Halifax Real Estate - A Modern Approach

It’s no secret that Realtors, much like any other professional service, say accountants or lawyers, are seen by the public as homogenous. There are so many from which to choose that we all looked at as the same. The trick for any professional to make an impact and generate business is to network in an attempt to stand out, or to embark on an extensive marketing campaign. In the end, we all still look the same, since we are all doing the same thing.

One thing is for sure, the Halifax Real Estate market is still alive and well. Last week alone, there were as many listings sold as there were new listings. Despite speculation about a housing bubble, likely from negative press on the Toronto and Vancouver housing markets, the Halifax housing market continues to thrive. 

The Halifax Peninsula is the hottest spot on the map. Property from single family homes to condos are being gobbled up within a matter of days. Many of these properties are in such high demand that bidding wars are a common place. Asking prices eventually sit lower than the actual sale price. This is good news for sellers in this area as they are likely to bank on a good return. For buyers, this is equally good as it indicates a healthy market place and a higher chance of incremental growth on the value of their homes. As the city continues its outward expansion, the centre of the city becomes more and more valuable. 

Mainland Halifax has seen nearly the same kind of demand, with homes in former suburban areas lasting no more than a few weeks. Though significantly lower in price, these properties fetch a pretty penny for any seller. 

The biggest spike, in terms of sales increase and price increase, is seen within the Sackville and Dartmouth areas. Properties in this area, formerly undervalued, are now the suburbs that Mainland Halifax used to be. As the core densifies, the outskirts are seeing large spikes. If you’re buying your first home, I highly recommend considering these areas as they are still affordable and have not yet reached their peak of worth. 

Bedford continues to lead with the highest priced homes in municipality. As it continues to grow past the 102, old Bedford is solidifying its grasp on high prices and average turnover. 

So, in essence, the housing market in Halifax is stronger than ever. Rates continue to hover low, making affordability less of an issue for first timers and anyone looking to downsize. 

My only advice for buyers - use an agent. It costs you nothing in the form of commissions and the agent will do all the work and protect you from the other side. The listing agents have their sellers best interests in mind and will only do the paperwork for you, nothing else. 

So, I’ve been in the real estate industry for a year now. I have had numerous clients, a great deal of closings and have been approached by many other brokerages to join their team. But in order to understand why I chose to work with EXIT Realty Professionals and, more importantly, choose to stay, I need to break it down in a nutshell.

When I first got my license, I went around and approach several offices, as was expected of me, to sign me up and work with them as a licensed agent. I went to Prudential, Royal LePage, Remax and more. They were a tad callous, brief and far too formal for me to feel like I would fit in. But then came a phone call from my mother of all people. She had been speaking with a property lawyer, Cameron Rhindress, and he had nothing but good things to say about EXIT Realty and, more specifically, EXIT Realty Professionals in Sackville.

I made an appointment, sat down with Broker Sue Grace and owner Dave Grace, and was hooked, not only on the EXIT ‘formula,’ but also on the type of people they were and the environment in their office. Surrounded by professionalism with oodles of friendliness made the office feel like a place of work and also a hang out spot with other agents who were to become my friends. I signed up that day.

For anyone thinking of getting into the Real Estate business, here is why I recommend EXIT Realty Professionals, above other brokerages and EXIT offices as well, to you:

- A great office environment.

- An AMAZING lead generating system (I have so far gotten 2 buyer and one listing lead within three months).

- Access to a high traffic kiosk at the Sackville Superstore that generates at least 6 leads a week for agents who take shifts there.

- Free training with experienced agents and free sales training via EXIT Realty Corp. International.

Now, you tell me. As a new agent, without all these resources and friendly guiding owners and Brokers - do you really think you’re going to do well in your first year in Real Estate in HRM? I wouldn’t know - because I made the right decision.