In Episode 23 of the Community Game Plan Podcast, Eric and Jim Smardon welcome Jason Paul, REALTOR® with eXp Realty and host of the Halifax Real Estate Podcast, for a candid conversation about the September 2026 market figures, public frustrations with real estate agents, and how buyer and seller expectations are shifting.

To get the complaints out in the open, Jim brings real-estate-themed Family Feud questions based on survey results. Confusion about commission tops the list at 24%, followed by whether you even need an agent and affordability. The most common complaints about REALTORS® are poor communication (22%), a focus on commission (18%), and clients feeling their agent does little for the pay (15%).

From there, the panel digs into a cooling Halifax-area market. Halifax sales rose 4.1% in September while provincial sales fell 6.4%, and Jason explains how Halifax prices ripple out to surrounding Nova Scotia communities. Median days on market have climbed from 33 to 42, which makes it riskier for sellers to dismiss an offer while waiting for a better one. Still, homes are often selling at around 95 to 98 percent of asking, a far cry from the deep discounts of past downturns, so the group cautions against calling it a buyer’s market too soon. Provincial home-value growth has settled back to roughly 1 to 2 percent a year, and year-over-year comparisons don’t necessarily mean values are falling.

What we cover:

• Buyer expectations: Why some buyers assume they can offer far below asking, even on a fairly priced home, and how to keep negotiations open without treating an extreme offer as a serious starting point
• Buyers have options: Jason describes showing clients 18 to 20 homes in about two weeks before tightening the search
• Pricing and competition: How showing activity and offers reveal whether a listing is positioned well, why pricing should reflect fresh competition, and how inspections become negotiation points
• Contracts: Why Jason’s team uses three-month agreements for typical clients, and why contract length should reflect the property, price point, and market
• Choosing an agent: Eric’s advice to interview agents, understand the agreement before signing, and pick someone whose communication style and personality fit
• First-time buyers: A friendly debate on the value of underserved areas, including Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, Eastern Passage, Herring Cove, and Sackville
• Agent standards: Uneven transaction volume, the 90-day pipeline-building cycle, and why consistent prospecting and service matter when the market slows
• What’s next: The usual fall slowdown toward the holidays, with inventory rising from pandemic-era lows

Our takeaway: don’t try to predict the market. Sellers should focus on current competition, patience, and pricing based on recent evidence. Buyers should act when their own circumstances are ready rather than trying to time prices.

Reach out to Eric Holman and Jim Smardon — info@movewiththeteam.ca

https://www.instagram.com/therealestateteamns/

https://www.instagram.com/community_game_plan_podcast/

Eric Holman Eric@movewiththeteam.ca

https://www.instagram.com/ericholmanrealestate/

Jim Smardon Jim@movewiththeteam.ca

https://www.instagram.com/jimsmardon.greenrealestate/

In Episode 22 of Community Gameplan, hosts Eric and Jim sit down with Chad Bailey, insurance advisor with IDC WorldSource Insurance Network, for a Community Business Spotlight on a topic that doesn't come up nearly enough when people are buying a home: life insurance, mortgage protection, and planning for the unthinkable.

Chad brings eight years of experience as a life insurance advisor to break down what most homebuyers get wrong — starting with the biggest misconception of all: that mortgage insurance through the bank is the same as life insurance through an advisor. It isn't, and the difference can cost a family hundreds of thousands of dollars when it matters most.

The conversation covers:

• Why people — especially younger buyers — avoid the conversation around death, sickness, and disability
• The real difference between CMHC insurance, bank mortgage insurance, and life insurance through an independent advisor
• Term vs. permanent (whole life and universal life) policies, and how to balance coverage with budget
• How some life insurance policies let you draw funds while you're still alive
• Why this conversation should happen early in the homebuying process, not tacked on at closing
• What to look for — and watch out for — when choosing an insurance advisor

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, self-employed without workplace benefits, or just haven't thought about what happens to your mortgage if the unexpected happens, this episode offers a practical, no-nonsense look at protecting the people who depend on you.

About the Guest

Chad Bailey is an insurance advisor with IDC WorldSource Insurance Network, specializing in mortgage protection and life insurance. With eight years in the industry, Chad focuses on building long-term relationships with clients and matching coverage to their real needs and budget — not just what pays the highest commission.

Reach out to Chad Bailey baileychadm@gmail.com 902.441.2621

Reach out to Eric Holman and Jim Smardon — info@movewiththeteam.ca

https://www.instagram.com/therealestateteamns/

https://www.instagram.com/community_game_plan_podcast/

Eric Holman Eric@movewiththeteam.ca

https://www.instagram.com/ericholmanrealestate/

Jim Smardon Jim@movewiththeteam.ca

https://www.instagram.com/jimsmardon.greenrealestate/

Want to be a guest or have a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know.

