Moving 2 Nova Scotia

Your Essential Settlement Guide

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Top 10 Reasons to Move to Halifax, Nova Scotia

Quality of Life: Halifax (or HRM – Halifax Regional Municipality) ranks high among ’s desirable cities to call home. In fact, some would say that Halifax is a bit of a hidden gem! The region offers unparalleled health services, economic securities and affordable housing options. From first time home styles to high end properties to mature adult surroundings, there are many styles, price points and neighbourhoods to choose from. The average housing prices in Halifax are currently below the National average which means it is a great city to invest in.

Neighbourhood Lifestyles: The city offers a wide variety of neighbourhood settings from sophisticated downtown urban lifestyles, to well-planned family style communities to rural country atmospheres. The developed city core provides an assortment of choices from new construction, cozy heritage properties to condo high rises.

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Charm: Population is currently under 400,000, a small town feel with a medium city presence. There is a variety of sports, arts, festivals, entertainment and fine dining options to choose from. It has 3 major shopping malls with the major brands and national retailer chains. There are a total of 9 Universities and Colleges throughout the city. The presence of so many students helps contribute to a vibrant youth culture in the region. There are public and private school options in English and French.

Employment Destination: Halifax offers a wide variety of employment options from Industry, Technology, Health Services and Government. It is a destination city which offers jobs to a large labour force, educational training and an above average community feel.

Recreation/Vacation: You can stay in town and/or head 60 to 90 minutes in any direction to find incredible beaches, a large selection of camping, boating and cottage destinations. There is recreation for skiing/snowboarding, golf, fishing, biking, kayaking and hiking to name a few.

Four Seasons: Nova Scotia is a full four season destination. Each one offering its own options, charm and appeal. Despite its coastal location, the weather is usually milder or cooler than that of inland Canada with warm summers and mild winters

City of Festivals: Tourism, Conventions and Entertainment are an ongoing part of life in Halifax. A wide variety of festivals take place throughout each year, including The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, The Halifax Busker Festival, The Atlantic Film Festival, The Atlantic Fringe Festival, The Atlantic Jazz Festival, Shakespeare by the Sea, periodic Tall Ships event, to name but a few! There is a lot to see and do throughout the year.

Foodies: Nova Scotia's food scene has long made good use out of its most obvious resource: the Atlantic . But there's more here than just excellent fresh seafood. There are a wide variety of eateries, local markets and international food resources. The options are endless and the quality of chefs and locally grown produces is outstanding.

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Transportation: HRM is very easy to get around, once you know your way. The urban core of HRM is well served by Metro Transit, which operates a good bus service as well as the pedestrian only harbour ferries connecting to two locations in Dartmouth. Two suspension bridges link the municipality urban core. Halifax Stanfield International Airport is the main airport located 35km (22 miles) outside of downtown Halifax and provides scheduled flights to domestic and international locations.

Roots: Halifax has been a place to call home for many generations. Many transient careers that move into Nova Scotia never leave. The people are friendly; there is a quality of lifestyle and a sense of well-being. Starting a family, building on your career, or retirement living, there are more and more people setting roots in Nova Scotia as opposed to moving on.

Quality of life is easy to find in Halifax!

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Useful Municipal and Provincial Information:

www.Halifax.ca HRM official website is where you will find information on city programs, garbage and recycling information, city council, bylaws, dog registration, parking, metro transit and much more. If you have children or fancy learning a new hobby, the Recreation program is a fantastic resource!

www.novascotia.ca Government website providing a ton of information for residents as well as business and tourism resources (including information on Nova Scotia Health Card MSI)

www.novascotia.ca/snsmr/access Access Nova Scotia is the central link to driver information, vehicle permits, government programs, business registration, tons of other services and information. www.ednet.ns.ca The Department of Education site provides information on schools (Primary -12) throughout the whole province. The Education site also has information on child care provisions, school calendars, school board contacts, continuing education, student services and other programs.

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www.hrsb.ns.ca The Halifax Regional School Board is the largest school board in Atlantic Canada with 49,000 students in 139 schools. Information such as school finder, home address look up (a great resource to find out which family of schools/catchment area you will be in), as well as school bus information (Stock Transportation) and the EXCEL program (before and after school child care provision) is within easy reach on the website. www.Halifaxpubliclibraries The Halifax Public Libraries consist of 14 branches in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The site has a searchable catalogue, online book club and resources as well as program listing and branch information. The library offers a great resource for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers with organised sessions in many of the local libraries. www.hiia.ca Halifax Stanfield International Airport website covers everything you need to know including car rental, bus service, customs, safety and security, flight information and accommodation as well as travel resources.

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Schools

Nova Scotia has just over 450 state schools, offering free education from Primary to Grade 12. The school year runs from September to the end of June. Children begin public school at 5 years old in grade primary. Children must be 5 years old by December 31 of the school year to be eligible.

For a list of English Schools in HRM, contact the Halifax Regional Municipality School Board at 464-2000 www.hrsb.ns.ca. You can click on Home Address Lookup to find out which schools your children will attend based on the address where you will be living. You can also find a list of schools offering EXCEL Before and After School Child Care Program.

For a list of schools offering early French immersion program (from Grade primary) and late French Immersion programs (from Grade 7), visit www.ednet.ns.ca and click on Directory of Public Schools, then search for immersion and your area.

You can also find more information on the Halifax Regional Municipality School Board website listed above.

There are four Francophone schools in Halifax and Dartmouth: Conseil scolaire francophone acadien: Francophone School Board www.csap.ednet.ns.ca Ecole Bois-Joli (Dartmouth) Primary to Grade 6 http://bois-joli.ednet.ns.ca Ecole Beaubasin (Bedford) Primary to Grade 8 http://beaubassin.ednet.ns.ca Ecole Secondaire du Sommet (Bedford) Grade 6 to 11 http://sommet.ednet.ns.ca Ecole du Carrefour (Dartmouth) Grade 7 to 12 http://carrefour.ednet.ns.ca

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Private Schools:

There are excellent private schools throughout HRM and other areas of the province. For more information contact the individual schools directly.

Armbrae Academy http://armbrae.ns.ca

Bedford Elementary Academy http://www.beacademy.ca

Birch Hills Academy http://www.birchhillsacademy.com/

Bridgeway Academy Association (Day school for children 8-19 with learning disabilities) www.bridgeway-academy.com

Churchill Academy http://www.churchillacademy.ca/

Creative Kids http://www.creativekids.info/

Halifax Christian Academy http://www.halifaxchristianacademy.ca

Halifax Grammar School http://www.hgs.ns.ca

Halifax Independent Elementary School http://www.halifaxindependentschool.ns.ca

Kings Edgehill, Windsor Nova Scotia http://www.kes.ns.ca/home

Kings View Academy http://www.kingsviewacademy.com/

Newbridge Academy http://www.newbridgeacademy.ca/

Sacred Heart School of Halifax http://www.sacredheartschool.ns.ca

Sandy Lake Academy http://www.sandylakeacademy.ca/

Shambala School http://www.shambhalaschool.org/

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Universities

Nova Scotia boasts no less than 11 degree granting universities, the highest concentration of universities in Canada. From undergraduate degrees in virtually any topic, to graduate degrees in medicine, dentistry, business, engineering, education, fine arts and more, you will certainly find it all here.

A note about fees – tuition fees although still costly, are much less for permanent residents or citizens. If you are coming over on a work permit and wish to study, you will be classed as an International student and charged at a higher rate.

Acadia University (Wolfville) Atlantic School of Theology (Halifax) Cape Breton University (Sydney) Dalhousie University (Halifax) L'Université Sainte-Anne (Pointe-de-l'Église) – French speaking Mount Saint Vincent University (Halifax) NSCAD University (Nova Scotia College of Art and Design) (Halifax) St. Francis Xavier University (Antigonish) Saint Mary's University (Halifax) University of King's College (Halifax)

NSCC – Nova Scotia Community College is a province-wide training and education system housed at thirteen campuses. Practical, hands-on programs provide students with competencies and skills that meet and exceed international standards.

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School Bus Information:

Depending on where you choose to live, children may be transported to school by the yellow school bus. In general, the school bus is available for children who live more than 2.4km from the Elementary school and 3.4km from the High School. It is possible to find the bus stop location, times and bus route on the Stock Transportation website.

Stock Transportation – http://hrsb.ca

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Medical & Healthcare

The first step in accessing any medical care is applying for your health card. You are eligible for health care coverage from the day you land as a Permanent Resident or on a Temporary Work Permit. Health care coverage is through Medical Services Insurance (MSI). MSI coverage is restricted, although all medical and surgical services are covered. Dental coverage, medications, ambulance service, eye care and extended care such as Chiropractor/Physiotherapy is not covered under MSI.

