsible for what goes on within their individual units, including maintenance and repairs. it's a smart idea to read them before buying a condo. Also, be sure to request recent reports outlining future plans for the complex.

Maintenance is shared with neighbouring condo owners; it is important to remember that your property value depends on the condition and desirability of the entire development.

Co-op

A co-op is a housing complex owned by a corporation made up of all the residents — you essentially become a shareholder in the corporation that owns the property. The number of shares you are issued depends upon the size of the unit you own. You own shares in the private company that owns the building and by owning those shares you are given exclusive rights to occupy a specific unit in that building. Potential owners are also interviewed by the board. Larger units owners have more power in deciding how the building is run. You also pay fees to cover your portion of the building’s property taxes, mortgage, and the costs of repairs and improvements for the common areas.

Securing financing for co-op and co-ownership units is more difficult than a condo, for the simple reason that your collateral – shares or a portion of the ownership – is not as easy to foreclose on. Co-op owners also depend on each other financially, so expect heavy scrutiny of both your financial history and your personal life if you’re buying.

The main benefit of a co-op is affordability, as it is usually cheaper than a condo. Some people also want to build equity in a home but have no interest in taking on the responsibilities and expenses that come with ownership.

Advantages of Condos and Co-ops

Considering all the options, what are the advantages of buying a condo or co-op? First, prices are typically much lower than for single-family homes, and landscaping and maintenance are minimal or nonexistent. Some residents say they feel safer in a “cluster” environment, while others cite the peace of mind from having a common maintenance service. Some buildings even have luxury amenities such as pools, gyms, libraries, guest suites and more. 

Disadvantages?

Condo and Co-op fees are not tax-deductible, and the dues are considered an ongoing expense that will lower the amount of mortgage you can qualify for. Condos and co-ops also have rules concerning renovations, renting, pets and many other elements that owners must abide by, unlike if you own a single-family home. Rules are typically in place to keep the building appearing cohesive in design, and to keep all owners comfortable, secure and happy. 

Condo documents can also be long, complex, and often hard to understand. If you are planning to purchase a condo, having an experienced REALTOR who has sold condos in the past review the condo documents is crucial. Did we mention we have 18+ years in helping buyers purchase condos successfully in Halifax? Our team Lead Andrew Perkins also owns multiple condos in Halifax, lives in a condo himself and sits on his building’s condo board! 

The most important thing before considering buying any property is to do your homework. Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, you’ll be building equity and get a tax break to boot. Buying into a condo or a co-op can be a great way to get your feet wet in the property-ownership game.

Jordan Gunn
Licensed Real Estate Assistant
902-401-0371

Let's Talk Property Deeds

It used to be that all you had to do to sell your house was give the buyer a handful of dirt from the property and say a few legal words in front of witnesses to symbolize the transfer. How times have changed! Nowadays, there is an entire selling process, lawyers and fees needed to complete a real estate transaction. Selling a home also requires the transfer of property deed.

Property deeds are written documents used to transfer real estate from a seller (grantor) to a buyer (grantee). They include the actual transfer of the property, called the granting clause, a description of the property being transferred, called a habendum clause* and, usually, a warranty. Deeds also must be signed by the grantor. It is the warranty or lack thereof, that defines each type. Different types of deeds provide different assurances to the grantor and grantee and are used in different situations. 

General warranty deed

This kind of deed guarantees that the grantor is the owner of the property and has the right to sell it to the grantee. It also guarantees that there are no debts on the property or defects in structures other than those that are recorded in the deed. Lastly, it guarantees that should any unforeseen problems arise with the title, the grantor will reimburse the grantee for any losses. All of these guarantees extend to before the grantor owned the property; the grantor is responsible for title problems that arose before their ownership.

For this reason, title insurance is used to protect against possible claims and liens. A title company provides a full title search and explores any other possible breaches before the property is transferred. This is typically done through your lawyer during the buying process.

Special warranty deed

This warranty is extremely similar to the general warranty deed. This deed also includes the warranty that the grantor has the legal right to sell the property. However, it differs in that it only guarantees that there are no debts on the property or defects in structures other than those stated in the deed during the period of the grantor’s ownership. This kind of deed makes no guarantees outside of what the grantor had knowledge of or caused. For example, if the grantor sells a house in which the plumbing was working fine while he owned it, and the plumbing breaks after the sale as a result of a prior defect, the grantor cannot be held responsible. Other warranties can also be included in the deed if so stated.

