Halifax Real Estate Home Staging

Stunning Waterfront Property on Porter's Lake, Nova Scotia

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 07:39:21 -0700

Stunning Waterfront Property

8 Emerald Drive, Three Fathom Harbour, NS

Come home to a year long retreat with million dollar view of picturesque Porter’s Lake! 177 Ft water frontage: fish, swim, boat, skate, glide, play! Enjoy panoramic views in this custom quality built cedar Dow & Duggan designed log home with 3 bdms & 2.5 baths! Property offers detached triple garage, 40x12 upper deck, 16x12 lower deck, floating dock, private boat launch, fire pit on private beach and tons of room for kids & dogs to roam! Updates within the year include: custom Mother Hubbard’s kitchen with granite countertops, luxurious master ensuite with in-floor radiant heat, new roof shingles, 3 car garage, new exterior door and windows, front deck, water soften system, hot water heater, hardwood & porcelain tiles upstairs and laminate down, air exchanger and huge recroom in the walk-out basement that also includes a ½ bath, large laundry room & storage area! Power savings with Electric Thermal Storage unit *Only 2 minutes past Lawrencetown Beach! Unprecedented value! TLA 2992

Details

Asking Price:

429,900.00

MLS:

40539074

Sq. Feet:

2992

Lot Size:

1.56 acres

Bedrooms:

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

0.00

Garage Size:

Triple

Year Built:

1990

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Tina Parker
REALTOR®, CSP™, SRES™

Dir 902-229-5799
Email | Website

Tina Parker
RES Home Staging Group
32 Madeira Cres
Dartmouth, NS B2W 6G6
902-462-0014
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Choosing Your Home Inspector

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:12:48 -0800

We take pride in doing a thorough job for our clients. To help them make informed decisions for what can be a very daunting task, purchasing their next home. After doing so, we're not thrilled for them until we've completed the home inspection. Unbeknownst to us, the home inspection industry is not regulated. The role of the home inspector is crucial both in providing valuable information and providing a list of items to consider. If anything is missing or you are ill-informed you can decide to purchase a house with serious problems or walk away from a great house with a normal list of maintenance and repairs. It is as important to choose the right inspector as it is to choose the right real estate agent. The following advice is provided by T. E. Gordon Home Inspections Inc.

Buying a house may seem like an endless series of critical and important decisions. When you do find the house that is right for you, you need to find a home inspector to educate you about the condition of your new home. This is a wise decision, even when buying a newly constructed home; the additional peace of mind that a professional home inspection offers is invaluable.

It’s important to hire a knowledgeable, experienced and competent home inspector. Anyone can say that they are a home inspector without having taken any courses, passed tests or even inspected houses. So look for a home inspector who:

Belongs to a National Home & Property Inspection Association or industry association
Holds an accreditation that demonstrates training and experience
Provides an inspection report (at least within 24 hours)
Can provide proof they carry insurance
Provide references and
Has strong experience with the type of home to be inspected.

Professionally trained home inspectors are committed to conducting inspections in accordance with their association’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and are dedicated to providing superior customer service. A copy of their association’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics should be made available to you. It is important to understand what a home inspection is and is not.

A home inspection is a visual inspection, it is non-invasive, (no holes will be cut in walls, ceilings or floors) or technically exhaustive. A home inspection is a visual inspection stating the type and condition of various components of the dwelling. Your inspection should include an assessment of at least the following:

Foundation
Doors and windows
Roof and exterior walls
Attics
Plumbing and electrical systems (where visible)
Heating and air conditioning systems
Ceilings, walls and floors
Insulation (where visible)
Ventilation
Septic tanks, wells or sewer lines (if inspector is qualified)
Any other buildings such as a detached garage
The lot, including drainage away from buildings, slopes and natural vegetation
Overall opinion of structural integrity of the buildings
Common areas (in the case of a condominium or co-operative dwellings)

Your home inspector should encourage to follow along and ask questions during the inspection, he or should be willing to answer questions concerning your purchase even after you move in.

