Keith Kucharski, RE/MAX Banner REALTOR®

Do you have maple trees on your property? Or considering buying a property that has mature sugar maple trees on it? While not as well known for its maple syrup and sugar shack tradition as Quebec, Nova Scotians as just as sweet on tapping maple trees. As spring approaches, you can’t help but notice buckets…Read More→

As a REALTOR® who specializes in the South Shore and Annapolis Valley area, arguably two of the prettiest places in the province, I’m often asked which area is better for someone wanting to buy land and build a hobby farm. The answer – it depends! The Valley and the South Shore are two distinct regions,…Read More→

Each year, my wife Sarah spends many hours in the kitchen baking for her annual Christmas cookie boxes. She includes old favourites as well as a new recipe or two each year. Are you looking for new ideas for your holiday baking? Here are links for all the cookies and squares she included in this…Read More→

Check out this list of Polar Bear Dips in Nova Scotia

My favourite Little Free Libraries in the Annapolis Valley.

Have you been visiting the many Christmas craft markets in the Annapolis Valley this year? (If not, here’s a comprehensive list of the 2023 Annapolis Valley Holiday Markets). Even if you can’t get to a market, you can still find some incredible handmade gifts that I think of as “Very Valley” gifts. Here are some…Read More→

It’s time! The holiday season is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to embrace the festive spirit than by visiting Christmas craft markets in the Annapolis Valley. These markets offer a unique opportunity to shop for one-of-a-kind, handcrafted gifts while supporting local artisans and businesses. From tiny events in small schools to…Read More→

Tips and ideas on how to make friends and build community in Nova Scotia.

Important information about radon for Nova Scotia homeowners.

As the leaves begin to don their vibrant autumn colors, there’s a magical transformation that takes place in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. Apple season in the Annapolis Valley kicks off in early September with the Bridgetown Ciderfest, the apple orchards come alive this month, filling the air with the sweet scent of ripe…Read More→

The Annapolis Valley is renowned for its stunning landscapes, fertile farmlands, and bountiful harvests–especially Annapolis Valley corn on the cob. This classic mid-summer treat is one of the many crops that thrive in this agricultural paradise. The Valley’s moderate climate, influenced by its proximity to the Bay of Fundy, creates an ideal environment for corn…Read More→

Hall’s Harbour is a coastal gem! Nestled on the Bay of Fundy over the North Mountain in the Annapolis Valley, this tiny village offers a perfect blend of breathtaking natural beauty and rich maritime heritage. One of the biggest draws of Hall’s Harbour is how dramatically the world’s highest tides are viewed from the wharf….Read More→

Nova Scotia may be Canada’s second smallest province but a lot of people misunderstand how diverse Nova Scotia’s regional differences really are. The famous ‘East Coast Lifestyle’ is not a uniform culture from one side of our little province to the other. Here are a few of the most notable regional differences in some popular…Read More→

Visitors and new residents are often surprised and delighted to discover the proliferation of “honour system” Nova Scotia roadside stands or stalls that dot the rural roads of our province. From fruits and vegetables to jellies, salsas to honey or eggs (gotta love those backyard chickens), from seedlings or cut flowers to perennial bulbs, and…Read More→

The Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia is known for its fertile farmland, scenic landscapes, and long growing season. For gardening enthusiasts, the area is a veritable paradise (and my favourite garden centre is literally in the community of Paradise). There are plenty of garden centres to choose from, but I wanted to share my top…Read More→

Nova Scotia is a province known for its strong sense of community, and one way we express this, especially in rural Nova Scotia, is through community fundraising meals. Community fundraising meals are events organized by community members and charitable organizations to raise money for a specific cause or organization. These meals are often held in…Read More→

Are you considering moving to Nova Scotia, and wondering, “Is tap water safe in Nova Scotia?” As a Realtor in rural Nova Scotia, this is a question I’m asked frequently. And the answer is – it depends! Here’s what you need to know about tap water in Nova Scotia. There are two ways water can…Read More→

During Covid, Nova Scotia experienced a large migration of new residents into the province from other provinces. Many of our newcomers moved here without having lived on the east coast – some even moved here without having ever visited! At the peak of the pandemic some people from out of province were buying houses sight…Read More→

Have you taken a Frenchys Road Trip yet? Any serious fan of the used clothing and household goods store has heard that the best locations are in the Valley, and have either done or dreamed of doing the Valley/South Shore loop. If you’re considering a Frenchys Road Trip, here’s what you need to know. Frenchys…Read More→

Are you thinking of moving to Nova Scotia for a slower pace of life? Learn what that means!

Many people move to Nova Scotia hoping for a slower pace of life. One of the things people often want to do is slow down and take the time to prepare fresh fruit, vegetables, and local meat. Shopping at local farmers’ markets where you can talk to and build relationships with the local vendors is…Read More→

One of the best things about living in Nova Scotia is the easy access to fresh, local, fruits and vegetables during the summer months. Sometimes though, buying your fresh fruit and veg from the many farm market stands or hundreds and hundreds of end-of-driveway market tables just isn’t enough. If you feel the urge to…Read More→

Are you thinking of moving to Nova Scotia, and wondering if the Annapolis Valley is a good place to raise a family? In 2017 my wife and I moved to the Annapolis Valley with our then 10, 7, and 6-year-old children, and we’re so happy we did. Here are some of the reasons we love…Read More→

Are you saving for a down payment on your first home? The Nova Scotia government has a program that can help. If you want to buy your first home, it can feel nearly impossible to save enough money for the downpayment while also paying normal living expenses, such as rent, groceries, and gas. In many…Read More→

Are you driving to Nova Scotia from Ontario? Here are a few options for good hotels to stay at during your drive.  First, if you’re travelling with pets, be sure to check in advance if the hotel will accept your pet. BringFido.ca is a great website for your initial research into any size or breed…Read More→

Are you moving to Nova Scotia with pets, and wondering about the best way to transport your pals? Here are some tips for travelling with or shipping your precious pets. Driving with your pet If you’ve driving to your new home, you might decide to bring your pet along. Here are a few tips: Visit…Read More→

Check out our curated list of Annapolis Valley festivals.

You’ve bought your house and are ready to move to Nova Scotia – but how are you actually going to get your belongings from where you are now to your new home? Long-distance moves can be intimidating. There are a lot of horror stories about movers underquoting a move, then holding a homeowner’s possessions hostage…Read More→

Choosing a Nova Scotia Realtor, even if you don’t know where you want to buy.

Thinking of moving to Nova Scotia and wanting to raise chickens?