Solar Home For Sale

Looking for something exceptional?  MLS@00608687

Unique architecturally designed solar home located at one of Halifax's most prestigious addresses.  1800 square foot home with 3 bedrooms and two baths is ideal for family living but sophisticated enough for empty nesters.  Natural light pours through every window in this custom built 10 year old home. 

Skylights (allowing light but not heat to enter) are strategically placed throughout the house to create a very bright and cheerful atmosphere.  The home has a lovely walkout stone patio with rock staircase overlooking the beautiful deep lot. 

Some of the other amenities include, garage, workshop, infloor radiant heat, hardwood and ceramic floors.  An abundance of built in bookshelves and desks, an incredible loft, central vacuum and an intercom system. 

Included in the price are all the appliances and custom window treatments.

This solar homes incorporates energy efficiency, comfort and loads of extras that make it a true dream home. 

Documents Needed To List Your Home

•Copy of your deed

•Latest Tax Assessment Notice & Tax Amount

•Restrictive covenants •Rental and/or lease agreements

•Occupancy, well and/or septic certificates (if available) •Account numbers for NS Power and Heating company

•Condos:  Bylaws, financial statements & minutes of meetings

•Survey or Plot Plan

•If applicable, documentation pertaining to

• Easements and/or rights of way
• Occupancy, septic and/or well certificates
• Betterment charges
• Location & type of septic system, date of last pumping
• Warranties for house components and/or appliances

Getting Your Home Ready To Show

•Clean everything including windows, ceiling fans, bathrooms, cupboards.

•Repair and paint everything that requires it, this pays off $$$

•De-clutter everything...box up items and store away.  Yard Sale!

•Keep kitchen countertops clear

•Make arrangements for dogs not to be present and leave notices on doors if there are pets present

•Keep lawns trimmed, garbage out of sight, driveways and walkways shovelled.

•Air fresheners are red flags...choose soft natural fragrances...there is no substitute for fresh air.

-Leave the residence whenever possible for viewings and open houses.

 -Make every effort to accommodate viewings no matter how short the notice.

-and lastly the "easy" part......keep the house tidy at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to call/use the listing agent? No.  If the listing is MLS you may use virtually any agent from any company.  In fact, you may want to consider choosing an agent other than the listing agent so you can maximize the amount of information you can obtain on the house, as well as get advice on what to offer for a purchase price.  Some agents, like ourselves, have colleagues whom they work with to avoid any potential conflict of interest and give the clients the best representation possible.

Can I save money by buying privately?  Typically no.  Real Estate agents have an educational background in estimating value on homes as well as yearly educational requirements to maintain and enhance their skills.  We have the education, historical data, and experience to place a monetary value on a house.  Secondly, you are afforded many protective clauses in any purchase agreement we draw up.  You may be left vulnerable without proper representation.  And thirdly, if the house was truly a great deal, a real estate investor would have already bought it!

What else do I need to consider other than price? If you are a first time home buyer there may be many initial expenses.  For instance if you do not own appliances, you may want to consider requesting the seller includes them in the purchase price.  You will also need to purchase seasonal equipment such as lawnmowers, shovels, rakes, etc.  If you are purchasing an older home you will want to consider the age of the roof, furnace, windows, plumbing and electrical...they may be in need of repair, upgrades or replacement.

What if I am not ready to buy right away? We will set you up on our prospecting system which will automatically send listings to you that meet your criteria.  That way, you are able to watch the market closely and should anything interest you, we are simply a call away.

Who pays the Realtor®? Real estate fees are generally covered through the commissions paid by the seller of the home.  Buyer Brokerage agreements deal with other transaction payment when purchasing homes that are For Sale By Owner and sometimes Exclusive listings.

Why do I need a home inspection? Buying a home is generally the largest investment you will ever make.  To minimize unpleasant surprises and unexpected difficulties, you will want to learn as much as you can about your newly constructed or existing house before you buy it.  A home inspection may identify the need for major repairs or builder oversights, as well as the need for maintenance to keep it in good shape.  After the inspection, you will know more about the house which will allow you to make decisions with confidence.  You will have the option of walking away or renegotiating your purchase price should something unexpected surface in the home inspection

What if I change my mind? It is quite normal to have second thoughts especially if you are a first time home buyer.  Your agent can talk to you in detail about your concerns.  Generally speaking, once you have an offer in place, you are bound by those terms.  Should financing fall through, the PCDS reveal a problem, or the home inspection determines some issues, then you can terminate the deal within the "condition dates" outlined on the agreement.  After a deal becomes "firm", backing out can pose serious legal issues.

CLOSING COSTS

EXAMPLE

Purchase Price $200,000

Within 24 Hours: $1000 +  deposit (credited on closing)

Within 7 days    :       $  400 +   home inspection         $    55 + water testing (well)

PAID ON CLOSING

Legal Fees: $  650 + varies from lawyer to lawyer

Deed Transfer Tax: $3000 1.5% of purchase price

Fuel Adjustment: $  850 + (full tank of oil is oil heat) $  400 + (full tank of propane if propane)

Tax Adjustment +/- 6 mos        repayment to vendor for prepaid taxes after closing

Interest Adjustment $  100 + interest on mortgage from closing to first payment

Survey $  400 + if required Mortgage Insurance included in mortgage...% varies with down payment

Hookups:             $200 utilities, phone, internet

Home Insurance  $500

Moving Expenses    ?

