Pam is awesome. It was a pleasure working with her.

Our customers say it best…

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home.
Whether you are looking to buy or sell, Karen Paul & Associates is with you every step of the way.

905-333-6234 | karenpaul.com | info@karenpaul.com
Real Estate Agents for Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • Milton • Niagara
Free Home Evaluations | See Our Listings | Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Karen Paul & Justin Loncaric return to Friday morning Real Estate Video Chat after a really exciting week. As winners of the Keller Williams Double Platinum 2016 Group Award, Justin and Karen were eager to thank all of their past, current and future clients for their business and loyalty. It’s because of great customers, that the team wins awards like this.

The video continues:

• Karen sent a shout out to her long time friend Karen Millar, senior real estate specialist for Royal LePage Signature Realty. Karen was recently featured in a CBC interview.
• Justin wanted to reassure buyers that the team is actively marketing and digging for new homes on their behalf. Learn more about the listings board!
• Karen shared that her team is equipped with great ideas and concepts about moving to a new home – and it doesn’t necessarily mean having to stay within Burlington.

 Karen & Justin chat about getting results for buyers;
award happiness and creative solutions for sellers.

We would be thrilled to help you sell or purchase your next home.

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the Karen Paul team is here to help with any questions.

Karen Paul & Associates | Real Estate
905-333-6234 | karenpaul.com | info@karenpaul.com
Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • Milton • Niagara
Free Home Evaluations | See Our Listings

At Karen Paul & Associates, when one of our agents sells a home – they get to ‘Ring The Bell’ – a real ship’s bell. That’s our way of saying – Hurrah! We did it again. Made another client happy.

Last week, Justin Loncaric was in the office late Sunday night, after having just signed an offer and ringing the bell. 

He took a moment to talk about Multiple Offers. Justin wanted to particularly address sellers who were listing their homes at a low price, and then, after a few days, if the property hadn’t sold, increasing the price.

“I have a really big problem with that” says Justin in this video. He thinks that buyers will turn that into a negative and stay away from the home altogether, which is not what any seller wants. Justin had some pretty ‘pointed advise’ for sellers.

When it comes to buying or selling your home, working with an experienced real estate agent like Justin can make ALL the difference!

After a long day of open houses Justin Loncaric
has some great advice for sellers on multiple offers.

We would be thrilled to help you sell or purchase your next home.

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the Karen Paul team is here to help with any questions.

Karen Paul & Associates | Real Estate
905-333-6234 | karenpaul.com | info@karenpaul.com
Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • Milton • Niagara

Just back from the Keller Williams 2017 Family Reunion held in Las Vegas, Karen Paul and Justin Loncaric were bubbling with excitement in this week’s Friday Morning Real Estate Video Chat.

This week’s video is directed not just at clients (buyers and sellers) but at other Real Estate Agents that are exploring other brokerages.

As the largest real estate brokerage (by agent count) in the world, Keller Williams has plenty to offer their agents so that they can spend less time with processes and more time with serving their clients.

Here are some highlights from this week’s chat.

• WOW! What a trip!
• Keller Williams is working towards becoming a technology company, with huge financial investments.
• We will be able to do business more efficiently, effectively and virtually, save our clients $$$.
• Real Estate agents interested in learning more about the opportunities with KW, should give Justin or Karen a call.
• Karen Paul & Associates continue to list new properties, even in this climate. People tell Karen she’s become a household name… ‘Cool’

We would be thrilled to help you sell or purchase your next home.

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the Karen Paul team is here to help with any questions.

Karen Paul & Associates | Real Estate
905-333-6234 | karenpaul.com | info@karenpaul.com
Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • Milton • Niagara
Free Home Evaluations | See Our Listings

February is a busy month for Karen Paul & Associates as Justin Loncaric and Karen Paul travel to Las Vegas for the 2017 Keller Williams Family Reunion.

