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The Home Buying Process

Before You Buy a Home, A Checklist

The time has come and you are ready to buy for first or next home-sweet-home for yourself or an investment.

Before you start your search, review this checklist, which we hope will help you prepare your budget and guide you on your way to financial success in this and future real estate transactions.

1. Reduce Debt & Increase Credit Score: 

Before you start looking for your next home you should request a credit report. This will give you a starting point on understanding your credit score before you request a loan. Your credit score will influence the interest rate of your loan.

2. Save Money to Set Yourself Up with a Large Down Payment:

 Before starting your home search, it's important to get advice from a qualified lender about what you can afford and the minimum down payment required with new rules in Canada. You'll want to save and get as close to possible to this amount as soon as possible. This may allow you to get a better mortgage rate and you may qualify for special programs like the First-Time Home Buyers Plan or other financing options. 

3. Keep a Conservative Budget

: It’s just not the list price that is included in the purchase. Keep in mind there are inspection fees, title insurance, legal fees, moving expenses, and typically new furniture purchases that you should prepare for in advance. Along with the initial closing costs and moving expenses, you should also be aware of your monthly budget moving forward. With homeownership comes property taxes, condo fees, home repairs, and more. You want to make sure you are prepared for future budgeting as well. 

4. Get Pre-Approved

Your pre-approval can help if you are putting in an offer against someone who is not... makes you look like a more ready-now buyer. Your pre-approval is based on your actual income, debt, and credit history. This is different from pre-qualification, which is how a lender determines how much you can afford.

5. Set Your Home Buying Budget

By getting your finances in line before your first home showing you know the price range of a home that you can actually afford. It is important to set a realistic budget that fits your income level and characteristics you want in a home. 

6. Find an Agent You Trust

An agent will be able to guide you along the way and educate you in the home buying process. Also, keep in mind an agent usually is very well connected to the other professional advisors you will need before closing day. 

As you begin the process to find your next home checking these items off your list will provide you with a more successful home buying experience. Our team is here to help you! Let us know the area and/or neighbourhood you are looking to live along with your top needs our team of professionals will assist with finding your next home.

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Newest Listings in Nova Scotia

1131 Queen Street, Canning
$345,000
3 Beds ⋅ 1 Baths ⋅ 202626571 MLS
This charming character home, just a block outside the main core of Canning's business district, sits tucked away behind mature trees and hedges on a beautifully landscaped lot. This creates a private setting just minutes away from some of the Valley's best coffee, restaurants, butcher shop and market, and other shops and services Canning has to offer. If main level living is your priority, this home offers a primary bedroom, 3pc bath, and laundry all on the main floor. The eat-in kitchen, family room with generous wood stove, living room, and insulated sunroom rounds out the first floor. Upstairs there are 2 bedrooms and a custom build walk-in closet. Both levels feature a newer heat pump, all updated windows, the roof is a combination of updated shingles and new metal roof. The basement is updated with poured concrete floor, spray foamed walls, oil tank (2021), updated electrical panel, and leased HW tank. Outside you're greeted by a covered deck, established gardens, wood storage, and a large shed. The Village of Canning boasts great local shopping, excellent school catchment, community arts & recreation offerings, is just 5 minutes to Kingsport Beach and award winning wineries, 10 minutes to the Lookoff at Blomidon and Baxter's Harbour, and 15 minutes to communities like Wolfville, New Minas, and Kentville for post-secondary education (Acadia University, NSCC Kingstec), hospitals, and more. Book your showing today!

