Ten Questions to Ask a Realtor Before Hiring One to Sell Your Home

Author: Anne Pryde

Categories: Downsizing,Halifax,Homeowners,News,Selling

image represents a goal of shaking hands and forming a professional relationship with a realtor to sell a home

Selling your home is a big deal—whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or just ready for a change, it’s important to feel confident and empowered throughout the process. One of the most important steps is finding a real estate agent who’s the right fit for your needs.

Not all agents are created equal, so asking the right questions can make a world of difference. To help you out, here are 10 key questions everyone should ask before hiring an agent.

1. Are You a REALTOR®?

Let’s start with the basics. Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®. When you work with a REALTOR®, you’re partnering with someone who’s held to strict ethical standards under the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. They’re committed to protecting your interests and ensuring a professional experience. It’s a good first question to ask, and it sets the stage for the rest of your interview.

2. What Services Will You Provide?

Selling a home isn’t just about putting a “For Sale” sign on the lawn. A great agent will handle everything from marketing your property to coordinating showings, negotiating offers, and guiding you through the closing process. Make sure you understand what’s on the menu so you know what to expect (and what you’re paying for).

3. Are You Familiar with My Local Market?

Nova Scotia’s real estate market is as diverse as its geography. Whether you’re selling a cozy bungalow in Pictou County or a sleek condo in Halifax, local expertise matters. While it’s not essential for an agent to have sold homes in your exact neighbourhood before, having knowledge of your area’s trends, buyer preferences, and market conditions can give you an edge.

4. What Will Be in Our Listing Agreement?

Before your agent starts working their magic, you’ll sign a listing agreement. This document spells out the terms of your relationship, including how your agent will represent you, how they’ll market your property, and how much they’ll be paid for their services. Keep in mind: commission rates are negotiable in Canada, so don’t be afraid to discuss this upfront.

5. How Did You Decide on My Home’s Listing Price?

Pricing your home correctly from the get-go is key to attracting buyers and maximizing your return. A good agent will back up their suggested price with market research, including comparable sales in your area and current market trends. Be wary of anyone who suggests a price without showing their work—it’s not about guessing, it’s about strategy.

6. How Will You Market My Home?

Gone are the days when a newspaper ad and an open house were enough. These days, agents use everything from online listings on MLS® to social media campaigns, professional photography, and even virtual tours to showcase your home. Ask your agent what tools and strategies they’ll use to ensure your property gets maximum exposure.

7. How Can I Attract Buyers?

Your agent should have a game plan for catching buyers’ attention. This might include incentives like offering compensation to the buyer’s agent or covering some of the buyer’s costs (known as seller concessions). Discuss these strategies with your agent and weigh the pros and cons—they could help you get a faster or better offer in today’s competitive market.

8. What Do I Need to Do to Get My House Ready?

First impressions matter. Your agent should provide guidance on how to prepare your home for listing, whether that means tackling small repairs, staging your space, or even making a few upgrades to boost its appeal. In Nova Scotia’s market, a little effort can go a long way toward standing out to buyers.

9. How Will You Vet Potential Buyers?

Not every interested buyer is ready (or able) to make good on their offer. Your agent should have a plan to screen buyers and ensure they’re financially prepared—this might include asking for pre-approval letters or proof of funds. It’s an important step to avoid unnecessary delays or disappointments.

10. Can I Speak to Some of Your Past Clients?

A great agent will have a track record of happy clients who are willing to vouch for them. Don’t be shy—ask for references and take the time to reach out. Hearing firsthand experiences can give you valuable insight into what it’s like to work with the agent and help you make an informed decision.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home is a big milestone, and choosing the right real estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. By asking these 10 questions, you’ll be well on your way to finding someone who understands your needs, has the expertise to deliver results, and makes the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Now, put on the coffee, grab your notepad, and start interviewing—it’s time to find your perfect match!

Looking for more tips on selling your home? Download my Home Selling Guide Book

Jan 28 No Comments

5 Tips for Saving Money for a Downpayment

Author: Anne Pryde

Categories: Buyers,Halifax,Homeowners,News

Saving for a house down payment can be a challenging task, but with discipline and smart financial planning, it’s achievable. Here are five money-saving tips to help you reach your goal:

1. Create a Budget: Start by assessing your income and expenses to create a comprehensive budget. This will allow you to identify areas where you can cut back on unnecessary spending and allocate more money towards your down payment fund. Consider using budgeting apps or spreadsheets to track your expenses and set savings targets.

2. Set up a Dedicated Savings Account: Open a separate savings account specifically for your down payment fund. Having a designated account will make it easier to monitor your progress and prevent you from dipping into the money for other purposes. Make sure your new account doesn’t have monthly fees!

3. Automate Your Savings: Arrange for automatic transfers to your dedicated savings account each time you receive your paycheque. Automating the process ensures that you consistently contribute to your down payment fund, making saving a regular habit.

4. Reduce Discretionary Spending: Identify areas where you can cut back on discretionary expenses, such as dining out, entertainment, or impulse purchases. Consider adopting a “needs vs. wants” mindset and prioritize saving for your future home over non-essential expenses.

5. Increase Your Income: Look for opportunities to boost your income. You can consider taking on a part-time job, freelancing, or selling items you no longer need. Any additional income earned can be directly channeled into your down payment savings.

Bonus Tip: Consider down payment assistance programs or grants offered by local or national government agencies, non-profit organizations, or employers. These programs can provide financial assistance or matching funds to help accelerate your down payment savings.

Remember, saving for a house down payment requires discipline and patience. Stay focused on your goal and keep track of your progress regularly. With perseverance, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your dream of homeownership.

Jul 10 No Comments

5 Tips For Downsizing Your Home

Author: Anne Pryde

Categories: Downsizing,Halifax,Homeowners,News,Selling

Downsizing can be a challenging task, but it can also be an opportunity to declutter, simplify your life, reduce stress and save money. Here are five tips for downsizing:

1. Plan ahead: Start in the room you use the least in your home and move systematically through each space in order of most used. Leave the room you spend most of your time in for last.

2. Sort your belongings: Take the time to sort through your belongings. Consider each item and ask yourself whether you use it, love it, or need it. If not, consider donating, selling or discarding it.

3. Get rid of duplicates: When you downsize, it’s a good idea to get rid of duplicate items, such as kitchen utensils, clothing, and electronics. Keep only the ones that are in good condition, work well, and are essential.

4. Use storage wisely: Consider using creative storage solutions, such as under-bed storage containers, hanging organizers, and shelving units. These can help maximize your space while keeping your belongings organized and accessible.

5. Seek help: Downsizing can be an overwhelming task, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Enlist the support of family and friends, or hire a professional organizer or moving company to assist you with the process.

Remember, downsizing is a process that takes time, effort, and patience. Be kind to yourself. Take breaks, take your time.

For more downsizing tips and advice, follow me on Instagram or Facebook @annepryde.realtor or send an email to arrange a personal call. I will answer your questions and help you get started.

Apr 03 No Comments

How to Know if You Are Ready to Buy a Home

Author: Anne Pryde

Categories: Buyers,Halifax,Homeowners,News

Purchasing a home early in life can set you up for an early retirement

Buying and holding a primary residence is a sure win for accumulating equity that can be accessed and used as part of your retirement plan. The earlier you buy, the more equity you will gain.

So, how do you know when you are ready to buy a home?

What follows is a checklist to audit your home buying potential.

You’re past the age of majority in your province (in Nova Scotia, you have to be 19+ years of age to purchase property)
You’ve got job security and are past any probation period at work.
You’ve got at least a five per cent down payment saved. (or qualify for the provincial downpayment assistance program).
You’ve built up strong credit with a 680-plus credit score, but preferably 720 or better.
Your total housing costs plus debt payments are less than 44% of your gross income.
You can prove enough income, or you have a co-signer.
You’re a disciplined spender.
You’ve done the math, and buying makes more sense than renting.
You’ve developed an honest monthly budget.
You’ve got access to three-plus months of living expenses, a.k.a an emergency fund.