Grant deed

This kind of deed implies that the grantor has the right to sell the property and that the property itself is unencumbered. However, it does not make explicit warranties like the above deeds.

Quitclaim deed

This kind of deed has no warranty at all. The purpose of a deed of this type is for one party to release any interest that they had in a piece of property. The deed doesn’t warrant that the grantor had any legal right to the property at all. Quitclaim deeds are usually used in divorce cases, in which one party releases any claim to the property. This party may not have any legal interest in the property, but it prevents them from, for example, claiming a right to money from the sale of the property somewhere down the road. Quitclaim deeds are also used in foreclosure cases.

Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure

When a homeowner misses several payments and defaults on a loan, sometimes they will transfer the deed of the house to the lender to avoid foreclosure. This can use any of the above deed types in the transfer. There is no transfer of money because the homeowner owes the lender; the lender sells off the house to recover at least part of what the homeowner owes. The lender also provides the borrower with a form that states the debt is cancelled and another that states that the lender cannot ask for what remains of the debt after the property sale.

Have any questions about deeds? Reach out! We would be happy to chat!

*habendum clause: the part of a deed or conveyance which states the estate or quantity of interest to be granted, e.g. the term of a lease.

Jordan Gunn
Licensed Real Estate Assistant
902-401-0373

Federal Aids for First-Time Home Buyers!

Buying your first home is one of the biggest milestones in your life. It’s something that most people dream of from a very young age. With big milestones come big challenges: one of the biggest challenges that come with purchasing your first home is saving for a downpayment. 

The conventional downpayment for a home is 20% of the purchase price. For example, your mortgage lender would expect a 60K downpayment for a property worth 300K. The minimum downpayment in Canada is 5% of the purchase price, however, with downpayments less than 20%, you must purchase mortgage default insurance. Keep in mind, 5% of 300K is still 15K, which is a significant amount of money. 

In the early years of adulthood, it can be very difficult to save this kind of money without exterior influences such as trust funds or gifts from relatives. Luckily, Canada and Nova Scotia offer various supports that allow first-time homebuyers assistance in making a downpayment. In this article, we will dig into the Federal Programs that are in place to assist buyers. Tune in next month as well, when we dig into the provincial programs that are available to Nova Scotia Residents!

The Government of Canada has three programs to help first-time home-buyers: the Home Buyers’ Amount tax credit, the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), and the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive. We will detail each of these programs below to help you or someone you know achieve their real estate goals.

The Home Buyer’s Tax Credit

Eligible first-time homebuyers can claim a $5000.00 non-refundable income tax credit on a qualifying home. To qualify for this tax credit, you must:

-buy a new or existing property that is either a single-family home, townhouse, condo, or certain multi-unit properties.

-Be a first-time home buyer: this can apply to those who have not resided in a home they own for the past 5 years.

-The property must be your principal place of residence.

This credit does not need to be applied for or approved, you simply put the Home Buyer’s Amount of $5000.00 on Line 31270 of your income tax return. You can split this amount between you and your spouse, but it cannot exceed $5000.00 total. 

The credit results in a 750$ rebate on the taxes you owe for the year. Which will not pay out any money to you, but may reduce your income tax owing to zero if you owed less than $750.00. This may help alleviate the financial burden of added income tax, and allow you to use that money towards real estate.

The Home Buyer’s Plan

The Home Buyer’s Plan is a federal program that allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw up to $35,000 per individual from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan tax-free to put towards their first home. To qualify for this incentive, you must:

-Be a resident of Canada

-The home in question must be your principal residence

-You must be a first-time homebuyer

-Applicants must have a written agreement to buy or build a home

To apply for the Home Buyer’s Plan, simply download and fill out form T1036 here which is entitled ‘Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) Request to Withdraw Funds from an RRSP’.

Once you are approved for the Home Buyers’ Plan, you can withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP without paying any withholding taxes. You should know that participants in the Home Buyers’ Plan must repay the amount they withdrew from their RRSP within 15 years.

First-Time Home Buyer Incentive

The First-Time Home Buyer’s Incentive was introduced by the Federal Government to make first-time home-buying more achievable for the middle and lower class. The incentive acts as a shared equity loan, where the government lends first-time home buyers 5-10% of the purchase price to put towards the downpayment. This must be repaid either in 25 years or when the home is sold.