T. E. Gordon Home Inspections Inc. is pleased to provide this information, if you have further questions please contact our office.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Current Demands to Make your Home More Desirable

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:18:31 -0700

If you're considering selling your home in the near future and need to do some upgrades and/or improvements, it's important to know current demands to make your home more desirable. According to a new Ipsos Reid poll, Canadian homeowners have indicated a wish list, highlighting some of the things they’d like to have in their ideal home. The following are some of the things on the wish list:

Most (93%) ‘agree’ (57% strongly/36% somewhat) that they’d like the production of heat in their home to be more cost efficient.
Nine in ten (92%) ‘agree’ (53% strongly/39% somewhat) that they’d like the production of heat in their home to be more energy efficient.
Nine in ten (90%) of those with this problem ‘agree’ (46% strongly/43% somewhat) that they wish they could have a constant temperature in their home, and not some areas that are hotter or colder than others.
Eight in ten (83%) ‘agree’ (31% strongly/52% somewhat) that they wish the air in their home could be cleaner.
Three quarters (72%) of those with bulkheads ‘agree’ (25% strongly/47% somewhat) that they wish there were not bulkheads in their basement so their ceiling wouldn’t seem so low.
Seven in ten (70%) ‘agree’ (28% strongly/42% somewhat) that they’d love to have heated floors in their home.
A majority (53%) ‘agrees’ (20% strongly/34% somewhat) that they wish their duct work didn’t get in the way of where they could put furniture.

The type of heating in the home can have a significant impact on air quality. One in three (34%) homeowners say that someone in their household suffers from allergies due to dust or other air-born allergens, and a quarter (24%) say that someone who regularly visits their house (a friend or relative) suffers from allergies due to dust or other air-born allergies. Couple these statistics with the fact that a majority (56%) of homeowners report having a pet, and it’s not surprising that seven in ten (71%) of those who have an allergy sufferer in their home believe that the air circulation system in their home contributes to those allergies (26% a great deal/45% somewhat). Most (83%) homeowners ‘agree’ (31% strongly/52% somewhat) that they wish the air in their home could be cleaner.

Many obstacles appear to get in the way of achieving some of these ideal goals. Three quarters (72%) of homeowners say that some areas of their home are hotter or colder than others, while four in ten (41%) note that they have bulkheads or duct-work in their basement that makes the room smaller, or makes their ceiling lower.

When building or renovating a home, four in ten (39%) homeowners believe that things like having areas of the house that are colder or hotter than others gets in the way of achieving an ideal living space, while a similar proportion says the same about duct work and bulkheads that make the room an odd shape and decrease the amount of useful space (35%). Three in ten (30%) are frustrated by air vents located in odd places, while just four in ten (38%) say that none of these things gets in the way of achieving an ideal living space.

Ipsos Reid poll conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of Beautiful Heat from September 19-26, 2011. For this survey, a national sample of 1,003 homeowners from Ipsos' Canadian online panel was interviewed online.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Renovated Home at 40 Woodlawn Road, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 09:30:02 -0700

Large Family Home in Woodlawn

40 Woodlawn Road, Dartmouth, B2W 2R8 View Map

Welcome to 40 Woodlawn Road which has been beautifully updated with oak kitchen cabinets; brand new stainless steel appliances (fridge, stove, dishwasher & microwave/rangehood); all new light fixtures; 2 fully updated bathrooms - main level bath has tub/tub surround/toilet & pedestal sink; upper level bath has soaker tub/shower with tile surround/oak vanity & toilet; Natural finish Birch wood floors on main & upper levels; Medium dark laminate floor in Rec Room; Bonus areas include 4 eave storage areas off upper bedrooms; mudroom with walkout to driveway & coldroom/storage room. 3 New exterior doors (front, side & patio); updated vinyl windows everywhere except basement. Very bright & sunny home walking distance to shopping, schools & churches. TLA: 2031 sq.ft.

Details

Asking Price:

$258,800.00

MLS:

00201608

Sq. Feet:

2031

Lot Size:

7500sqft

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Subdivision:

Woodlawn

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Tina Parker & Sylvia Large
REALTOR®, ABR®, CSP™, SRES™

Main Sylvia: 497-4074
Dir Tina: 229-5799
Email | Website

Tina Parker
RES Home Staging Group
32 Madeira Cres
Dartmouth, NS B2W 6G6
902-462-0014
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Winter is the Best Time to Sell?

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:18:39 -0700

It has always been the assumption that Spring/Summer is the best time to put your house on the market. When looking quickly at the statistics for the most recent 12 months it's easy to make that assumption but I'm always wondering about the probabilites so I took a different look at them. December demonstrates the higher probability of selling than any other time of the year with October and November showing as high as June and August. Ironically, the Spring was the worst time to sell. I"m curious to know if this has always been the case or if like the weather, it's not as predictible as it once was.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

4 Bedroom Family Home in Highland Park, Hammonds Plains

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:49:48 -0700

Your "Stay"cation Destination

32 Kingsway Road, Hammonds Plains, NS

OPEN HOUSE JUNE 26, 2-4PM. Enjoy your “stay"cation right here! Only 5 minutes from all amenities, you’ll come home to tranquility that is felt in this custom built, executive split entry embraced by 3 acres of privacy. Just some of the custom luxuries include an open designed kitchen to allow maximum usage of space, large island, glass tile backsplash, over sized windows, amazing family bathroom that includes an air jet tub with multiple settings and heated back rest, a separate shower, closet organizers in all the closets and security system that comes with key fobs so you can lock your house just like your car - just press a button. Painted by a local artist, your kids will be in awe when they walk into Nemo’s world in one of the three spacious bedrooms upstairs. Downstairs is kept cozy with brand new plush carpet and a 28,000 BTU propane fire place to offset heating costs. So kick back and relax because the park-like landscaping was specifically designed for minimal care. TLA. 2233 sqft

