Halifax, NS

Theatre Lofts/Best Halifax Condo Purchase

I recently visited an exciting new project in the North End of Halifax that is going to help reshape the neighborhood and make it even more attractive for people to live their. Theatre Lofts are beautifully designed contemporary loft-style condominium townhouses that are fresh and vibrant and will give a whole new look to Gottingen Street and the North End of Halifax. I was so impressed with this project that I am thinking of purchasing a unit myself. The development team is Atlantic Developments Inc. and the architect is Michael Napier an award-winning designer of nearly 2,000 highly acclaimed condominium units across Canada. I spoke with David Graham president of Atlantic Developments Inc. on February 12 about this exciting new project. Below are bullet points with relevant information that a prospective buyer should know.

- 43 residential units available and 2 commercial units

- prices start at $139,900 and go up to $299,900

- 28 underground parking spots, additional $10,000(only for larger units)

- completion date, summer of 2010

- storage unit for all residents

- condo fees range from $93.50 to $256.63

- to secure a unit you would need 5% of the purchase price down

- designed for maximum energy efficiency and comfort

- heating is in floor radiant on first two levels and electric baseboard on top level

- landscaped courtyard

- terraces and balconies

- all units are separately metered

With it's uniqueness and proximity to the downtown core I do not see these units lasting long. To get more information on this project you can contact me at 902-488-0012 or email andrewperkins@exitmetro.ca . As well If you are looking for a mortgage broker Scott Walker of Home Loans Canada would be more than happy to sit down with you and go over your options.

Below is an artists rendition of the project.

I also mentioned at the beginning of the week that I would be visiting McCully Worklofts on Agricola, Unfortunately that project as been put on hold.

Andrew Perkins

Your Halifax Condo Expert

It could not be a better time to start to renovate your home. The government has recently announced a new program to help home owners with renovation projects. Coupled with the the Eco Energy retrofit grants, this makes renovating your home not only logical but economical as well.

Below is a list of a few highlights of the program

- 15 per cent tax credit of up to $1,350 for eligible renovations to home or cottage

- The credit can be applied to projects like a new kitchen or bathroom, a new furnace, water heater, or a resurfaced driveway. Items like new furniture, appliances or home electronics would not be covered

- The total cost has to be in excess of $1,000 and the credit tops out after $10,000 - the 15 per cent credit is applied to the amount between the $1,000 minimum and $10,000 ceiling, hence $1,350. It's a non-refundable credit, which means it will reduce your taxes owing, but you don't get the cash if you have a positive balance.

- The federal goverment estimates as many as 4.6 million homeowners will take advantage of this new program

- Homeowners can also do some double-dipping, as the renovation credit can be claimed on projects that also qualify for ecoEnergy Retrofit grants. Under that program, Nova Scotians can qualify for a federal grant of up to $5,000, and a matching provincial grant of up to $1,500 for renovations that make your home more energy efficient.

- Last week's budget also included some tax relief for first-time homebuyers. This includes a credit of up to $750 to cover closing costs, such as legal fees, title insurance and deed transfer taxes. This credit covers 15 per cent of eligible closing costs, up to a maximum of $5,000.

- As well, the amount first-time buyers can withdraw from their RRSPs for a down payment has been increased from $20,000 to $25,000, the first major change to the RRSP homebuyers plan since it was introduced in 1992.

Information Taken From Chronicle Herald

This is great news for homeowners and first time home buyers. This will add a much needed boost to the ecomomy. If You would like more info on this program do not hesitate to contact me at 902-488-0012 or email andrewperkins@exitmetro.ca

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- Great News For Halifax Home Buyers

- Goverment Announces Money For Green Projects

Andrew Perkins

Your Halifax Real Estate Expert

4th Quarter MLS residential stats for Halifax, Dartmouth and surrounding areas, released by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Lets have a look at some of the highlights of this report.

Sales Decline but Prices Steady

# of Sales 6205 - down by 10.7% from last years record total of 6945

Despite the decline in sales 2008 remained above the 10 year average.

Dartmouth City had the most sales with 1669, only 4% fewer than 2007

Sales in Halifax City declined by 11%, Bedford-Hammonds Plains declined 15.6% and Sackville declined by 13.1%. Fall River showed the largest decline in sales by 22%. These numbers are based against last years stats which were a record for HRM.

Despite the decline in sales the average price continued to rise by 6.6%. Which is consistent with the annual 10 year average of 7.7%

Areas of Note

2. South End/ Sales down 17.6% Average price up 17.3%

7. Spyfield/ Sales Down 10.6% Average Price up 19.1%

13. Cricton Park/Alboro Lake, Dartmouth/ Sales up 13.4% Average Price up 15.8%

26. Beaverbank,Upper Sackville/ Sales down 28.2% Average Price up 12.6%

These areas saw dramatic increases and decreases in both sales and average price. If you would like to know what the numbers were in your area you can email me at andrewperkins@exitmetro.ca. I would be more than happy to provide you with those numbers.

I am still in the process of revamping my website and my blog. I am hoping to complete this in the near future. Change is always good.

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in Halifax, Dartmouth and surrounding areas do not hesitate to call me at 902-488-0012.

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- Nova Scotia is just fine going into 2009

- Downtown Halifax Condo Market Update

Andrew Perkins

Your Halifax Real Estate Expert

Do you remember the cheesy joke about the guy who tries to swim across the Atlantic....gets half-way.... doesn't think he can make it to the other side, so he turns around and swims back! haha

Well some days I feel like that swimmer, not sure if I'll make it to my goal but I've gone too far to swim back....so on those days when I'm 'treading water' I try to keep these points in mind:

• This is a career of my own choosing.
• Compared with other businesses, it's really inexpensive to grow.
• All undertakings are challenging in the beginning.
• A positive affirmation will kick-start the day.
• It's important to surround yourself with successful, upbeat people.
• On a day when the phone does not ring, pick it up yourself.
  
• Do something that makes you happy.....with me, it's playing my fiddle.
• Remind myself that life is ever-changing.....this too shall pass.

There....I feel better already! Thanks for stopping by!

As it happens, my daughter and her partner are moving to another province; I had already mader her aware that I would be happy to represent them in this business if the opportunity should arise. As a new agent, it will be good experience for me and it will save them some $.

Although I intend to represent them in the same thorough manner I would serve all clients, I am wondering if others might share opinions as to working with family members. [my two sisters did business together years ago and are no longer on speaking terms.]

I would say at the outset that communication is probably the key.....they must be upfront with me in giving their opinions every step of the way; similarly I must be direct with them, as I would be with all my clients.

How can I ensure a happy successful experience for everyone?