1131 Queen Street, Canning

258 Wisteria Lane, Upper Tantallon
$774,900
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 202626566 MLS
Welcome to 258 Wisteria Way in sought-after St. Margaret’s Village—brand-new construction crafted with care and quality by Elegant Homes. Step into the open main level featuring a bright, airy layout connecting the living, dining, and kitchen areas. The inviting living room centers around a sleek electric fireplace, while the chef’s kitchen boasts stone countertops, ample cabinetry, and a full suite of included appliances. Down the hall, find three generous bedrooms, including a restful primary suite complete with a private ensuite bath, alongside a full main bath. The finished lower level maximizes functional living space with a large, light-filled recreation room, a dedicated home office with its own storage closet, a third full bathroom, and under-stair storage. Out back, unwind on your deck overlooking a private, treed backyard—your own peaceful nature sanctuary. Offering modern finishes and energy-efficient comfort, this home is equipped with a fully ducted heat pump for year-round climate control and an integrated double built-in garage. In a family-friendly community, enjoy direct access to outdoor adventure with the nearby St. Margaret’s Bay Rails to Trails for walking, running, and cycling, as well as picturesque South Shore ocean beaches like Cleveland Beach and Queensland Beach just minutes away. Everyday amenities are right down the road in Upper Tantallon, from the St. Margaret’s Centre (Go Tasa!) and local markets to cafes, shops, and professional services. Families will love the proximity to reputable local schools, while commuters will appreciate the swift, seamless access to Hwy 103 for an easy drive into Halifax. Welcome home to easy, modern living in beautiful St. Margaret’s Bay!

258 Wisteria Lane, Upper Tantallon

79 Havelock Crescent, Cole Harbour
$479,900
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 202626515 MLS
Welcome to 79 Havelock Crescent, a beautifully updated, turnkey semi-detached home nestled in one of Cole Harbour's most desirable and family-friendly neighborhoods! Perfectly situated just moments from Cole Harbour Place, top-rated local schools, community parks, scenic walking trails, shopping centers and public transit. This immaculate 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence offers an ideal combination of everyday convenience, modern aesthetic style, and effortless, low-maintenance living. Stepping inside, you are greeted by a bright and welcoming main level featuring a seamless flow between the spacious living room and the open-concept kitchen and dining area. The stylish kitchen comes complete with quality stainless steel appliances, custom floating shelving, and generous cabinetry space, making daily meal preparation and entertaining a breeze. Patio doors open directly onto an expansive, multi-tiered rear deck that steps down into a private, fully fenced, and meticulously landscaped backyard—complete with a designated fire pit area perfect for relaxing summer evenings outdoors with family and friends. The freshly painted upper level boasts three generously sized bedrooms, a tastefully renovated 4-piece family bath and attractive luxury vinyl flooring running seamlessly throughout every room. Downstairs, the fully finished lower level expands your functional living space, offering a versatile rec room equipped with a custom dry bar area, an updated 2-piece bathroom, a dedicated laundry room, abundant storage space and a handy walkout directly to the private rear yard. A major highlight of this exceptional home is the energy-efficient ducted heat pump system, delivering optimal year-round heating and cooling comfort across all levels. With modern finishes, upgraded flooring, a durable roof and meticulous care evident throughout every corner, there is truly nothing left to do here but move in, unpack and enjoy!

79 Havelock Crescent, Cole Harbour

1012 Highway 8, Maitland Bridge
$220,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 202626511 MLS
Looking for a place where life slows down, nature takes centre stage, and the possibilities are as big as your imagination? 1012 Highway 8 in Maitland Bridge might just steal your heart! Tucked into a beautiful country setting only 2 km from Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, this inviting three bedroom home (or 2 plus rec space) offers a wonderful blend of fresh updates, character, and opportunity. With 2.6 acres to enjoy, there's plenty of breathing room to create the lifestyle you've been dreaming about! Inside, you'll find an easygoing layout with a roomy kitchen ready for your favourite recipes, and a wonderfully spacious, sun-filled living area where everyone can gather. A full bath on the first level adds everyday convenience, while the second storey offers two cozy bedrooms with closet space and an additional half bath. The transformation is already well underway, with improvements such as updated floors, windows, interior trim, select cedar shake exterior finishes, a sump pump, and solar panels. Wood stove, electric baseboards and the bonus of solar energy makes this an efficient home you'll never want to leave! Love having space for projects and passions? You'll appreciate the substantial freestanding workshop, offering a fantastic spot to tinker, create, or tuck away your outdoor gear. There's also lots of room for vehicles and visitors! Best of all, some of Nova Scotia's most spectacular outdoor experiences are practically in your backyard! Imagine spending your days exploring forest trails, paddling peaceful waterways, or simply soaking up the quiet beauty of the countryside.m. Whether you envision a comfortable everyday retreat, a getaway for making memories, or a possible vacation rental venture subject to local requirements, this property offers so many exciting directions to explore. A little country charm, a whole lot of possibility, and an incredible setting near Keji — your next chapter could start right here!

