 Check out these awesome local holiday giftsThe holiday season is upon us and you might be wondering what to get the special people in your life. This year, consider giving a gift that will leave a lasting impression by supporting local businesses. We've put together our annual Local Gift Guide which includes some of our favourite local businesses, plus where you can find them in-store and online. P.S. Don't forget to check out their Black Friday deals! Online only: Cheerfetti Cheerfetti has a number of holiday items available, both individual gift items as well as gift boxes made up for you, so you can skip the wrapping this year: Holiday Collection 2021 Want to shop for Nova Scotia Artisans specifically? They also have a number of everyday items that make great holiday gifts, many of which are made in our province. You can shop Cheerfetti by theme and choose: Made In Nova Scotia Follow her on Instagram to get her Black Friday sale details! 2. The Lemonade General Stor  This holiday season The Lemonade General Store will continue to offer its high-quality & convenient gift basket options, including luxurious necessities like Erbe Solingen nail grooming kit and silk patchwork ties made in Sicily! More international cheeses have arrived to restock on their favourite local board spreads as well. Try their small-batch ice cream available for take-out starting November 15th, including a Roquefort and honey addition. 3. 11 Street Boutique 11 Street Boutique aims for each customer to find that "special piece"—whether that is a bold printed dress or an amazing classic white tee—making them the perfect place to help you with your holiday list. For Black Friday, you can enjoy 20% off regular-priced merchandise + a 40% off sale rack, followed by a surprise cyber Monday sale! 4. Eunoia Lifestyle Shop Eunoia Lifestyle Shop is a place in North End where you can find joyfully created & thoughtfully curated collections! They offer a range of products including home decor, a large selection of unique gifts, biodegradable balloons, stationery & accessories, and more. For Black Friday you can enjoy 20% off in-store and online by using the code: blackfriday20% 5. Ana + Zac Ana + Zac thinks about fashion in a slow and holistic way. They acknowledge trends but move in their own direction, at their own pace. They make things that they both love, can wear every day and that will last a long time. For Black Friday you can look forward to 15% off Ana + Zac instore brand. Check out their holiday guide for more ideas. 6. The Independent Mercantile Co The Independent Mercantile Co was born from a love of travel, love of hosting, love of decorating, love of cooking, love of plants & gardening, love of parties and love for Halifax. They have lots of new inventory in the upcoming weeks, including holiday items, barware, lovely gifts and decor. They are also having a wreath pop up on Dec 4th from Foraged Cove Wreaths. 7. Biscuit General Store Biscuit General Store is an independent boutique offering stylish clothing, accessories & gifts. They have lots of new holiday stock including Christmas ornaments & candles. Looking for gifts under $25 with bonus points for being Canadian-made? This shop is your go-to. 8. Inkwell Inkwell is a modern handmade boutique and letterpress studio located in downtown Halifax, with an abundant selection of specialty printed paper products and handmade delights made with love, by artists from around the corner and across the world.
November 26th-29th in-store and online, Inkwell is celebrating Small Business Weekend!: Spend $75+ Save $10 + Free Inkwell Tote Bag with code: SHOPSMALL10 Spend $150+ Save $20 + Free Inkwell Tote Bag + Free Shipping with code: SHOPSMALL20 Spend $300+ Save $50 + Free Inkwell Tote Bag + Free Shipping with code: SHOPSMALL50 *Total before tax. One code /purchase. Discount codes cannot be combined. November 30th: A percentage of revenue on that day will be donated to the Canadian Mental Health Association (Nova Scotia Division) for Giving Tuesday. Did we miss your favourite place to shop for the holidays? Comment below so we can share them on Instagram!
