Laura Hutchinson

Think the highest offer on a home always wins? Think again. Here are four reasons why a seller may not choose the highest offer: 1. A buyer brings an all-cash offer: A buyer paying cash means there won’t be any financing pitfalls and sellers LOVE avoiding pitfalls. 2. A buyer can close ASAP: If a seller is antsy to get moving, an offer from a buyer who can close quickly will zoom to the top of the stack. 3. A buyer shares their story. Sometimes buyers want sellers to k...now exactly why their house is the one. And sometimes, that’s all it takes for a seller to agree especially if a seller has lived in the home for decades and their move is a sentimental one. 4. A buyer doesn’t doesn’t have a house to sell first: Sellers love when an offer is free and clear of cumbersome contingencies totally out of their control. It’s true you want to go in with a strong offer price-wise, but that’s not the only thing sellers are looking for. Sellers want an offer that’s competitive, clean, AND close-to-asking price the closer you can get to all three, the better! See more

There’s an old belief in real estate that says you should wait until it’s time to plant spring flowers before listing a home on the market. This week’s Frequently Asked Friday is kicking that tired way of thinking straight to the curb. Q: Is now a good time to sell? A: YES! Here’s the deal. The best time to list your home was yesterday...the next best time? Today or as soon as we can get the paperwork together! ... Here’s why: Inventory is limited Demand is strong Interest rates are at historic lows All of this means there’s no need to wait. If you’re thinking about selling your home, go ahead and list it! Want even more good news? In the current market, it’s reasonable to expect it to sell quickly and for asking price, possibly above. Plus, if you price it right, you’re likely to receive multiple offers! If you know someone who’s waiting until summer to list their home, tell them NOW is the time. And if they have questions or need help, I'd be thrilled if you send ‘em my way! See more

Warmer temps got thoughts of a home garden on the brain? Here are three tips if you're a newbie gardener: 1. Start small. If you’ve never gardened before, start small and learn the ropes of planting, watering, fertilizing, and picking. If all goes well, go big next year! 2. Consider a theme. Love Chinese cuisine? Focus on snow peas, radishes, cucumbers, cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, and bean sprouts. Sucker for fresh salsa (I mean, really, who isn’t?) Think tomatoes, swee...t peppers, chili peppers, onions, tomatillos, and celery (and don't forget the cilantro and cumin). 3. Plan for pests. Deer, raccoons, rabbits, and other pests love veggies just as much as you do. Ask neighbors or local garden center experts the easiest way to keep your garden pest-free. Did you know a home garden is not only magnificent for the taste buds but can also reduce stress and fend off the blues? If you’re on the fence, I say, go for it!

A stranger (soon-to-be-friend) gives you $10,000 CASH. There’s just one catch: It has to be used for a home remodeling project. What project would you tackle? You may know exactly what you'd do but if not, here are seven projects you could easily complete for UNDER $10K (always smart to leave some wiggle room in the budget): 1. Open up your living area by knocking down a wall.... 2. Purchase new AND matching kitchen appliances. 3. Replace the carpet in your bedrooms. 4. Update a bathroom with a new vanity, mirror, faucet, lighting, and flooring. 5. Install custom shelving in your closets, office, pantry, or garage. 6. Paint the main living area walls, trim, and doors. 7. Replace kitchen countertops and add a tile backsplash. Small reno projects like these have a HUGE impact on how you feel in your home. Have you completed any projects in the past few years did you find this to be true? Share your experience below. I’d love to hear! See more

"Here’s to strong women: May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them." Happy International Women's Day! Today is for celebrating women's achievements and raise awareness about women's equality. Thinking of a strong women you're often inspired by? Tag them below or reach out to them privately to lift them up today!

Heads up love birds - only ten days until Valentine's Day! If you're wanting to add a little love to your home decor this month, here are some of my favourite (and easy!) things to do! 1. Add fresh flowers around the house... 2. Throw in some blush accents (throw pillows, blankets, etc.) 3. Change out your artwork for Valentines themed pictures 4. Put out some sweets (nothing says "I love you" like chocolate!) See more

I wish the boys would let me put more pink into our house! (Who am I kidding, Shay would be all over it, but not so much Brandon). I'm LOVING the pink wall tile in this bathroom. What do you think? PS. For February (the month of love), you'll likely see a lot more pink home inspiration (sorry, not sorry).

As January is coming to a close, here are my market predictions for the remainder of 2021! Thinking of buying or selling this year? Let's chat!