Reach out to info@movewiththeteam.ca

In this episode of Community Gameplan, Eric and Jim ditch the guest chair and go head-to-head on the current state of the Halifax real estate market. No filter, no fluff — just recent statistics, market trends, and blunt, honest takes on what buyers and sellers actually need to know right now.

From softening prices to shifting inventory, Eric and Jim break down what's really happening on the ground and what it means whether you're listing this summer or waiting to buy.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Where Halifax market stats stand right now, and what the recent trend line looks like
• How the market has been cooling since spring, and why summer has brought further softening
• What shifting inventory levels mean for buyers and sellers alike
• Why accurate, data-driven pricing matters more than ever in a changing market
• How new developments and infrastructure projects are shaping property values across the region
• Strategies for buyers and sellers to navigate a market that's no longer moving in one direction

Real Talk Moments:

• "Market's been going down since April" — Eric and Jim don't sugarcoat where things stand
• "Prices are dropping over the summer" — the shift buyers and sellers both need to understand
• "The market sells at the correct price" — why chasing the market instead of pricing accurately can cost sellers time and money

Who This Episode Is For:

• Sellers wondering if now is still a good time to list
• Buyers trying to time the market without guessing
• Anyone curious about how Halifax real estate has shifted since spring
• Real estate agents looking to sharpen their pricing conversations with clients

Bottom Line: This isn't panic, and it isn't business as usual either — it's a market correcting, and Eric and Jim lay out exactly what that means for anyone buying or selling in Halifax right now.

Reach out to Eric Holman and Jim Smardon — info@movewiththeteam.ca https://www.instagram.com/therealestateteamns/

Eric Holman Eric@movewiththeteam.ca https://www.instagram.com/ericholmanrealestate/

Jim Smardon Jim@movewiththeteam.ca https://www.instagram.com/jimsmardon.greenrealestate/

In Episode 20 of Community Gameplan, hosts Eric and Jim sit down with special guest Matt Stickland, founding editor of Grand Parade — a Halifax city hall newspaper — and host of The Grand Parade podcast. Matt brings years of on-the-ground reporting experience covering Halifax Regional Municipality, and joins Eric and Jim for a candid conversation about how city hall really works, the ongoing debate over property taxes, and what it takes to hold local government accountable through independent journalism.

The conversation covers:

• What's really happening inside Halifax City Hall right now
• Breaking down property tax policy and why reform has been decades in the making
• The role of independent, local journalism in keeping municipal government accountable
• Matt's path from the Navy and submarine service to journalism and founding Grand Parade
• Behind-the-scenes stories from covering council meetings, budgets, and community planning
• Why local news matters more than ever for cities like Halifax

Whether you're a Halifax resident trying to make sense of your tax bill or just someone who cares about how local government actually functions, this episode offers an insider's perspective you won't get anywhere else.

Matt Stickland is the founding editor of GrandParade.news, an independent Halifax city hall newspaper, and host of The Grand Parade podcast, which delivers an irreverent, in-depth look at Halifax city hall, its policies, and the people who shape them. Before launching Grand Parade, Matt spent a decade in the Navy — including deployment aboard HMCS Charlottetown and service as a submariner — before completing his Bachelor of Journalism and becoming one of Halifax's most dedicated municipal reporters.

Reach out to Matt - https://bsky.app/profile/landofsticks.bsky.social

https://www.grandparade.news/

Reach out to Eric Homan and Jim Smardon - info@movewiththeteam.ca

https://www.instagram.com/therealestateteamns/

Eric Holman

Eric@movewiththeteam.ca

https://www.instagram.com/ericholmanrealestate/

Jim Smardon

Jim@movewiththeteam.ca

https://www.instagram.com/jimsmardon.greenrealestate/

Jim and Eric sit down with their newest team member, Ayo Ajayi — and this one's a conversation you don't want to miss.

Born and raised in Nigeria with real estate in his blood, Ayo brings a unique perspective to the world of Canadian real estate. Since making the move to Canada and planting roots in the Maritimes, he's been on a mission to help his clients and community navigate the ins and outs of buying and selling property in a whole new market.

In this episode, we dig into Ayo's journey — from the real estate landscape in Nigeria to the nuances of the Canadian market, and what it really takes to bridge those two worlds. Whether you're new to the Maritimes or a longtime local, there's something in this conversation for everyone looking to understand real estate from a fresh angle.