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WHAT'S A REAL ESTATE LAWYER ANYWAY?Having your offer accepted is only the first step in hanging the sold sign on your dream home. Once your offer is accepted, it's time to get your Real Estate Lawyer involved. This week, I caught up with Charlotte Edwards, Associate Lawyer at Kennedy Schofield Lutz Lawyers to break down what your Real Estate Lawyer will do during this vital time in your home purchase:  1. What is the role of a real estate lawyer?A real estate lawyer helps clients who have an accepted offer to buy or sell their property complete the transaction. The initial step is for the lawyer to review the purchase and sale agreement and discuss it with the client to confirm all details. For a client who is buying a property, it is important for the real estate lawyer to review the title in detail with their client to make sure things like access, easements, and restrictive covenants are clear, and to answer any questions the client may have. The lawyer will also prepare all mortgage documents to sign with the client, in addition to the documents necessary for the purchase. The lawyer is responsible for collecting money from the client and bank, and transferring it to the other side in exchange for the deed and confirming that all mortgages and secured interests currently impacting the title will be cleared prior to closing. For a client who is selling their property, the lawyer will prepare the deed for execution, as well as payout the mortgage. If the property is not migrated, it will also be important to migrate the property to the land registration system prior to closing. Regularly people are not familiar with migration, which requires a detailed title search confirming a clear root of the title. The migration process became a requirement on sale in the early 2000s. Throughout the process, the lawyer works collaboratively with the real estate agent to ensure the transaction runs as smoothly as possible, including responding to questions from the opposing party and negotiating holdbacks or credits on closing day. 2. What is the process for finding and working with a real estate lawyer?The most common way I find that people come to me is through recommendations of someone they know and trust – like a family member, friend, realtor, or mortgage broker. However, you can always search online for a lawyer as well. It is important for you to be comfortable with the real estate lawyer, and typically I organize an initial phone call to speak with the client to answer any questions they have. Throughout the process, there is an open dialogue that occurs through phone calls or e-mails to answer questions. Closer to closing, the lawyer will schedule a meeting in-person or by zoom to review all documents necessary for signature and collect everything needed to close. 3. Things you should have ready for your real estate lawyer.A lawyer will often provide a list in their retainer letter of the specific items needed for your transaction. A lawyer will always need to see a valid government-issued photo ID to verify your identity.
For a purchase, some of the things your lawyer will need are contact information for your mortgage broker or bank, confirmation of insurance, copies of satisfactory water tests, proof of assumption of leased equipment, and a certified cheque or bank draft with your down payment and closing costs. For a sale, some of the things your lawyer will need are a copy of your most recent tax bill and confirmation of payment, a recent statement noting your mortgage account number so a payout can be ordered, a fuel top-up slip if there is oil or propane as a heat source on your property, a septic pump-out receipt, and receipts for any renovations required to be completed prior to closing. Every real estate transaction is unique, so these are just a few common items, but never be afraid to ask your real estate lawyer a question – it’s their job, and the job of your real estate agent to help guide you through the process of your real estate transaction and make it as smooth as possible.  Whether you love the cold weather or can't wait to fly south for the winter—the cold winter months are coming and it's time to take advantage of the milder weather to get your home ready. Getting your home ready for the changing seasons is one thing you can do to protect your investment over time. Taking care of small details like re-painting your window trim or sealing cracks in your driveway will save you a lot of money in the long run. This week I caught up with 3 housing industry professionals for their top tips on preparing your home for Winter. 1. Ed Pottie, Home Inspector (Greener Inspections)When it comes to getting your home ready for winter, I would say my top tip would be to be sure that your wood-burning appliances (ie woodstoves, fireplaces and pellet stoves) are clean and ready to go.  The chimneys and flue pipes for these should be cleaned and inspected prior to use, as well as the burning units themselves. A buildup of soot and creosote is a fire hazard and is the main cause of chimney fires. If you have a propane fireplace, you're in the clear—but remember to get your tank filled before the cold hits. 2. Amanda Allum, Owner (Tidy Hali Cleaners)My top tip when it comes to getting your home cleaned for the winter is to start with your entryway! A doormat and a well-placed boot tray will make a huge difference for your floors when the snow comes and you're trekking salt and slush into the house. Have some wet wipes handy for your four-legged friends, they get dirty feet too! Organizing your coat rack or entryway closet to make room for winter gear will keep things tidy as well. This is a great time to minimize and donate anything that you're no longer excited about. It's a small space to focus on but when you can enter and exit your home without searching for matching gloves or stepping in a wet spot, your whole day becomes a little easier. 3. Rob Corey, Landscaper (The Gardner Halifax)Autumn is an incredibly busy time for getting your yard ready for the winter. If you're looking to have a lush lawn and beautiful flower beds come springtime, now is the time to put in the work around the yard. If you have time to do only one thing in your yard, I would recommend removing all of the fallen leaves off your lawn. Piles of dead leaves left on your lawn all winter can smother your grass and cause snow mould on your lawn.  If you're keen on keeping your leaves to provide shelter for bugs and food for birds through the winter, consider using a leaf blower to move your piles of leaves into garden beds. Just make sure you clear them out come early spring.
