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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.

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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
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DIY Home Improvements That Increase Value

Author: Anne Pryde
Categories: Buyers,Halifax,Homeowners,Selling
An example of DIY home improvements

A universal value adding project is a fresh coat of paint. If you intend to sell your home within the next few years, I suggest going with neutral tones now so you don’t have to paint again before selling.

The list below breaks things down room by room so you can start in one space and move through your home in an organized way. Have fun giving each room a new look without breaking the bank. If you would like more tips or advice on increasing value and preparing your property to sell, here is a free download of my Home Selling Guide Book

Curb Appeal

The first impression is crucial when selling a home, so make sure the exterior of your home is in good condition. This can include simple tasks such as trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, and adding colourful plants or flowers.

Kitchen/Bathroom

Kitchens and bathrooms are two of the most important areas for potential buyers. Simple updates such as new hardware, a fresh coat of paint, or new faucets can make a big difference without breaking the bank.

Lighting

Good lighting can make a home feel warm and inviting. Consider adding new light fixtures or replacing bulbs to brighten up dark spaces. Adding some table or floor lamps can also help create cozy ambiance.

Declutter and Clean

One of the most important things you can do to increase the value of your home is to declutter and clean it thoroughly. This can include deep cleaning carpets and floors, getting rid of excess clutter, and organizing storage spaces such as closets and cabinets. A clean and well-organized home can make a big difference in how it’s perceived by potential buyers.

These simple updates are budget friendly and will add value to your home. Potential buyers will appreciate the work and place higher offers on your home. I would love to see before and after shots of your project. Tag me on Facebook or Instagram when you post about your progress!

Links to check out

Free Home Selling Guide Book
Benefits of working with a realtor
Mortgage Calculator

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