By Cathy Hughes, MAB/Licensee, Nova Coast Realty Inc.
When the pandemic hit, our world and our housing market - changed overnight. I remember watching homes in Nova Scotia sell for prices that none of us could have predicted. Offers were flying in, often tens of thousands over asking, and for a while, it felt like the rules we’d known for years no longer applied.
But through all of it, I stayed grounded in one simple truth: a home’s value should be based on the market - not the madness.
How I Approached Pricing During the Chaos
Even during those wild years, i continued to guide my sellers using the same logic I always had before COVID: steady market growth of about 3% per year. That’s what our market had shown historically, and it’s what I trusted.
When I sat down to price a home, I didn’t chase the “sold” numbers that were inflated by bidding wars or emotional offers. I looked at where the home should be based on steady appreciation - because that’s what builds long-term confidence and trust.
The truth is, the prices we saw then were never really about the bricks and mortar. They were really about what someone was willing, able and eager to pay in a time of uncertainty. And while that worked out incredibly well for some sellers, it wasn’t a fair or sustainable reflection of true value.
Where We Are Now
Today, the market is cooling and flattening. We seem to be coming back to a more balanced reality - one where supply, demand, and affordability are all starting to find their footing again.
That 3% annual appreciation benchmark has once again become a realistic guidepost. If you bought before the COVID, your home has likely grown in value in a healthy, steady way. And if you bought during the spike, don’t panic - markets always balance over time.
What matters most now is understanding where your ho e fits in the real market, not the emotional one we all experienced a few years ago.
My Promise to You
If you know me, you know I lead with empathy, honesty and education. I believe in putting people before transactions - because behind every “For Sale” sign is a story, a family, and a life in transition.
My goal is to help you make informed decisions with confidence - not pressure, not hype. Whether you’re thinking of selling, buying, or just curious about your home’s value, I’ll walk you through the numbers and explain them in real, human terms. Because at the end of the day, this business isn’t about houses - it’s about people.
“Let me help you COAST through the process.”