This is not an exhaustive checklist, but if you check all these boxes, you probably should be buying a home. If you don’t, prepare an honest budget and focus on saving a little bit each month while you work on the other items.

For more home-buying tips and advice, follow me on Instagram or Facebook or send an email to arrange a personal call. I will answer your questions and help you get started.

Feb 05 No Comments

How To Apply For Funding To Build a Secondary or Backyard Suite on Your Property

Author: Anne Pryde

Categories: Halifax,Homeowners,News

Image shows a small apartment or secondary suite equipped with a kitchen, island dining area and futon. There is a small bookshelf to the right and a hallway.

Incentive Program to Encourage More Affordable Housing

If you are looking to renovate or build a secondary suite to offer to a family member or to rent out, this program may be the right fit for you. Secondary and Backyard Suite Incentive Program is an initiative driven by the provincial government to partner with homeowners in Nova Scotia to build affordable housing. This pilot program aims to provide loans to eligible homeowners to help construct secondary suites, whether in the basement or detached from the primary residence that can be offered to others as affordable residence.

The program’s goal is to assist Nova Scotians in addressing the housing crisis and empowering individuals to make a meaningful contribution.

Eligible homeowners can receive funding to cover up to 50% of the project cost, with a maximum limit of $25,000. If your application is successful, you will be granted a forgivable loan that extends over a period of up to 5 years. Depending on the municipality’s discretion, you may also be eligible to apply for funding for more than one secondary suite.

There are certain prerequisites of the program and the homeowner must meet the criteria set by the government to be able to apply for this program,

Be a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status in Canada.
Own the property on which you are proposing to build the secondary suite.
Be willing to use the space to offer affordable housing to a family member or to non-family members.
Rent the secondary suite at a price that is 20% lower than the average market rent for the area.
Ensure that the secondary suite meets all applicable building codes and zoning regulations.

The application process for the loan is completely free of charge, and straightforward. All you need to do is access the form on the Government’s website, provide the necessary supporting documents, and complete the checklist. After submitting your application, you can expect it to be reviewed within a reasonable timeframe of 3-4 weeks.

This presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking financial support to construct a secondary or backyard suite on their property, providing an avenue to enhance housing options and take advantage of this valuable funding opportunity.

Jan 15 No Comments

How to Buy a Home in Halifax

Author: Anne Pryde

Categories: Buyers,Halifax,News

If you are in the market to buy a home, here are a few top tips to help you make a smart and successful purchase:

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Before you start house hunting, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will give you a better idea of how much you can afford and ensures you are viewing homes that are realistic for your situation.

Work With a Good Real Estate Agent

A good real estate agent can help you find homes that meet your criteria, negotiate with sellers, and guide you through the home buying process. Look for an agent with experience in your desired area and a track record of successful transactions.

Be Prepared to Move Quickly

In a competitive housing market, good homes can sell quickly. Be prepared to move quickly if you find a home you love. This may mean making an offer quickly, being flexible with your closing date, or even waiving some contingencies.

Do Your Due Diligence

Once you make an offer, do your due diligence. This may involve getting a home inspection, reviewing the seller’s disclosures, and researching the neighborhood. This will help you identify any issues that could affect your purchase decision.

Stay Within Your Budget

It can be tempting to stretch your budget to buy a dream home, but it’s important to stay within your means. Consider not only the cost of the home but also the ongoing costs of homeownership such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. It’s better to buy a home that you can comfortably afford than to be house-poor and stressed about finances.

For more home buying tips and advice follow me on Instagram or Facebook @annepryde.realtor or send an email to arrange a personal call. I will answer your questions and help you get started.

