After 17 years in the business, there are still scenarios Chris hasn’t faced, but at this point in his career every new challenge feels like an exciting opportunity to surprise his clients. There are no obstacles too great to overcome, even if it means thinking outside the box to save a cat's life. If you ask people what sets Chris apart from the competition, you might hear about his marketing platform, his attention to detail, his negotiating skills, or how responsive he is. But in his mind, these are expectations that must be met — the bare minimum to successfully guide you through your real estate journey. What really matters is how you feel at the end of that journey.

Recently, Chris went to provide a complimentary home evaluation to a potential client. He took a tour of the home and learned of the homeowners’ plans to move out of the country. He learned what their goals were — in this case, maximizing the potential value of the home and doing it as quickly as possible. But at some point in the conversation, he asked, “What are you going to do with your cat?”

Lilo is a healthy, albeit elderly, 18-year-old black cat — a cat who has spent her entire life living at one address. The queen of the house, you might say (and she would definitely tell you the same). Due to her age, there was no way she was going to be leaving the country. There was no one in the homeowners’ network who could take Lilo on, and the chances of adoption for this beautiful old girl in an animal shelter would be slim to none. An impossible decision loomed — to put Lilo down.

“Absolutely not. I will make sure Lilo is included with the sale of this house,” Chris said.

Obviously, he wouldn’t jeopardize the sale of the home or his clients’ plans to leave the country if he couldn’t secure a home for Lilo. But it became one of his primary goals. Four days later, the house hit the market in time for the weekend, with the home quickly organized and photography completed. By Sunday, they had three strong offers — and two separate buyers agreed to keep Lilo. But the sellers wanted to choose the third buyer, who did not want to include the cat. Chris was floored.

It wasn’t about money either, as all offers were at very similar price points. But this particular couple had written a beautiful letter about their plans for their family, and the sellers felt a connection to them. The only reason they didn’t want to take on Lilo was because they had recently lost their own cat and were still heartbroken. So Chris went back to the negotiating table to let them know they had an opportunity to save little Lilo — that they could all live happily in her home together. To give Lilo another chance, a bit of light amid their recent dark. And to his great relief, they agreed.

“I knew they would,” the seller said.

Then, just a week before closing day, the unthinkable happened. The sellers received a call from their lawyer informing them that the buyers’ lawyer had sent a letter stating they did not want Lilo to remain with the property. Chris was livid and utterly disappointed. A fantastic story with a happy ending that became one of betrayal and bad faith. The sellers had sold their belongings and had a flight booked out of the country. There was no time left and no option to fight — they couldn’t blow up the sale or put the home back on the market. They also felt that if they argued, Lilo’s fate would be the same anyway. “We’ll make other arrangements,” the seller said.

A week went by, and Chris received a frantic call from the buyers’ Realtor. “My client wants the cat!” he said. The lawyer had sent the letter without permission or instruction from the buyers. Remember that lovely letter they wrote at the beginning of the process? In it, they had said they didn’t want Lilo, and the lawyer assumed this was still the case — even though the cat had been included in the contract. It was a huge mistake. Chris called his clients immediately. “Where is Lilo?!”

The sellers had made the heartbreaking call to put Lilo down. But as fate would have it, the appointment wasn’t scheduled until the following morning. She was safe — given another of her nine lifelines at the final hour. The buyer cried. Their Realtor cried. We all cried a little, to be honest. As it was nearing the end of November, it truly felt like a Christmas miracle. A story with twists and turns you couldn’t make up — and one of the reasons Chris really loves his job. It’s not about the houses; it’s about the memories made and the obstacles he helps his clients overcome.

Of all the real estate stories Chris had in 2025, or perhaps his entire career, this was one of his favourites. “When I meet people to talk about their real estate plans, it always runs far deeper than the sale price. Every home has a story, and every transition comes with a kaleidoscope of emotions. I make sure I’m there through the ups and the downs, and to celebrate the most important things with my clients. I’ll remember Lilo’s story forever.” 