Dental Care is private and as such can be very expensive. Children under the age of 13 are offered free dental checkups and basic cleaning under MSI.

You can obtain your health card quickly and efficiently by visiting the MSI centre which is situated at 230 Brownlow Avenue, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (902) 496-7008. You do not need to make an appointment first.

Health cards are valid for 5 years for Permanent Residents and 1 year for those on a temporary work permit. MSI will contact you prior to expiry to renew the cards.

For more information about the Nova Scotia Health Card (MSI) visit http://www.gov.ns.ca/health/msi/

To search Family Physicians taking on new patients http://www.gov.ns.ca/health/physicians/

You can also call physician offices to see if they are accepting new patients or call your district health authority http://novascotia.ca/DHW/about/DHA.asp. There is also the option of walk in clinics. Carry your health card with you at all times, as you will need it when visiting hospitals and walk in clinics.

911 – Emergency

For non-emergency health information and services call 811 to speak with a Health link nurse

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Medical Insurance Plans

If you are in full time employment, most employers will offer a Health Insurance plan, often paid for by the employer, however some may require a partial contribution. The health plan covers the additional cost of services not typically covered by MSI. Most insurance reimbursement is between 70% and 100% on drug and dental charges.

There is also the option of taking out your own individual or family Healthcare Plan to meet your medical needs. Insurance can be expensive but if you are self-employed or have inadequate insurance through your employer, it is certainly worth looking into.

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Hospitals

Dartmouth General 325 Pleasant Street, Dartmouth Switchboard 465-8300

IWK Grace Centre for Children, Youth, Women and Families – Nova Scotia’s Centre of Excellence and renowned worldwide as a Research hospital in the areas of children and women’s health. 5980 University Ave, Halifax www.iwk.nshealth.ca 470-8888

Capital Health is Nova Scotia’s largest provider of health services. The services operates hospitals, health centres and community-based programs throughout Halifax Regional Municipality and the western part of Hants County. Services are provided through nine hospitals as well as dozens of community health centres across the region. For more information, check out their excellent website www.cdha.nshealth.ca

Queen Elizabeth II Health Science Centre: (902) 473-2700

The QE11 is made up of 10 buildings located over two sites. You can reach all the sites through the main switchboard number, listed above.

Halifax Infirmary Site:

 Abbie J. Lane  Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial  Halifax Infirmary

Victoria General (VG) site  Bethune  Centenial  Centre for Clinical Research  Nova Scotia Rehabilitation Centre  Dickson  Victoria  MacKenzie

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Emergency Departments www.cdha.nshealth.ca

The following hospitals have Emergency Departments:

Cobequid Community Health Centre Dartmouth General Hospital Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital Halifax Infirmary Hants Community Hospital IWK Health Services Centre (for patients up to 16 years of age) Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital QEII Health Sciences Centre Twin Oaks Memorial Centre

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Useful Information:

Recreation Info – From ice skating to hockey to skiing and kayaking, the list is endless. Check out the following websites to give you a small taste of the abundant summer and winter activities available to you.

Halifax Regional Municipality: www.halifax.ca BMO Centre www.bmocentrehalifax.com Canada Games Centre http://canadagamescentre.ca/ Cheema Aquatic Club www.cheema.ns.ca Dartmouth Sportsplex www.dartmouthsportsplex.

Emera Oval – the largest outdoor ice surface in Atlantic Canada http://www.halifaxoval.com/ Ground Zero Climbing Gym www.climbgroundzero.com Sackville Sports Stadium www.thestadium.ca Ski Martock www.martock.com Ski Wentworth www.skiwentworth.ca Taiso Gymnastic Training Centre www.taisogymnastics.ca

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Main Shopping Centres

Bayers Lake Shopping Centre www.bayerslake.ca Bedford Place Mall http://www.bedfordplacemall.com/ Dartmouth Crossing www.dartmouthcrossing.com Halifax Shopping Centre www.halifaxshoppingcentre.com MicMac Mall www.micmacmall.com Sunnyside Shopping Centre http://sunnysidemall.ca/

Shopping:

Up until recently there were only two supermarkets chains dominating the grocery market – Sobeys and Atlantic Superstore. However, Walmart has recently introduced a large range of fresh produce into their supercentres which has resulted in a little more choice and competitive pricing.

Costco Wholesale– a yearly membership is required and is available to anyone. With access to an expanded range of high quality products from home electronics, pharmacies to car tires and fresh produce, it is well worth checking out.

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Pete’s Frootique - an amazing variety of produce from all over the world (with a special effort made to bring in local produce whenever/where ever they can). There’s an exceptional range of UK imported foods (at a premium price!).With very helpful staff who really seem to love what they do, and are eager to help you out when needed, it is a joy to visit! They have an incredible fresh salad, soup and sandwich bar.

Gateway Meat Market – Situated on Main Street in Dartmouth, Gateway is definitely worth a visit for fresh, high quality meat at excellent prices. All Gateway’s fresh meat comes from the Maritimes. The recently expanded fresh fruit and vegetable section is good and very reasonably priced.

NSLC- The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation has near total control of the sale of alcohol within the province of Nova Scotia. There are several privately owned Wine and Liquor stores within HRM offering a wide selection of wines and spirits not usually carried by the NSLC. The legal age for buying and drinking alcohol in Nova Scotia is 19 years.

Farmers’ Market – There are abundant Farm Markets throughout the region. One of the most popular (and largest) is Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market, situated on the waterfront in downtown Halifax. Open daily, it is home to over 250 vendors selling some of Nova Scotia’s best local products including: fresh local organic produce, local organic fruit, maple products, crafts, cheeses, and so much more.

Canadian Tire – You’ll find a good selection of national and retail brands selling everything from sporting goods, hardware, electronics, housewares, garden and patio, and auto accessories, as well as full automotive services.

Tim Hortons – The definitely love their coffee. One of the most cherished coffee shops is Tim Hortons. With around 3,000 Tim Hortons shops in Canada, Tim Hortons is so big it is considered a Canadian icon and a huge part of their culture! Canadians have lovingly been referring to Tim Hortons as “Timmy’s”for years. You’ll soon get used to the unique lingo (double/double, single/single - it’s also worth noting that coffee comes with cream unless milk is requested!)

Known for its coffee, donuts, muffins, soups, sandwiches and timbits, everything is baked fresh, very popular and well worth the wait!

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Tourism Information

For a list of activities and places of interest check out these helpful links: www.novascotia.com

www.destinationhalifax.com

www.explorenovascotia.com

www.halifax.ca/visitors.asp

Area Maps

The HRM website has few areas of interest within HRM that may be printed on 8.5 x 11 paper. These maps contain streets and other features such as points of interest where applicable and walking trails. www.halifax.ca/giss/PrintableMaps.html

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Points of Interest

Public Gardens Opened in 1867, the Gardens have been a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Take a walk along the paths, and see the flowers, trees, and fountains that make it a very special location. Have a seat on one of the benches and feed the ducks as you plan your day.

Pier 21 Visit the point of entry to Canada for thousands of immigrants, war brides and refugees. Between 1928 and 1971, Pier 21 was the first glimpse of Canada for many people. Tour the displays, and be sure to view the movie presentation - it will take you back in time, to experience what it must have been like for people just arriving to this country.

Historic Properties These buildings are the oldest surviving group of waterfront warehouses. As you tour the waterfront, you will see that many of the warehouses have been transformed into quaint shops and restaurants.

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Point Pleasant Park This park is one of Halifax Regional Municipality’s great civic spaces. It is the largest forested park on the Halifax peninsula and offers beautiful views. The park is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. It is a recreation site, primarily used for its many trails. A walking tour of the park will take you to several points of interest, Prince of Wales Martello Tower, and the Bon Adventure Memorial.

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic This museum has extensive exhibits on the regions sea faring history and the great disasters of the and the sinking of the Titanic.

The Halifax Citadel This 19th Century British military fortress is the most visited national historic site in Canada. It is situated on a hilltop overlooking the city and the harbour, with great views of downtown Halifax. Daily events include Noon Gun firing demonstration (not to be missed!), Changing of the guards, bagpipes playing and movies.

Halifax Waterfront This is where you'll go to find all sorts of restaurants, shops, harbor cruises and such. Street performers, buskers, street vendors all help create a great atmosphere.

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Peggy’s Cove Located 43 km southwest of downtown Halifax, Peggy’s Cove is one of the busiest tourist attractions in Nova Scotia and is a prime attraction on the Lighthouse Trail scenic drive. The community's famous lighthouse marks the eastern entrance of St. Margarets Bay. Stop off for a picnic at Peggy's Cove, and visit Mahone Bay, Lunenburg and the picturesque coast to the south.

Cape Breton Further afield: Drive the Cabot Trail around the Cape Breton Highlands National Park to see some spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. Fall is a fantastic time to visit, the changing of the colours is stunning. You are likely to see a moose or two as well!

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Weather in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia weather is influenced by the ocean. Winters are generally milder than most other provinces and summers are sunny and warm. It’s not unusual for the area to be blanketed in fog and mist especially in spring and early summer. Generally as the temperatures rise, the fog burns off quickly. Bear this in mind when travelling to the beach as certain beaches are notorious for fog!

Winters in NS are moderate, but wet with both rain and snow. The average high temperature in January is 2°C (29°F). There can be very cold snaps too usually in January or early February. Spring comes slowly, and eventually arrives in late April or early May. You may see snow on the ground until late March or early April.

Nova Scotia summers are warm and beautiful. In July the average high temperature is 23°C (74°F). By late summer or early fall, Nova Scotia may feel the tail end of a hurricane or tropical storm. Fall is a spectacular time with stunning colours and mild temperatures.

Weather links: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/canada/nova-scotia/halifax

http://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/ns-19_metric_e.html

Web Cams:

For live views of various areas of Nova Scotia, check out the many webcams located throughout the province.

http://www.novascotiawebcams.com

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Driving

Since 2011, there has been a reciprocal agreement in place that allows UK drivers to interchange their UK drivers licence for a Nova Scotia license. Driving Licenses are issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles at Access Nova Scotia locations and are renewed every five years. You will have to have an eye test and hand over your valid Driver’s license (keep the paper copy for your records).

http://novascotia.ca/snsmr/access/drivers.asp

It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with The Nova Scotia Driver’s Handbook which you can find online at the above web link. Even if you are an experienced UK driver, there are rules of the road and signs that differ here, so this is a valuable free resource or you can purchase a hard copy at any Registry of Motor Vehicles office. The handbook also includes information about licensing, registration, inspection and collision reporting and collision reporting.

The speed limit in urban areas is 50 km/h (30km/h in a school zone), 80km/h in rural areas and 100km/h to 110km/h on highways. Speed limits are posted on road signs in kilometres per hour (1.6 km = 1 mile).

It is against the law to use a hand held cell phone or text message while you are driving. You are still allowed to use a hand held cell phone while driving if it is an immediate emergency or if you are using a hands free device.

For information on child safety rules of the road, the following sites are a good resource. childsafetylink.ca:

Transport Canada's Child Safety

Children under 9 years old, who weigh 18 kg (40 lb.) or more but who are less than 145 cm (57 in.) in height must use a booster seat or other child restraint system.

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Buying a car: As well as the cost of the vehicle (which is often less expensive than the UK), there are registration fees, licence plates fees, taxes, insurance and ongoing maintenance to consider.

A Nova Scotia Vehicle Permit is needed by anyone who owns a motor vehicle. A Vehicle Permit is the same as Vehicle Registration. (A licence plate is assigned to the vehicle when the vehicle permit is issued, and getting your plate is part of that process.) Your Nova Scotia number plate remains with you to transfer when you change vehicles. The Vehicle Permit is renewed every two years and is usually dependent on the weight of the vehicle, the heavier the vehicle, the more you pay. The permit sticker is attached to the license plate.

The Certificate of Registration document is your proof of ownership and should be kept safely at home. Keep your Vehicle Permit in your vehicle at all times, along with a valid insurance document. It shows who the owner of the vehicle is and who the owner of the vehicle’s licence plates is. It also shows whether or not the licence plates are valid.

Each vehicle must have a valid MVI (Motor Vehicle Inspection) sticker on the windshield. This is an inspection done at a registered garage and costs about $40.00 MVI renewal is every 2 years. A new vehicle MVI lasts for 3 years.

You must pay HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) on a used vehicle in Nova Scotia. If you buy a vehicle from a dealership, they will collect the HST. If it is a private sale, HST is paid when you register the vehicle. For more information about buying a car, check out the following: http://www.novascotia.ca/snsmr/access/individuals/consumer-awareness/consumer- purchases/buying-a-car.asp

A word about Car Insurance – to get the best deal possible, bring copies of all your insurance documentation including your current no claims bonus, as this will help keep your premiums as low as possible.

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Employment

Apply for your Social Insurance number (SIN) as soon as possible so that you can legally work in Canada. Depending on residency status, most people will start the job search prior to landing in Nova Scotia but often, until you land positions are limited. It’s always a good idea to convert your CV into a Canadian Resume detailing your work history.

Ensure your credentials are assessed with the Canadian Centre for International Credentials for Canadian equivalency http://www.cicic.ca/en/index.aspx. You should also check to make sure your credentials are recognized at the provincial level as well.

If you are a tradesperson, you will need to become certified in Canada in order to work in your trade. For trade certification, begin by contacting Red Seal, a nation-wide trade certification organization at www.red-seal.ca

Most professions are regulated, you will need to register with the appropriate provincial regulatory organization for your profession.

It’s worth noting that many positions are not advertised and are often filled by word of mouth contacts. Networking is key to getting yourself “out there”.

Resources: http://www.opportunityplace.ca/

http://www.isisns.ca/

http://www.greaterhalifax.com/en/home/default.aspx

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Banking

You do not have to be a resident in order to set up a bank account, apply for a credit card or a mortgage. To open a bank account you will need two pieces of ID (Passport or Drivers Licence) and an up to date utility bill to show your present address. Setting up a bank account and applying for a pre-approved credit card before you land will quickly help build your credit rating which you will need to establish as soon as possible. Bring acceptable copies of your UK credit rating with you. (www.experian.co.uk or www.equifax.co.uk).

Credit cards, loans and credit lines all help to increase your credit rating. Even if you are not a fan of credit cards, it is a good idea to apply for one and secure it against your bank account.

For more information on your credit score, this will help: http://www.fcac-acfc.gc.ca/eng/resources/publications/creditLoans/Pages/Understa- Comprend-9.aspx

Mortgages:

It is possible to get pre-approved for a mortgage even if you are a non-resident of Nova Scotia. Most mortgages are either fixed or variable and the maximum length is 25 years (called the amortization period). A licensed mortgage broker or lender will help you determine the monthly payment you can comfortably afford, the price range you can shop in as well as closing costs and carrying costs.

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As a Canadian Permanent Resident (also known as a landed immigrant) most financing opportunities and best mortgage rates are available to you. Any mortgage exceeding 80% of the purchase price or value of the property is required by law to be insured usually by CMHC – Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation. The insurance premium is added to the amount borrowed and repaid over the period of the mortgage.

Applicants must have verifiable Canadian generated income, a down-payment, and a satisfactory credit rating in Canada or an acceptable credit history from the UK to meet the approval of both the lender and the insurer.

Non-Residents

If a person living outside of Canada wishes to apply for a mortgage in Canada, they will be treated as a non-resident. If you are a Non-Resident, the financial institutions see you as a greater risk, and a deposit of 35% is usually required.

Work Permit

Those persons working in Canada with a valid Canadian work permit are eligible for financing. In fact, some lending institutions will lend up to 95% of the purchase price (or value of the property) to an applicant who has a valid work permit and is working in Canada, if the mortgage is insured.

It is worth noting that each lender will examine the mortgage application on a case by case basis.

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Buying a Home

The home buying system varies considerably from the UK system. The main difference is that a licensed Real Estate Agent (commonly called a Realtor) represents the buyer and can show ANY property on the market, not just the properties they have listed. As a buyer there are no Real Estate transaction fees to pay, all fees are paid by the seller which means there is no cost to you when working with a Realtor.

Properties for sale are listing on a Canada wide system called the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) www.realtor.ca. You can search the MLS and find properties that meet your requirements or your Agent can set up a feed to notify you when suitable properties come onto the market. When you want to view the properties, your Realtor will set the appointments and accompany you throughout the viewings.

Once you’ve found your perfect property, an offer of purchase is made and presented to the selling agent who will liaise with the sellers. At this time, the offer can either be accepted, declined or in most cases, a counter offer made. Unlike the UK, a contract exists at the very start of the home buying process. When a suitable agreement is made and accepted, the next stage is to work through the condition removal contained within the purchase and sale agreement. The whole process takes between 2 to 4 weeks to complete.

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Closing Costs Guidelines

When buying a property, the amount needed for closing costs is usually between 3% and 5% of your total purchase price. In addition to closing costs, there are other expenses involved on or after your home closes. Here is an estimate of costs involved.