Details

Asking Price:

309,900.00

MLS:

41096710

Sq. Feet:

2233

Lot Size:

3 acres

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Subdivision:

Highland Park

Year Built:

2003

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Tina Parker & Sylvia Large
REALTOR®, ABR®, CSP™, SRES™

Main Sylvia: 497-4074
Dir Tina: 229-5799
Email | Website

Tina Parker
RES Home Staging Group
32 Madeira Cres
Dartmouth, NS B2W 6G6
902-462-0014
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

House Adapted for Wheelchair and Physical Challenges

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Tue, 31 May 2011 09:42:20 -0700

4 BDRM ON 1 LEVEL, ADAPTED FOR WHEELCHAIR & PHYSICAL CHALLENGES

2119 Old Sambro Road, Williamswood, NS B3V 1C1 View Map

RARE OPPORTUNITY! This immaculate 4 bedroom on one level living is a superb family home that comes with the option of remaining completely wheelchair accessible and adapted for physical challenges. You`ll love everything this spacious, completely updated home has to offer. Large bright eat-in kitchen, a separate dining room opening to an extra large living room boasting beautiful hardwood floors,a brick hearth fireplace and pellet stove to offset heating costs. But wait until you see the layout that offers privacy for the master bedroom and your own private 4 piece ensuite bath opposite 3 spacious bedrooms. Especially impressive is the downstairs with its extra large family room, half bath, 23.3x9.8 laundry/storage area, 21.9x10.5 workshop/storage area and built-in garage. The back/side yard oasis allows you to enjoy bug-free summer evenings in the 13x13 fully enclosed wired gazebo, fun family bbq`s on the 35.6 x 8 deck. TLA 2432

Details

Asking Price:

$289,900.00

MLS:

40071938

Sq. Feet:

2432

Lot Size:

24434

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

2/1

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Single

Year Built:

1968

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Tina Parker & Sylvia Large
REALTOR®, ABR®, CSP™, SRES™

Main Sylvia: 497-4074
Dir Tina: 229-5799
Email | Website

Tina Parker
RES Home Staging Group
32 Madeira Cres
Dartmouth, NS B2W 6G6
902-462-0014
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

A Well Loved Home of One Owner

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:55:20 -0700

A Loving Home Of One Owner

5 Birchdale Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2X 1E6 View Map

Under $200,000, this 5 bedroom home represents an investment in your family`s future. Owner has done several upgrades such as roof shingles 2011, oil tank, furnace, chimney, deck & exterior doors. As well most windows will be replaced before closing. Original hardwood floors throughout have been retained. Your kids will enjoy the large flat backyard & adjacent empty treed lot, the greenbelt & the playground through `Mowgli`s Jungle`. Parents you will enjoy the quiet street, the proximity of the elementary & Shubie Park! Not to mention that Mic Mac Mall & Dartmouth Crossing are only 5 minutes away. Call for a detailed feature sheet & private viewing.

Details

Asking Price:

199,900.00

MLS:

00179127

Sq. Feet:

1824

Lot Size:

55x110

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

1.5

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

n/a

Garage Size:

n/a

Year Built:

1966

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Tina Parker & Sylvia Large
REALTOR®, ABR®, CSP™, SRES™

Main Sylvia: 497-4074
Dir Tina: 229-5799
Email | Website

Tina Parker
RES Home Staging Group
32 Madeira Cres
Dartmouth, NS B2W 6G6
902-462-0014
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Opportunity Opens at the Fairfield in Portland Estate, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:12:56 -0800

Excellent Opportunity to live at the "Fairfield"

77 Russell Lake Drive, Unit 312, Dartmouth, NS B4B 1S7 View Map

Move into this 3 Bedroom condo and forget the shovelling! EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE AT `THE FAIRFIELD` condominium situated on the lakeshore of Russell Lake in Portland West, one of Dartmouth`s finest residential communities and natural settings. Unit 312 is well appointed including 9ft ceilings, crown moulding, 1465 sq ft living area, hardwood flooring, Master features ensuite and walk in closet. Bright and spacious living/dining rooms. Efficient kitchen with island and 5 appliances included. Laundry room in the unit. Roughed in for central vac & air conditioning. Not to mention the views of the city and lake access. The Fairfield is a secure building with 24 hour on-site management, underground parking and storage lockers. Fitness centre, meeting & party facilities, car wash bay and emergency electrical power. There are many amenities within walking distance like the Woodlawn Library & Portland Street Superstore.