First-time Homebuyers can apply for this incentive after they have been pre-approved for a mortgage. We should note that the purchase price of the home cannot exceed four times your qualifying income. When you pay back this loan, the amount may be greater than what you originally received, as the government owns equity in 5-10% of your home, which will go up in value the longer you own it. To qualify, you must:

-Be a Canadian Resident

-Be a first-time homebuyer

-Have a total qualifying income below $120,000

-Borrow no more than 4 times your income

-Have enough funds to make the minimum downpayment

-Be pre-approved for a mortgage

To apply, fill in the forms on the FTHBI website. You then give the forms to your lender who will submit them on your behalf.

When you are in the beginning stages of purchasing your first home, speak to your trusted real estate professional and mortgage advisor about these options. These are great programs you should take advantage of to begin owning real estate! Tune in next month when we dig into three programs for first time home buyers in Nova Scotia!

Spotlight: The Halifax Public Gardens

One of the most popular and well-known sites in the South End of Halifax is the beautiful Public Gardens. Comprised of 16 hectares of land off of Spring Garden Road, the Public Gardens is one of the only formal Victorian Gardens left in North America. The Halifax Public Gardens are a cherished piece of nature amidst the hustle and bustle of Downtown Halifax, and are protected not only by the Nova Scotia Heritage Property Act, but were also designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1984. 

As a Haligonian, or a South End Resident, you have probably strolled the lanes of the Halifax Public Gardens, admired its flowers, or rested on its benches. But do you know how these gardens got to be? We were curious, so we decided to do a little research.

The Public Gardens began as an amalgamation of two gardens, a swamp and a bequest in 1836, under the watch of politician Joseph Howe. At this time, Joseph Howe also established the Nova Scotia Horticultural Society, to help cultivate new species of plants and cultural practices in the Public Gardens.

The Public Gardens started as 5.5 Hectares of land, which in 1841, had to charge a membership fee due to the cost of maintaining the gardens!

In 1867, Chief Justice Sir William Young transformed the Public Gardens into the first city-owned garden, inspired by his time in Paris, strolling the garden squares of the French city. Chief Justice Sir William Young hired superintendent Richard Power in 1872 to combine all sections of the garden into one cohesive unit. Many of the features we see today were from the works of Richard power!

Since then, the sections of the garden and pieces of architecture have been restored, but in whole the vision that William Young and Richard Power had remained intact. Some notable features of the garden we thought were interesting mentions are as follows:

In 1887, six urns and three statues were donated from the estate of chief justice Sir William Young which previously resided in his own garden: The three statues, that are still present today include a statue of Ceres (the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility), a statue of Flora (the goddess of flowers and spring), and a statue of Diana (the goddess of the woodland and wild animals).

We cannot forget the heart of the Public Gardens: the Bandstand. Built in 1887, the bandstand has been a venue for outdoor performances and concerts ever since its debut!

Griffin’s pond, located almost centrally in the gardens, is well known for the titanic model replica is displayed in the pond as a memorial for the 121 titanic victims buried in the Fairview Cemetery in Halifax. This pond interestingly enough, was named Griffin Pong after a young Irishman named Lawrence Griffin, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and hung on the east side of the pond in October of 1821.

The well-known iron gates that welcome residents into the garden on Spring Garden Road were initially installed in 1890, but moved to their current location in 1907. They have the Coat of Arms of the city of Halifax featured on them, which reads “E Mari Merces”, which means, wealth from the seas.

Victorian Gardens typically displayed exotic plants, since many residents of these areas would never otherwise experience these species in the 1800s. The Halifax Public Gardens adheres to this tradition: most of the plants in the Halifax exotic beds are Agave and cacti. One of the agave plants in the Public Gardens only blooms once every 40 years!

There is so much more to these public gardens than we can cover in one blog post. Be sure to book a tour, take a stroll, or head to The Friends of the Public Gardens’ website to learn more about one of the most beloved spaces in our city!

The Nova Scotia Film Industry is Booming!

Downtown Halifax, and arguably all of Nova Scotia has piqued the interest of many large-scale tv and film streaming companies since the COVID-19 pandemic has hit. Nova Scotia has been an underrated filming destination for most of its existence: with its picturesque coasts and low production costs (in comparison to the rest of the Country), it’s a mystery why the film scene hasn’t noticed its potential sooner. Nevertheless, when the world experienced the novel Covid-19 pandemic, film and television producers expanded their searches for production spaces, leading to a boom in our local screen industry.

Our province remains one of the safest areas to be during the pandemic due to our government taking swift action to curb outbreaks, our high vaccination rate, our safety procedures and policies, and our limited entrance into the province. This safety, along with our stunning coastal city, beaches and nature have caused interest inquires to increase by more than 100% for filming purposes in the last year (reported by Screen Nova Scotia). 