You’d think with more time at home I’d be motivated to stay on top of housework. If only it were that easy, huh? The good news is there’s no need for any of us to be in a constant cleaning frenzy. Here's what Good Housekeeping recommends be done weekly: Change sheets... Dust surfaces and furniture Vacuum and mop floors Wash towels Clean bathrooms Toss expired food Owning a home is a lot of work but totally worth it! If you’re looking to buy and need a realtor you can trust like a friend, send me a message. I’d love to connect. See more

As my first year as a REALTOR is coming to an end, I couldn’t be happier to celebrate our team’s achievements in 2020! Looking forward to an even better 2021 with these girls and our future clients!

Q: If I can sell my house by myself, WHY do I need an agent? A: You know what? It’s true. You CAN sell your home without an agent. But the better question is SHOULD you sell your home without an agent? Consider this true scenario for one FSBO (for sale by owner) couple:... Saved $9,000 on agent commissions -- sounds great! Lost $19,000 on selling price -- sigh. If you want maximum profit in minimum time, you need an agent. Statistics show an agent typically gets you 25% more on the sale completely covering agent commissions! PLUS, you’ll gain an advocate , expert, and cheerleader who’s single goal is looking out for your best interest as you complete one of the largest transactions of your life! Considering selling by owner? I'd love to talk about the process and answer any questions you may have. Shoot me a message -- I'm here when you're ready! See more

Wish I could say that the little tree outside our door looks anything like this. We had good intentions when cutting down it down, hoped to put it in Shays room and let him decorate it. It’s been a week and still just sitting outside Oh well... maybe next year.

Coming soon to a mailbox near you! Just finished writing all the Christmas cards for my clients who bought or sold a house with me this year! Also the cutest little macrame ornaments made by my sister in law @emilysumarah

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Head over to Shubie Park for the family for a walk!

Wondering how you can increase cash flow this year (I mean, honestly, who isn’t?). Have you considered investing in real estate? It’s not difficult to get started, and the barrier to entry is low! Here are three reasons you should consider it:... 1. You'll have that cash flow you wanted. When you’re the landlord, those rent payments come to you every month -- and that’s a really great feeling. 2. Your property will typically Increase in value. In a few short years, you’ll be able to sell your property for considerably more than you paid for it -- the average annual appreciation ranges from 3-5%. 3. You'll own an improvable asset. With a little elbow grease, you can improve your property, increasing curb appeal and value. Add these reasons to the historically-low interest rates floating around, and now is a great time to consider an investment property. Have questions? Send me a message and let’s connect. See more

Full-time mom, full-time REALTOR , fully committed to your home search! Let’s get you a home this Christmas!

There’s a humbug-of-a-myth out there that you have to wait until spring to sell; that no one is looking to buy in December or January. Nothing could be further from the truthbuyers are out there 24/7/365! Here are 5 very merry reasons to sell your home this winter: 1. You’ll face less competition.... 2. You’ll get more attention from buyers’ agents 3. Buyers are more serious. 4. Your home already looks its best. 5. You’ll enjoy a quicker sales process. Internet searches for buying a home peak in the winter months so if you’re thinking of selling, don’t wait. Need an experienced realtor who knows our area to help? Send me a message and let’s chat. See more

December is all about givingthoughtful gifts and yummy goodies to family and friends. But as we enjoy the best the holidays have to offer, remember not everyone is as fortunateespecially after a year like 2020. So if you’re looking to bring some cheer to others this season, try donating to a local charity or non-profit!... Happy holidaysand happy giving! What charity or non-profit will you be giving to this year? See more

Every year that I can remember, I’ve always been the grinch until December 1st. I didn’t want to see or hear of anything Christmas. I changed the radio station if a Christmas song came on and would unplug the candles that my parents put in my window. But since I had kids of my own, now I LOVE Christmas! I start Christmas shopping in the summer, make our google play the new Christmas albums all day long, and decorate our house as soon as it’s acceptable! This year has been a little different for us. Since we are mid-reno and our house is in shambles, I haven’t been able to decorate yet. I bought a few new decorations and can’t wait to be able to hang and enjoy them! Have you decorated yet?

