Free Guide from Karen Mofford, REALTOR®

The HHT Survival Guide

How to Maximize Your House Hunting Trip — and Find the Right Home in 5 Days

1. Before You Leave: Pre-HHT Prep

Your House Hunting Trip (HHT) is short — usually 5 business days. The families who make the best use of that time are the ones who prepare before they arrive.

• Get pre-approved for your mortgage. Don't wait until you arrive in the Valley. Talk to a lender who understands military income, and get your pre-approval letter in hand.
• Connect with me early. I'll set up a property search, send you listings, and start narrowing options before you land.
• Research neighbourhoods. Think about school zones, commute to base, amenities, and lifestyle priorities. I'll send you a neighbourhood guide.
• Prepare your "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves" list. Knowing the difference saves hours during viewings.

2. Day 1: Orientation & Area Tour

Don't jump into house viewings on Day 1. Instead, take time to understand the area.

• Drive the commute from potential neighbourhoods to base — morning and evening.
• Visit schools, grocery stores, recreation centres, and medical clinics.
• Get a feel for each community: Greenwood, Kingston, Middleton, Berwick, Kentville, and beyond.
• Meet with me to review your shortlist and adjust priorities based on what you see.

3. Days 2–3: Focused Property Viewings

This is where your prep pays off. I'll have 8–12 properties lined up that match your criteria.

• Use your Buyer Tour Package — I prepare one for every tour with all the listings, photos, and space for your notes on each property. After 10 viewings, they all blur together — this keeps everything organized.
• Score each home using the notes section in your tour package (1–5 scale works well).
• Ask about age of roof, furnace, water heater, and septic system. These are big-ticket items.
• Look beyond staging. Check water pressure, open closets, look at basements, and examine the foundation.
• Note the neighbourhood. Is the street quiet? Are neighbours maintaining their properties? What's the lot like?

4. Day 4: Second Viewings & Decision Making

Narrow your list to 2–3 favourites and go back for a second look. Things you'll notice the second time:

• Natural light at a different time of day
• Traffic and noise patterns
• Storage space (garages, closets, basements)
• The "feeling" — can you see your family living here?

This is also the day to discuss offer strategy with me. In a competitive market, being ready to move fast matters.

5. Day 5: Making an Offer

If you've found the right home, Day 5 is offer day. Here's what to expect:

• I'll prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to guide your offer price.
• We'll discuss conditions: financing, inspection, and any IRP-specific clauses.
• I'll present the offer and negotiate on your behalf.
• If accepted, your deposit (usually via certified cheque or bank draft) secures the deal.

6. IRP & BGRS/Sirva Coordination

Your relocation benefits exist to help — but only if you use them correctly.

• Understand your Mobility Allowance tier (as of April 1, 2026): $13,500 for moves 1–3, $20,250 for 4–6, $27,000 for 7+.
• Know your HHT entitlements. Accommodation, meals, and mileage are covered — keep all receipts.
• Coordinate with your Sirva consultant before and during your trip.
• Ask about the DND 6129 attestation form — it's required for the Mobility Allowance.
• Service couples moving together typically receive 50% of the allowance.

7. What to Bring on Your HHT

• Mortgage pre-approval letter
• Government-issued ID (both spouses)
• Posting message / COS date
• Must-haves / nice-to-haves list
• Measuring tape
• Camera or charged phone for photos
• Notebook or scoring sheet
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Snacks and water (long days of viewings)
• Contact info for your Sirva consultant
• Certified cheque or bank draft for deposit

8. Common HHT Mistakes to Avoid

1. Trying to see 20+ properties. Quality over quantity — 8–12 well-chosen homes is ideal.
2. Falling for cosmetic upgrades. Paint and countertops are easy to change. Foundation and septic are not.
3. Ignoring the neighbourhood. You're buying a community, not just a house.
4. Waiting too long to decide. Good homes in the Valley move fast. If it checks your boxes, be ready.
5. Not including conditions in your offer. Financing and inspection conditions protect you.

9. After the HHT: What Happens Next

Once your offer is accepted, the clock starts:

• Home inspection — usually within 7–10 days of acceptance.
• Financing condition — your lender finalizes the mortgage.
• Lawyer review — title search, property boundaries, and closing documents.
• Closing day — keys in hand. Welcome to the Annapolis Valley!