This increase in interest is very positive for our province as it can create jobs in the arts sector, promote tourism, and attract developments to the area. It is also just nice for Nova Scotia’s beauty to be featured on the big screen! 

Some notable figures concerning our economy that can be found on Screen Nova Scotia’s website include:

• Nova Scotia’s Screen industry contributes over $180 million dollars to Nova Scotia’s Economy

• More than 2,000 Nova Scotians work in Film, Television, and Animation

• As of June 2021, the Nova Scotia Government added $23.6 million dollars to the Nova Scotia Film and Television Production Incentive Fund

• Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the film and television industry of Nova Scotia has attracted over $100 million dollars in direct foreign investments

Nova Scotia has been the background of many notable films and tv shows, including but not limited to: The Titanic (1997), The Sinner (2017-Present), The Lighthouse (2019), Ghost Ship (2002), Outlander (2008), Trailer Park Boys (2001-2018), The Mist (2017) and Diggstown (2019 - Present). The two most recent tv shows that have been filmed in Halifax and its surrounding areas (within the past 6 months) include Season 4 of The Sinner and Season 3 of Diggstown. Below we provided small introductions into each series if you are interested in watching! Fun fact: Season 3 of Diggstown had sections filmed just outside of our team’s Licensed Real Estate Assistant Jordan’s townhouse apartment!

The Sinner (Found on Netflix):

“The Sinner is an American police procedural anthology television series developed by Derek Simonds for USA Network. It is named after Petra Hammesfahr's 1999 novel, which serves as the basis for the first season. Bill Pullman stars as a police detective who investigates crimes committed by unlikely culprits and attempts to uncover their motivations. Only Pullman appears in every season, with the rest of the cast changing for each season's story.” - Wikipedia 2021

Diggstown (Found on CBC):

“Diggstown is a Canadian legal drama television series created by Floyd Kane. The first Canadian drama series to feature a Black Canadian woman as its lead character, the series stars Vinessa Antoine as Marcie Diggs, a lawyer who leaves her high-powered corporate job to work for a legal aid clinic in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, after her aunt commits suicide.” - Wikipedia 2021

We do not expect the screen industry in Nova Scotia to slow down anytime soon, we believe this year is only the start of some big events on the horizon for our province. Have you ever witnessed filming in Nova Scotia, participated in part of a production, or know of any upcoming film projects in the area? Let us know! 

Andrew Perkins
902-488-0012
andrew@andrewperkins.ca

10 South End Cafés You Need To Visit!

The South End is one of the best spots in all of Halifax to grab a coffee. With its abundance of culture, vibrant downtown, students, and young professionals, many locally-owned cafés have emerged over the years. If you live in the area, we recommend grabbing your next coffee or tea at one of these ten cafes: they will not disappoint! This list is not exhaustive: if you can believe it, there are more than ten locally-owned cafes in the south end with high-quality service and products! These are just ten we visit often and wanted to share!

Coburg Social

Close to Dalhousie University, Coburg Social is a popular meeting space for the students of the South End. We want to note, just because it is a student favourite doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check it out if you are a local! They serve North Mountain coffee and espresso (Roasted in Berwick, NS), have a selection of local beer and wine, and make delicious food too! We recommend the Coburg Breakfast sandwich: it is hearty and a great start to any morning! Owners Jane and Kelly grew up in the neighbourhood, and according to their website, the building that Coburg Social operates out of used to be a pharmacy where Kelly’s Grandfather worked as the pharmacist!

Bird’s Nest Café

Located on Barrington Street, the Bird’s Nest Café boasts an airy and bright seating area while the sweet smell of baked goods lingers in the air. Owned by Brandy Mueller, the Bird’s Nest doubles as a catering company. This is great news for those who wish to have their delicious breakfast or lunch at a meeting or event. Their paninis are made fresh daily and grilled to order: we recommend the ham and brie! Their coffee and espresso are also both locally sourced: they use both Java Blend Espresso (Roasted in the North End of Halifax), and Nova Coffee (Roasted in Kentville, NS)!

Weird Harbour Espresso Bar

Also located on Barrington Street, Weird Harbour is a small espresso bar with arguably the best vanilla oat milk lattes out there. This espresso bar is smaller than the others on the list, which gives it an intimate feel when you enter the doors. They have some of the most friendly staff around, and the small space makes interacting with them easy. Their customer seating looks out onto Barrington street, where you can watch the residents of the South end move about their day. Owned by Dan Weir, Weird Harbour announced on September 2, 2019, on their Facebook page, that they pay their employees a minimum of $15.00/hr plus health benefits! We love a cafe that supports its staff! They use Detour Coffee, which is Canadian-owned, and roasted in Hamilton, Ontario.