There are numerous storylines when it comes to selling or buying a home. Contact Chris and he’ll help you achieve all your goals with compassion and care, even if it means thinking outside the box or ensuring your furry friend has a safe place to call home when all is said and done.

Let Chris guide your next move with the same care he gave Lilo.

8 Banks Court, Keystone Village

There are houses that have simply been maintained, and then there are houses where you can see the pride of ownership in almost every detail.

8 Banks Court is firmly the latter.

Built by Webby Construction, this six-level side split has the kind of solid construction that is increasingly difficult to find. From 2x10 floor joists and tongue-and-groove subflooring topped with plywood to carefully considered updates and preventative maintenance, this is a home that has been understood and cared for by an owner who pays attention to the details.

The Heart of the Home

The main level immediately shows that same thoughtfulness.

A large foyer leads into a custom kitchen designed to be as functional as it is attractive, with granite countertops, quality Kenmore appliances and clever built-in drawers and storage solutions. There’s a casual dining nook with patio doors overlooking the backyard, while an adjacent laundry room and powder room provide direct access outside.

And then there’s the dining room.

It is enormous.

With a coffered ceiling and enough room for the kind of family gatherings usually reserved for a Home Alone movie, this is a house that was made to have people over.

A Place to Gather — or Get Away

A few steps up, the bright and spacious living room introduces another level of finish with beautiful Jatoba hardwood—an exceptionally dense Brazilian hardwood prized for its durability, rich colour and character.

The room is centred around the fireplace, bookended by two windows that bring in plenty of natural light and create a natural focal point.

Continue upstairs and three generously sized bedrooms offer plenty of room for a growing family, each with excellent storage, alongside a large renovated four-piece bathroom.

One level higher again, the top floor provides another flexible space that could easily become a fourth bedroom, home office, playroom, gym or quiet retreat.

Six Levels Start to Make a Lot of Sense

The lower levels are where the versatility of this six-level design really starts to show.

A bright family room features a custom window bringing in an abundance of natural light, with a propane fireplace and enough space to create a dedicated TV area while still leaving room for games, toys or a second sitting area.

Below that are two additional rooms, freshly painted with new flooring and ready to adapt to whatever you need next—a home gym, workshop, hobby room or additional storage.

It’s the advantage of a house with this much separation: everyone can find their own space without feeling disconnected from the rest of the home.

The Details You Don’t See in the Photos

Behind the scenes, the same attention to detail continues.

A five-zone oil boiler provides hot-water heating, complemented by three heat-pump heads for efficient heating and cooling. The home has 200-amp electrical service and is EV-charger ready, while its security system goes beyond the usual basics to monitor for oil and water leaks as well as changes in temperature.

These aren't necessarily the glamorous details, but they tell you a lot about how seriously this home has been cared for.

Privacy in the Backyard

Outside, the 7,596 sq. ft. lot offers plenty of privacy, surrounded by mature trees with a new composite deck creating an easy extension of the living space.

It’s somewhere for summer dinners, kids in the backyard or simply sitting outside without feeling like you’re sitting alongside the neighbours.

Life in Keystone Village

And for a home designed around family life, the location fits.

Banks Court offers the quiet, low-traffic setting of a cul-de-sac in established Keystone Village, with parks, playgrounds, public transit and recreation nearby. Shubie Park is just minutes away, while Dartmouth Crossing and the broader shopping and amenities of Dartmouth remain easily accessible.

Families also have access to English, French Immersion and CSAP school options in the surrounding area.

A Home That Has Been Cared For

At 45 years old, 8 Banks Court has been continually cared for without losing what made it such a well-built home in the first place.

Six distinct levels give a growing family room to spread out without losing connection—multiple living spaces, bedrooms together, room to work and play, a private backyard and the flexibility to change as family life does.

This isn't simply a house with a long list of features.

It’s a home where the quality of the original build and the care invested in it since are both immediately apparent.

Some homes simply feel different. This is one of them.

View the Listing Details Here

Questions About This Home?

