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Century 21 Optimum Realty

@c21optimumrealty.bsky.social

10 followers 14 following 44 posts

Century 21 Optimum Realty serves most of Nova Scotia. C21 Optimum Realty offers unmatched support for buyers and sellers, providing global brand recognition, advanced technology, and marketing that maximizes property exposure. www.optimumrealty.c21.ca

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Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · 8h

Nova Scotia's non-profit housing sector is growing—but still represents less than 4% of total households.
Organizations like NSNPHA and AHANS are changing that through development, advocacy, and 30+ year affordability commitments.
Learn how you can support: shorturl.at/HF7tU

The Essential Role of Non-Profit Organizations in Nova Scotia's Affordable Housing Strategy | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

Non-profit organizations have emerged as cornerstone players in Nova Scotia's approach to solving its housing crisis.

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · 4d

🏠 Nearly 200 NS families just gained long-term housing security
Rooted secured $7M to purchase:
📍 3 Dartmouth properties (Primrose St, Franklyn Court)
📍 3 Truro properties (Park St, Minerva Dr)
30-year affordability commitment = no displacement, stable rents
#HousingMatters
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Nova Scotia Non-Profit Secures $7 Million | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

Nova Scotia Non-Profit Secures $7 Million to Preserve Nearly 200 Affordable Homes in Dartmouth and Truro

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · 8d

⚡ Breaking: NS creates new department with power to override HRM planning decisions. If you're a developer, property pro, or planning a project in Halifax, this changes everything: #HRM #Halifax #NovaScotia

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Nova Scotia Creates New Provincial Planning Department to Fast-Track Halifax Housing Development | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

Nova Scotia is taking unprecedented action to address the housing crisis in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · 10d

🏡 Thinking of buying in Halifax this fall? Current market advantages:
✓ 1,400+ listings to choose from
✓ More negotiating power
✓ Improving affordability trends
✓ Future supply increases coming
Your complete buyer's guide: tinyurl.com/49j6n4j6

Nova Scotia Real Estate Market Update | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

The Nova Scotia real estate market is showing signs of stabilization this fall, with new provincial initiatives aimed at addressing housing shortages and improving affordability across the Halifax Reg...

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · 16d

BREAKING: NS government cuts heating assistance to $400 (from $600) and excludes thousands by dropping income limits from $55K→$30K for singles.
As power rates soar 14%, vulnerable Nova Scotians are being left in the cold.
Read the full breakdown: shorturl.at/Mlykm

Nova Scotia Slashes Heating Assistance Rebate for Low-Income Households in 2025 | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

The Houston government has cut heating assistance for vulnerable Nova Scotians by one-third while tightening eligibility rules, sparking concerns about energy poverty amid rising costs.

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · 16d

🚨 Starbucks Canada Update: 57 stores closing nationwide—Ontario loses 30+, BC loses 11, but Nova Scotia stays at 100%! ✅
Full breakdown of closures, employee support, & what's next for the coffee giant: shorturl.at/BfsJ3
#StarbucksCanada #NS #BusinessNews

Starbucks Closes 57 Stores Across Canada in Major Restructuring Effort | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

Starbucks has announced the closure of 57 stores across Canada as part of a comprehensive $1 billion restructuring initiative aimed at addressing financial performance challenges and evolving market c...

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · 16d

Halifax economy 2025: ✅ 2.6% GDP growth (2nd among major cities) ✅ 13,900 new jobs (record gain) ✅ Inflation down to 1.7% ✅ 4,657 housing starts ✅ 5.6% unemployment The numbers tell a story of resilient growth. Full breakdown: shorturl.at/yj5ok #HalifaxEconomy #NovaScotia

Halifax Economy 2025 | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

Halifax's economy is showing resilience and adaptation as it navigates the post-pandemic landscape. With impressive job creation, cooling inflation, and a housing market beginning to find its footing

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · 20d

Mortgage pre-approval in #HRM #EastHants #Truro gives you:

Clear budget limits
Faster closing process
Serious buyer credibility
Rate protection

Smart buyers get approved first! #NovaScotiaHomes #MortgageAdvice

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Why Mortgage Pre-Approval is Essential Before House Shopping | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you start house hunting in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), East Hants, or Truro isn't just a good idea—it's essential for a successful home-buying e...

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · 21d

⏰ TIMELINE ALERT: Nova Scotia's Traffic Safety Act 2026
✅ Sept 2025: Bill introduced
📋 Fall/Winter 2025: Public consultations
🚀 Early 2026: Implementation
This replaces traffic laws from the early 1900s with modern enforcement tech!
Email: [email protected] #TrafficSafety
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Nova Scotia's New Traffic Safety Act 2026 | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

Nova Scotia is preparing for its most significant overhaul of driving laws in nearly a century. The new Traffic Safety Act was introduced in the Nova Scotia Legislature on September 23, 2025

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · 23d

🏗️ HISTORIC: Canada breaks ground on 100,000+ rental units in the past year—nearly matching ALL single-family homes + condos combined!
Ottawa doubled rental starts, Halifax hit 10,000+ units under construction.
#CanadaHousing #RealEstate #RentalMarket
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Canada's Rental Construction Boom Historic Surge Reshapes Housing Market in 2025 | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

Canada is experiencing an unprecedented rental housing construction surge that's fundamentally transforming the nation's housing landscape.

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · 28d

💡 Stop reading national housing headlines and start researching YOUR local market.
What matters more:
❌ "Canadian housing down 5%"
✅ Job growth in your city
✅ Local inventory levels
✅ Regional migration patterns
Real estate success = local knowledge 🎯
#RealEstateTips
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Why Canada's Housing Market Isn't Really One Market | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

The phrase Canada's housing market appears in countless headlines, but this oversimplification masks a crucial reality: Canada doesn't have one housing market—it has dozens.

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Sep 15

🏠 BREAKING: Dartmouth selected as 1 of only 6 sites across Canada for the new Build Canada Homes initiative!
✅ 4,000 factory-built homes nationwide
✅ 50% faster construction
✅ 20% cost savings
✅ Construction starts 2026
#Dartmouth #HousingCrisis #BuildCanadaHomes
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Dartmouth Selected as Major Site for Canada's Revolutionary Build Canada Homes Initiative | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

Nova Scotia community, Dartmouth, joins five other Canadian cities in $13 billion federal housing program set to deliver 4,000 factory-built homes starting in 2026

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Sep 15

🏠 Halifax Housing Reality Check:
Housing starts down from record highs but rental construction surging 📈
10K+ rental units building = more supply coming
Vacancy rates finally rising = rent relief ahead?
Market cooling ≠ market crashing ✅
#Halifax #RealEstate #CanadaHousing
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Halifax Housing Starts in 2025 A Detailed Market Analysis and National Comparison | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

Housing construction across Canada's major metropolitan areas has remained remarkably stable in 2025, but beneath this overall steadiness lies a complex story of regional variations. Halifax, after tw...

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Sep 14

🚨 Bank of Canada almost certain to cut rates 0.25% on Sept 17th
📉 Canada lost 66K jobs in August 📊 Unemployment at 7.1% - highest since 2016 📈 92% market odds for rate cut
🏠 For mortgages: ✅ Variable rates = instant savings
#BankOfCanada
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Bank of Canada September 17th Rate Decision What to Expect for Mortgage Rates | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

The Bank of Canada will almost certainly cut its overnight rate by 0.25% on September 17th, bringing it from 2.75% to 2.50%. This expected move, driven by deteriorating employment data and economic co...

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Sep 10

⚖️ NS minimum wage hits $16.50 Oct 1st - great for workers, challenging for small biz. How will employers adapt to higher labor costs while supporting fair wages? The balancing act continues. #NovaScotiaBusiness #MinimumWage #SmallBusiness

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Nova Scotia Minimum Wage Rises Again What Workers and Employers Need to Know | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

Nova Scotia workers are getting another financial boost as the province prepares for its second minimum wage increase of 2025. Starting October 1, 2025, the minimum wage will jump from $15.70 to $16.5...

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Sep 7

📋 Self-employed mortgage checklist:
✅ 2+ years NOAs
✅ T1 Generals
✅ Business registration docs
✅ 6 months bank statements
✅ Credit score 680+
✅ Emergency fund
Missing any? Start gathering now! #MortgagePrep
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How to Get a Mortgage While Self-Employed in Canada: A Complete Guide for 2025 | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

Getting a mortgage as a self-employed Canadian doesn't have to be an uphill battle. While the process requires more documentation than traditional employment, thousands of entrepreneurs, freelancers, ...

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Sep 4

🏠 Halifax-Dartmouth Real Estate Update - August 2025
📊 477 sales (-2.7% but historically strong)
💰 Average price: $603,650 (+5.8% YoY)
📈 1,571 active listings (+19% more choice!)
⚖️ 3.3 months inventory - healthiest balance since 2020
#HalifaxRealEstate #NovaScotia #MarketUpdate
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Halifax-Dartmouth Real Estate Market Update August 2025 | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

The Halifax-Dartmouth residential market remains active with rising prices and increased inventory, but is experiencing a healthy transition toward more balanced conditions with longer selling times a...

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Sep 2

💭 "Am I really ready to buy a house in Halifax?"
If you've asked yourself this question, you need this checklist. 10 brutally honest questions that go way beyond your mortgage pre-approval.
#FirstTimeBuyer #Halifax #RealEstate

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First-Time Home Buyer Checklist 10 Questions to Ask Before You Even Start House Hunting | Rob Lough | Realtor/Broker

Every first-time home buyer has been exactly where you are right now – caught between the dream of homeownership and the very real fear of making a costly mistake.

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Sep 1

💰 2025 Reality Check: Taxpayer fined $21,000 for not reporting $159K property gain to CRA. The principal residence exemption only works when properly claimed. Don't skip the paperwork! #CanadianTaxes #PropertyLaw
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Why You Must Report Your Property Sale to CRA | Rob Lough | Broker

Are you selling your home in Canada? Even if you think your principal residence sale is tax-free, failing to report it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) could cost you thousands in penalties and lost...

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Aug 20

🏗️ Killam's building the future! The Carrick (Waterloo) now fully leased, Eventide (Halifax) coming 2026, and $127.9M in strategic dispositions funding new growth.
Geographic diversification = portfolio strength! #Development #KillamREIT #Growth
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Killam Properties 2025 Canadian Highlights | Rob Lough | Broker

Killam Apartment REIT continues to strengthen its position as a leading multi-residential property owner across Canada, with particularly impressive growth in its home province of Nova Scotia.

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Aug 19

🏠 BREAKING: Halifax's Suburban Housing Accelerator Plan is transforming how we build communities! With $79.3M in federal funding, HRM aims to create 15,467 new housing units by 2026. From as-of-right development to 14-story buildings - here's what you need to know 👇
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understanding HRM’s Suburban Housing Accelerator Your Guide to Halifax’s Development Revolution

Halifax is experiencing a housing transformation unlike anything seen in recent decades. At the center of this change is the Suburban Housing Plan

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Aug 18

🤔 What's the difference between a bank appraisal and CMA in Nova Scotia?
Bank appraisal: Official for mortgage approval ($400-800 CAD)
CMA: Market analysis for listing price (free from NS agents)
One satisfies Canadian lenders, one helps you sell in Maritime markets!
#NovaScotia
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Bank Appraisal vs Real Estate CMA in Nova Scotia Complete Guide for Homeowners

When buying, selling, or refinancing property in Nova Scotia, you'll encounter two essential property valuation methods: bank appraisals and CMAs

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Aug 14

🏠 BREAKING: Nova Scotia leads Canada with the steepest apartment rent drop!
📉 5% decline year-over-year → avg. rent now $2,275 Biggest provincial decrease nationwide
Great news for renters after years of increases
#NovaScotia #RentTrends #CanadianRealEstate #Halifax #RentalMarket
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Nova Scotia Leads Canada with Steepest Apartment Rent Decline in July 2025 | Rob Lough | Broker

Nova Scotia renters received welcome news in July 2025, as the province recorded the most significant apartment rent decrease across all Canadian provinces.

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Aug 12

Ready to buy in a property Nova Scotia? Your GDS and TDS ratios are the secret to mortgage success!
✅ GDS under 35% = housing costs that won't stress your budget
✅ TDS under 42% = prime lending rates and multiple lender options
#MortgageTips #CanadianRealEstate
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GDS vs TDS Ratios: Your Complete Guide to Canadian Mortgage Qualification

Planning to buy a home in Canada? There's a good chance you've heard mortgage brokers throw around terms like "GDS" and "TDS" without much explanation

Century 21 Optimum Realty @c21optimumrealty.bsky.social · Aug 10

🔓 Most people don't know these credit score hacks exist:
✅ Get credit for rent & utility payments (instant boost!)
✅ Increase credit limits without hard inquiries
✅ Use old cards strategically instead of closing them
Your score could jump 20-50 points with these moves 📈
shorturl.at/WoylD

Unlock Hidden Credit Score Secrets: Smart Moves That Work

You've mastered the basics of credit management—paying bills on time, keeping balances low, and monitoring your credit report.