Details

Asking Price:

268,500

MLS:

41173394

Sq. Feet:

1465

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

2 full

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

336.14

Subdivision:

Portland Estates

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Tina Parker & Sylvia Large
REALTOR®, ABR®, CSP™, SRES™

Main Sylvia: 497-4074
Dir Tina: 229-5799
Email | Website

Tina Parker
RES Home Staging Group
32 Madeira Cres
Dartmouth, NS B2W 6G6
902-462-0014
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Outstanding Family Home in Kingswood, Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 09:51:51 -0800

Outstanding Family Home with InLaw Suite

14 Terradore Lane, Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1S7 View Map

Kingswood! Incredible opportunity awaits a family looking for room to accommodate in-laws, young adults or extended family. Not your typical saltbox, renovations allowed the extra large kitchen to open to a bright and spacious great room with its cathedral ceilings and 6 skylights. The soundproofed two bedroom in-law suite downstairs is bright and loaded with storage. Just a few of the unique features include a balcony off the second floor laundry overlooking the private backyard set up for a clothes line; screened in covered porch in the back for those hot summer days and front patio to enjoy the sun; a heated 3 car garage with its own electrical panel and exhaust system; heat pump & air conditioning; out building with woodstove, incredible amount of storage closets, kitchen with pantry, large rooms, air jet tub in master bath and the list goes on. Come and be impressed by this quality built, energy efficient and allergy free house. TLA: 3674 sq.ft.

Details

Asking Price:

429,900

MLS:

40768111

Sq. Feet:

3674

Lot Size:

50600

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

3.5

# of Floors:

Subdivision:

Kingswood

Year Built:

1997

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Sylvia Large & Tina Parker
REALTOR®, ABR®, CSP™, SRES™

Main Tina: 229-5799
Dir Sylvia: 497-4074
Email | Website

Tina Parker
RES Home Staging Group
32 Madeira Cres
Dartmouth, NS B2W 6G6
902-462-0014
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

A Year Round Stay-cation Destination in Williamswood, Nova Scotia

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:56:04 -0800

Be on "staycation" year round!

35 Sarah Ingraham, Williamswood, NS B3V 1N2 View Map

OPEN HOUSE, FEBRUARY 13th, 2-4pm. Relax, entertain, kayak, swim, skate, cross country ski. Enjoy your “stay-cation” right here! Come home to tranquility that is felt in the backyard oasis backed by a large babbling brook opening to Moody Lake for year round activities. Interact with your guests in the open concept main floor with its 10ft cathedral ceilings, propane fireplace and access to the private back deck, gorgeous view & its soothing sounds. Or enjoy entertaining in the large family/games room with its own wet bar that includes a bar fridge & beer keg with two taps. Six bedrooms in total, you’ll find 3 bedrooms and the 1 bedroom in-law suite upstairs with 2 bedrooms down. Unique is the separate dressing room & walk-in closet that completes the master bedroom. The legal commercial space with its own entrance can be used for your home business or perfect for a spacious mudroom, especially for sports minded families. Find out why you don’t need a vacation coming home to this property every day.

Details

Asking Price:

349,900

MLS:

40780181

Sq. Feet:

3192

Lot Size:

45,000 sqft

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

n/a

Garage Size:

double

Subdivision:

Broadfalls Park

Year Built:

2000

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Sylvia Large & Tina Parker
REALTOR®, ABR®, CSP™, SRES™

Main Tina: 229-5799
Dir Sylvia: 497-4074
Email | Website

Tina Parker
RES Home Staging Group
32 Madeira Cres
Dartmouth, NS B2W 6G6
902-462-0014
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Take My Advice I'm Not Using It - Part Four

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 21:00:30 -0800

I've been writing a little lately about my professional advice vs personal preferences when it comes to owning an average house in an average price point. Even though I know what the majority of potential home buyers are looking for or expecting but I just can't help but wonder why. For example, Granite or marble counter tops.

They are so veryexpensive, beautiful yes, but expensive. What concerns me further is that everyone I speak to who has owned granite or marble counter tops talk about how difficult they are to keep. I don't know personally because I've never owned a home with them but come on, it's a counter top! I'm like everyone else with a busy life, kids, work. Who has the time or inclination for maintenance of a counter top?

Also, what happens when the style or color trend changes? I see some counters where the natural design is sometimes "busy" and I can predict a design change will require replacement in just a few years. That's just not a chance I'm willing to take given the expense.

