Join me, Sandra Pike, as I interview experts on all the hot topics you need to know about Halifax Real Estate.I have over 10 years of experience as a Selling Specialist with The Pike Group and Royal LePage Atlantic.I’m excited to launch this podcast – enjoy listening! [SUBSCRIBE NOW!]
Welcome to my channel, where we delve into the world of home insurance and uncover the truth about coverage after the Westwood Hills Tragedy. In this video, I'm excited to introduce you to Sharon Fralic, an expert from Steers Insurance. Together, we'll discuss the crucial aspects of home insurance policies, ensuring you have the information you need to protect your home and belongings. Join us as we explore the exact replacement cost, cost of living coverage, and much more. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion that could bring you peace of mind. Subscribe to my channel for more valuable content on home insurance!
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca
In this thought-provoking video, we delve into the devastating events surrounding the Great Halifax Fire of 2023 and its profound impact on the lives of numerous individuals. From the heart-wrenching loss of homes and beloved pets to the extensive fire damage, the aftermath of this tragic incident has left many people temporarily displaced, with some facing the possibility of being uprooted for years to come. Join us as we explore the potential solutions that provincial and municipal entities can offer to alleviate the hardships faced by the affected community.
In this insightful conversation, we have the honor of hosting distinguished guests, Matt Honsberger, President of Royal LePage Atlantic, and Ben Young, CEO of Southwest Properties. These industry leaders share their invaluable expertise and propose innovative ideas for rebuilding lives and communities in the wake of such a disaster.
Throughout the video, we uncover various strategies that can aid in the recovery process and offer hope to those affected. From exploring temporary housing options to discussing initiatives aimed at restoring normalcy, we analyze the comprehensive support systems that can be put in place by both the government and private sector. The insights shared by Matt Honsberger and Ben Young provide a blueprint for community rehabilitation and exemplify the importance of collaborative efforts during times of crisis.
Remember, your support plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about the Great Halifax Fire of 2023 and the solutions we explore. Help us amplify our message by sharing this podcast with your friends, family, and social networks. Together, we can make a difference and inspire positive change.
🏠💰 Curious about Nova Scotia's real estate prices? 🤔📊✨
Ever wondered why local real estate agents in Nova Scotia can't share sold prices on social media? 🤐🚫 Let's dive into the discussion and explore the reasons behind this intriguing rule. 🕵️♂️💡
📚🔍 Currently, consumers have easy access to property information through PSVC. It provides comprehensive details like private or MLS sale prices, home size, bed and bath count, and assessed value. 😮💼💰 While users can agree to terms and conditions without reading them (we've all been there! 😅), licensed agents face restrictions on discussing these figures publicly. Even something as simple as sending a postcard or sharing the sale price requires written consent from both the seller and the buyer. 💌📝🤝
🤔❓Now, here's the question: Is this rule outdated? Should it be changed? 🗓️📆✉️ It's time to share your thoughts! 💬🤔🌟
While there are valid reasons for holding off on posting the selling price until the sale is successfully completed, the discussion around this rule is worth exploring. 🔄🔎🌐 Let's encourage an open dialogue on whether it's time for a change in Nova Scotia's real estate practices. 📢🔄💼
Share your opinion in the comments below and let's ignite a conversation! 🔥📲💬 Don't forget to tag your fellow real estate enthusiasts and stay tuned for diverse perspectives. 🙌👥🌟
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca
Halifax Real Estate and Your Insurance
The past few weeks have been devastating for several Nova Scotians. There have been over 300 homes and cottages combined burned to the ground due to forest fires in the province. Meet your local insurance broker Aaron MacDonald.
Today meet industry members, John Kenny and Roy Thomas of Sutton Professionals.
Curious about the Halifax real estate market? Let's take a closer look and answer your burning questions!
As experienced agents, we've been keeping a close eye on the pulse of the market. So, will our market slow down this summer?
In particular areas of HRM, the market has been buzzing with activity, and they are showing no signs of slowing down.