Dec 18 No Comments

How to Get a Mortgage in Nova Scotia

Author: Anne Pryde

Categories: Buyers,Homeowners

Getting a mortgage in Nova Scotia is similar to getting a mortgage in any other part of Canada. Here are some general steps to follow:

Determine how much you can afford. Before applying for a mortgage, it’s important to determine how much you can afford to borrow. Use a mortgage affordability calculator to estimate your monthly payments based on your income, expenses, and debt.

Mortgage calculator

Shop around for lenders. Compare mortgage rates and terms from multiple lenders to find the best deal. You can do this easily by working with a mortgage broker who will take on the work of shopping around for you and often have access to better rates than big bank reps.

Get pre-approved. Once you’ve chosen a lender, get pre-approved for a mortgage. Lenders will usually lock in a rate for you during the pre-approval process. This rate will stay locked in for a period of time protecting you from potential rate increases while you look for the right home. They will also reduce the rate if the percentage has decreased between pre approval and closing so you will always benefit from getting pre approved.

Find a home. Once you’ve been pre-approved, start looking for a home in Nova Scotia. Work with a real estate agent to find properties that fit your budget and needs.

It’s important to note that the mortgage process can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s a good idea to work with professionals like a mortgage broker who can guide you through the process.

I have access to a great team of mortgage brokers who will do the shopping around for you and present you with the best options. I also have direct contact with the major banks and many of the smaller lenders if you want to do the work yourself. Send me an email and I will help you get started anne@domus.ca

Check out these links

Book a appointment with Anne

Mar 22 No Comments

5 Easy Home Energy Efficiency Improvements

Author: Anne Pryde

Categories: Homeowners,Selling

Photos shows potential of being environmentally conscious while loving a modern life

Increasing energy efficiency in your home is a great way to add value. Modern home buyers are looking for green upgrades and willing pay more for homes that are environmentally friendly. Bonus, efficient homes are more comfortable to live in and cost less to run. You don’t have to go into debt to increase the efficiency and value of your home. Check out the list below and if you would like more tips or advice, here is my free Home Selling Guidebook

1. Install Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat is a device that allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day, such as when you are away from home or when you are asleep. The thermostat can be programmed to adjust the temperature automatically, helping to save energy and money.

2. Replace Incandescent Bulbs With LED

LED bulbs are energy-efficient using up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and up to 50% less energy than compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. LED bulbs also last much longer than traditional bulbs, with some models lasting up to 25 times as long.

3. Add Weather Stripping to Windows and Doors

Weather stripping is a material applied around windows and doors to create an airtight seal and reduce drafts. It is usually made of foam, rubber, vinyl, or metal and helps to improve the energy efficiency of a home. Weather stripping can also be used to reduce noise and dust infiltration.

5. Add expandable Foam Insulation to The Sills

The sill is the horizontal part of the wooden wall that sits on the top of the concrete foundation of most homes. There are gaps where the wood and concrete meet. Running a bead of expandable foam along this gap will reduce heat loss significantly.

5. Add Insulation to The Attic

Insulating your attic can significantly reduce your energy bills by preventing heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer. The attic is often the most poorly insulated part of a home and heat naturally rises, so a lack of insulation can lead to a significant amount of energy loss.

Home Selling Guide Book

Benefits of Working with an Agent

First Time Home Buyers Guide

Mar 15 No Comments

Things To Do This Winter In Nova Scotia

Author: Anne Pryde

Categories: Halifax

Winter on the east coast of Canada can be a really great experience if you embrace the damp and bundle up. Here are some fun outdoor activities to try this winter.

Winter Hiking

Nova Scotia has some incredible hiking trails with picturesque views. Most of them are maintained through the winter months. Wear waterproof boots because if the trails are not frozen, they are bound to be wet.

Snow Shoeing

This is a great activity in February or March if the snow finally arrives.

If you don’t own snowshoes that’s okay! Here is a link to places in the Halifax area that you can rent or purchase rent or buy snow shoes . Some trails even offer rentals on site

Down Hill Skiing

Yes, we do call them mountains! They officially qualify and we take full advantage of them in the winter for skiing and snowboarding. (I take advantage of the lodge. I’m not a skier)