Again, check out your local supplier for the latest in laminate counter tops. I just replaced my counter top a month ago and at first glance you can't tell that it's not granite. The finish on it is new is much better quality than previously found on the market. And here's another confession, I don't fear cutting a sandwich on my counter and when the design trend changes so will my counter top, very easily and without the high expense.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Release: Department of Finance tightens CMHC rules

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:46:42 -0800

For the second time in twelve months, the Department of Finance tightened rules on residential mortgages to help slow the pace of household debt accumulation. Changes include shortening the amortization period to 30 years (which had already been shortened from 40 to 35 years in 2008), withdrawing CMHC insurance of home equity lines of credit (HELOC), and a reduction in the maximum refinance percentage from 90% loan-to-value to 85%. Changes to the amortization period and the refinancing ratio will take effect March 18 and the HELOC change will take effect April 18, 2011.

Key Implications

The amortization change may alter the quarterly profile of housing market activity as some sales are pulled forward by households to pre-empt it. But the impact is not expected to be large, nor does it lead us to alter our annual forecast. Existing home sales were already forecast to weaken by about 8% compared to 2010, and prices to slip by a modest 1%. On aggregate, our calculations suggest that 20K sales (annually) may be impacted by the amortization change, with the average price likely to weaken a further percentage point. However, while the last few months of data represented upside risk to our December forecast, today's measures put our forecast back on track.
The other two changes are more likely to impact consumer durables and housing-related spending. For instance, household usage of HELOCs is mostly directed towards renovations, vehicle purchases, and debt consolidation. Yet, on that front as well, the impact is not expected to be large. Our macroeconomic forecasts already embedded a significant slowdown in household debt accumulation and consumer durable spending. The withdrawal of HELOC insurance may cause some substitution toward more traditional mortgages, but very few financial institutions insure their HELOC portfolios. As such, the change is unlikely to register significantly on the aggregate lending scale. Moreover, less than a fifth of refinancing deals are high loan-to-value (LTV >80%), and lowering the LTV threshold to 85% likely impacts less than a tenth of refi loans through lower amounts and/or alternative vehicles. All said, aside from some distortion on the timing of some heavily credit-dependent activities, the policy changes do not alter our forecasts.
In terms of monetary policy, this helps take some pressure off the Bank of Canada (BoC). With all the talk about the non-sustainable pace of household debt accumulation, there was speculation about whether or not the BoC would consider hiking interest rates for reasons not directly related to its inflation-targeting mandate. Such speculation can be put to rest for the time being, and we can go back to focusing on the inflation outlook.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Helpful Winter Hints for my Cold Weather Friends

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 11:03:30 -0800

Today's incoming snow storm reminds me of a list of helpful hints to help make driving a little more bearable. Here are a few of my favourites:

Keep your headlights clear with car wax! Just wipe ordinary car wax on your headlights. It contains special water repellents that will prevent that messy mixture from accumulating on your lights - lasts 6 weeks.

Squeak-proof your wipers with rubbing alcohol! Wipe the wipers with a cloth saturated with rubbing alcohol or ammonia. This one trick can make badly streaking & squeaking wipers change to near perfect silence & clarity.

Ice-proof your windows with vinegar! Just fill a spray bottle with three parts vinegar to one part water & spritz it on all your windows at night. In the morning, they'll be clear of icy mess. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which raises the melting point of water -- preventing water from freezing!

Prevent car doors from freezing shut with cooking spray! Spritz cooking oil on the rubber seals around car doors & rub it in with a paper towel. The cooking spray prevents water from melting into the rubber.

Fog-proof your windshield with shaving cream! Spray some shaving cream on the inside of your windshield & wipe off with paper towels. Shaving creams has many of the same ingredients found in commercial defoggers.

De-ice your lock in seconds with hand sanitizer! Just put some hand sanitizer gel on the key & the lock & the problems solved!

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Isn't it Ironic - My Hardwood Floors are Damaged.

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 11:53:27 -0800

I just wrote about my personal opinion on hardwood floors and how I wonder why people want them in their homes.

I am so disheartened to prove my case in point about the disadvantage of having "hard"wood floors.

I had a beautiful nativity scene set up on a desk and it was knocked over just yesterday. Much to my dismay, every piece broke upon landing and as you can see, damaged my floor. I am so upset for both damages but moreso because I know that if it was carpet, there would have been no damage and my nativity scene wouldn't have broken.

I know there's a technique you can use to "refinish" the floor without sanding but I'll have to find out if it actually fixes deep dents.

So yes, carpet is cheaper but also saves money on having to replace breakable items you cherish.

I'm just sayin'!

