HLM Realties Limited
Jennifer Rafuse, office manager with HLM Realties, says she chose to stay in Nova Scotia for the same reason clients from all over the world, as well as right here at home, buy properties: the relaxed way of life, the fun-loving atmosphere, the clean air, the hospitality.
Serving the counties of Pictou, Colchester, Cumberland, Antigonish and Guysborough, HLM Realties is the longest active real estate brokerage in Nova Scotia, with one of the largest sale teams in the northern part of the province.
It’s also a family business that has been passed through generations of Rafuse’s family.
“My grandfather started the business more than 50 years ago,” explains Rafuse. “My father is also is a veteran in the business, and now I’m in the business, too – a third generation carrying the tradition forward.
“I’ve always known I’d go into real estate – it was the natural thing to do,” she adds. “I started working with HLM Realties in 2002, and haven’t looked back since.”
And with such a long chain of family members perfecting the business and passing along wisdom gained through experience, it’s no wonder this real estate brokerage ranked number one in properties sold in the northern region of Nova Scotia for five consecutive years (2004 through 2008).
Rafuse says one of her favourite aspects of working for this power house real estate brokerage is that no two days are ever the same. Her work takes her through five of Nova Scotia’s beautiful counties and clients come from all over the world.
“I’ve never had the chance to get bored here,” says Rafuse. “And I don’t believe I ever will.”
In recent years, the REALTORS® at HLM Realties have noticed an increase in European buyers looking to purchase properties in the area.
Funny how many Nova Scotians pinch pennies for that one grand trip to the mystical land of Europe, yet Europeans are leaving the Promised Land in herds in favour of Nova Scotian properties.
They live in the warm, cultural, historically-rich cities many of us will only ever see on television and in our dreams. Yet they come here, to Nova Scotia, to purchase recreational and waterfront properties amidst our beautiful, relaxed scenery.
“There’s a great opportunity for international purchasers,” explains Rafuse. “There is a lot of beautiful land available at the right price.”
And to get the word out, the HLM Realties team of REALTORS® relies on international advertising, internet advertising, and good old-fashioned – yet unbeatable – word of mouth.
It’s certainly not difficult for Rafuse to find a worthy angle to advertise HLM Realties or northern Nova Scotia. In fact, there are so many, it’s hard to pinpoint just one.
“I grew up here, I went to school here, and my family is here,” says Rafuse. “I’ve always intended to stay here. For people abroad, though, there are still so many reasons to come to Nova Scotia.
“We have a lot of empty waterfront properties compared to other parts of the province,” she explains. “When you purchase a property from HLM Realties, you’ll never be more than 30 minutes from the water. It’s perfect for cottages and recreational use.”
Moreover, as Rafuse explains, “Many of our houses, especially rural properties, are situated on acres of land. That’s a luxury Europeans certainly are not used to; it’s something they associate with the cream of the crop; something reserved for royalty and the elite.”
And that’s not all. The culture and way of life is a big attraction, too.
“People come from around the world to seek our relaxed way of life, our vibrant culture, our rich education and our artistic scene.”
But according to Rafuse, Nova Scotia is not just the perfect place to purchase property; it’s also the perfect place to sell it: the ideal backdrop for a real estate brokerage.
“Our job is easier here than it would be in a big city,” says Rafuse. “We get to know each and every client on a personal basis. And so, we get personalization opportunities and repeat customers.
“This close-knit community has afforded us the opportunity to develop a sound reputation, which is very important in our business,” she adds.
Rafuse notes that although she loves living and operating a business in rural Nova Scotia, location can sometimes present difficulties.
“Rural Nova Scotia is often overlooked; people moving here from away often turn toward Halifax – especially since it’s the more recognizable name,” she explains. “It can sometimes be a challenge to shift the attention outside the main hub.
“But once we overcome that hurdle, our jobs become easier. It’s not hard to sell land as crisp and quaint as that in Pictou and Antigonish.”
Rafuse certainly seems content with her place in life, and HLM Realties’ place in her community and beyond.
So, what (if anything) does she want for the future of HLM Realties?
“In the future, we hope to continue to serve the same market areas we’ve always served,” says Rafuse. “But we want to continue to improve the way we do it.
“And it would be nice, of course, to increase our market share in those areas.”
As for Rafuse’s future, it’s as clear a path as it has always been. She’ll continue to live life in her beautiful rural home, in her exciting job, surrounded by family and enveloped by nature.
