Travis Mesher - Keller Williams Select Realty

Travis Mesher - Keller Williams Select Realty Annapolis Valley | HRM | Keller Williams | Realtor | Assisting with Buying & Selling Real Estate in Nova Scotia

A house that needs some work can be a great opportunity, especially if you’re willing to put your own time and ideas int...
09/18/2026

A house that needs some work can be a great opportunity, especially if you’re willing to put your own time and ideas into it.

But before you start picturing all the changes you could make, take a step back and look at what the house needs right now.

Start with the big things.

How are the roof, windows, foundation, heating system, electrical and plumbing?

These are very different projects from updating a bathroom or replacing flooring, and they can add up quickly.

Then think about the renovations themselves.

Which projects actually need to be done, and which ones are simply things you'd like to change?

It’s also worth considering how long the work will take, whether you'll be doing it yourself or hiring someone, and how much disruption you'll be comfortable living with.

And don't forget about the unexpected.

Once you start opening up walls or removing old finishes, you may discover things that weren't obvious during the showing.

A house that needs renovations isn't necessarily a bad choice. It could be the perfect home for someone who enjoys taking on projects and making a space their own.

Just make sure you're looking at the whole renovation list, not just the finished kitchen you can already picture in your head.

A property might look perfectly fine on a sunny day, but it’s worth thinking about what happens when the weather changes...
09/17/2026

A property might look perfectly fine on a sunny day, but it’s worth thinking about what happens when the weather changes.

Where does the water go?

Take a look at how the property drains. Are there areas where water collects around the yard, driveway or foundation? Check where the downspouts lead and whether water is being directed away from the house.

Heavy rain and spring snow melt can quickly show you how well a property handles water.

It’s also worth asking whether the property has experienced flooding or drainage issues in the past.

And don't just look at the house itself. Think about the driveway, yard and surrounding land too.

This doesn't mean you should automatically avoid a home in a low lying area. Many properties have perfectly workable drainage.

The important thing is to understand how the property handles water before you buy.

Because when you're buying a house, you're not just buying the building. You're buying the land it sits on too.

A house might check every box when you're looking at it on a map, but have you thought about what that commute will feel...
09/16/2026

A house might check every box when you're looking at it on a map, but have you thought about what that commute will feel like every day?

Try thinking beyond the distance.

What is the drive like during rush hour?

What happens when the weather gets bad?

How long does it actually take in the morning compared with the middle of the day?

And what about the trip home?

A 40 minute drive might not sound too bad when you're excited about the house, but that's 80 minutes of driving every workday. Over time, those minutes can really add up.

Then think about everything else you do during the week.

School drop offs.
Grocery shopping.
Kids' activities.
Appointments.
Sports.
Picking someone up when plans change.

If you're living farther away from work, school, family or the places you regularly visit, those extra kilometres can become a bigger part of your routine than you expect.

There can be plenty of good reasons to choose a home farther away. Maybe you get more land, a quieter setting, a better price or the type of home you've been looking for.

The important thing is to make sure you're happy with the lifestyle that comes with the location.

Before you fall in love with the house, try the commute.

Because you won't just be buying the house. You'll be living with the drive too.

Before buying a house you absolutely love… Take a step back.It’s easy to get caught up when you walk into a house and im...
09/15/2026

Before buying a house you absolutely love…

Take a step back.

It’s easy to get caught up when you walk into a house and immediately think, “This is the one.”

You love the kitchen.
The layout is perfect.
The backyard is exactly what you wanted.
You can already picture where everything will go.

But this is actually when it’s most important to slow down.

Look past the things you love and pay attention to the things you might normally overlook.

How old are the roof, windows and heating system?

What condition are the basement, foundation and exterior in?

Have you thought about the driveway, property boundaries, drainage and where the water goes after a heavy rain?

Are there any upcoming maintenance or repair costs you should be prepared for?

And perhaps most importantly, does the house still make sense when you look at the whole picture?

It’s okay to love a house. That’s part of what makes buying a home exciting.

Just don't let loving the house stop you from asking the important questions.

Because the goal isn't just to find a house you absolutely love.

It’s to find a house you’ll still feel good about after the excitement of the showing wears off.

If you’re used to living in a home connected to municipal sewer, a septic system can be something you don’t think much a...
09/14/2026

If you’re used to living in a home connected to municipal sewer, a septic system can be something you don’t think much about until you own one.

Before buying, find out as much as you can about the system.

How old is it?

Do you know when the septic system was installed, and are there records available showing its location and design?

When was it last pumped?

Ask when the tank was last pumped and whether there are records of previous maintenance.

Where is everything located?

It’s important to know where the septic tank and disposal field are located on the property. This can also matter if you’re thinking about adding a garage, pool, shed or other structures in the future.

What condition is the system in?

A septic inspection can help identify potential issues with the tank, pipes and disposal area that may not be obvious during a regular home showing.

And don’t forget about the size of the system.

A septic system is designed for a certain level of use, so it’s worth understanding whether it is appropriate for the home and the number of people who will be using it.

There can also be ongoing maintenance involved, so make sure you understand what the system requires and what it may cost to maintain over time.

A septic system isn't necessarily something to worry about. Many homes rely on them every day and work perfectly well.

The important thing is knowing what you're buying.

Because when it comes to a septic system, what you can't see can be just as important as what you can.

Check out a few local events happening this weekend 👇𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭Head to downtown Windsor for the 12th annual Win...
09/12/2026

Check out a few local events happening this weekend 👇

𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭
Head to downtown Windsor for the 12th annual Windsor Garlic Fest, a free street festival celebrating garlic, food, art, and local vendors. Browse artisan displays, enjoy live music and demonstrations, sample some unique garlic and ginger creations, and stick around for the garlic eating contest.

𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰
Head to Aylesford for a free community car show featuring plenty of great vehicles, children's activities, free pizza, a canteen, trophies, and prizes. Registration begins at 10 am, with the show running from 11 am to 2 pm.

𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭
Browse a selection of handmade crafts and unique finds while supporting the Open Arms Resource Centre & Society. There will also be 50/50 tickets and a gift basket draw, with proceeds going to support the organization.

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭
Combine your Saturday market trip with a stop at the Book Fair at the Wolfville Farmers’ Market. Meet local authors, publishers, and booksellers while discovering something new for your fall reading list. There will also be a Book Lovers Raffle.

Living surrounded by trees can be beautiful. You get privacy, a natural setting and plenty of character that can be hard...
09/11/2026

Living surrounded by trees can be beautiful. You get privacy, a natural setting and plenty of character that can be hard to find with a more open property.

But a wooded property comes with a few things worth thinking about before you buy.

Start by looking at the trees around the house.

Are there large or mature trees close to the home, driveway or power lines? What would happen if one came down during a major windstorm or heavy snowfall?

Then think about maintenance.

A wooded lot can mean more leaves in the fall, fallen branches after storms and ongoing tree maintenance. You may also want to find out who is responsible for dealing with trees that are close to property lines or access areas.

How much sunlight does the property actually get?

Trees can provide wonderful shade and privacy, but they can also affect how much sunlight reaches the house, yard, garden or deck.

And don't forget about the driveway.

A long driveway through a wooded property can be beautiful, but think about clearing leaves, branches and snow, as well as how accessible it will be after a storm.

It’s also worth paying attention to the ground around the property. Lots of trees can mean roots, uneven terrain and areas where water may drain differently than it does on a more open lot.

None of this means a wooded property is a bad choice. For many people, the privacy, peace and natural surroundings are exactly what make the property special.

A big deck can be one of those features that immediately catches your attention. Plenty of space for BBQs, entertaining,...
09/10/2026

A big deck can be one of those features that immediately catches your attention. Plenty of space for BBQs, entertaining, outdoor furniture and enjoying the warmer months.

But before you fall in love with all that outdoor space, take a closer look.

How old is the deck?

Check the overall condition of the boards, railings, stairs and supports. Look for areas that are soft, damaged or showing signs of wear.

What about the structure underneath?

A deck can look great from above, but the posts, beams, joists and connections underneath are just as important. It’s worth taking a look underneath the deck and paying attention to its overall condition.

Then think about maintenance.

A large deck means more boards to maintain, more areas to clean and potentially more staining, painting or repairs over time.

And where does the water go?

Pay attention to drainage around and underneath the deck. You don't want water sitting against the house or collecting around the foundation.

Finally, ask yourself how much of that space you’ll actually use.

A huge deck can be a fantastic feature if you love spending time outside and entertaining. But if you're not someone who enjoys maintaining a large outdoor space, it could become more work than you expected.

A large deck isn't necessarily a problem. It just deserves the same attention as the rest of the house.

A private well can be a great feature, but it’s also something you’ll want to understand before making the move.Start by...
09/09/2026

A private well can be a great feature, but it’s also something you’ll want to understand before making the move.

Start by finding out how old the well is and whether there are records available about the well’s construction and history.

How much water does it produce?

A well that works perfectly for one household may not have the same capacity for a larger family or higher water usage. It’s worth understanding the well’s flow and recovery rate.

What about the water quality?

A water test can give you important information about what’s in the water and whether any treatment may be needed. Don’t assume that clear, good tasting water means everything is fine.

Then there’s the equipment.

Find out the age and condition of the pump, pressure tank and any water treatment equipment. These are all parts of the system that may eventually need maintenance or replacement.

It’s also worth asking about the well location and making sure you understand where it is on the property. You’ll want to know how accessible it is if service or repairs are ever needed.

A house with a well isn’t something to avoid. Many homes in rural Nova Scotia rely on private wells every day.

The key is knowing what you're buying and understanding the condition of the system before you make it your home.

Stairs might not seem like a big deal when you're walking through a house for the first time. But try imagining what the...
09/08/2026

Stairs might not seem like a big deal when you're walking through a house for the first time. But try imagining what they’ll be like as part of your everyday routine.

Think about carrying groceries in from the car, bringing laundry between floors, getting kids ready for school, carrying toys and sports equipment, or simply going back upstairs because you forgot something.

And it’s not just about how the stairs feel today.

Think about how the home might work for you several years from now. Your needs can change over time, and a layout that feels perfectly manageable today may not always be as convenient.

If you're looking at a home with multiple levels, take a closer look at where everything is located.

Where is the laundry?

Where will groceries be stored?

Are the bedrooms on another level?

Is there a bathroom where you need it?

Would you be comfortable carrying things up and down the stairs every day?

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with buying a home with lots of stairs. For many people, multiple levels and separate living spaces are exactly what they want.

The important thing is to think beyond the showing and picture what everyday life will actually look like.

Because sometimes the things you barely notice when viewing a house are the things you notice every single day after you move in.

Address

28 Aberdeen Street
Kentville, NS
B4N2T1

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 10pm
Tuesday 7am - 10pm
Wednesday 7am - 10pm
Thursday 7am - 10pm
Friday 7am - 10pm
Saturday 7am - 10pm
Sunday 7am - 10pm

Telephone

+19027899182

Website

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