Dilly Dally Coffee Café

On Quinpool Street, you can find the Dilly Dally Cafe next to the Keep: The condo building that Andrew calls home! With some of the best baristas in the city (as voted by the readers of the Coast), the Dilly Dally is a funky little coffee shop that has bright and fun energy. They have delicious breakfast and lunch, local goods, and serve Java Blend coffee (roasted in the North End, Halifax). Their kitchen is powered by NSCC and Holland College graduates, and their owner Laura Draegar's goal is to make the Dilly Dally, the “neighbourhood fix” in the area. We think she has succeeded! Whether you are grabbing a coffee at 7am, or a glass of local wine after a hard day at work, the Dilly Dally can meet your needs and exceed your expectations! The name “Dilly Dally” itself invites you to sit and stay for a while, take your time, and relax in this cozy spot!

Wired Monk Bistro

Located on Morris Street, The Wired Monk serves its own line of organic and fair trade coffee and espresso. Their café name reflects the tale of how coffee became the beloved drink we have today: a monk discovering coffee beans through his sheep accidentally ingesting them and becoming “peppy”, to which he spread the word. You can read more about the legend on their site! This cafe is a great spot to have a breakfast sandwich or lunch: we recommend the morning monk wrap! They also host live music some nights! The Wired Monk is only steps away from the Halifax Waterfront, which gives its customers great access to the famous Waterfront Boardwalk! 

Trident Book Seller’s Cafe

Book lovers rejoice! This bookstore/café located on Hollis Street will transform you into the past with its vintage style and library atmosphere. The blended smell of used books and fresh coffee makes everyone in the cafe cozy and nostalgic. Coffee beans are roasted on-site, and their baked goods are to die for. We recommend trying their fresh croissants! Founded in 1992, this cafe and bookstore has a lot of history in the neighbourhood, and has been the local residents' go-to for many years. Trident is our team member Jordan’s favourite cafe on the list! Owners Tracy Stevens, Hudson and Janet Shotwell strove to maintain its vintage aesthetic to emulate the original Trident Café the owners founded in Boulder, Colorado. 

Cabin Coffee

Situated on Barrington street, Cabin Coffee takes you out of the city and into a cottage in the middle of the Downtown Core. This café is family-run: it’s been a tradition in the owners' family for many family members to take a turn behind the counter. Their menu offers many family recipes, such as their seedy breakfast bars and their Halifamous Cinnamon buns. Cabin coffee has been operating for 20+ years and remains a locals favorite. Their coffee is from Java Blend (Roasted in the North End of Halifax) and their bagels are made locally at Izzy’s Bagels in Bedford! This cafe really helps you slow down from the hustle and bustle of Halifax!

Cafe Taiyaki 52

Cafe Taiyaki is a Japanese dessert cafe located on Brunswick Street. They specialize in their unique waffles called Tayaki in Japanese. Their food and drinks are not only delicious but are beautiful too. Have your phone ready to capture your meal! Their coffee is also Java Blend (Java Blend is one of the main suppliers in the city as you can probably tell from this post), and we highly recommend their soft serve: it tastes even better than it looks if you can believe it! Owner Sophie Lee came to Halifax from Vancouver and noticed that there were no cafés in the area serving taiyaki: a childhood dish that was close to her heart. We are so happy that Sophia introduced this delicious treat to our local food scene!

The Daily Grind Café and Bar

If you are spending time on the Halifax Waterfront, you should stop into the Daily Grind! Located in Bishop’s Landing on Lower Water Street, the Daily Grind Café and Bar is your one-stop-shop for coffee and cocktails! Owned by Scott Maclean and David Flemming, this café was established in 2017 as a space to celebrate local artists through art display and sale, and doubles as an event space for local residents to host business meetings, parties, and more! Their coffee is supplied by Anchor Coffee (Roasted in Dartmouth, NS) and their espresso is from Java Blend (Roasted in the North End of Halifax). We recommend trying their chipotle clubhouse sandwich or one of their delicious smoothie bowls!

This list does not even scratch the surface on how many delicious and high quality local cafés there are in Halifax. We are so proud of our city’s local food scene, and we know if you visit any of the cafés on this list, you will be impressed. A Café visit is a must when exploring the South End!

Frequently Asked Questions: Buyer's Edition (Part 1)

Buying a condo is one of the biggest purchases a person does in their lifetime. Because it is such a large purchase, there are a lot of legalities involved and steps to complete from start to close. We have compiled a list of the most common questions we receive from our buyers here to help you have the information available to succeed!

Should I talk to my bank before looking at condos?

Talking to your bank or mortgage broker should always be the first step in the condo buying process. Getting pre-approved before condo shopping will make the entire process run smoother: you will have a budget for what you can afford, you will be able to keep realistic expectations, you will seem serious to both sellers and real estate agents, your offer will more likely to be accepted, you will meet your conditions dates with ease and it helps you budget for your closing costs. We believe that it is almost impossible to seriously shop for a condo without a pre-approval. If you do, you may fall in love with a unit you cannot afford, or have a hard time getting an offer accepted. If you do not already have a mortgage broker, we recommend working with our trusted partner, Shawna Snair at Premiere Mortgage Center!

How much does it cost to work with a real estate agent?

Your real estate agent is paid for their services by splitting a percentage of the sold price of the condo with the seller’s agent. Therefore, when you purchase your condo, you do not owe your REALTOR® any money directly. In simple terms, when you are shopping for a condo, the price you pay for your new condo includes your REALTOR®’s fees, so you do not have to set aside extra money to pay your agent.

How many condos should I look at being submitting an offer?

There is no set number of condos you should view before submitting an offer. Some fall in love with the first one they see, others can take years to find the right one. According to realtor.com, the average buyer will view 10 properties before they submit an offer, but the site notes that this number varies greatly. Since COVID-19 began, there has been a large surge in virtual tours and searching for condos online. This allows buyers to see more units than ever before. It’s always a great idea to inform your REALTOR® on your critical wants and needs in your future condo, so they can use their professional resources to find condos that match your criteria. This will save you time in the long run and allow you to view a few great condos instead of tens of “okay” ones. 

How do I make an offer?

When you find the condo of your dreams, it's time to make an offer. Your real estate agent will prepare the documents necessary to submit an offer. Your agent will require your legal name, the amount you wish to offer, what will be included in the purchase price, the date you would like to close the sale, the documents you need to review before finalizing the deal, and when you would like to leave the offer open until. You will also need to be prepared to make a deposit on the condo. The deposit goes against your closing costs and downpayment. This deposit is cashed upon delivery to the listing brokerage, so, make sure you only offer a deposit you can afford. Your REALTOR® will work with you to ensure you have the best price, conditions and review the necessary documents needed for a successful sale. If you are not satisfied with something that arises with the condo, your REALTOR® can, later on, negotiate a price reduction, repairs to counter the issues, or terminate the deal. 

How long does the seller have to respond to my offer?

You and your real estate agent will decide on an amount of time in which the offer is “live”. The seller’s agent may request that, for example, all offers be left open for 24 hours. It is usually best practice to follow what the seller’s agent requests. You are technically allowed to go against the seller’s request, but it may lower your chances of your offer being accepted. Your REALTOR® will advise you on the best “timeline” for the offer so that you have the best chance of success.

What if my offer is rejected?

It is never a good feeling to hear that your offer was rejected, however, in the current market we are experiencing in Halifax, this is often the case. In a competitive seller’s market, buyers typically have to go through the offer process a few times on a few different condos before getting one accepted. Your offer may have been rejected due to the sellers receiving a higher offer, the sellers believing your deposit was not enough, due to you stating too many conditions, etc. There is no penalty to you if your offer gets rejected, you just have to keep on with your condo search. If the seller rejects your offer and has not accepted any other offer, your REALTOR® can then find out why your offer was rejected and can help you prepare a new one that corrects the issue. 

What happens after my offer has been accepted?

After your offer has been accepted, you need to meet the conditions that you specified in the agreement. You must provide your deposit, secure your financing with your bank, perform a condo inspection if indicated (your REALTOR® will arrange this, however, it is at an extra cost to you), notify your lawyer, review the condo documents and book your pre-closing walkthrough. When you work with a real estate agent, they will be by your side through most of this and inform you of deadlines. They can forward documents to your banker and lawyer for you, and supervise the inspection too. There are a lot of moving parts to make it to the finish line, but having a REALTOR® on your side keeps things flowing and organized. It is in you and your REALTOR’s® best interest that you meet all of your conditions.

Stay tuned for more!