Alway be prepared. It's a good motto to live byespecially if you're in real estate. Want a peek inside my "Agent Survival Kit"? Today's your chance. No matter where I am or who I'm with, these go-to items are always close by. (And yes, they've pulled me out of some pretty interesting situations over the past 8 months. -My laptop: I've written a few offers on the hood of my car while waiting for clients at other showings! ... -Laser Measure tool: I'm not going to lie... I'm TERRIBLE with a measuring tape. Instead of watching me struggle, I carry along this easy to use and very accurate tool to measure rooms, etc. -Rain gear: I've definitely been caught in Nova Scotia's ever changing weather systems! I've learned to always keep rubber boots and a rain jacket with me now. -My phone: of course it's used for calling, texting, and emailing, but also for capturing all the unique homes I get to view with my wonderful clients! Trust me, you see lots of interesting things... What do you keep in your car or purse just in case? Am I missing anything? Share below!

Are you thinking about buying your first home in 2021? You won't want to miss our last virtual Home Buyers Masterclass of the year! Sign up using this link: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/g7h8k7

How sweet would it be to have this little breakfast nook in your home?! What's one feature you LOVE to have in your kitchen?

You love gallery walls, and you have the perfect space for one. But you're terrified of messing it up. You need someone (anyone!) to hold your hand. Great news! Help is here. 1. Start with the art. Vintage, modern, or flea market findsanything goes! 2. Choose like-colored frames and mats. Going eclectic? Different shades of wood nail the look. 3. Lay frames out on the floor and try several arrangements before choosing your fave. Snap a pic to use for reference as you ha...ng. 4. Grab a level to place your first pic. If you don't, all your work may end up on a slant. 5. After getting your first pic just right, use painter's tape to mark equal amounts of space between the rest of the frames. Two inches is a good place to start. Ready to give it a go? You can do it! There's no doubt a gallery wall will completely transform your space. See more

One of my favorite details on a home? The numbers! Getting creative with your house numbers is a great finishing touch, and so inexpensive! Which font would you choose for yours? I pick d!

Happy November! What are your plans for this month? Mine includes ripping out and building a brand new kitchen! Stay posted to see progress pictures!

I see it all the time, and I know it’s temptingprice a home too high just to see if anyone bites. The reality is this misguided approach often comes back to bite the seller. Here’s why: 1. Pricing a home too high when it hits the market spooks off buyers. It makes them question a seller’s intentions and wonder if they’re serious about selling. Remember, buyers (and their agents) have done their research and they know what a home is worth. ... 2. Another hiccup in pricing too high is that the home lingers and lingers and lingers on the market way longer than it should. The buzz generated by a new listing priced right will always gain more interest (even multiple offers) from buyers ready to purchase. If you’re curious about what the average days on market is in your neighborhood, give me a call. As 2020 comes to a close, buyers are still looking and homes are still selling. See more

Redecorating our fireplace is my favourite thing about changing seasons

October has already proven to be a busy month even though we are only one week in! What are your plans for this month?

Happy closing day to my buyers and friends! It’s been quite the journey but I’m so happy you now get to call this beautiful house home.

Was happy to be back to the office for a bit today after a week in the hospital! If you didn’t attend our Virtual 1st Time Home Buyer’s Class this evening, not to worry! We can either get you on the list for our next one, or schedule a 1-on-1 session!

The more you bust it five days a week, the more you realize a successful week doesn’t start on Monday it starts the day before. Set yourself up for success this week with these tried-and-true tips: Set goals on Sunday. A surefire way to feel defeated when Friday rolls around is by having unrealistic goals. Take a few minutes on Sunday to make attainable goals for the week.... Get your sleep. Seriously, we all need a good night’s sleep. And yes, it’s still true adults need seven to nine hours of sleep a night to function at their best. (Might be a little harder for those of us with kids!) Start Monday early. Set your alarm and push through the desire to hit snooze. Sleeping late only makes you feel sluggish and out-of-sorts. Plan your first hour. Whether you read or exercise, having a plan for Monday morning sets the right tone for your entire week. Don’t get bogged down when Monday rolls around. Jumpstart your week with a little Sunday planning and a much-needed night’s rest. See more

See your home in a whole new light with this week’s Fix-it-Up Friday. Tired of droopy ceiling fan blades or bulky can lights? Freshen up your home’s lighting for under $100 bucks in just a couple hours. Here’s how:... Replace discoloured can lights with energy-efficient LEDs. A simple project any DIYer can do, say goodbye to your 1990s-style lights for around $25 and five minutes of your time. Install dimmers. If you’re a savvy DIYer, take the next step and install a dimming switch on your new lights. Consider replacing ceiling fans. While some are saying sayonara to ceiling fans altogether, you don’t have to. If you can’t part with the added breeze, replace your current fan with a more modern one from your local home improvement store. New lighting warms up your home, increases its value, and breathes life into old spaces. Whether you’re planning to sell or stay put, consider a lighting upgrade to freshen up your home.