If you're still not sure where to get started when it comes time to get your home ready for the winter, comment below or set up a free consultation. EXPLORING NOVA SCOTIA THIS AUTUMN WITH KAYLA SHORT As the fall brings in crisper weather and the leaves start changing, many Nova Scotians are planning their autumn travel to find the best places to enjoy the colours of the season. This week, I caught up with Kayla Short, award-winning lifestyle blogger and Instagrammer behind Short Presents. Q. What are your top 5 travel destinations in Nova Scotia for the Fall?Can I say anywhere in NS? I don’t think you can make a bad choice!! End to end, Nova Scotia is amazing in the Fall! Definitely can't make a wrong decision when it comes to touring around the province this time of year. With so much nature around us, I would say our province really does come alive in the autumn. If you’re going to twist my arm (lol) some of my faves would be:  1) Cape Breton - I might be slightly biased, because I grew up there, but there’s something pretty spectacular about the crisp fall air coupled with the truly stunning colours of the leaves that’s really worth seeing in person! And those rolling hills?? I mean, what’s not to love? If you happen to do the Cabot Trail be sure to check out the new Gandella at Cape Smokey! 2) Annapolis Valley - Apple picking, haunted houses, corn mazes, and wineries? It’s a must!  3) Sensea Spa in Chester - arguably amazing any time of the year, but definitely a must if you're looking for some much-needed R&R. Be sure to book early as spaces fill up quickly, but don’t be afraid to check back to the site, as people do cancel! Might I also suggest dining at the Rope Loft while you're in the area? Fun fact, did you know the Rope Loft is the oldest building still in commercial use in Nova Scotia?? Pretty cool right. Food is also pretty great!  4) Halifax - there is always something going on in the city! Our culinary scene here is pretty great and I love that most Halifax restaurants change their menus seasonally, so it’s fun to stop in to see what’s new!! 5) Windsor - known for producing some of the world’s largest, world record-setting pumpkins? I’d say it’s worth a visit in the fall! Do yourself a favour and take the old highways to get there to experience some of the best fall colours! Q. Your favourite businesses to make time to visit in the fall?Oh my goodness I wouldn’t even know where to begin! I love them all. I would say start making a bucket list—I have a whole section of my blog dedicated to my travels to get you started!—and every time it’s a nice day, or you feel like getting out and about, tick a few more items off your list. Be sure to mix it up, visit lots of restaurants, cafes, markets and take time to do lots of activities while they're available. I definitely try to support local as much as I can all year, but some places do close up for the winter so it’s great to get out and support them while you can!! Q. Favourite places to stay in the fall in NS?So many places!! We tend to visit family on the long weekends in the fall, so you’ll always find us in Cape Breton!  However, I JUST did an amazing stay at the brand new, La Have Cabin which you should definitely put on your bucket list. Located on the water’s edge, it was seriously the most relaxing place!! It feels like you’re sleeping on the ocean, and listening to the waves of the ocean is so unbelievably calming. The wood-fired hot tub is a nice touch on cool fall evenings too!
Definitely check out my Instagram for more details @shortpresents. You never know where I’ll be headed next!  Buying And Selling a home At The Same TimeSo you want to buy a new home but you already own a home? With multiple offers giving sellers more options, purchasing a home contingent on the sale of your current home has become a thing of the past. But don’t despair, here are 3 ways current homeowners can buy in this market: 1. Buy your new home first.We’ll get this option out of the way first. The easiest way to balance buying a new home and selling your current one at the same time would be to buy your new home first and then sell your current home. This is not the most accessible option because it does require you to be able to afford (and financially qualify to own two homes at once.) You will also need to have closing costs and the down payment for your new home; the good news is you may be able to pull this from the equity in your current home. And just because you can afford two homes doesn’t mean that you will end up owning two homes. As soon as you secure your new home, we can take advantage of the seller’s market to hang a sold sign on your current home in record time. Sounds great, right? This option hinges on your comfort owning two homes and your financial capability to qualify for the second home purchase, which is why talking with your favourite mortgage specialist is always the best way to start your home search. Hot Tip: Use a bridge loan to avoid having to move twice. Want to avoid home limbo while buying and selling at the same time? A bridge loan may be your secret weapon. 🧨A bridge loan will allow you you to pay for your new home before you receive the funds from the sale of your current home. That being said you will need a firm and binding offer on your current home to qualify for bridge financing. 2. Sell first, and make the sale contingent on finding a new home.With first-time homebuyers at an all-time high, your chances of finding a buyer who’s willing and able to wait are high. Make your sale contingent on finding and closing on a new home to give yourself the time you need. This option sounds too good to be true but there is a downside; having the sale conditional on finding your next home will likely result in a lower sale price. The key to maximizing your sale price is maximizing the number of buyers interested in your property and this condition will definitely deter some buyers. 3. Sell first, rent while waiting to buy.This is often the least stressful option available when you’re looking to move from one home to a new one without balancing closing dates. This allows you to take your time shopping for your perfect new home without worrying about having someone waiting to move into your current home!
Hot Tip: Try to negotiate a month-to-month lease with your new landlord. A short-term commitment will allow you to move quickly when the right house comes up. Have questions about how you can balance selling your current home while buying a new one? Comment below or contact me to set up a free consultation. Preparing your yard for the winter As the summer winds down, I caught up with local Garden & Landscape specialist Rob Corey, owner of The Gardener Halifax and Halifax Outdoor Decor, to find out his top tips for lawn and yard maintenance for Fall.  What are 5 things homeowners should do to their yard to prepare for the fall?
 What are the top projects homeowners want to have done to their yard before listing them for sale?
What are the top requested projects for the Fall?
Questions for your home inspectorDo you want to know the best ways to maintain your investment? If so, read on! I caught up with Ed Pottie from Greener Inspections for some home maintenance tips that will help keep your property looking its best as we head into this warmer weather.  What are 5 things every homeowner should do in the spring (that most people don't do)?
What are some common things homeowners forget about that are found during inspections?
Why should a homeowner do a pre-inspection for their home before listing?A pre-inspection is great to do so that you can be aware of any issues that may pop up before a potential buyer does their own inspection. There are also times sellers can use the pre-inspection report as a selling tool. If a seller chooses to share their inspection with potential buyers, it may sway the buyer from choosing to do their own inspection. I like to think that if there is any way to limit "surprises" during the home purchase process, it can only be beneficial for all parties involved! How often should a homeowner have their home inspected?I'd say maybe every 5 years or so. It always helps to have a fresh set of eyes look at your property for any potential issues.
Things to avoid as a buyerDo you have your heart set on a new home? Well, as the summer months approach it may be the right time to submit an offer. But before you get too excited, the market is not showing any signs of slowing down. Here are my top tips for buyers trying to secure a home this summer.  Know what you can afford. There’s more to buying a home than just the sales price. Changes in your interest rate can really add up. Even a small increase in that percentage can mean the difference in thousands of dollars in purchasing power. Mortgage rates are the lowest they’ve ever been and if you’re pre-approved you’ve locked in that low rate for three months. But as interest rates start to climb your pre-approval amount may decrease once your pre-approval expires, eroding your purchasing power. [Not to mention changes in the stress test that came into effect 1 June 2021.] So if you're planning on putting in an offer, be sure to have a current preapproval and touch base with your lender about how changes in the stress test might have affected your upcoming purchase.  Don't skip the pre-approval.The market is cutthroat right now and homes are selling within days of being listed. So if you see a property you want, you’ll have to offer on it ASAP. You may not have time to get a formal pre-approval from a lender between the time a property is listed and the offer deadline and this is something that most sellers will want to see along with your offer. Don’t get your heart broken by scrolling Viewpoint, waiting to get pre-approved, or putting off finding an agent. If you find a home you love, you HAVE to be ready to act fast.  Don't offer the minimum deposit.When you’re buying a home, your mind is wrapped up in a million different things. But if you’re buying in a hot seller’s market, you’ll want to spend some time thinking about deposits. When you make an offer on a house, you will be asked to provide a deposit which is a promise to the seller that you won’t dip out on the purchase process. A minimum of 1% of the offer price is expected for a deposit but a larger deposit will make the sellers take notice. That can make a big difference if your offer is swimming in a sea of other similar offers. The good news is that the deposit will form part of your down payment on closing day. How much exactly should you put down as a deposit? That really depends on how much you’re offering for the property, what you can afford and how long the closing is. Talk with your agent to develop the right deposit strategy for you.  Work with an expert.One of the most common real estate myths is that all real estate agents are the same. This myth can lead to buyers and sellers making big mistakes when selecting a real estate agent to represent their interests. Every agent has different skills, different experience levels, and different traits.
Make sure you work with someone who understands how the industry is right now, what pitfalls to look for and how to protect you during your viewings and purchase. If you're thinking of entering the market and aren't sure what to start or how to craft an offer that gets accepted, hit reply to schedule a buyer's consultation. If you're thinking of entering the market and aren't sure what to start or how to craft an offer that gets accepted, contact me to schedule a buyer's consultation. Update on Border closuresOn May 10th, the Nova Scotia Government announced that the Nova Scotia border would close to those moving to the province.
This was followed up with an announcement of compassionate exemptions to enter Nova Scotia for individuals who had a lease or closing on (or before) May 20, 2021. However, this announcement left a lot of uncertainty for those with leases or accepted offers with move-in dates following May 20th. The province has recently addressed this uncertainty. People can apply to move to Nova Scotia with immediate family members who live in the same household if they have:
Due to volume, they expect that it will take a week for an application to be processed and only people who plan to arrive before July 1, 2021 will be considered at this time. People who plan to come later should wait until about a week before their travel date to apply. Have a rental property to sell? The provincial government has introduced a new ministerial directive under the Emergency Management Act which will require landlords to gain residential tenants' consent for in-person showings in cases where the property is being sold. The directive is in effect until June 30, 2021 unless extended. The directive doesn't mean there can't be in-person viewings, but that landlords must get consent from the tenant to show houses/rental units and the tenant must agree to the time/date of the showing. All showings must comply with the current public health restrictions. If the tenants are not willing to allow in-person showings, you may enter the unit with one other person to take photographs, a video or other digital content to use for virtual showings. WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL HRM BUSINESSESIf you’ve been in Halifax for long, you probably know of a business that makes our city an exciting and vibrant place to live. A patio that you enjoy in the summer, a boutique you can’t walk by without stopping in—places that Halifax wouldn’t be the same without. During the third wave of COVID-19, a number of these small businesses have had to pivot their operations or close completely as we work together to flatten the curve. Here’s a list of ways you can support your favourite local businesses during the current restrictions:  Support Your Local Coffee ShopThe third wave has seen a resurgence in the walk-up coffee window. So if you are out and about and in need of a caffeine fix, skip the large coffee chain drive-through in favour of an alfresco coffee pick-up. And while you're there, grab some beans to go! If there is anything I can guarantee, it’s that you’ll need that coffee for the next few weeks. (Especially if you’re working from home with your kiddos there!) Consider paying it forward with an act of kindness by paying for the order behind you. Now’s the perfect time to bring a smile to someone else’s face.  Support Your Local RestaurantFeel like kicking back and skipping the dishes for the night? Call your favourite local restaurant directly to order meals to-go rather than using apps to order where possible. Restaurants lose up to 30% of your order when you order using an app instead of calling for curbside pickup. Bonus Tip: Add a gift card to your order to use on take-out or to save for later when dine-in is available.  Support Your Local Brewery/WineryOrder a six-pack to enjoy at home. Stock up on different wines or beers and plan to do a mini tasting at home as a “date night in.” If you’ve ever eyed a cool mug or t-shirt at the pub before, now’s the time to buy merchandise to help your favourite local businesses. Picking up a set of matching tasting glasses will bring an authentic feel to your home tasting event.  Support Your Local Gift Shop/BoutiqueMany shops are still open for curbside pickup and have worked hard to make sure their full selection is available online. Many have their current hours, ordering procedure and pickup times available on their website and social media accounts. You can also buy gift cards online and gift to your friends for birthdays/special occasions, or save them to use around the holidays to make Christmas shopping easier. Nothing breaks up the boredom of being at home like taking a short trip out within your community to do a curbside pickup.  Support Your Local BakeryMiss going out for coffee and baked goods? Order ahead and pick up goodies for the whole family to enjoy at home, or while taking a walk through a park or trail in your community. Bring a smile to friends and neighbours by picking up some extra goodies and slipping them into mailboxes for a surprise. (Making sure to text them in case they already checked the mail!) Need a large order? Be sure to call ahead so they have plenty of time to get your order right.  Support Your NeighboursYou never know what your neighbours might need unless you ask. Find out if they need help picking up an online grocery order or need someone to help arrange appointments for testing and vaccines online. Maybe they just need someone to chat with safely from your respective yards. Or buy some extra canned goods and drop them off at a shelter/food bank or look into other local programs that help at-risk populations. No Extra Money?You can still support your favourite small businesses by:
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Margaret CraigReal Estate Advisor based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I help people buy and sell homes with Engel & Völkers. Archives
November 2021
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