Let's dive deeper into the exciting world of Halifax real estate.
Unveiling the Truth: The Listing Agent Experience
When it comes to buying a home, the path isn't always as smooth as it seems. Our latest clients embarked on an adventure, trusting the advice they heard. "Buy through the listing agent," they said. "You'll save money," they said. "No need for a property inspection," they said. But did it all go as planned? Let's dive into their incredible journey to find out!
Explore the Risks and Rewards
At The Pike Group, we believe in transparency and empowering our clients. We've heard the stories, and now it's time to uncover the hidden truths. Join us as we unveil the real experiences of those who trusted the listing agent route. Learn from their triumphs and challenges and gain invaluable insights into the home-buying process.
Empower Yourself, Make Informed Decisions
Have you ever considered buying through a listing agent? What are your concerns or reservations? We'd love to hear your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Let's start a conversation and help each other navigate the exciting world of real estate! #HomeBuyingChronicles #RealEstateInsights
Meet Jessica Plamondon of The Pike Group
Hey there, welcome back to our channel! I'm your host Sandra Pike, and today we have some incredible news for all of you who dream of owning a home in Halifax but are worried about the skyrocketing interest rates and housing prices. I know how frustrating it can be, but fret not! We have an exciting solution that will change everything for you
Joining us today is Mike Caron, a financial expert from CUA, with some ground-breaking information on how you can make your dream of homeownership a reality.
Hey there, welcome back to our channel! I'm your host Sandra Pike, and today we have some incredible news for all of you who dream of owning a home in Halifax but are worried about the skyrocketing interest rates and housing prices. I know how frustrating it can be, but fret not! We have an exciting solution that will change everything for you
Joining us today is Mike Caron, a financial expert from CUA, with some ground-breaking information on how you can make your dream of homeownership a reality.
#HomeownershipDreams #AffordableHousing #CUA #HalifaxRealEstate
Are you being relocated to Halifax NS for your job in the RCMP, military, or corporate world?
Purchasing a home in our thriving city can be tricky, but don't let that discourage you. Despite what you may have heard in the media, Halifax's real estate market is still as robust as ever. Today, meet a colleague of mine Melanie Leblanc of Royal Lepage who as well has experience with the relocation process.
As experienced agents who know the ins and outs of the local market. Let us guide you through the process and help you find the perfect home for you and your family in Halifax. Don't let the relocation process overwhelm you.
Chandler Haliburton and I decided to meet again to discuss CREA's new partnership with Open Door. We both feel that the market is way too soft now and the monies spent could have been used elsewhere.
Thinking of buying a home in Halifax, Nova Scotia? Consider the pros and cons of opening bidding before making a decision.
Pros:
Cons:
Ultimately, opening bidding can be a viable option for those looking to buy or sell a home in Halifax, but it's important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.
If you're looking for insights into the Halifax real estate market and the ongoing housing shortage, you've come to the right place. During this interview, I will introduce you to Stephen Adams, the Executive Director of the Urban Development Institute in Halifax, and share his ideas on how the municipal and provincial governments can address the housing crisis.
Halifax is a vibrant city with a growing population and a thriving economy. However, like many cities across Canada, it is facing a significant housing shortage. The lack of affordable housing has become a major concern for both residents and policymakers, and the situation is only expected to worsen in the coming years.
To help shed light on this issue, we recently had the opportunity to interview Stephen Adams, the Executive Director of the Urban Development Institute in Halifax. During our conversation, we discussed the current state of the housing market in Halifax and what the municipal and provincial governments are doing to address the issue.
Stephen shared some amazing ideas on how to tackle the housing crisis in Halifax, and we believe that these ideas could not only help alleviate the current shortage but also boost the local economy.
One of the main points that Stephen emphasized was the need for more affordable housing. He suggested that the government should incentivize developers to build more affordable housing units by offering tax breaks and other incentives. This would encourage developers to build more affordable units and help increase the supply of affordable housing in Halifax.