*all prices are examples only, will vary by professional, and are subject to change*

Real estate Forms

1.  BUYER BROKERAGE AGREEMENT An agreement with a Realtor* to use their services to help locate a home to purchase. Outlines the dates agreement is in force, remuneration, deposits, obligations.  Obligates a client to work with the agent until expiry or written notice of termination.

2.  WORKING WITH A REALTOR* A summary of the duties performed by the real estate agent as it pertains to you, outlines types of "agency" relationships.  You will be required to sign this document but it simply acknowledges an explanation of "agency" has *been given to you and does not obligate you to work with any particular agent.

3.  PURCHASE & SALE AGREEMENT Outlines offer price, closing date, conditions of sale, chattels the purchaser may want, etc.

4.  ADDENDUM FORM 101 Outlines more terms related to the sale such as water testing, septic issues, requests for documentation such as utility costs, restrictive covenants, etc.

5.  COUNTER OFFER After presenting an offer the vendor has the option of countering an offer and renegotiate price, chattels, conditions, etc.  Purchaser is able to accept, decline or present a new offer if the counter offer is unacceptable.

6.  LIMITED DUAL AGENCY Should the same brokerage be representing both the purchase and sale,  a LDA agreement requires signatures acknowledging that you are aware and agree to the situation.

7.  PROPERTY CONDITION DISCLOSURE STATEMENT  (PCDS) A document outlining various work that has been completed, upgrades, problems with major components of the house, and any other pertinent issues that would affect the salability of the house.  The buyer receives this document after an accepted offer is in place.  The buyer must initial the PCDS after review. 

8.  AMENDMENT TO AGREEMENT OF PURCHASE & SALE This is the purchaser's to revisit their offer should something unexpected turn up on the house inspection or PCDS.  We have 2 forms for this, one giving the buyer  and/or the vendor the opportunity to declare the offer null and void; the other requests corrective measures but still keeps the original agreement in force should the amendment not be accepted.

Step By Step Buying

1.  GET PRE-ARROVED FOR A MORTGAGE.  Call a few brokers for rates and terms and to find out how much you are able to invest into a home.

2. CALL SANDY TO CHAT We should get together to talk about what you are looking for, price range, location and style of house, your needs versus your wants, and how soon you want to move. I will input this information into the prospecting system online which will notify us IMMEDIATELY of anything matching your criteria that comes on the market.  This gives you the advantage of seeing hot new listings as they hit the system over those simply monitoring MLS* .

3.  SET UP VIEWINGS We will begin viewing and comparing properties.  When you narrow down your choices to 3, we will do a background check on the properties to determine the length of market time, any price reductions, previous offers, and do a comparative market analysis.  This will ensure the asking price is competitive.

4.  OFFER Familiarize yourself with some of the paperwork included in this package but we will review each document as needed.

5.  OFFER ACCEPTANCE

6.  FIRMING UP THE DEAL *A.  A deposit cheque is obtained as per the agreement of purchase and sale. Once all conditions are met the deal is considered "firm".  You will do a. *B.  We fax the paperwork to your mortgage broker for approval   pre-closing inspection of the home either the day before or day of closing *C.  We fax the paperwork to your lawyer for review to ensure everything is as agreed upon *D.  A home inspection is set up within the allotted time frame *E.  A letter from an insurance company indicating insurability of property.

STEP BY STEP LISTING

1.  Contact your bank or mortgage broker about potential penalties and/or portability of your existing mortgage.

2.  Contact Sandy to give you a Complimentary Market Analysis of your home. This is a two step process; we first view your home and the next meeting review documentation, recommendations, and a precise value for your property.

3.  Allow time to complete any recommendations as this will maximize your homes' value and show better, thereby reducing market time.

4.  Sign the paperwork.  This includes a service guarantee, and a listing agreement outlining the terms of our relationship.

5.  I will take photos and measurements for the websites, brochures and marketing materials and listing cuts.  

6.  MLS vs Exclusive               

MLS is available to all agents in every company to view and sell.  Exclusive listings, although generally a lower commission, are usually only available to that agent or that agents company to show and sell.  Exclusive listings are not available on the MLS system where most home buyers start their looking, and you must rely solely on signage and advertising.

7.  Start your online shopping for a new home and attend Open Houses.

Regency Park (Condo), HALIFAX, Nova Scotia

Location! Close to everything. Beautiful two bedroom plus den condominium in Tiara Gardens. Corner unit with balcony overlooking fountain and central garden. Nine foot ceilings in living room. Master bedroom has walk in closet and four piece ensuite. Owner has added a wall to separate the kitchen from the living room/dining room to improve decorating opportunities while also enhancing entertainment options. Built in bookcase in living room is also an owner added extra. Laundry room and storage room inside the condo. A second storage unit is in the lower level of the building. Condo fee includes heat, hot water, and one underground parking space. Building also boasts large entry foyer with curved staircase leading to second level library with fireplace, a fully equipped exercise room, and a car work room and car wash area in the garage.

Ernst Avenue, HALIFAX, Nova Scotia

Address: 7129 Ernst Avenue

Type: Residential

Style: 1 1/2 Story

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 2 "1 Full, 1 Half"

Garage: Single, Detached

Basement: Yes, Full

Size: 1,363 sq. ft.

Lot Size:  4130 sq. ft. 

Year Built: 1952

Taxes: $2,908.00 (2007)