Halifax Real Estate Condo Update September 11/08 It looks like the downtown Halifax area can be expecting some exciting new condo projects coming on board in the near future.  Their are two major ones.  The first being The Trillium.  This condo building is going on the corner of South Park and Brenton.   A great location to say the least.  There is not a great deal information available yet.  Another one that has just passed council approval is The Alexander in the brewery market.  This project looks very exciting.  Stay tuned as more information becomes available. A couple of other projects worthy to note are in the north end of Halifax.  Hydrostone Place is a great looking condo building.  This area is rapidly becoming one of the most popular in Halifax.  Falkland St condos have broke... 09/11/2008

Canadian Real Estate home sales for July 2008 Today I will be looking at other provinces and how their Real Estate Markets are performing.  I have created a table to show you the average prices in all provinces in Canada.   This will give you an idea of what markets are hot and what markets are cold.    Province Average Sale Price July 07 Average Sale Price July 08 Newfoundland $152,718 $181,269 Nova Scotia $182,267 $192,160 PEI $136,469 $145,852 New Brunswick $135,631 $141,255 Quebec $202,395 $214,070 Ontario $291,807 $298,630 Manitoba $167,774 $190,354 Saskatchewan $182,920 $237,604 Alberta $371,817 $352,421 BC $446,481 $444,589 Northwest Territories $372,127 $272,779 Yukon $252,262 $228,023 National Average 07 - $309,885 National Average 08 - $302,298 Based on MLS® Statistics As you ... 09/07/2008

Halifax Real Estate Market Report Multi Unit Buildings(4 units or less) based on MLS® data. So today I figured I would look at something a little different.  I have many clients who have and are actively looking for multi unit buildings as another way to enhance cash flow.  There are things you need to look for when thinking of purchasing a multi unit rental.  Firstly you have to make sure that the building generates income, a lot of multi units on the market today just won't carry themselves and they are better served as an owner occupied so someone will help with the mortgage.  I always advise my clients to look at the net income(rent minus heating, maintenance, and other expenses associated with the property).  A general rule of thumb is if the net income is 10% of the purchase price... 08/20/2008

Halifax Real Estate Blog/Dartmouth Market Update Dartmouth Real Estate market report for July 2008 based on MLS® data Dartmouth Real Estate market report July 2008 for areas 10-17 which encompass all of Dartmouth.  Single family detached and semi detached including new construction. Halifax Real Estate Blog/ Dartmouth Market Report July 2008 MonthAverage List Price Average Sale Price Sale to List Price Average List DurationNumber Of Sales JUL-2008 217133 212317 98% 59 days 152 Averages: 217133 212317 98 % 59 days 152   Dartmouth Real Estate market report July 2007 for areas 10-17 which encompasses all of Dartmouth.  Single family detached and semi detached including new construction. Halifax Real Estate Blog/ Dartmouth Market Report July 2007 MonthAverage List Price Average Sale Price S... 08/13/2008

Halifax Real Estate/Halifax Condos MLS® Market Report July 28/2008 Halifax Real Estate Condo Report for Areas 1 - 40 which encompasses all of Halifax Regional Municipality for 2008 including new construction  Halifax Real Estate Blog - Condo Report 2008 MonthAverage List Price Average Sale Price Sale to List Price Average List DurationNumber Of Sales JUL-2008 220769 214505 97% 95 days 65 JUN-2008 207291 202183 98% 117 days 73 MAY-2008 220137 214078 97% 111 days 88 APR-2008 211476 205712 97% 132 days 103 MAR-2008 201322 195383 97% 98 days 64 FEB-2008 203251 198449 98% 107 days 55 JAN-2008 209658 204978 98% 132 days 50 Averages: 211210 205617 97 % 114 days 498 Halifax Real Estate Condo Report for Areas 1 - 40 which encompasses all of Halifax Regional Municipality for 2007 including new co... 08/10/2008

Ahh Friday again.  I love the weekend.  Today's Halifax Real Estate Blog Friday Random post is My Favourite Restaurants to eat in Halifax.  Whether I am looking for fine dining or just wanting a good burger these restaurants rank high in my books and if you try them I think you will find they are quite good.  So without further ado here are my 10 favs in no particular order; Morris East, Morris St, Halifax.  This restaurant is a hidden gem in the heart of Halifax.  Located on Morris St this is one of my favourites.  I love the daily dip specials and the wood fried organic Pizza's are the best I have ever had.  The prices are not bad either.  The last couple of times there I had to wait for a seat as they do not have much seating.  This place only gets busier each day as the buzz gets ou... 08/08/2008