In conclusion, the housing shortage in Halifax is a significant issue that requires urgent attention from both the municipal and provincial governments. By listening to experts like Stephen Adams and implementing their ideas, we believe that Halifax can address the housing crisis and build a more sustainable, affordable, and prosperous future for all residents.
Introducing Floran Lambie, a local builder in Halifax who is dedicated to building affordable housing in Windsor, NS. As the owner of In Vogue Home Design, Lambie is determined to make a positive impact in his community by providing high-quality, affordable housing options for residents.
In his latest project, Lambie plans to build townhomes that will include apartments to help offset the costs for homeowners. This unique approach will not only provide affordable housing options for individuals and families but also create opportunities for renters to live in the same community as homeowners. By offering this mixed-use development, Lambie hopes to foster a sense of community and promote social interaction among residents.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Lambie via Zoom, and it quickly became clear that he is deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of those in his community. He explained that his passion for building affordable housing stemmed from his own experience of struggling to find affordable housing when he was just starting out.
Lambie's vision is to create homes that are not only affordable, but also functional, beautiful, and energy-efficient. His focus on sustainability is evident in every aspect of his designs, from the use of environmentally-friendly building materials to the incorporation of energy-saving features like solar panels and efficient insulation.
In addition to his commitment to building affordable housing, Lambie is also dedicated to supporting local businesses and suppliers. He explained that he prioritizes sourcing materials and working with contractors from within the community, as he believes in investing in the local economy.
Overall, Floran Lambie is an exceptional builder and a dedicated community member. His passion for providing affordable housing options is truly inspiring, and his commitment to sustainability and community-building is a testament to his character. I can't wait to see his latest project come to life and make a positive impact on the lives of Windsor residents.
Just had an insightful interview with Sr Economist Kelvin Ndoro of CMHC about the Halifax rental market and the housing crisis we're currently facing. We discussed several factors that are contributing to the housing crisis and explored potential solutions to help alleviate the problem.
The Halifax rental market is currently experiencing a high demand for rental properties, resulting in a shortage of available units and driving up rental prices. This is partly due to the increasing population and job growth in Halifax, as well as the lack of new rental developments in recent years.
We also discussed how a number of factors are contributing to the housing crisis we're facing, such as the lack of affordable housing, high construction costs, and zoning regulations that restrict new housing developments. These challenges are making it difficult for many people to find affordable housing and are contributing to the current housing crisis in Halifax.
However, there are potential solutions that can help to address these issues, such as increasing the supply of affordable housing, implementing policies to reduce construction costs, and revising zoning regulations to encourage more housing developments.
Overall, it was a great conversation with Sr Economist Kelvine Ndoro, and I learned a lot about the factors contributing to the housing crisis in Halifax. I hope this interview will help to raise awareness about this important issue and spark more discussions about potential solutions to help alleviate the problem.
As winter comes to a close, the real estate market in Halifax is gearing up for a busy spring season. I recently spoke with Daun Dauphinee of Domus Realty and Glen Musgrave of Royal Lepage Atlantic to get their insights on what we can expect in the coming months.
According to Dauphinee and Musgrave, the winter market has been slow, with only 151 homes sold in January. Of these sales, 96 homes sold below asking, for an average price reduction of $33,000. However, they noted that buyer confidence seems to be returning, which bodes well for the upcoming spring market.
One factor that is causing some hesitation among sellers is the current lack of inventory. Many homeowners are hesitant to list their homes because they are unsure of where they will go if their home sells quickly. This has resulted in a tight market, with fewer homes available for sale than there are buyers looking to purchase.
Despite these challenges, Dauphinee and Musgrave are optimistic about the spring market. They believe that stable interest rates will drive demand for homes in Halifax. They also noted that Halifax is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for people looking to relocate from other parts of Canada, which is adding to the demand for housing in the region.
If you are considering buying or selling a home in Halifax this spring, Dauphinee and Musgrave recommend working with an experienced real estate agent who can help guide you through the process. They also emphasized the importance of being realistic about your expectations in a tight market, both in terms of pricing and the availability of properties.