1012 Highway 8, Maitland Bridge

63 Dixon Road, Grosses Coques
$495,000
5 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 202626500 MLS
Coastal living with a view! Welcome to 63 Dixon Road in Grosses Coques, a spacious home with beautiful curb appeal. Enjoy spectacular views of Saint Mary’s Bay, with the dramatic tides and ever changing coastal scenery this area is known for. Natural cedar shingles add timeless coastal character, while two driveways and two front entrances offer added convenience and versatility. Inside, the bright and inviting main level offers four bedrooms and a layout that takes full advantage of the surrounding scenery. The kitchen features an island, coffee bar and dining area, with large windows framing the impressive water views. The adjoining living room creates a comfortable, open flow for everyday living and entertaining. A spacious main bathroom with main-floor laundry adds practicality. The impressive primary suite is a true highlight of the home. Generously sized and filled with natural light from skylights and numerous windows, it features a fireplace, walk-in closet, ensuite bath and its own private balcony. A wonderful place to relax and take in the coastal surroundings. The lower level adds even more living space with a family room, fifth bedroom, 2-piece bath and plenty of storage, along with additional space offering potential to suit your needs. The walkout basement features an overhead garage door, providing convenient access for lawn equipment, recreational items, storage and projects. Located on a quiet road approximately 5 km from Université Sainte-Anne, this property offers privacy, space and beautiful coastal scenery while remaining close to the amenities and communities of Clare. A home that truly deserves to be experienced in person.

63 Dixon Road, Grosses Coques

5333 Granville Road, Granville Ferry
$898,000
3 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 202626499 MLS
Discover the perfect blend of timeless Cape Cod charm, contemporary style, and exceptional craftsmanship in this stunning, custom-built home just minutes from Annapolis Royal. Set on ¾ acre this remarkable property offers unobstructed water views, exceptional privacy, and a lifestyle that seamlessly combines the best of country living and village convenience.Thoughtfully designed for both comfortable everyday living and effortless entertaining, the home features a welcoming open-concept layout, rich cherry hardwood floors, and a cozy wood-stove hearth. The bright, custom-designed kitchen is a true showpiece, complete with quartz countertops, high-end stainless-steel appliances, a stylish range hood, and DeCoste cabinetry. The kitchen flows beautifully into the living and dining areas, with easy access to a den or study and a full-width patio overlooking the water—an exceptional outdoor living space. A convenient main-floor bedroom with ensuite, plus two additional bedrooms and a well-appointed four-piece bathroom on the second level. A four-season sunroom provides the perfect place to relax and take in the ever-changing water views throughout the year. At the rear, a screened and enclosed porch offers a private retreat surrounded by nature. Additional features include a spacious mudroom entry with in-floor heating and a stylish laundry room in the finished lower level. A separate guest house/apartment, ideal for extended family, intergenerational living, guests, or potential rental use. Built by a renowned local carpenter as a replica of the neighbouring church.A detached 24' x 24' double garage with an expansive upper level offering exciting potential for additional living space, a home office or studio. A greenhouse, potting shed, and delightful post-and-beam treehouse complete this unique offering. Feature sheet outlining all upgrades available! A rare opportunity to own a truly special property where location, breathtaking water views, and quality come together.

5333 Granville Road, Granville Ferry

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