DOES THE IDEA OF SELLING YOUR HOME LEAVE YOU OVERWHELMED? I know the feeling! That's why having not just one, but a team of kick-ass REALTORs to help you along the way is a must have! (Meet said team ) If you're considering selling your home, I've got some good news for you: Each week in September, I'm going to be sharing a step of the selling process with you all!... So, let's hop into it. What's up first? Preparing your home for the market. If you’re like most sellers, you want to wow prospective buyers, but you don’t want to break the bank. Guess what?! Getting your home ready doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. If you’ve got a few open weekends and a can-do spirit, you can knock out these cost-efficient upgrades in no time. Paint the walls and trim. Smudgy walls and dingy trim are so out. Refresh both with calming, neutral colours that appeal to a wide range of tastes and preferences. If time is short, start with the living room and kitchen and then work your way to the bedrooms. Refresh the yard. Fresh mulch, colourful annuals, and a couple of planting urns for the entryway make stellar curb appeal a cinch. Clean, declutter, and repeat. There is nothing worse than a listing that’s dirty. Deep clean and declutter before your home hits the market. Later, when it’s time for a showing, it’ll just take a quick wipe-down to straighten up. A quick word of caution: Before you spend one penny on home improvements, you’ll want to talk to a REALTOR familiar with your market. They’ll have extensive knowledge of in-demand upgrades that’ll help you get top dollar in your neighbourhood. Comment below if you'd like a copy of our FREE listing booklet! See more

S E P T E M B E R ! This is a big month for our family as Shay will be starting pre-primary! It's definitely a scary time to be mingling with all new kids, but he is so smart and I can't wait to see what he can achieve in this next step! And with him at school, that means I have more time to focus on all of YOUR real estate needs! ... Bring it on September!

It’s not often that we find ourselves with free time, but today was that rare moment! I took advantage of it by having Brandon hang the peg boards that I bought from @ikeacanada about two months ago in this awkward spot in our kitchen. What do you think?

I’ve got double good news! Not only is it Friday, it’s also time for Fix-it-Up Fridays a doable weekly tip to keep your home fresh and in tip-top shape. This week, it’s an oldie, but a goodie. If you’re headed to the store after work today for some meat to grill or wine to savour, grab a bouquet or two of fresh flowers. Bring ‘em home, trim the stems, throw them in a vase. You’ll instantly transform your entryway, dining room, or bedside table. ... Nothing warms up a room quite like a vase of colourful flowers so splurge! You’ll be glad you did. See more

As the sweltering summer temps come down just a smidge, get your patio ready for backyard BBQs and football games this fall. All you need is a free Saturday and a little bit of grit to give your backyard oasis a fresh look. Here’s how to get started: A pressure washer is your new best friend. You gotta start with a clean slate, and there’s no easier way to do that than with a pressure sprayer. Rent one from your local home improvement store or, better yet, borrow one fro...m a friend. A can of spray paint is your second bestie. Give tired metal patio furniture or blah planters a facelift with a fresh coat of spray paint. Clean items with an all-purpose cleaner and use a spray primer on any rusty spots. Questions? A paint specialist at any hardware store can get you exactly what you need. Lights, seating, action! With a few whimsically-strung lights and some comfortable seating, you’ll be ready for all the action. Order indoor/outdoor LEDs and pick up a few affordable plastic Adirondacks in vibrant colours. A fire pit for the finish. Get a jumpstart on outdoor living with a fire pit perfect for chilly fall evenings. For less than $100, grab a stand-alone pit and start stockpiling marshmallows and chocolate bars you’re gonna need ‘em. Breathe new life into your backyard this fall with an updated and welcoming patio! See more

Meet our team! If you get the chance to chat with any of them, (and I hope you do!), you’ll see one of my favourite things about my job the fabulous people I get to work with!

Each Friday, I'm going to be sharing a quick & easy tip for fixing up your home. First up: let's talk decluttering. When it comes to home decor, less is definitely more. A few well-placed but functional items are always better than dozens of delicate trinkets. If you’re feeling bogged down and ready for a change, freshen up your space with a serious declutter. ... Not sure you’re ready to part with your glass hummingbird collection? No worries just pack ‘em away and see how you like your clutter-free counters and tabletops. My guess is that you’ll love it a lot. So if you’re tired of knick-knacks and over-stuffed drawers, grab some trash bags or storage totes and get to work you’ll feel like your fav spaces just doubled in size!

C O N G R A T S ! Another congratulations is in order for my buyer clients on their new home!

Busy day in real estate today! One closing, one offer submitted, and have a home inspection this evening. Two more closings and one more inspection this week!

When you choose a real estate agent to represent you, there are hundreds of amazing agents to choose from. Remember that YOU are the boss you are hiring a real estate agent to assist you in purchasing or selling a home. Always look at your agent's qualifications and interview them. When it comes time for you to buy or sell, I'd love to be considered. Send me a message and let's set up a 15-minute consultation to chat about your questions on buying or selling!

Congrats to my buyers and friends on their accepted offer in this crazy market! Can’t wait to watch you make memories in this beautiful home!

Would you be more excited to enjoy your morning cup of coffee or an evening glass of wine on this comfy porch swing?

Owning a home just feels good, am I right? (Like taking your mask off after a long day out and about kinda good!) You don’t have to wait on the landlord to fix something you could take of yourself in minutes. You can change the paint, floors, yard, or appliances on your schedule, within your budget, to your liking. You get to pay your mortgage every month knowing that, little by little, that home you adore is slowing becoming yours really yours.... You become invested in your community and have the chance to build long-lasting relationships with your neighbours. There are so many benefits to owning a home! If you’re looking to take advantage of the low-interest rates by buying a home, I assure you won’t regret it! Give me a call and let’s see what’s out there that meets your needs and wants today. See more

''How’s the real estate market in Halifax right now?'' I love it when I’m asked this question, and I’m always eager to answer! The short answer is the market is red hot: buyers are ready to pull the trigger, mortgages rates are incredibly low, and many sellers are negotiating multiple offers. Curious what the market is like in your area or what your home would sell for right now? Comment with your area or send me a message no strings attached. I’ll field any questions you have so you can know if a move this August is right for you.

My motto for August: Real estate advising and hand sanitizing! with masks being mandatory in any public indoor space now, please make sure you are bringing your masks with you to any appointments we have! Please let me know if you don’t have a mask so I can bring one for you. Happy August, friends! If I can help you with anything this month, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Even though new home listings have dropped since COVID-19 hit, more buyers are actively looking for homes online than a year ago. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re one of those buyers searching online: Use the search filters but not too much. You don’t want to restrict your search so tightly that you only have a handful of homes to view. ... Check the Google street view to get a feel for the surrounding area. A virtual ‘walk down the street’ will give you a better feel for the house and surrounding area. Talk to me about setting up a direct search with the Multiple Listing Service, this way you'll receive new listings in your inbox as they populate to the online search sites. See a listing you keep going back to again and again? Give me a call, and let’s check it out in person!

So excited to be joining the Chelsea L Team with @suttonhalifax

Always go above and beyond for my clients!

1/3 closings this week complete!

I found this too funny... I had to share

Now who wouldn’t use the REALTOR on the business card that this little cutie is giving out to everyone?!

You have questions about real estate, I have answers. There's no such thing as a silly question, and I'd love to answer any that you may have about buying, selling, or investing in real estate! (902) 210-9876... [email protected] See more

Buying the perfect home involves a lot more than searching on Viewpoint and moving in. You need a buyer’s agent who listens to your situation, works as your advocate, and smoothes the way for a relaxed home-buying experience. Did you know? A buyer’s agent: + Provides guidance as you get pre-approved.... + Tracks down listings (including foreclosures and FBSO) that meet your criteria. + Networks with other agents to find soon-to-market listings that may be just right. + Shares info about current market trends that affect your potential offers. + Helps negotiate conditions, closing timeline, and final contract price. + Advises on the most qualified home inspector (and attends the home inspection on your behalf). + Mediates questions regarding repairs in the home inspection. + Communicates with the seller’s agent and your lawyer all the way to closing. + And guess what? This service is paid for by the seller at closing! Yep, that's right using a real estate agent to assist you with your transaction is free of charge to you. Want a smooth journey to homeownership? Work with a down-to-earth and experienced buyer’s agent! If you’re looking to buy your first home, reach out. I’d love to hear from you. See more

It’s closing day for my friend Robin and her husband Jacob! Robin and I were in the fire department together while I was in university. She was even a professor for one of my courses! Thank you both for giving me the opportunity to represent you in buying your first home together! #halifaxrealtor

How beautiful is this bathroom in the house that my client just put an accepted offer in on?!