Overall, while the winter market may have been slow, there are positive signs on the horizon for the spring real estate market in Halifax. With the right strategy and guidance, both buyers and sellers can make the most of the opportunities that the market presents.
Once fraudsters have their hands on a property's title, they can re-mortgage it, sell it to an unsuspecting buyer, or extract value from it in some other way and make away with the proceeds. Homeowners often don't learn about what's happened until they receive notice of missed payments or try to sell, title insurance company First Canadian Title (FCT) says on its website.
What can you do as a homeowner to protect your most valuable asset?
Meet Danielle McLean from DCL Law at Dartmouth
Are you getting ready to buy a home, however, realize that your budget is allowing only "fixer uppers"? Coming up with the downpayment was stressful enough, now you need money to get rid of the shag carpets. What if there was a way?
Once again I will introduce Mike Caron of CUA.
HALIFAX REAL ESTATE: Are you longing to own a home but unable to come up with the down payment? CUA may just be the option for you. Meet Michel Caron the Senior Manager.
Today I went back to Pam Cherington of Red Door Realty and thought to ask her any question I could think of and get her opinion of what she thought of the market. From the pricing of the luxury markets to tiny homes.
Thank you to all of those who are taking the time to watch our videos and give commentary.
If there is something that you want me to cover, just ask.
Stay tuned as we have some interesting topics coming up for first-time buyers.
Is it really all doom and gloom? Could the media be wrong about Halifax? Join me today as I chat with another top agent here in the city. Meet Dawna Candelora of Remax Nova.
The Canadian Govt announced that a surplus of 2 billion dollars will be put towards 17000 affordable homes to be built across Canada. In addition to this, the government promoted a rent-to-own pilot project for Canadians.
Read the article here:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/prime-minister-justin-trudeau-housing-roundtable-1.6566535
Is RENT to OWN the best option for Canadians?
Today meet Cyrus Habibi, a mortgage broker from Premiere Mortgages Halifax. Cyrus has actually worked on a similar project in Governors Brook a few years ago that Armco was spearheading.
Cyrus believes that there are better options for us here in Halifax. Have a listen to find out what they are.
Reach Cyrus at 902-880-7048
To access further info on this property please click on this website link:
Not the home you are looking for? We always have new listings coming to market. Visit us at: https://www.thepikegroup.ca/coming-soon
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca
The market is adjusting and stabilizing. It is a great time to sell and purchase a home. While you may not have sold for what the neighbor did during the pandemic, you still be successful. Could this be a true statement? Meet Derek from Mari-Tech and find out why.
To access further info on this property please click on this website link:
Not the home you are looking for? We always have new listings coming to market. Visit us at: https://www.thepikegroup.ca/coming-soon
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca
Cherie Gaudet of Ingram Varner & Associates & Peter MacLellan of Boutillier & Associates.
It was an enlightening conversation speaking with commercial and residential appraisers. I was really interested in finding out if homes were still appraising out. If deals were falling. If prices were dropping. Tune in to get their take on our current market.
To access further info on this property please click on this website link:
Not the home you are looking for? We always have new listings coming to market. Visit us at: https://www.thepikegroup.ca/coming-soon
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca
Today I met Don MacVicar, President, and Owner of Premiere Mortgages in Halifax and Ontario. I wanted to know how mortgage rates are affecting the buying power of locals. Are deals falling? What is safer now, variable or fixed mortgages? What is the biggest mortgage trend?
Today I interviewed Ian Angus of Royal LePage Atlantic. I am interested to see if he feels that the market is similar to that of 2012. Based on my experience from 2012-2015, I certainly see the parallels in both. Buyers would have purchased at the peak of the market and if they sold within 2 to 3 years, they were faced with the reality of the current day prices; which were much lower.
Granted, it is still a GREAT time to sell if you were not ready during the pandemic. There will be an increase in your equity. For buyers, less competition and more homes to choose from.
To access further info on this property please click on this website link:
Not the home you are looking for? We always have new listings coming to market. Visit us at : https://www.thepikegroup.ca/coming-soon
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca
Today I interviewed Adam Henniger and Roy Thomas both of Sutton Professional Realty in Halifax. The media has been reporting that prices will take a dramatic hit here in Halifax and the rest of Canada. I wanted to find out from these agents if they felt the same way.
Personally, I feel that anyone who purchased in 2021/2020 will have to hold onto their investments until the rest of the market catches up with their purchase price. I believe that the market that we are in, is very similar to that of 2012 when properties were purchased. The consumer had to hold onto their investment for a minimum of 3 years to break even.
Is that the case now?
Take a listen to other agents and their perspectives on our market.
Learn more and connect with us at: https://www.thepikegroup.ca/coming-soon
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca
Today I interviewed several agents across the country. Given the new mortgage rates, my thought process is that all markets are changing and may be facing some serious challenges.
Topics included:
The differences between 2021 and the Summer of 2022
Are the prices still the same?
Are there competitive offers?
Where are the buyers coming from?
What advice agents are giving to both sellers and buyers.
and much more...
In this episode, meet Dwayne Snell of St John New Brunswick, a licensed agent with Coldwell Bank Select Realty. And of course me, Sandra Pike of Halifax NS with Royal LePage Atlantic.
Learn more and connect with us at: https://www.thepikegroup.ca/coming-soon
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca
Today I interviewed several agents across the country. Given the new mortgage rates, my thought process is that all markets are changing and may be facing some serious challenges.
Topics included:
Today meet Stacy de Vires a licenced agent in the Annapolis Valley of NS working with Royal LePage Atlantic. And of course me, Sandra Pike of Halifax NS with Royal LePage Atlantic.
Today I interviewed several agents across the country. Given the new mortgage rates, my thought process is that all markets are changing and may be facing some serious challenges.
Topics included:
Today meet Josh Kepkay of Vancouver who is a licensed agent at Macdonald Realty. And of course me, Sandra Pike of Halifax NS with Royal LePage Atlantic.
Today I interviewed several agents across the country. Given the new mortgage rates, my thought process is that all markets are changing and maybe facing some serious challenges.
Topics included:
Today meet Trish Condo of Bolton, Ont a licensed agent with Royal LePage RCR Realty. And of course me, Sandra Pike of Halifax NS with Royal LePage Atlantic.
Banning Blind Bidding Does Not Address a Lack of Housing Supply
In response to this morning’s announcement of the Liberal Party’s Housing Plan, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) does not believe criminalizing the way Canadians sell their homes is an effective solution to address a lack of housing supply.
Canadians have the right to choose how they want to transact what is likely the largest purchase of their lives. The proposed banning of blind bidding removes the ability for Canadian homeowners to sell their home the way they want.
Open bidding is still bidding. For example, in Australia where they have implemented open bidding, housing prices are still high and continue to rise. Homeownership remains out of reach for millions of Canadians because there is not enough housing supply to meet demand.
Today meet local agents Chandler Haliburton, Adam Henniger and special guest from Melbourne, Australia Jo Mooney.
This is going to be a hot one.
We always have new listings coming to market. Visit us at : https://www.thepikegroup.ca/coming-soon
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca
This episode is all about pricing your home.
Do you list it the same as the last house that sold? A home in Middle Sackville was purchased in 2020 for $562k, recently listed for $699k, and then sold for $1 Million Dollars. Should similar houses list at this price? Should sellers on this street expect to sell over $300k? We all keep saying that each buyer is an "outlier" How many outliers are there? Will this market continue well into 2022?
Meet Ian Angus of Royal LePage, Roy Thomas of Sutton, Sarah Schlender of Parachute Realty, and of course me, your host, Sandra Pike of The Pike Group & Royal Lepage Atlantic as we discuss homes and pricing.
