CJ'n'BJ

Do houses tend to sell at over or under their asking price (compared with the UK norm where asking prices are annoyingly pitched too low to encourage more offers)? Or does it depend on area?

And, in general, has everyone - everyone reading this that is! - moved 'up' from the home they had in the UK?

Looking at the mls.ca site it looks like we can afford some amazing properties, but of course, salaries are lower... Though since we don't yet know what our typical earnings could be, we're trying not to get too excited about a water front property with several decks, etc. etc.

Cheers,
CJ

BH PNP

Hi

Generally at the moment houses are selling at 95% of the asking price in the HRM. You don't find the vast differences between offers and asking price that is typical in the UK.

Naturally, water access is more expensive but I'm sure you will find a home that will amaze you compared to what most can afford in Britain.

But one thing is for sure..... Moving up..... you bet!!

andy_sheila

Hi BH PNP,
We bought our house in middleton for $10,000 less than the asking price, doesn't sound a lot you might say but it was only up for $97,000 in the 1st place.
It's a buyers market in MOST places and i would suggest that to only get 5% off would be abysmal. I would (and did) offer 20% below asking, 9/10 they will come back with a counter offer, you can then counter that offer etc etc.
Where in Lawrencetown are you?

BH PNP

Hi Andy and Sheila

Sounds like you got a good deal. But like I said Halifax Regional is only around 95% of asking price and even that can be pushed to 97-98%. These are industry accepted figures in the Real estate market here (sorry, I'm a NS realtor as one of the strings to my bow and I love stats). Property is such a premium especially Halifax and Dartmouth. This is predominately why we are seeing more and more condomiums, which this year sales of high rise units have exceeded single family homes.

We're in the Cole habour end of Lawrencetown, just past Ross Road. I haven't been down to Middleton yet. How is it?

steve of 5-0

www.mls.ca is the place to check prices.
In cities it`s a sellers market.
In towns more then 2 hours drive and not with a waterfront view it`s a buyers market most definitely.
People build on as their family extends, not sell and move up.
When the children grow and go, they down size by moving.
This is when you can get the 4/5 bedroom bargain.
Also beware, towns on a waterfront charge very high local tax (like UK community charge) as they make an extra effort in the summer to clean up for tourists, this drives out the poorer locals, if you see a bargain like that, check taxes first.

CJ'n'BJ

Thanks for all the advice/tips. We're heading over this Sunday (getting excited ).

Hope the weather's going to pick up while we're there!! Had enough of damp, dreich, dreary here....

CJ

BH PNP

I think Sunday and Monday is due rain but then back to normal. Have fun and I hope you enjoy your visit.

Crispie

One more tip for you when you are about to buy. You can ask for a list of properties that have recently sold in your desired area and the price they sold at. This may help to set your offer. Also the ones that have sat on MLS for 12 months will be the ones to bid down on.
Have a great trip and you can tell Mr Immigration officer the Crispies are coming soon!

Corky

WHEN?????

Crispie

Don't get mad at me.....

I must owe you a dozen e-mails!

God I feel like I'm coming out when I'm not even gay.....


September 2nd 2005 !!!!

YAHOOOOOOOO!

Corky

WOOOOHOOOOO That is just great news. Canada will never be the same now....Looking forward to it!

sue8899

Hi there
Found this thread as i was looking for information about Nova Scotia. Wondering if anyone could give me some websites, i have the government ones, etc about the different areas. Not looking for city really but neither rural. Somewhere with transport so the kids can get around without being 'taxied' everywhere. Does the Annapolos valley have public transport anywhere. Wary of moving to places that dont as we have played cab driver to the kids for the past 4 years here in Ontario.
Any help appreciated. I find this website and these forums full of interesting info and a great help. Thanks to you all.

torticat

Hi Sue

Try www.movingtonovascotia.com it has some great info and links to follow

andy_sheila

Hi Sue
I wouldn't recommend the valley if you don't want to ferry the kids around. It is a beautiful and peacefull place but public transport (or lack of it) is one of it's drawbacks.

mikejw

Hi There

A really excellent and objective site to give you some links is
novascotiacometo life.com

Orla