Another offer being submitted! Fingers crossed for my client in this crazy market!

Busy day today at showings and will be submitting an offer! Fingers crossed for my client!

I’ll start! I need a new home because I’m not sure what about it but I’ll be there around two to pick it out. Sounds about right! Even if you don’t know why you need a new home, I’m happy to help you try to figure it out! ... #halifaxrealtor #halifaxrealestate #halifaxhomesforsale #novascotia #halifaxns #downtownhalifax #localhalifax

Congrats to my sellers - 62 Beaumont is officially pending! We had 19 showings in 3 days and received 4 offers! #halifaxrealtor #halifaxrealestate #halifaxhomesforsale #novascotiarealtor #novascotiarealestate

After the hot week we just had here in Halifax, I think it’s safe to store aware all that winter gear if you haven’t yet. (Hip, hip, hooray!). Store your winter faves like a pro with these quick tips. 1. Consider rearranging. If you have a large closet, consider a quick rearranging. Move heavy winter coats and long-sleeve staples to the back and give your summer tanks, tees, and maxis the prime spot in your closet. 2. Out with the old- If you haven’t worn something all w...inter, don’t go through the hassle of storing it. Donate items you no longer need to a local thrift store or trusted charity. 3. Prep for storage. Make sure your winter clothes are clean before putting them away. Check that storage totes or bags are airtight to reduce temperature damage or unwanted moths. 4. Store wisely. Choose a spot that is cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight. While the attic and basement are popular choices, a guest bedroom closet or under a king bed are also good options. Thinking about a home with even better storage for your massive wardrobe? Give me a call. I’d love to help! #halifaxrealtor #halifaxrealestate #halifaxrealestateagent #novascotiahomes #novascotiarealestate #novascotiarealtor

JUST LISTED! MLS# 202010519 $249,000 Located in a prime area of Lower Sackville, this move in ready split entry home is close to shopping, Cobequid Health Center,Sackville Sports Stadium and even backs onto a green belt! There is plenty of room for your family with three bedrooms, twobathrooms, and a large level back yard for the kids to play in. The upper level features three good sized bedrooms, four piecebathroom, large living room with propane fireplace, main level laundr...y, and a walk out deck (new in 2015) from the kitchen. The lowerlevel has two large living areas with a WETT certified wood stove, an office/den, full bathroom, as well as hook ups for additionallaundry and a wet bar or additional kitchen. Other recent upgrades include installing a heat pump and ETS in the fall of 2014 and anew roof in December 2019 with a 10 year transferrable warranty. See more

Beautiful day to hang a sold sign!

There's nothing more fun than dreaming up your perfect home! So, play along with me: Build your dream kitchen using these three steps (swipe!)

It’s not you; it’s me. So true when it comes to me and houseplants. If you can relate, here are some low-maintenance houseplants and tips for keeping them healthy, hearty cross-your-fingers, alive. Forget to water regularly? The snake plant might be your perfect match. They thrive in low-light areas, only need a little water, and don’t attract pesky bugs. Just beware if you have pets snake plants can be toxic to animals.... During the late fall and winter, you only need to water a rubber tree once per month a negligent plant parent’s dream! In the spring and summer, just feed it a diluted fertilizer every two weeks and keep the soil damp. The key to a healthy aloe vera plant is good drainage. Let the soil dry out in between waterings. Not only will you have the coolest plant on the block, but you’ll have an ancient first-aid remedy on hand any time you need it. Bird of paradise another low-maintenance houseplant that brings a taste of the tropics indoors. Place it in a sunny spot with temps 65-80 degrees, and it’ll thrive all year long. Looking to add warmth to your high-ceiling areas? Consider the fiddle leaf fig plant. Ideally housed in a floor-standing container, the tropical plant needs room to grow, a sunny spot free of drafts, and light watering and fertilizing. Indoor houseplants warm up any room. If you’ve tried before and failed try, try again! See more

If you had to choose three of these things in your backyard, what would you choose? (Swipe!)