  Halifax Real Estate MLS® Market Report 1st Half(January to July) 2008 Halifax Real Estate stats for single family detached, semi-detached, and townhouse including new construction for areas 1 through 40 which encompasses all of HRM. Halifax Real Estate Blog Market Update 2008 MonthAverage List Price Average Sale Price Sale to List Price Average List DurationNumber Of Sales JUL-2008 264787 258183 98% 80 days 316 JUN-2008 258705 252530 98% 76 days 562 MAY-2008 268838 263096 98% 75 days 613 APR-2008 250189 244374 98% 75 days 558 MAR-2008 252573 247693 98% 83 days 381 FEB-2008 244055 238662 98% 94 days 345 JAN-2008 248036 241041 97% 109 days 255 Averages: 256484 250601 98 % 82 days 3030 1st Half(January to July) 2007 Halifax Real Estate stats for single family detached, semi-detached, and... 08/07/2008

The Halifax waterfront was buzzing today! With record heat it was a carnival atmosphere all along the boardwalk!   The Clipper round the world race just finished its New York to Halifax leg and the boats are In town for 4 days. Quite an impressive Site! With 10 teams - Each displaying it's Stop-over port . Team Nova Scotia  under  sail . Hull & Humber  - Recently clocked 29knots at one point during Leg!Must have felt like a runaway 68' Freight Car!   Just one more World Class attraction on Halifax's Waterfront. Making it one more reason its why people want to move here!   -   www.homesearchnovascotia.com   06/09/2008

Situated immediately downtown across from the brewery market property with boutiques and shops scattered on the lower level .Stroll down to the historic properties or dine in one of Halifax's fine seafood restaurants. When the tall ships sail in ,see them docked on your own back yard. 151 units in total with prices starting in the High $400,000's. This is the best of Halifax! Why not contact me for more info!  499-2950or   e-mail   prviau@gmail.com                  check out mt website at  homesearchnovascotia.comBack to more condos    02/21/2008

Ready soon! Upscale condos right on the commons! Halifax - Downtown!  2 Bedrooms with 1200 Sq Ft starting at $287,357. Thats a good size unit for retirement crowd for sure! What better view! Including underground parking and Air-conditioning!  Each unit will have 9' ceilings and exciting, modern open feel.Quite a few 3 bedroom available in $360-370 range including the penthouse at 1669 SQ FT for #510,383. As seen across the commons on Feb 14/2008.                     homesearchnovascotia.com                                                    April 02/08   02/21/2008

In the eighties and nineties Alberta was the place go and make money! Anyone with a trade seemed to head out to land of opportunity. it's a  trend that is even more magnetizing today making Nova Scotia the oldest overall by demographics in the country. Well - The people who ventured west in the eighties and nineties made their money,invested in housing and saw incredible gains over the last 10 - 15 -20 years. So - as soon as the markets start to slow they decided to sell and head home.Most with equity ranging from $500,000 plus. So why not head east and invest $250-$300,000 in a brand new condo and put the rest in the bank. A few might also pick up a place in Florida for the winter months. Its a trend that is happening and this year will be no exception. This year we have The Gladstone ... 02/18/2008

Quite possibly the most affordable condos in Halifax. Literally Blocks from the downtown core. Ideal for Students or an ideal Investment. Ready In Spring (may) 2009.Take Note!                       Artists Conception  Priced From $129,558 and upwards to #251,414.Map Showing Distance to QE2  Health Sciences Centre.                More condos at     --    homesearchnovascotia.com For more Information please contact me At: Give me  call at 902-499-2950Or prviau@gmail.com                                                            Back to more condos 02/14/2008

 Gladstone Ridge Towers Condominium. 33 units left on various floors. As of Feb 08 /2008This popular west end development offers concrete and steel construction. The Developer -Westwood Developments - A very good condo developer with a good track record.Offering parking and storage, six brand new appliances, a fitness room, outdoor pool, and loads of  windows,  More condos at       homesearchnovascotia.com Floor plans vary from 888 Sq ft with prices as of feb 17 2008 at  $248,000 Up to 1694 Sq. ft. and condo fees @ 390.   $549,900   Looking East towards the bridge. With Telephoto.   The gym at Gladstone Ridge.   BACK TO CONDOS       02/09/2008

