real estate: How Does One Go About Detaching Their Feelings From a Home of Memories - 12/17/13 03:04 AM
Downsizing has become a popular word; aging boomers are increasingly looking to lighten the load and sell the family home. They aren't like seniors of previous generations, deciding that it's okay to start a new chapter and not wait for the book to end.
Easy to say, downsizing, but it is a daunting task to sort through all the memories and figure out what can stay and what should go without hurting loved ones who gave gifts over the years. So where do you start?
I've worked with many seniors going through this transition and have suggestions that may seem simple … (3 comments)

real estate: Why Should I Spend Money on My Property When I'm Moving? - 11/28/13 12:24 AM

As with any professional home stager you talk to, they'll agree this is a common response to consultations recommending certain improvements.  It's a natural reaction, especially to people who are from a generation that bought and sold houses for years. This of course, happening before several factors came into play to change the approach to selling real estate in the 21st century.
First being lifestyles. Life is just so darn busy! Work, housework, kids, kids' busy lives, family. And if they're in the sandwich generation where they have both kids and parents to care for, they're stressed to the max. … (18 comments)

real estate: Renovated Home at 40 Woodlawn Road, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia - 10/15/11 02:30 AM
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 … (1 comments)

real estate: A Year Round Stay-cation Destination in Williamswood, Nova Scotia - 02/11/11 12:56 AM
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 … (0 comments)

real estate: Take My Advice I'm Not Using It - Part Three - 12/21/10 02:51 AM
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 … (14 comments)

real estate: Take My Advice I'm Not Using It - Part Two - 12/16/10 05:51 AM
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. … (7 comments)

real estate: Take My Advice I'm Not Using It - Part One - 12/16/10 05:21 AM
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 … (9 comments)

real estate: Is There Something Wrong With a House After a Tragic Event? - 10/05/10 01:06 PM
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 … (5 comments)

real estate: Please, Please Call Your Sister So Your House Will Sell! - 10/05/10 06:23 AM
I just returned from an agents tour where properties are viewed by all agents in the office.  There were a couple that were really nice and a couple that were "fixer uppers" but there was one in particular that concerned me.   It showed very well.  It was well kept, updated, neat and everything was in its place.  In fact, I can imagine the photos would look pretty awesome and impress anyone looking online.
Here's the kicker, it smelled horrible.  I literally had to hold my nose while walking throughout the property.  The upstairs had an overwhelming smell of dog and the … (2 comments)

real estate: Seniors Deserve More! - 09/28/10 09:15 AM
I just returned from visiting with an elderly woman who recognizes that she needs to sell her property but hasn't yet because she is overwhelmed by the very thought of moving.  As we sat and talked for a couple of hours, I really got to know her and the challenges she faces every day.  I too would be overwhelmed... and frustrated for that matter. 
She knew some of the basics in preparing a property for today's market expectations so she was packing a little at a time.  Her endeavors ended when she couldn't move the box once it was packed.  So there it sat, in … (7 comments)

real estate: Halifax Regional Municipality MLS® Stats For The End of July 2010 - 08/19/10 10:52 PM
Even if you're not in the real estate market for a new home or selling a property right now, it's always good idea to keep up with how the local markets are acting. The following table consists of statistics using figures ending July 2010. Locate your area of the Halifax Regional Municipality and find out how your neighbourhood compares to other areas.
Halifax Regional Municipality Year To Date
 
 
(0 comments)

real estate: Take My Advice, I'm Not Using It - 08/09/10 07:07 AM
In helping a client locate her next home, I am reminded of simpler times.  I am currently selling my large home with its extra large property because my life has become more complicated than I anticipated when we bought it just three years ago.  I just don't have the time or energy for the upkeep that I used to enjoy. I've actually become resentful of having to take what spare time I do have to do yard work or clean the extra rooms we just don't use.
My client asked for advice to help her decide whether a townhouse, small single … (11 comments)

real estate: Another Product That Makes a DIY Project Quick and Easy - 07/24/10 04:57 PM
Okay, so now that I'm spilling secrets, here's another that I used on this same project where the kitchen cabinets were worn and looking very old. I purchased the Rejuvenate 32oz Cabinet and Furniture Restorer w/ Applicator from Home Depot for roughly $20.00
After scrubbing the cabinets of grime, I smoothed on several coats of this product to make a HUGE difference.  This again, is another product I highly recommend.
Afterward, new hardware, sink and faucet were installed to further update it without having to invest too much money.
 Here is a close up of the before/after of the cabinets and the kitchen when complete:
(12 comments)

