Many people ask: How much are closing costs and what’s included? Buying a home should feel like a fresh start, not a financial surprise. When purchasing a home in Nova Scotia, it’s essential to understand the costs involved in additional to the purchase price. One of the biggest surprises for home buyers isn’t the down…
Saving for a Down Payment is a Challenge! Lately, there’s a viral concept going around called the ‘$27.39 Rule.’ The idea is that if you save that specific amount every day, you’ll have $10,000 in a year. It sounds tidy, doesn’t it? But for most of us living and working in the HRM, the math…
If the Nova Scotia housing market over the last few years were a weather forecast, we’ve moved from a “Category 5 Hurricane of Bidding Wars” to a “Slightly Confusing Fog with Sunny Breaks.” Remember 2021? When you had to offer your firstborn child and a lifetime supply of Donair sauce just to get a viewing…
If you’re thinking about buying a home, one of the first steps is speaking with a mortgage professional for a pre-approval. Many buyers don’t realize how mortgage pre-approval is calculated — or why so much documentation is required. It can feel like a lot… especially when you’re just starting your home search. But there’s a…
Introduction Before starting your home search, one of the most important first steps is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. A pre-approval helps you understand your budget, strengthens your offer, and allows you to shop for a home with confidence. Here’s what most lenders and mortgage brokers in Nova Scotia will ask for when preparing your…
Two Terms That Sound the Same—But Aren’t If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard the terms “pre-qualified” and “pre-approved” used interchangeably. They sound similar, and many buyers assume they mean the same thing. They don’t. Understanding the difference can save you time, frustration, and potentially help you win the home you want—especially…
A Question I Get Asked a Lot When I’m working with sellers and buyers, one question comes up regularly: “What’s the difference between a CMA and an appraisal?” It’s a great question—and the confusion makes sense because both estimate a home’s value. But they serve very different purposes, and understanding the difference can help you…
Getting Your Asking Price Right from the Start One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when selling your home is choosing the right asking price. Price too high and your home sits on the market. Price too low and you leave money on the table. So how do you find that sweet spot? The answer…