A change was in the air. Donna Harding and her husband, Sebastien Latulippe, had been successfully running their own independent brokerage, Harding Real Estate Inc., for eight years. But they felt a pivot was necessary to support their clients in a rapidly-shifting real estate market.
“The influence of international buyers from Europe, Britain, south of the border, and those from across Canada moving east to settle in a slower-paced lifestyle city required a more robust marketing model,” explains Harding. “It was something we simply weren’t able to offer as a mom-and-pop brokerage.”
When Harding and Latulippe were approached by global luxury real estate brand Engel & Völkers last January, they knew the timing was right. Immigration was up, the housing market was growing, and there had never been more buzz about moving to Halifax. Partnering with Engel & Völkers would mean they’d be able to serve their clients in a way they never could before.
“Listing with Engel & Völkers means we can showcase our clients’ properties on more than 55 websites around the world that get more than 200 million hits each month,” says Latulippe. “If you’re going to list your home, you want as much as exposure as possible.”
Latulippe says it’s critical for homes in Halifax to be listed internationally because it’s quickly becoming a No. 1 destination for international buyers, retirees and those looking to downsize to cottage homes.
“Buyers are attracted to Halifax because of its spacious landscape, proximity to the beaches and blend of country and downtown living,” says Harding. “Investors are starting to see that other areas across Canada just can’t compare. It’s still affordable to buy a home in Nova Scotia.”
Since Engel & Völkers opened its doors across from Citadel Hill in June, it’s almost tripled in size. Harding says the plan is to expand Engel and Völkers over the next few years, opening branches in Chester, Wolfville and Cape Breton.
Engel & Völkers operates a global network of more than 10,000 real estate professionals in more than 36 countries. Harding attributes the company’s growth to its “emphasis on ensuring luxury service at every price point.”
“We list homes of all prices — it isn’t about how much they cost. It’s about the service we provide, and the unparalleled, global exposure we’re able to offer our clients,” says Harding. “It all comes together to allow us to lead the Halifax marketplace into the future.”
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