Home Inspection Fee - It is generally advisable to have the property you are buying inspected by a professional inspector. Inspections generally take place between 2 and 5 days after the offer has been accepted and costs in the region of $250- $400 plus HST. If you are buying a new home, you will probably be exempt from this fee: a new home builder is legislated to provide an inspection before the buyer takes possession.

Mortgage Appraisal Fee - Some lenders require an appraiser’s report confirming that the purchase reflects fair market value. Depending on your down payment, some lenders will waive this requirement. Usual cost is $125-$300.

Legal Fees & Disbursements - You will need a lawyer to act on your behalf in purchasing and mortgaging a property. Legal fees vary from Lawyer to Lawyer but on average the costs involved are between $800 and $1300 paid upon closing.

Deed Transfer tax - In Nova Scotia, this fee is 1.5 % of the purchase price of your home. It is paid to your lawyers on closing who then makes this one off payment to the municipality.

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Title Insurance - Most lawyers will recommend this to protect you against challenges about title to your house as well an infringements on boundaries, rights of way and encroachments. The fee is usually $250-$350 paid on closing.

Homeowners/Property insurance - This insurance covers the replacement value of your home and its contents. Your mortgage lender will require proof that you have this insurance in place on closing. Cost $800-$1300 per year which can often be paid in monthly installments.

Moving costs - don't forget the basic costs involved in moving from your old place into your new home, particularly if you use a professional moving company. Get estimates beforehand.

Property Tax Adjustment - If the current owners have paid the property tax for the year, you will need to reimburse them at closing, for your share of the taxes. Property taxes are calculated from Jan – Dec and are paid at the end of June.

Adjustment Costs - You will be responsible for your share of any costs for fees (e.g. condo fees) utilities or fuel the current owner has prepaid. You will be required to pay the owner for a full tank of fuel on closing (if you are buying a home with oil or propane heating). The owner will fill the tank the day before closing. You will pay for this upon closing. A full tank of oil is approximately $1,000.

Additional Costs - Reconnecting your power and hooking up your telephone line, cable etc. – cost approximately $80 each. Budget in advance for new appliances if applicable, new furnishings, window dressings etc. in addition to the following basic household expenses:

Property Tax - The property tax is based on the assessed value of your property – note this is not the market or appraised value but the value put on the property by the municipal government that sets the tax rate and collects taxes. Costs vary but a rough calculation is $3-$6 thousand per year. It can be paid every month (in advance) or every half yearly. For more information on Residential tax rates in HRM, go to www.halifax.ca/revenue/taxbill/rates.html

Electric/Power - There is only one supplier – Nova Scotia Power. Expect to pay approximately $200 per month for electric and more if you have a heat pump.

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Heating - Heating is generally restricted to oil, electricity, wood, pellet and propane (natural gas is available in only a few communities). Air Source Heat pumps and/or electric thermal storage are gaining popularity in new builds as well as an increased use of solar panels. Costs vary depending on your heating system, expect to pay somewhere in the region of $250-$500 per month.

Cable - There are various providers who offer TV/Internet/Home Phone services. Shop around as you will find special offers. Expect to pay somewhere in the region of $100 to $200 per month depending on your requirements.

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How I Can Help www.richardpayne.ca

Regardless of whether you are transferring from another province or from another country, I’d be thrilled to help you find the perfect home for your new beginning.

I have extensive relocation and settlement expertise and a considerable knowledge of market values, local neighbourhoods, properties available in your price range and styles of homes that will match your individual needs.

I can advise you about financing and property taxes, as well as schools, places of worship and services in the neighbourhood in which you are looking to buy. Most importantly, you can rely on me to help negotiate the best price and terms on your real estate transaction.

I am available via email or we can chat via Skype if more convenient. I have a ton of resources and a team of experts ready to put into place to make your move streamlined and successful. In the meantime, have a look at the following government website that offers a range of information, resources and services to guide you through this process. www.chmc.ca

Don’t forget to check out the Resources Section on my website (under Buyers Tab) for more resources that may be of use to you.

If you or someone you know is contemplating moving to Halifax, contact me today on (902) 489-1804 or email me [email protected] to help make this move a very positive and memorable buying or selling experience. www.richardpayne.ca

I’m here to Make Your Real Estate Simple – Let Me Show You How!

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