And as always, the laughs come easy and the conversation flows freely. Pull up a chair — this is a good one.

Reach out to The Real Estate Team at info@movewiththeteam.ca

Want to be a guest or have a topic you would like us to cover, let us know.

Dartmouth pharmacist and Rotarian Jan Rose is changing lives — from Nova Scotia to East Africa. In this episode, she shares her inspiring work with CACHA (Community Aid for Children and Health in Africa), bringing vital healthcare to underserved communities through international medical missions powered by Rotary involvement and grassroots determination.

Jan takes us inside the real logistics of overseas healthcare projects, the partnerships that make them possible, and why community-driven initiatives continue to be one of the most powerful forces in global health.

What we cover:

• How CACHA is expanding healthcare access across East Africa
• The role Rotary plays in connecting local volunteers to global impact
• The planning, challenges, and rewards of international medical missions
• How Jan's pharmacy roots in Dartmouth fuel her passion for service

If you believe communities have the power to heal the world — this one's for you.

• LinkedIn
• CACHA
• Canada Africa Community Health Alliance (CACHA)

Interested in being a guest or know someone we should talk to, reach out to Eric and Jim at Info@movewiththeteam.ca

Victoria, BC real estate market update: inventory, pricing trends, and expert insights from Lisa Eilers with Eric Holman and Jim Smardon. Learn what buyers and sellers need to know in 2026.

What’s really happening in the Victoria, BC real estate market right now? Is it cooling off, balancing out—or just catching its breath?

In this episode of The Community Gameplan Podcast, Eric Holman and Jim Smardon speak with a local real estate expert Lisa Eilers to break down the latest Victoria, BC housing market trends, giving you a clear, no-nonsense look at what buyers and sellers are actually dealing with on the ground.

From rising inventory levels to shifting buyer behaviour, this conversation cuts through the noise and gets into what matters—pricing, demand, and where the opportunities are hiding.

• The real story behind Victoria’s growing housing inventory (and why it matters now)
• How the market has shifted since the COVID-era frenzy
• Why condo sales are slowing—and what that means for buyers
• What’s keeping single-family homes in demand
• How interest rates and economic uncertainty are shaping decisions
• Insider strategies to help buyers and sellers stay competitive

Let’s be honest—Victoria isn’t just another market. Between its mild coastal climate, lifestyle appeal, and limited land supply, it continues to attract buyers from across Canada.

But here’s the twist: more listings (jumping from ~600 to ~4,000) means more choice… and more hesitation. Buyers are pickier. Sellers need sharper strategy. The days of “list it and they’ll come” are on pause.

• Buyers trying to time the Victoria market without guessing
• Sellers wondering if now is still a good time to list
• Investors watching for shifts in pricing and opportunity
• Anyone curious about BC real estate trends in 2026

This isn’t a crash. It’s not a boom either. It’s a market finding its footing—and if you understand the signals, there’s real opportunity here.

Lisa and Eric & Jim bring local, boots-on-the-ground insight to help you make smarter real estate decisions in Victoria.

• British Columbia housing market trends
• Buying a home in Victoria BC
• Real estate investment strategies Canada
• Interest rates and housing affordability

In Episode 16 of the Community Gameplan Podcast, Eric and Jim sit down with Dennis LaBlanc, Atlantic Canada Manager with CannaConnect, to discuss a powerful mission focused on support, healing, and community.

Dennis shares his personal journey and the inspiration behind CannaConnect — an organization dedicated to supporting veterans, RCMP, and first responders through education, access, and meaningful community connection.

This conversation highlights the important work being done to help those who have served navigate new pathways toward improved quality of life, mental health, and overall wellness. Dennis also shares how building trust and fostering community plays a critical role in successful reintegration and long-term support.

We also explore the real impact this work is having on individuals, families, and communities across Atlantic Canada — and how continued community involvement is helping grow a network of support and wellness.

• CannaConnect’s mission and programs • Support for veterans, RCMP, and first responders • Community and trust in veteran reintegration • Building a community of support and wellness • The impact across Atlantic Canada and all across Canada

Interested in learning more about CannaConnect or supporting their work? Reach out, connect, and be part of the impact. cannaconnect

Don’t forget to like, follow, and share the podcast to help us continue bringing meaningful community stories to light.

Interested in being a guest or have a show idea you'd like us to cover, reach out to Eric Holman and Jim Smardon at info@movewiththeteam.ca

Veteran Support, Community Wellness, CannaConnect, Mental Health, Military Transition, First Responders, Veteran Programs, Community Building, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick