Buyer's Guide

Your Guide To

HOMEOWNERSHIP

e e t e m m e o o w H S H

With The Leblanc & Associates Team

This is not intended to solicit anyone currently under contract.

It Takes A Team!

As a team, our goal is to establish lifelong relationships with our buyers by dedicating a strong and supportive partnership that provides guidance, resources and extensive knowledge at all stages of your real estate transaction.

Most agents are a “solo show” with limited time and energy, juggling several clients with little help. Our team ALWAYS has time for you!

Our unique TEAM approach means you get a highly qualified staff of individuals, each with their own specialized knowledge and area of expertise. And hey... We're told we are even fun to be around!

You get all of our team, all WORKING FOR YOU!

Contents

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Buyer’s Roadmap 9 Steps Of Buying Choosing Your Team Closing Costs Buyer’s Representation Importance Frequently Asked Questions Meet The Team Why Choose Us? Client Referral Program Sample Forms

All this information and more can be found on our website yourmoveinhalifax.com

BUYER’S ROADMAP Decline Agency Relationship

Thank You For Your Time

Establishing Agency Relationship With Signatures Of Compliance Documents

Insurance Contact

Mortgage Contact

Collab Center

Track Listings

Buyers Book

Lawyer Contact

Showings

Write Educated Offer

Accepted Offer

Conditions & Inspections

Lawyer

Home Inspection

Septic, Well & Water (If Applicable)

Insurance

CLOSING DAY

Trades & Affiliates 4

Concierge Service

Finance Letter

We were lucky enough to have Melanie work with us while we bought virtually. She was able to make a stressful situation manageable, dealing with the paperwork as well as recommending professionals to help us with inspections, lawyer, and everything in between. Her and her staff are responsive and professional all while keeping us laughing through trying times.

- Kolbey N.

5

I was new to the whole buying a house experience, but Melanie and Steve alleviated my anxiety and confusion and made the whole process easy and enjoyable.

I would recommend Leblanc & Associates to anyone who is looking to buy. They are very professional, courteous and fun to be with

- Caroline K.

I have nothing but incredible things to say about Kim. I have been working in the mortgage lending industry for 13 years and have lived, worked, and purchased in real estate markets coast to coast. The level of service, professionalism, knowledge and human connection Kim brings to real estate interactions with her clients is beyond anything I have witnessed elsewhere. Not only is Kim detail oriented, she gets to know her clients personally and understands the human and emotional element of the real estate process. Her communication and care are a testament to her character, integrity and exceptional knowledge of the diverse markets she serves.

- Tanyse and James G. 6

9 Steps Of Buying 4

A quick guide to the buying process

01

02

03

Meet With Leblanc & Associates

Get Pre-Approved

Market Education

04

05

06

The Home Search

Make An Educated Offer

Conditions & Inspections

07

08

09

Legal Components

Concierge Services

Closing Day

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CHOOSING

Your Team

Lawyers Lawyers who specialize in real estate ensure that proper procedures are followed during the acquisition of property and are invaluable members of your team. Their job is to ensure that you get what you are paying for in accordance with the terms of your purchase and sale agreement and make certain that there is a clear title to the land.

Home Inspectors Hiring an independent home inspector is not mandatory, however strongly recommended. They will help alleviate a lot of the risk. Building inspectors ensure that the property is warm, safe and dry and can help identify if a building is worth your time and money. A properly trained inspector can potentially save you thousands of dollars and any unpleasant surprises.

Mortgage Brokers The mortgage industry is highly competitive and it is important to understand that interest rates can change anytime. Partnering with a mortgage broker or financial institution will help you find the right mortgage product with the best rate. It is also very important to obtain a copy of your pre-approval as this can be a powerful tool when submitting offers.

Sellers are more likely to consider an offer when they know there is a pre-approval in place.

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Leblanc & Associates have vetted and worked extensively with many industry experts. We would be happy to connect you with some incredible and TRUSTED professionals to assist you in the buying process.

Closing Costs Most buyers can expect to pay approx 3-5% of the purchase price in closing costs.

These can include mortgage application fees, legal fees and disbursements, utility hookups, fuel and tax adjustments, Land Transfer Tax etc. As your closing date approaches, your lawyer will provide you with a statement of all the costs and will handle the distribution of all said fees on your behalf.

3 Primary Costs/Adjustments On Closing Day

Land Transfer Tax

Fuel Adjustments

Tax Adjustments

All buyers must pay a Land Transfer Tax called the Deed Transfer Tax (DTT) in Nova Scotia. The amount paid is based on 1.5% of the purchase price of the property and is due upon closing.

If the property you are purchasing has oil or propane, the sellers will fill the tank(s) a few days before closing and you will be required to pay the sellers for a full tank upon closing.

You will be required on closing to reimburse the sellers for any taxes they have prepaid for the year.

This is prorated and will be calculated by the lawyer and will be due upon closing.

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WHY HAVING

Buyer's Representation

IS SO IMPORTANT!

It is a common misconception that just because the REALTOR® is showing you properties, that they are automatically working for you. This is most definitely NOT the case. You must discuss representation with the REALTOR® and decide what level of representation you want. There are three types of relationships or agencies you can have with a REALTOR® - Client, Customer or Transaction Brokerage. Each has a different set of duties and obligations they must provide buyers.

To understand more about each type of relationship, please refer to page 22.

THE SEARCH PROCESS Your buyer's representative will set up showings and provide valuable information regarding the property, community, taxes, utilities and zoning. They will help scrutinize properties and locations to the best of their knowledge, so having a highly experienced and knowledgeable agent is a HUGE asset!

THE OFFER PROCESS Your buyer's representative will educate you on the current market and how that corelates with recent sales in the area. They will work with you to strategize the best terms of an offer that satisfies both your needs and those of the seller. In a sellers market, this process is CRUCIAL to preventing buyer burnout from unsuccessful attempted offers.

THE CLOSING PROCESS Your buyer's representative will monitor all dates, conditions and requirements leading up to the closing date. They will attend the pre-close inspection and carefully assess the property and it's current condition to ensure that no new issues or damage has occurred since the last viewing.

Why not use the listing agent?

The listing agent has a relationship with the seller, therefore you will not receive all the benefits of having your own representation. The agent is working for the sellers, who are naturally trying to get you to pay top dollar for their home. You need a buyers representative who will represent you EXCLUSIVELY and can provide advices and direction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1 2

What does it cost as a potential buyer to use a Real Estate Agent?

NOTHING! The compensation that a Real Estate Agent receives comes from the seller's proceeds. There is no cost for a buyer to use an agent in a traditional agent/buyer relationship. In a Buyer Agency agreement, there may be some costs to the buyers but even these agreements are usually worded so N Othe UN that agent is compensated by the seller. *Some conditions may apply so please discuss with your REALTOR®.

Can my Agent give me information and show me properties that are for sale by other companies?

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Yes, Absolutely!

3

What if I find a property on my own?

You should contact your agent and NOT the property owner or the agent listing the property. Having the address or the MLS® # is very helpful and will assist your agent in gathering detailed information regarding the property.

7

What type of information will my agent need from me?

Your agent will need all the information that is pertinent to finding your ideal home. For example, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, price range, location (area) etc...Keep in mind that a search that is too specific may narrow your list of properties too much and you may miss out on properties that would otherwise have been a suitable match to your needs.

Can I go to open houses without my agent?

You can go to open houses without your agent. However, you need to make sure that you indicate you are working with an agent already. You may unknowingly disclose information that may affect the negotiation process on a property you offer on.

How can I find out about new properties?

Your agent should be able to accommodate your particular situation whether it be via email, phone calls, etc. Clients with email capability can receive automatic updates from the MLS® system as soon as new listings are entered.

What if I want to switch agents?

Let your current agent know why you want to switch agents. See if you can work out the issues with them. If not, tell the agent you no longer want to work with them and sign a termination of contract.

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Meet The

m a Te

Melanie has earned her title as THE relocation specialist, having worked closely with hundreds of military, RCMP, and work relocation clients. Drawing from her personal experience as a military veteran, Melanie understands the challenges of moving from miles away. This firsthand knowledge empowers her to create systems that minimize stress and ensure you stay two steps ahead during your house-hunting journey.

MELANIE LEBLANC Team Lead / REALTOR®

Meet Melanie, your dedicated real estate ally with an impressive 17+ years of experience and a track record of successfully navigating countless transactions. There's no challenge too big for Melanie—she tackles every situation head-on.

Renowned in the industry for her impeccable knowledge, Melanie stands out for her thorough communication, candid feedback, and top-notch transaction management systems. She's not just a REALTOR®; she's your go-to expert for those difficult conversations and tough negotiations, excelling in what she does best.

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Beyond her professional achievements, Melanie is a passionate advocate for dogs, with four furry companions of her own. Volunteering for ElderDog Canada, she dedicates her time to supporting our four-legged friends. In her role as a wife and mom of two boys, Melanie brings the same commitment and care to her personal life as she does to her real estate career.

Choose Melanie for a personable, engaging, and experienced approach to real estate that goes beyond the transaction—because your journey is her priority.

Bilingual (English & French) Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE) Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR)

STEVE ARSENAULT

KIM DEMPSEY

REALTOR®

REALTOR®

Steve is someone who has always thrived on aligning himself with excellence. With a rich background in hospitality, Steve served as a restaurant manager for the renowned Bertossi Group and The Canteen on Portland, where he honed the art of delivering unparalleled client service and building lasting relationships.

Meet Kim, your dynamic real estate partner with a background rich in experiences and a passion for community. Born and raised in the coastal haven of Herring Cove, just outside of Halifax, Kim now proudly calls the area of Waverley her "home."

He seamlessly transitions his passion, enthusiasm, and dedication from the hospitality industry to this award-winning real estate team where he takes great pride in upholding the same standards of excellence that he's always been accustomed to.

Steve's commitment goes beyond the ordinary; he strives and thrives in going the extra mile to ensure a seamless experience at every stage of the real estate journey. For Steve, client satisfaction isn't just a goal—it's his ultimate reward.

Beyond his professional life, Steve and his partner enjoy hosting guests or indulging in the vibrant local dining scene. No matter where he goes, Steve always manages to know someone, spreading smiles with his warm and welcoming demeanour.

Kim's professional background includes real estate paralegal and assistant, retail, sales, branding, digital marketing, merchandising, and even a little event planning. These diverse experiences have created a skill set that now fuels her thriving career as an award-winning REALTOR®, allowing her to seamlessly blend her varied expertise to assist clients with their real estate needs.

Over the last 6+ years as a licensed real estate agent, she has cherished the opportunity to get to know her clients and their families along the way while creating genuine connections that extend beyond the transaction.

On a personal note, Kim is a first-time mom, shop local advocate and connoisseur and the host of Connected Mastermind Group for entrepreneurs looking to grow their business!

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Why Choose Us?

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1

We are a team of agents with over 80% of its business coming from repeat clients & referrals.

2

We have a combined wealth of knowledge of over 28 years of real estate sales experience in the Halifax market.

3

We are highly skilled negotiators working on your behalf.

4

We are a team of full-time agents who are familiar with the ins and outs of the Halifax market and surrounding areas.

5

We have a professional administrative team handling everything behind the scenes so our agents can prioritize you!

d r a w A Winning Team!

An

2020-2021

2019

2022

2023

This award recognizes the top 1% of Royal LePage REALTORS® nationally, based on closed GCI and/or units sold.

This is an incredible achievement that we are very proud of and wouldn’t be possible without the support of our clients and business partners!

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Proactive, efficient, professional and attentive are only a few characteristics that define the team and level of customer service at Leblanc and Associates. Going above and beyond to accommodate our many requests, Melanie made our purchasing experience down right easy, and gave us the full confidence to complete the transaction over virtual means.

Melanie is truly the standard by which all others should be measured. We cannot thank Mel and her team enough.

Highly recommended; there just is no other option when it comes to a REALTOR®!

- Melanie Q.

Client Referral Program

Marketing to new clients costs tons of time, money and energy. Like any company, we need new clients to stay in business. Over the years, we have found that looking for new clients takes away from the time we would be spending working for you and other clients.

If we have helped you in the purchase or sale of real estate, then you know how well we serve our clients. The reason why we try so hard is so we can earn your respect and confidence in recommending our services to your friends, neighbours, and relatives. The ultimate reward is your word-of-mouth referral!

With this program, we are asking you to share your experience with others. If you refer your friends, relatives or co-workers, everyone benefits. They will receive the highest level of service and for thinking of us, you will receive a special token of gratitude.

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We hope you love Halifax as much as we do! #yourmoveinhalifax #hfxloveaffair #leblancandassociates Leblanc & Associates Halifax Area Relocation Services @yourmoveinhalifax @steve_n_rheal_st8 @kim_dempsey_realtor

Sample Forms

Working With The Real Estate Industry Buyer Designated Brokerage Agreement Certificate and Consent of Purchaser Agreement Of Purchase and Sale Counter Offer Property Disclosure Statement (PDS) Equipment Schedule (ES) Waiver of Conditions

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Working With The Real Estate Industry This is the form used to explain the different types of agency you can have with a REALTOR® and their brokerage and outlines the responsibilities of the buyer and agent.

Buyer Designated Brokerage Agreement This is the form used to establish agency between the buyer(s) and the REALTOR®

Certificate and Consent of Purchaser This is a form used to establish that a buyer is legally permitted to purchase a property in Canada

Agreement Of Purchase and Sale This is a standard purchase and sale agreement which outlines the terms of the offer and covers the most common conditions buyers would like satisfied when purchasing a property.

Counter Offer This form is used by the sellers to request different terms or conditions of the purchase and sale agreement submit from the buyer(s).

Property Disclosure Statement (PDS) This is the form that the sellers fill out to disclose any pertinent information about the property.

Equipment Schedule (ES) This is the form sellers fill out to identify if there are any financed/leased/rented equipment at the property and allows the buyer(s) to accept, reject the terms or propose new terms.

Buyer Waiver Of Conditions This is the form used to confirm that buyers are satisfied with all conditions and that the deal is firm and legally binding.

Knowledgeable.

Efficient.

Attentive.

Leblanc & Associates │ 902.830.4093 │ yourmoveinhalifax.com