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Take My Advice I'm Not Using It - Part Three

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:51:01 -0800

I've been writing a little lately about my professional advice and personal preferences. Even though I've researched and know what the majority of potential home buyers are looking for, I can't help but wonder why. For example, tile floors.

Okay, they are beautiful I’ll give you that but have you ever dropped a breakable item on tile floor? It certainly wouldn’t shatter on a vinyl floor as it would on tile and it would have a chance of not breaking at all. And aren't marble floors beautiful to look at. I've seen them in the kitchen, the entrance and bathroom. Has anyone thought about water and how a person can fall and break their necks on a wet floor? Mind you, I've been in homes and conducted open houses with such floors and actually haven't walked on a wet marble floor. I can only imagine what it would be like to help children with their wet clothing after coming in from the rain or playing in the snow.

Tile floors are difficult to install, a more expensive product and installation is just as costly as the tile itself. Yes, they’ll last forever but why would you want them to when in five to 10 years design trends change style and/or color making them “dated”. The upheaval and expense of removing it and reinstalling is crazy. And there’s a great chance the grout will crack eventually allowing water to seep through to the sub-floor.

All I ask is that you take a visit to your local flooring supplier and check out the latest in vinyl floors. They have truly improved significantly in terms of looks and are tougher than ever making it very difficult to compromise the surface. Vinyl floors are warmer under foot and you don’t have to install in-floor radiant heat just to walk on the floor during winter months. The price of the product itself is much less expensive and it’s cheaper, much cheaper to install. Five to 10 years down the road it is so much easier and inexpensive to replace. No hassles.

Granted many potential buyers are looking for tile floors, but do they really know why or are they influenced by perceived popularity? I have to admit, I still cringe advising clients to replace their dated tile floors. I personally like vinyl floors better for everyday living so I ask, why all the hullabaloo about tile floors?

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Take My Advice I'm Not Using It - Part Two

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:51:19 -0800

I have to confess that my upbringing in a time of restraint and reasonable expectations of a standard of living influences my point of view. I didn't grow up with highend products in a home nor did any of my friends. I happen to know as well that we were the majority that didn't live in homes that look like they should be in a magazine. So here's another confession... I prefer carpet.

What's the problem with carpet? I've researched carpets because of allergy sensitivities. I found that carpets keep the dust from being air born unlike hardwood or ceramic floors. Doesn't that make sense? Vacuum regularly with a central vac, vacuum cleaner with a hepa filter or a Dyson and voila, no airborne dust particles and minimized dust mites. Am I crazy or does anyone remember the soft feel beneath their feet, warmth during cold winters, no fear from slips and falls and preventing breakables to, well, break. There is such a variety of carpet products available today that it's quite possible every concern is addressed. Give yourself a little time to go into your local supplier and get re-educated on carpet because above all else the price of carpet and installation is far less than hardwood floors.

So if you're in that dilemma of having to update your flooring and can't afford hardwood floors, my confession? For a busy family home with young children, I'd choose today's laminate or carpet over hardwood any day

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Take My Advice I'm Not Using It - Part One

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:21:44 -0800

Okay, I'm coming out of the closet! I realize there may be a big backlash but I just can't keep it to myself any longer. I've been providing clients with professional advice on how to best prepare their homes for sale for about five years now and even have a book published, "Do Your Own Home Staging" which outlines in detail many tips and tricks but I have a personal confession to make. I even take pride in keeping up with the latest trends that influence buyers to purchase.

I'm going to date myself self for saying this but I grew up before everyday people became interior decorators and there weren't expecations of seeing homes that you would only see in magazines. Which is why I don't agree with the trends and to be honest I don't understand why there is such a demand for many of the popular products.

Many people will disqualify a property for lack of some of these items and yet I hear many comments about how expensive properties are today and how it's increasingly difficult to get on the real estate ladder much less climb it. Is it any wonder? Most home buyers are drawn toward hardwood floors, ceramic floors, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, glass showers surrounding wall to wall tiles and jacuzzi tubs to name but a few. I need someone to explain to me why all these expensive products are preferred yet, to live with these items is not all it's cracked up to be.

As a sidebar, I often wonder if it's a coincidence consumer debt has increased significantly with the increased appeal for these products and the DIY movement. So in my feeble attempt to slow the cost of housing down and bring common sense back to our standard of living I'll explain my confession a little at a time just so I don't bore you with one large post.

I'll start with hardwood floors. It's difficult for many folks who need to address the need to replace flooring and can't afford hardwood floors. So what's a person to do? It's all the rage and it's very high on the list of many potential home buyers. I just don't understand why and I have hardwood floors.

Have you seen hardwood floors after a dog has lived in the home? Kids? It is a huge and messy job to fix the floors. If people were to forget the bad memories of laminate flooring when it was first introduced they'll see the huge benefits of having it. First of all, yes, it's cheaper, much cheaper. It's easier to install if you install it yourself or by a professional. It's virtually bullet proof and often times a much better fit for the family home. Oh, and the products today are high quality and beautiful. And my favourite, easy to clean without the worry of getting too much water on the hardwood.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

The Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:46:30 -0800

I am proud to announce that I've passed the exam to acquire my "Seniors Real Estate Specialist" designation. And in doing so, learned so much of the challenges the younger boomers face and how to better serve them and look out for their best interests.

It is my hope now to better serve a huge part of our community that have enormous challenges. The fact that I'm 44 makes me the perfect candidate to help a demographic sell to the often misunderstood younger generation and the culture they now live in. I grew up with values in common with the older generation yet young enough to ride the fast wave of technology to allow me to relate to the younger demographic.

Home Staging is my specialty and it helps with the communication between these two demographics. Particularly considering the majority of home sellers are in the older generation and the majority of home buyers are in the younger. It helps bridge the gap of expectations.

I am confident more than ever I will be better able to serve clients of all ages.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Another Reason the Atlantic Provinces is the Best Place to Live

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:46:12 -0800

Great news! I just received the latest MLS statistics from October as compared to last year and the average house in Nova Scotia increased roughly 5.5%. From $235,465 to $248,678.

I briefly thought how much that has increased from when I started out on the property ladder 20 some years ago. I then looked at the average price of a two story home which is $222,100 and a bungalow, $196,600 and thought that was pretty affordable given the market nowadays.

But then I compared those to the rest of the country and couldn't believe the prices across the country.

Ask anybody who lives here, especially those who were born and brought up here. We complain about our higher prices for some products and taxes... (of course we get bored of that for awhile and complain about the weather but then we go back to complaining about the taxes.)

When looking at the average price of a house across the country, I think about what it must be like to live there. I imagine the stress of having to pay for higher housing costs, the upkeep, ensuring I make a enough money just to afford a roof over my head never mind "live". Would it be worth the all the stress?

Don't get me wrong, we still struggle like others to meet the same demands but it just seems less intense. It's quite apparent to me that we're pretty lucky to be in a province where the quality of life is awesome and it's time like these I appreciate it and forgive our higher taxes.

It all boils down to the choice between higher housing prices to supply abundant tax revenue for governments or a better quality of life with a little more taxes on products to compensate for the difference. It's really the same only packaged differently, only, buying your own house is attainable for more people in the Atlantic Provinces.

I think I may, just may, stop complaining about taxes.

Here are the averages for a two story house:

Canada	370,700
British Columbia	624,800
Alberta	365,600
Saskatchewan	315,300
Manitoba	269,700
Ontario	388,200
Quebec	262,100
Atlantic	222,100
Toronto	554,700
Montreal	335,300
Vancouver	766,300
Ottawa	350,600
Calgary	410,500
Edmonton	362,500

And bungalow:

Canada	325,300
British Columbia	544,700
Alberta	340,500
Saskatchewan	312,400
Manitoba	251,000
Ontario	337,400
Quebec	221,600
Atlantic	196,600
Toronto	466,600
Montreal	271,100
Vancouver	672,500
Ottawa	340,800
Calgary	412,700
Edmonton	322,900

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Come Take a Look at This Very Unique Property!

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:12:31 -0800

I'm doing another open house at 2 Berkshire Close in Halifax again this coming Sunday, November 21st and just have to write about it. If you're looking for a unique, gorgeous house with all high end features, this is it! It's unique interior layout will sure to impress. By far my favourite of many features that are in this house is the exterior 'Ice Melt'. If...when it starts to snow, turn it on and melt any snow that lands on the driveway! Here is the description:

5 Huge Bedroom R-2000 Cape Cod on large corner lot in a great neighbourhood is located on a quiet cul-de-sac. Low maintenance brick & vinyl exterior & beautifully landscaped, fenced backyard will only add to your pleasure. The economical Viessman oil fired hot water boiler with in-floor heat, baseboard heating, & exterior 'Ice Melt' system cost about $2140 in 2009. Some other features include: hardwood floors, crown molding, wainscotting in the formal dining room, windows surround propane fireplace in main floor family room, ceramic tile in entrance, and baths, (towel warmer, shower, whirlpool tub & double sinks in main floor master ensuite), 2 walk-in closets in MBR, also a 1/2 bath on main level. 3 skylights, Cathedral ceiling in main floor great room, fully finished walkout basement, stairs from 14x12 deck to manicured lawn. Call for details. TLA: 3500 sq.ft.