If you’re like me, you’ve spent more time deleting events from your calendar this spring than adding them. And even though we’re all bummed to miss the usual sun and fun of this time of year, it’s been amazing to see neighbourhoods come together. It just proves there’s always a silver lining, am I right? Let me guess: - You finally met your neighbours and you can’t wait to get to know them better once all this is over.... - Your after-dinner walks have given you a fresh appreciation for your quaint neighbourhood. - You’ve enjoyed takeout from nearby eateries you previously overlooked and they’ve totally earned a spot on your weekly rotation. - You’ve shopped locally and met generous business owners sacrificing to adjust and stay open for people just like you. So as we think of what we’re missing out on, take a moment to see the silver linings all around you I’m thinking we’re all gonna be better for this season in the long run.

Congrats to my seller who accepted an offer tonight after only one weekend on the market and 3 offers to choose from!

At just $349,900, this beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom side split located in Fall River Village has just hit the market and won't last long! Contact me today for your private viewing! MLS #202008951

Cutest co-worker award goes to Ellie #Halifaxrealtor #halifaxrealestate #halifaxhomesforsale #ListItWithLaura #EXITrealestatepros

Did you know I've got the key to any house that's actively for sale on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)? That's right, any house that's for sale - I can let you in! Plus, using a real estate agent to schedule showings for you, negotiate a price, walk you through the transaction and handle all of the stress of buying a home is FREE to you because the seller pays all of the agent commissions in a real estate transaction!... If there's a home on the market you've got your eye on, give me a call and let's go check it out! See more

HOME SHOPPING WITH KIDS: THE SURVIVAL GUIDE Running errands with the kids can be a little stressful, and having them with you while looking for homes can be a bit of a headache as well! A great way to keep everyone happy while looking at homes all day is to give them something to stay occupied.... Drawing supplies where they can plan their new room or a scavenger hunt to find features in every house you look at is a great idea for making a game out of it. ( This Home Adventure Journal by @allthingsrealestate is a great way to keep them occupied! ) See more

It’s official! 182 Tucker Lake Road is SOLD!

Missing your weekly outings to Winners, Marshalls, or HomeSense? Sigh. Me, too. But just because you can’t get out and snatch up the latest accessories for your home, doesn’t mean your home is destined for drab and boring. Get your decorating fix with these close-to-home suggestions. All you need is your fav online retailer, a little elbow grease, and some springtime inspiration: Swap out bedding for a fresh set to change up the master bedroom.... Replace tired rugs with ones boasting clean patterns and seasonal colours. Purchase a front-door wreath (love the hand-crafted ones from Etsy) and new planters for your entryway. Rotate smaller pieces of furniture to mix up your living area look. With spring in full bloom, place vases of backyard flowers around your home in unexpected places. Dig deep to find old family photos and display them in new places. Sprucing up your home to get it ready to list? I’d love to help! Give me a call and let’s chat about how we can get you top dollar for your home. See more

April distance brings May existence! Here’s to hoping life gets back to normal (very) soon. We had our first announcement today of some restrictions being lifted and I can't wait for more! As I have been working from home this past month, I’ve found that finding a healthy balance between home-life and work-life has never been more challenging (especially with a super active toddler and a newborn coming any day!) If you’re struggling to keep home and work separate as well,... here are a few tidbits of wisdom to help us all (re)discover that delicate balance! - A productive day starts the night before. Fight the urge to stay up later than usual, scrolling endless feeds. Read instead, and let your eyes on the page tire you naturally. - Start your day early. Set your alarm and push through the desire to hit snooze. - Plan your first hour of wakefulness. Whether you read, pray, or exercise, having a plan for the morning sets the tone for your entire day. - Set realistic goals. A sure-fire way to feel defeated when 5 o’clock rolls around is by setting too-high expectations. Make two or three realistic goals for the day to stay on-task and encouraged. - Don’t miss the chance to love your family. Take advantage of the quick hellos, stimulating lunch chats, and the other spontaneous moments that come your way. Life is unpredictable; that’s for sure. But one thing remains the same work is important, but not ultimate. So when you’re struggling to find the right work-life balance, err on the side of life. You won’t regret it! #halifaxrealtor #halifaxblogger #halifaxlocal #halifaxnovascotia #halifaxrealestate #worklifebalance #realtorlife #familylife #motherhood #workfromhome #wifemomboss

Even during the pandemic, the market is still HOT! Message me today so you can take advantage of it. #halifaxrealtor #halifaxrealestate #halifaxlistings #BeaverBankNS #ListItWithLaura #EXITrealestatepros #EXITrealty