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca
Today I am interviewing Ian Angus of Royal Lepage Atlantic and Leanne Myles of the Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team. The talk on the street is that people should not purchase any types of homes only if necessary. Rates have gone through the roof and home prices keep increasing. Some state that we are headed for a recession. Are these the thoughts of all local industry members?
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist Royal LePageLooking for your next home, be sure to visit https://www.thepikegroup.ca/coming-soon
Every day it is gloom and doom. We are headed for a recession, claim the media channels. The housing bubble is about to burst here in Halifax is what the general population feels.
But is it?
Today I interview, Denis Dommer of Remax Nova and Shane Anderson of Royal Lepage. These agents are "boots on the ground" and just may have some different insight than the rest.
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist Royal LePageLooking for your next home, be sure to visit https://www.thepikegroup.ca/coming-soon
We all know that 2021 was an anomaly for real estate, not only in NS but in most of Canada. Record sales were met locally with properties selling up to and over $100k of listing price. The population grew from 413 000 people in 2020 to 439 819 in 2021. All of NS from 2020-2021 saw an increase of 58 234.
What is in the cards for us in 2022? Depending on who you speak with, some say that the market is slowing down, and we will actually be in more of a balanced market. Others believe that we will continue to grow.
I took the time to interview a group of brokers who are engaging with their office agents each day to get their opinions.
Introducing Pam Cherington of Red Door Realty. Marc Doucette of Royal LePage Atlantic. Adam Hennigar of Sutton Professionals. Linda Smardon of Exit Metro.
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca
www.thepikegroup.ca
Thanks for listening.
Today's panel was Ralph Stephen CEO of Royal Lepage Atlantic and Gordon Laing CEO of Southwest Properties. It was interesting to hear their thoughts on our current state of affairs in relation to real estate. Topics included
Rent Control how does this affect our market
Larger apartment projects are slowing down and the reason why
What is affordable housing
Will Halifax be subject to a recession
Why are buyers hesitating to purchase
What about a balanced market, is it a good thing for our market
How are the lumber prices affecting our local builders and buyers
It was a pleasure to hear from them both and to get their perspective.
Interested in learning more about Halifax Real Estate? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiSDv...
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca
Has new construction changed since the beginnings of Covid? Are builders more cautious when listing and pricing homes? Is supply vs demand still an issue? How long is the average home now taking to build?
Today meet special guests:
Tamara Baker President of White Stone and Real Estate Agent at Sutton
Krista Jensen Team Lead of 73Realty Royal LePage
Amanee Mousavi Royal LePage Atlantic
And of course your host me, Sandra Pike [The Pike Group + Royal Lepage Atlantic]
Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Halifax Real Estate updates. Find more resources, blog posts, and of course homes at thepikegroup.ca
Sandra Pike, Listing Specialist
902-478-8711 | sandra@sandrapike.ca
We decided to have an open session today on any topic we could think of. Will open bidding work in our market? Should we be able to discuss pricing in an open forum? And much more.
Join me, Sandra Pike as I host Adam Hennigar [Sutton] and Chandler Haliburton [Remax] as we put it all on the table for discussion.
Not the home you are looking for? We always have new listings coming to market. Visit us at: https://www.thepikegroup.ca/coming-soon
Sandra Pike | Listing Specialist
902-478-8711 | sandra@sandrapike.ca
Are you being posted in 2022? Where are you being posted? If you are being posted to Ontario, will it be in the cites of Trenton, Kingston or maybe Borden?
3 amazing cities that are always host to many DND families. Today we interview local agents to get the scoop on what to expect.
Meet Lorraine O’Quinn from Trenton. Jane Furter of Kingston and Linda Knight of Borden.
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca
The sixth biennial Atlantic Real Estate Forum provided valuable insights on trends, issues, strategies, and opportunities within the Multi-Residential and Commercial Real Estate space.
Meet Ben Young, VP Southwest Properties recapping what was discussed.
Sandra Pike
Listing Specialist
902-478-8711
sandra@sandrapike.ca