 Hydrostone Place - Photo taken 06/02/2008      Completion date June 30/2008  is a "boutique" condominium developed and designed with you, the discerning buyer, in mind. When you purchase a Hydrostone Place home, you are selecting more than a prestigious residence – you are investing in a lifestyle.Situated just minutes from downtown Halifax, Hydrostone Place is within a walking distance to the historic Hydrostone Market that offers trendy cafes, unique shops and renowned eateries. Exterior construction consists of brick and stone complimenting the historical architecture of the timeless neighborhood, while keeping the location sensitivity in mind. One and two bedrooms suites are available with features such as large wrap around balconies and are designed around a modern open concept fo... 02/08/2008

 More condos at     homesearchnovascotia.com Halifax is ready to take advantage of the massive demographic shift in the retirement population. It seems that while the younger population is leaving, the older population who moved west in the 80s and 90s are returning in mass. they are coming from Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Toronto. They are selling their big houses and putting half in the bank and investing the rest in one of many condos available in the Halifax market.To list some of the big ones include Shepards landing -high-end oceanfront development downtownShepperd's Island - again high-end oceanfront development in Dartmouth.Morris Street -Leston CourtFalkland Street - uptown condominium living.Maitland Street - the Brickyard. In trendy central Halifax there' two new buildin... 02/04/2008

Halifax – A job shortage crisis? I recently read Gerald Walsh’s column on trends to watch for in the workplace in 2008. I guess with the recent exodus of skilled workers to places like Calgary it’s becoming tougher and tougher to fill skilled job positions. “Forget about hiring the ideal candidate” he says. “You’re going to have to hire the closest to ideal candidate and “train up” through mentoring, training and coaching.” “Younger managers will be in over their heads.” These newly appointed managers will get younger and younger and face workplace situations they have never encountered before. Employers will be faced with putting in things like health and wellness programs, flextime, additional vacations and better benefits. Flextime - meaning the 8:30 to 5:00 mentality no longer fits... 01/06/2008

Here is a new idea that hasn't hit the news yet. As crude oil breaks the $90 dollar a barrel mark -the news is saying that the price is now edging higher more due to the fact the dollar is slipping against world currencies.- Especially European. Could this translate into a faster real estate turnaround as the world starts to buy homes in down markets?Even in Canada - as we are tied to the American Dollar - We are starting to certainly see a lot of British families who are sick of the high cost of living in London -coming our way and buying. Should we as Real Estate agents be advertising more and more to the other side of the Atlantic? Perhaps the web is the answer  -as it is open for everyone to see, and not just for a certain city or area like a newspaper would do. Does anyone out ther... 10/19/2007

So whats with all the westerners showing up in Nova Scotia this year? I thought everyone was leaving for the oilsands and the riches of Alberta. Well What I'm getting is that People that headed West in the 80's and 90's are getting ready to retire or just getting tired of the congestion.  Is it just me or are there other Canadian agents with first hand experience of this trend? Maybe it's the lure of the lobster over beef? Anyone?   09/14/2007

Cargo volumes  are on  the  rise  in  Halifax  Ports.  The Halifax Port Authority has Identified Asian trade through the Suez canal as a key growth area in the latest June report. "Halifax, the first major East coast port on direct route to New York from the Suez, the Mediterranean and Europe that can handle the the larger Post Panamax  Ships is in a pivotal position in the global  trade network." Both major Terminals have invested big dollars in infrastructure and improvements. For instance -the Fairview Terminals  just took delivery of two large "Post Panama" cranes. (for boats too wide to fit through the Panama Canal)This brings the number of these cranes to 5 in the port as a whole which is quite a milestone.Anyway - I feel pretty bullish when it comes to Halifax and it's shipping f... 07/02/2007

July 1st!  Wow how fast this year has flown. Half done! Well the market here in Halifax is just getting going so Here's to  a great summer and fall.  Hopefully I'll take some time in August off, but July looks jam packed for now.  I'm not as fanactical as some when it comes to facial paint and insane Canadian flag waiving, but am quite patriotic anyway. Canada is a great place to live and do business! I did my fair share of backpacking over my earlier years and always felt welcome - Whatever country I was in. Especially when they see the flag! Happy Canada Day all you Canadian AR people!  07/01/2007