Find more details here. I hope you can drop by. Here's a map.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Household Debt Solved - Let's Just Go Back in Time

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:22:20 -0800

Well it's that time of year again. It's flyer season! Today, I received get this... 24! I'm not kidding, I counted them. Poor trees. But really, what are the chances someone is going to sit there and go through them all? Who has time for that? Well, okay, admittedly I did when my son was younger and napping. It sort of felt like it was my only connection to the outside world when he was an infant. I'd read the newspaper and go through all the sales flyers seeing what was on sale so I can rationalize purchasing something new.

So now I'm wondering if that was a contributor to my need to go shopping. It's not like I'm a shopoholic but I received a sense of accomplishment when I did. By looking at all the flyers, I was seeing all the "stuff" that was for sale. There was this continuing feeling like I was missing out on something.

Could this explain in part, the shift in purchase habits from when I was growing up? There was a time, when it was uncommon for a home to be "decorated". There was no need for buying pretty decor items for the sake of decorating. It was all about what we needed not what we wanted. Of course, that was just before credit cards were introduced to the mainstream. Perhaps it's the combination of flyers fueling the need for stuff and the ability to get it without having to wait until saving enough money.

Wow, that brings back memories. I remember saving my money to buy an outfit out of the Sears catelogue. I bet you don't hear that very often these days. Saving money. What a concept. And we wonder why we remember "back in the day" as being simpler times. It's now I wonder if it's because we didn't have the pressure to work hard to pay off credit card debt for things we didn't need.

Epiphany: Don't confuse the feeling you get when buying stuff with the satisfaction that is felt when saving money to make that purchase. It's not the the actual stuff purchased that gives you that feeling, it's the feeling of accomplishment that comes from saving.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Check Out This New Listed Property in Cole Harbour Nova Scotia

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 21:19:04 -0700

Open House Oct. 24th 2 - 4 PM.

You'll fall in love as soon as you enter this updated 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath semi-detached home. New flooring throughout (includes ceramic, laminate & Berber), 2 new bathrooms, updated kitchen (countertops, ceramic floor, faucett, cabinet knobs, breakfast bar), new light fixtures, new wall switches & outlets, new paint throughout, vinyl windows (only livingroom window hasn't been updated), fridge & stove are included, good sized deck, 8x8 shed, level yard, paved driveway. Walk to Superstore, pub, Metro Transit Link. On a quiet cul de sac in popular Colby Village. Call to view before it's gone! Property Taxes $1275. Lot dimensions on Property Online , no plot plan. No PCDS- owner has never lived in property. TLA: 1366 sq.ft.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Nova Scotia Real Estate Statistics as of September 2010 are Encouraging

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 11:41:01 -0700

Another reason why Nova Scotia is a great place to live, our real estate industry continues to be stable as was the case throughout the "recession". Sure we experienced it here but only nominally compared to the rest of North America. In particular, the Halifax Regional Municipality September 2010 real estate figures continues to outdo the national average.

When comparing the numbers to the same period of 2009, our numbers are encouraging. Listings are down slightly at 2.25% and sales are only down by 1.17% - The good news is that our average price of properties continue to increase over last year.

What does this mean? Buyers have plenty of properties to choose from and sellers have to expect a little longer to sell their properties as in previous years but overall, the market is stable.

With no interest rate increases in site for the near future, it is expected the Halifax Regional Municipality should see a strong fall market and going into the new year with optimism.

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty

Is There Something Wrong With a House After a Tragic Event?

Tina Parker, CSP, SRES, REALTOR® (Century21 Trident Realty) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:06:22 -0700

Here's a poll I just stumbled upon on HouseingWatch.com I thought was particularly interesting.

Would you knowingly move into a house where a tragic event occurred?

Yes, superstition is a weak excuse not to take advantage of a good deal. 2958 (20.1%)

No, I would never feel quite at home in a house iwth a checkered history. 11761 (79.9%)

I always wondered what the overall opinion was of such a property but really didn't think it would be so high. It is mandatory to disclose any such events when listing a property but I can't help but wonder if they would move into a house if they didn'tknow what happened previously. Obviously they would have to be living far away from any neighbours but just what is it about a house where a tragic event occurred?

I mean, what happens to a house doesn't define what it is, just as an event that happens in a person's life doesn't define who they are. (at least that's what's supposed to happen.) I am trying to imagine myself there personally and still don't know how I feel about it.

Perhaps I would buy it, then call in a "professional" to rid the house of any negative energy, ghosts, bad vibes... I don't watch "scary" movies so perhaps my imagination is not as bold as others. Is there really any documented proof there is something wrong with a house after a tragic event?

Tina Parker
CSP, SRES, REALTOR

902-229-5799
My Website
Century21 Trident Realty