Contact Chris Perkins to learn more or arrange a private showing. Thinking about making a move but need to sell your current home first? Need an introduction to a trusted mortgage specialist? Chris can help coordinate the pieces and make your next move as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Contact Chris

Living on the Halifax Peninsula has its perks — walkable neighbourhoods, great local shops and restaurants, easy access to downtown and a lifestyle that keeps you connected to the city. The challenge? Finding enough space at a price that still makes sense.

That’s where 5817 Gainsborough Place stands out: three bedrooms, three levels of living space, a move-in-ready interior and Bedford Basin views, all at a more approachable price point.

Just minutes from the Hydrostone, you can grab a coffee, pick up dinner, browse the local shops or spend an afternoon at nearby Fort Needham Memorial Park. It’s a location that keeps you close to everything while still feeling removed from the pace of downtown.

Then there’s the view.

With patios on every level and extra windows thanks to its end-unit position, the home makes the most of its setting overlooking the Bedford Basin. The real payoff comes at the end of the day, when the sky lights up over the water and you can watch some pretty spectacular sunsets without leaving home.

Inside, there’s room to actually live. Three levels create separation when you want it, with three bedrooms, a family room, dedicated living and dining spaces, and plenty of storage. The third bedroom also lends itself perfectly to a home office if you don’t need all three.

And this isn’t an affordable home that comes with an immediate renovation list.

It’s freshly painted throughout, with a refurbished kitchen featuring new counters, sink, stove and contemporary subway tile backsplash. The bathrooms have also been updated with a new tub, ceramic flooring and vanity. Deeded underground parking and your own storage unit add another layer of everyday convenience.

5817 Gainsborough Place is ultimately about getting more for your money — three bedrooms, plenty of space, water views and a move-in-ready home, all within easy reach of the Hydrostone and everything that makes Peninsula living so appealing.

View the Listing Here

A little more home, without a lot more mortgage.

There comes a point when having more house stops feeling like a luxury and starts feeling like a list.

The yard needs attention. Something needs painting. There’s always another room to clean, another project waiting for a weekend, another thing that comes with owning a home you may simply no longer need.

Unit 206 at The Carlyle offers a different proposition: keep the space and comfort you enjoy, and leave much of the maintenance behind.

At approximately 1,220 square feet, this isn’t about squeezing your life into a tiny condo. There’s room for a proper dining table, full-sized living room furniture and overnight guests. Two bedrooms and two full bathrooms give you flexibility for visiting family and friends, a home office, or simply a little extra room to yourself.

The main living space is particularly lovely. Nine-foot ceilings and a wall of windows bring in an abundance of natural light, with a leafy outlook that keeps the home connected to the neighbourhood outside. The kitchen has been thoughtfully opened to the living and dining areas and updated with new countertops and backsplash, plenty of cabinetry, peninsula seating and a separate pantry.

Storage — often one of the compromises of downsizing — has been considered too. There’s a generous walk-in closet in the primary suite, plenty of additional closet space throughout, separate storage and an unusually large kitchen pantry.

Both bathrooms have been updated, with the ensuite offering an accessible walk-in tub and built-in dressing vanity. There’s even the potential to add in-suite laundry, subject to board approval.

And then there are all the things you don’t have to look after.

Underground parking means no scraping snow from the car in February. Heat and hot water are included in the condo fees. The building offers a gym, common room and bike storage, while a backup generator servicing the elevator adds another layer of practicality and peace of mind.

Perhaps the greatest convenience, though, is outside the building.

From The Carlyle, Dalhousie, the hospitals, downtown, cafés, restaurants and everyday amenities are all within easy walking distance. You can leave the car downstairs and simply get on with your day.

Because a move like this shouldn’t be about having less. It should be about having less to look after.

A comfortable home with room for the things and people that matter, in a neighbourhood where much of what you need is already within reach. Lock the door, head out for the day, travel for a month, or stay home and enjoy that wall of windows.

The house can look after itself. And maybe that’s the real luxury of downsizing.

View the listing here

Contact Chris Perkins at 902 210 1223 or chrisperkins@cbmaritime.ca to obtain more information, or to book a private viewing.