real estate: Key Factors That Influence How You Prepare for Your Real Estate Experience. - 07/02/10 03:34 AM
Trying to figure out how the real estate market changes and what outcomes are to be expected can be tricky and complicated to figure out.  It is important to stay informed in particular for those of you expecting to sell or buy within the year or so.  It's important to understand how new housing projects and statistics are a strong indicator used to determine the strength of an economy and thus an indicator of marketplace behaviour.  It will help you to determine a buyer's or seller's market and effect how you approach your endeavor.
As a brief simplified outline, the following are key factors and their effects on residential … (0 comments)

real estate: Family Home Now Listed on 18 Dickson Ave., Halifax, Nova Scotia - 06/25/10 07:26 AM
Here is my latest listing. If you or anyone you know is looking for a wonderfully renovated family home at the end of a cul-de-sac in a well sought after neighbourhood and overlooking the Bedford Basin, call me for a personal viewing.
Lovely Home with Views of the Bedford Basin 18 Dickson Ave., Halifax, NS B3M 1Z9 View Map Situated among larger, newer homes, this 3 bedroom family home sits on a treed lot at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac with a wonderful view of the Bedford Basin. Among many upgrades are an oak kitchen with breakfast bar; new ceramic … (0 comments)

real estate: Strength in Nova Scotia's Resale Market Expected to Increase Listings - 05/13/10 06:13 AM
Strength in Nova Scotia's Resale Market Expected to Increase Listings NSAR's April Press Release
For the sixth month in a row, the real estate market in Nova Scotia continues its trend of increases in sales and small decreases in listings, though the number of listings is expected to increase as we move further into spring. The Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (NSAR) reported that the number of residential units sold across the Province through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System from January to March was up 23.2 per cent compared to the same three months last year. Listings were down only … (0 comments)

real estate: Home Staging Secrets Divulged at the Tantallon Public Library - 05/10/10 06:07 AM

Join me this coming Thursday, May 13th, 7pm at the Tantallon Public Library where I will be disclosing many home staging secrets to help you prepare your property to meet today's high market expectations.
(1 comments)

real estate: Mortgage Interest Rates Available as of April 15, 2010 - 04/15/10 12:34 AM
The following are mortgage interests rates available as of April 15, 2010.  If there is further information you require that I can help you with in terms of buying or selling real estate, please do not hesitate to contact me.
1 year 2.49% 2 year 3.10%3 year 3.85%4 year 4.19%5 year 4.54%7 year 5.00%10 year 5.34%
Variable Rate Products 
5 year variable: Prime(2.25%) - .50%
(0 comments)

real estate: Mortgage Rates Available as of March 31 - 03/30/10 09:59 AM
Here are some of the best mortgage rates available as of March 31, 2010. If there is anything I can do to further help with your home purchasing needs, please do not hesitate to contact me.
1 year 2.45%
 2 year 2.85% 
3 year 3.50% 
4 year 3.99%
5 year 4.39%
7 year 4.65%
 10 year 4.99%
Variable Rate Products
 5 year variable: Prime(2.25%) - .50%
 
(0 comments)

real estate: Mortgage rates for March 29th - 03/29/10 06:58 AM
Here are some of the best mortgage rates available as of March 29, 2010. If there is anything I can do to further help with your home purchasing needs, please do not hesitate to contact me.
1 year 2.45%
2 year 2.85%
3 year 3.30%
4 year 3.59%
5 year 3.79%
7 year 4.65%
 10 year 4.99%
Variable Rate Products
 5 year variable: Prime(2.25%) - .50%
(0 comments)

 
Tina Parker, Managing Associate Broker (EXP Realty Canada Inc.)

Tina Parker

Managing Associate Broker

Halifax, NS

More about me…

EXP Realty Canada Inc.

Address: 102-7071 Bayers Road, Bedford & Dartmouth, Halifax, NS

Mobile: 902-229-5799

Office: 902-453-1700

As a designated Certified Negotiation Expert, Certified Real Estate Digital Marketing, Seniors Real Estate Specialist & Certified Staging Professional REALTOR®, Tina will combine proven home staging techniques with over 25 combined years experience in design and marketing strategies, using insight into the minds of potential buyers to produce an effective marketing approach. Effective strategies to help with your real estate goals!


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog