LIZ MARTIN

1. Location
   Location has always been a top consideration for prospective buyers.  With prices continuing to rise in the downtown core, buyers are willing to venture into new neighbourhoods and focus on the overall environment and property features. The property’s surroundings, such as nearby parks, schools, and community amenities, have gained importance.

2. Outdoor Space

   A yard is typically highly desirable. Halifax buyers are drawn to useful yards that provide space for Rover to get a run in, can be a gathering area in the summer or maybe house a secondary unit in the future.

3. Heat Pumps
   As summers in Halifax grow warmer, heat pumps have become a highly sought-after feature for supplementary heating and cooling. Buyers increasingly look for properties that already have this installed, as it adds comfort and energy efficiency throughout the year.

4. Feature Rooms
   Key living spaces, or what we refer to as the “heart” of the home, should be in excellent condition. The kitchen remains the most crucial room, followed closely by the family room, bathrooms, and the primary bedroom with a walk-in closet. These are the spaces where buyers imagine themselves living and entertaining.

5. Space & Natural Light
   Creating a sense of space is essential in making your home feel larger and more inviting. Decluttering is the most effective way to achieve this. Allowing natural light to flood into rooms can make a significant difference and ensure that buyers have a clear view of the property’s condition.

6. Neutral Paint
   A fresh coat of paint is a simple yet highly effective way to refresh your home before listing it for sale. Neutral tones are best, as they allow buyers to envision their own style in the space. I can recommend professional painters who can help ensure your home looks its best when it hits the market.

What Can Turn Buyers Off?

• Deferred Maintenance
  Homes with deferred maintenance can be a significant turn-off for buyers. Issues like peeling paint, leaky faucets, or overgrown landscaping can give the impression that the home hasn’t been well cared for. Addressing these maintenance concerns before listing your home can make a big difference in attracting buyers and securing a better price.

• Unclean Homes
  A home that isn’t clean can be a major deterrent for buyers. Sellers should invest time in thoroughly cleaning their homes or consider hiring a professional for a deep clean. This not only makes the home more appealing for showings but also makes it easier to maintain cleanliness during the selling period.

How Do Home Features Impact the Selling Strategy?

This is where Liz’s expertise becomes invaluable. Highlighting your home’s most desirable features in listings and showings is key to attracting buyers. The right description, combined with high-quality professional photography, can make your home stand out in the Halifax market. Liz knows how to craft compelling narratives and featuring what resonates with buyers, will ensure your home is presented in the best possible light.

Get Your Home Sold with Liz Martin

Liz is skilled and experienced in helping home owners get prepared for listing and sale. With a deep understanding of marketing to the Halifax real estate market, Liz can guide you on what features are most sought after, how to prepare your home, and how she will successfully market your home.  Contact Liz today to get started.

If you bought a house in 2023 and were a first time buyer - don’t forget to check with your accountant or tax preparer to see if you qualify for the federal credit.

From Canada.ca

Line 31270 – Home buyers’ amount:

You can claim up to $10,000 for the purchase of a qualifying home in 2023 if you meet both of the following conditions:

You (or your spouse or common-law partner) acquired a qualifying home

You did not live in another home (inside or outside Canada) that you (or your spouse or common-law partner) owned in the year of acquisition or in any of the four preceding years (first-time home buyer) unless you are a person with a disability)

It’s worth checking out as it could mean up to $1500 in credit.

Qualifying homes include :
Single family including semi-detached and townhouses
Mobile homes
Condominium units
Co-op may qualify (you have to be the share owner not tenant).

Checkout: Canada.ca website for more info and again - be sure to check with your acct and/or tax preparer.

#taxtime #firsttimehomebuyer #taxcredit #homebuyertaxcredit #canada #federaltax

March is always a bustling month in our household, with March Break events and of course  Irish Dance performances and celebrations around St. Patrick’s Day.

This year, however, is particularly excitig as we prepare to head off to  The CLRG World Irish Dance Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, taking place from March 24th to March 31st. My daughter, will be dancing in the solo competition for the first time. It's the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance, not only on her part but also thanks to the unwavering support and guidance from the incredible coaches at Rising Tide Dance Studio.

Watch for Rising Tide’s live television appearances on March 12th 10:30am on CTV News, and also March 14th 9am on Global News. 

As we gear up for our trip, I invite you to join in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day by participating in the various events happening throughout March in Halifax, Dartmouth and throughout Nova Scotia. 

March 3, 2024:

1. Celebrate Irish Heritage Month by Beading an Irish Flag: Sunday, March 3, 10:00 PM-12:00 AM, The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse, 5136 Prince Street, Halifax, NS. Fundraising for the Halifax St. Patrick's Day Parade.

March 5, 2024:

2. Travelling Royal Irish Tours and Celebrity Cruises – Nova Scotia: Tuesday, March 5, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Delta Hotels by Marriott Dartmouth, 240 Brownlow Avenue Dartmouth, NS B3B 1X6. Hosted by Target Tours.

March 6, 2024:

3. Irish Heritage Movie: The Quiet Girl: Wednesday, March 6, 1:30-3:15PM, Woodlawn Public Library, 31 Eisener Boulevard, Dartmouth NS B2W 0J1. PG-13 | 2023 | 1hr 35min.

March 7, 2024:

4. Celebrate Irish Heritage Month: Irish Flag Raising with Mayor Savage and Ambassador McKee. March 7, 2024 - 12:00 noon, Parade Square, Flag Pole.

March 9, 2024:

5. Saint Patrick’s Church Tour and Talk sponsored by The Charitable Irish: March 9 – 2:00 pm, 2263 Brunswick Street, Halifax. Join Blair Beed at Saint Patrick’s Church to learn its history.

March 10, 2024:

6. Spectacular Halifax St. Patrick's Day Parade: Sunday, March 10, 2024, along Lower Water Street. Join in the festivities and showcase your creativity!

March 15, 2024:

7. Charitable Irish St. Patrick’s Day Dinner: Friday, March 15, 2024, Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, 6:00 pm. Experience Irish music and cuisine in a unique setting.

8. Songs in the Stacks: Irish Music with Dusty Keleher: Friday, March 15, 10:30-11:30 AM, Alderney Gate Public Library.

March 16, 2024:

9. St. Patrick’s Day Eve with Callehan!: Saturday March 16 – 8:00-11:00PM, Old Orchard Inn & Spa, 153 Greenwich RD S, Wolfville Ridge, NS.

10. St. Paddy’s Day Eve: Saturday, March 16, 8:00 – 11:00 PM, Seahorse Tavern, 2037 Gottingen St, Halifax, NS.

11. Saint Patrick’s Day Acadian Style!: Saturday March 16, 10:30PM, 14 Sydney St, Digby, NS.

12. St. Patrick’s Day with Spyder: Saturday, March 16, 9:00 PM-1:00 AM, Cranton Cross Road Community Centre, 206 Cranton Crossing Rd, Margaree Centre, NS.

March 17, 2024:

13. Dusty Keleher @ Finbar’s Irish Pub: Sunday March 17 – 9:30 AM, Finbar’s Irish Pub, 1595 Bedford Hwy, Bedford NS.

14. St. Patrick’s Day Drag Brunch: Sunday, March 17 – 12:00-3:00 PM, Freeman’s Little New York, 1726 Grafton St, Halifax, NS.

15. Adria Jackson Harp – St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: Sunday, March 17, 2:00 - 4:00 AM, The Sanctuary Arts Centre, 100 Ochterloney St, Dartmouth NS.

16. Durty Nelly’s St. Patrick’s DAY celebrations (as posted on their FB page):

    - 7 am~8am Breakfast club

    - 8am~11am Brunch

    - 10am~1pm Shannon Quinn Irish Ceilidh

    - 1:30~4:30 The East Enders

    - 5pm~8pm Dodge Levatte

    - 8:30~10:30 Colin Burke Duo

    - 11pm~1:30am Jordan Leblanc & Brooklyn Blackmore

17. The Old Triangle Irish Pub: Scheudle for 7am opening (I’ve heard the line up starts early)

    Live Music schedule

    7am SheNova

    10.30-1.30 Dave MacIssac & Troy McGillvary

    2-5 Rowdy Dow

    5.30-8.30 The Plugs

    9-Close Mark Hippern Trio

    Seanchai Schedule

    12-1.30 Evans & Doherty

    2-3 Dave & Troy

    3.30-6.30 George Street Band

    7-Close Renwick Station

March 28, 2024:

Maurice Aucoin: Thursday, March 28 – 8:00 PM, Celtic Corner Public House, 69 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, NS.

**As always, please double check the events before you head out for any schedule changes, cancellations etc. 

And, it goes without saying, enjoy your drink responsibly, arrange your transportation before you go, or wear your walking shoes!