On 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:

• a purchase and sale agreement for a property purchase showing that an offer has been accepted on (or before) May 1, 2021
• proof of ownership of property in Nova Scotia and either a purchase and sale agreement for a property or notice of termination of their lease agreement in another province or territory
• a minimum one-year lease signed on (or before) May 1, 2021
• a letter of acceptance for new employment in Nova Scotia that cannot be done virtually or deferred; the letter must be dated on (or before) May 7, 2021

People who meet these criteria must apply via the Nova Scotia Safe Check-in and have a plan for the required 14-day self-isolation.

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.

​If 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:

​The 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. 

​Feel 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. 

​Order 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. 

​Many 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.  

​Miss 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. 

​You 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.

You can still support your favourite small businesses by:

• Sharing their posts
• Tagging your friends
• Liking their Facebook page
• Follow their Instagram
• Helping them promote their specials
• Commenting on their posts
• Cheering them on
• Taking the time to write them a review on Yelp, Facebook and Google

With COVID-19 cases surging in Nova Scotia, there have been a few changes that impact the real estate market in our province. ​ On Friday the NS government announced that the NS border would close to those moving to NS until the end of May.

​While the purchase and sale of real estate can continue, there are a few things that will affect buyers. 

In the Real Estate Industry, we stay committed to making sure our clients, and the public as a whole, are safe. 

1. We’re working from home & keeping safe while in the office. This means virtual meetings, masks in public spaces within our offices and socially distancing. 
2. We’re following protocols. We’re following regulations and guidelines set forth by the government to keep our communities safe. We make sure our clients are prepared with sanitizer, masks and gloves during viewings as well. 
3. Virtual Alternatives. We’ve been offering virtual showings since the beginning, allowing our clients to view homes safely. You can also expect zoom meetings, digital signing and contactless interactions during your buying or selling process.