They will be among thousands of other Keller Williams real estate agents worldwide – who will gather together for an entire week of keynotes, breakout sessions and celebrations.

But, before boarding a plane, in fact, right after video chat, they head down to Haste in Hustle. (in St. Catharine’s) to hear and meet with social media guru Gary Vaynerchuk.  To quote Justin… “big fans of Gary V, here”.

Highlights from this week’s Friday Morning Real Estate Video Chat:

• Justin said that his greatest reason for attending the Keller Williams conference was to make sure he was current on the latest and newest trends. He plans to bring back his new found knowledge and excitement to the team, so that they can better serve their clients.
• From Karen’s perspective, every time she has attends a conference she returns refreshed and renewed. What she particularly enjoys about the Keller Williams conference is the opportunity to interact and share experiences with top real estate producers from around the world.
• Both Justin and Karen were eager to see Gary V speak and gain keen insights and strategies on social media.
• And since, they were going to be away for Valentine’s Day, they had a prize for sharing the love!

Justin Loncaric and Karen Paul share their thoughts on…
the importance of staying current with new information
Keller Williams 2017 Family Reunion | Gary Vee and social media.

We would be thrilled to help you sell or purchase your next home.

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the Karen Paul team is here to help with any questions.

Karen Paul & Associates | Real Estate
905-333-6234 | karenpaul.com | info@karenpaul.com
Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • Milton • Niagara
Free Home Evaluations | See Our Listings

In January, Kim Perosa and Michael McQuinn, professional sales agents with Karen Paul & Associates joined Karen for the Friday Morning Real Estate Video Chat.

In this particular chat Kim, Michael and Karen discuss the current real estate market, listing country properties and whether or not renovating a property before listing adds to the value of the home?

Here are some highlights:

• Michael, who recently joined the team, wanted to learn more about listing country properties. As a subject expert, Karen emphasized the importance of doing thorough research, particularly knowing all of the comparative values between land and acreage.  The conversation continues with Michael asking how to differentiate between raw property value and property that contains some bricks and mortar that doesn’t necessarily add to the value.
• Kim, who has been selling real estate since 1987, stated that in this kind of market, where there is a real demand for housing, anyone who wanted to list their home, should list in January to get a jump on the spring market.
• Is there any value to renovating before listing? Karen’s answer was unexpected.

Kim Perosa, Michael McQuinn and Karen Paul share their thoughts on…
listing country properties | the current real estate market
and will renovations increase the value on a home.

We would be thrilled to help you sell or purchase your next home.

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the Karen Paul team is here to help with any questions.

Karen Paul & Associates | Real Estate
905-333-6234 | karenpaul.com | info@karenpaul.com
Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • Milton • Niagara
Free Home Evaluations | See Our Listings

Have you ever noticed how many real estate teams are actually family operations? Husbands and wives together often being followed by their sons and daughters.

In a recent article in the Wall Street Journal Mark Olesh, South Florida regional director for Keller Williams Realty in Palm Harbour, FL was quoted as saying: “the secret to a successful family brokerage is to treat even close relatives as non-family hires. Rather than simply ‘throwing them in a spot’ because of familiarity. The firm offers training courses to allow agents to objectively assess each incoming family member’s skill.”

My son, Justin Loncaric and I have been working together for 13 years, most recently as part of the Keller Williams Edge Realty Brokerage. We always make a point of having fun together, including this ‘Friday Info’ video session, where we chatted about “what’s it like working together – mother and son?”

While I’ve pulled out some of the more interesting nuggets of information, I’d certainly recommend listening to the entire video.

So what’s it really like working together you ask?

Karen: It’s fantastic actually. It’s taken a lot of years for both Justin and I to adjust however, now we work together very well on any kind of appointment. We actually compliment each other which is a good thing, but he still has a lot to learn.

Justin: And we’ve been together long enough, that I can kind of gauge where you need me and when you don’t want me.

Karen: I kick him under the table sometimes and mouth “Don’t Talk.”

Justin: That’s true. If the table starts to shake during a home evaluation it’s because she’s kicking me under the table.

‘Karen Paul and Justin Loncaric share their thoughts on
‘working together on the same real estate team as mother and son’.

We would be thrilled to help you sell or purchase your next home.

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the Karen Paul team is here to help with any questions.

Karen Paul & Associates | Real Estate
905-333-6234 | karenpaul.com | info@karenpaul.com
Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • Milton • Niagara
Free Home Evaluations | See Our Listings

With 35+ years of selling homes under my belt, I pretty much have seen it all. That also means that when it comes to selling homes, my team of agents and I have some pretty good ideas based on our experience.

Selling a home with kids isn’t problematic, but it does take some planning. You know your own kids, and how much to involve them in the process. Normally with kids the least disruption, the better.

If you maintain their regular schedule and limit special requests to keeping their own rooms clean including the playroom, things should go fairly smoothly, I’d consider that great involvement!

But, I do have a couple of ideas for parents, that will help you better manage the sale of your house, and help your real estate agent do their job.

1. CHUCK (DON’T HIDE) THE CLUTTER.

Give yourself a full days 10 days to seriously de-clutter your home. Tackle one room at a time to keep things manageable. Closets too! Buyers want to see the inside of the closets and all of the storage space that a home has to offer.

And then, after you’ve de-cluttered, place another 25% in storage – seriously. Anything seasonal (coats, boots) big toys and tables and all of the baby stuff (swings, potties etc.) that you may want to keep but don’t need to have on hand.

This is the time to remove the personal photographs (including fridge artwork) or as we like to say in the biz ‘de-personalize the home’. Buyers want to see themselves in the home, not the previous owners. It’s also for your child’s safety and privacy.

2. STAGE THE PLAYROOM.

If you do have a dedicated playroom, then stage it to show off it’s capabilities.

Staging a small tea party looks sweet and kind of fun; art room that has tidy individual buckets of supplies or a school room, will make buyers smile. Playrooms can continue to be used, but can be easily prepped for showings or open houses.

3. SET EXPECTATIONS WITH YOUR AGENT.

While the bulk of buyers will come to the home during open houses, there will be additional showings. Not all buyers need to see a home at dinner or bed time. So offering your real estate agent some creative options while being flexible will go a long way.

It’s not wise to be too restrictive withe strict timeframes. It could reduce the number of potential buyers.

4. LEAVE YOUR HOME DURING SHOWINGS.

Nothing is worse for the buyer or the agent than showing a home when the homeowners are still there. It can potentially turn off a buyer. There have also been instances where the homeowner can’t resist adding additional information about the home. They think it’s helpful but it’s not.

If you do have to accommodate showings around bedtime, it’s more than ok to sit down the street in your car while the showing takes place. Pack a snack and a kit bag with activities to help pass the time. If you can get their PJ’s on before, it’s an added bonus when you return later.

5. PREPARE A ‘GETAWAY QUICK’ CHECKLIST.

Even if you have been given notice, prepare a checklist of things to do when you get the ‘showing call’. That way you won’t forget the essentials and all the other stuff beyond picking things up such as putting the toilet seats down, emptying the garbage

And finally, I picked this one up from the Twin City’s Mom’s Blog.

Keep your trunk clear. Despite your request for 2 hours notice, sometimes you get ten minutes. That’s when you throw any clutter in the back of your car and GO! 🙂

We would be thrilled to work with you and your family in selling your home. Contact us Today!

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the Karen Paul team is here to help with any questions.

Karen Paul & Associates | Real Estate
905-333-6234 | karenpaul.com | info@karenpaul.com
Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • Milton • Niagara
Free Home Evaluations | See Our Listings

Credit to posts by Family For Home & Twin City’s Mom’s Blog

There is a lot to be said for real estate investment properties. Purchasing a rental property is not just a great way to supplement your income but it could launch a new business. And that’s the best way to handle your new role as a landlord – treat it like a business.

All tenants basically want the same thing: ‘A place that’s well-maintained, safe, close to work and school, and is owned by a landlord who’s professional.

Here are a few things to consider when thinking about becoming a landlord.

Get the right info.

This is not the time to listen to your friends and neighbours but do your own research. Read the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 and make sure you understand your rights and obligations. It’s also worth your time to check out your local municipal bylaws and ensure that the unit meets fire and building standards.

If you are renting a unit in your home, you are obliged to inform your home insurance company, you may need extra insurance. Don’t assume that if the tenant has insurance (which can be a lease requirement) that the unit is covered.

Your rental income is subject to tax. Before you start renting, a discussion with your accountant to fully understand how the extra income will affect your current tax status might be prudent.

Buying or selling a rental property, has it’s own set of complications. An experienced real estate agent will help you successfully navigate a successful result.

Always, always have lease.

Even with friends and family, a properly written lease clearly outlines the rules and responsibilities for both the tenant and the landlord. There is where you can set your expectation as a landlord for such issues as: late rent penalties, bike storage, noise levels, parking.

Landlords can also request references, emergency contact information and set the length of the rental term.

Set up communication channel and reasonable response time, whether it’s a repair or an emergency.

Re-signing the lease annually, for you as the landlord to do an annual home inspection checking for damages and cleanliness.

Don’t dismiss student rentals.

If you live close to a university or college student rentals make be the solution. Most students only stay 8 months of year, returning to you the privacy of your backyard for the summer.

While student renters come with their own set of complications (loud noises, parties etc.), they are also usually attached to larger institutions that may be able to help you have problems. Parents are often willing to co-sign a lease and help pay for the rent, guaranteeing that there will never be a missed payment.

Students often have lower expectations. Not having an updated kitchen, or the latest furniture, will likely be of little concern to them. For a reduced rate in rent, they may also be willing to take on some of the home maintenance chores such as shovelling the snow or taking out the garbage.

While student rentals are mostly short-term a good experience with a one student tenant can keep you in referrals forever.

Learn from other landlords.

Knowing the tricks of the trade is important and who better to learn from than other landlords? The Ontario Landlords Association provides ‘networking, news and education for landlords’. In the end, if you set a professional tone with your renters, they will mostly likely respond in the same manner.

Looking for a investment property? We would be thrilled to what you are looking for.  Contact us Today!

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the Karen Paul team is here to help with any questions.

Credit to posts: “Student Rentals: What You Should Know Ahead of times; Del Condominium Rentals; Canada Homestay International and The Globe & Mail.

Under the Influence is one of those great CBC radio shows that I try to never miss. It’s an exploration into the world of marketing: the age of persuasion and influence. Host Terry O’Reilly, brings such colour to the broadcast with his extensive knowledge of marketing and humourous inside stories and tips.

If you want to know why a brand is marketing a particular idea – chance are Terry has a pretty good idea why.

And nothing escapes Terry’s realm of discussion – including real estate marketing which he explored on his April 6th show Selling The Dream: Real Estate Advertising.  It’s still available via podcast. It’s funny, historical and filled with exciting and sometimes unknown facts about the real estate marketing!.

According to Terry, “the world of real estate marketing has its own rules, its own techniques and its own unique breed of salespeople.” (Well that’s true!) I took a moment and pulled out some of the best show highlights.

Real Estate History

Real estate marketing has been around since the mid 1800s. While some things have changed dramatically, one that hasn’t:… real estate agents are still selling the dream!

The real estate industry had very dubious beginnings. The first agents were more like hustlers selling properties that weren’t what they said they were. Yes, there were landsharks that sold swamp land in Florida. (That’s where that saying come from.)

In order to combat the landsharks, honest real estate agents organized to improve the industry’s image by starting real estate boards, establishing ethics and codes of conduct. Honest agents were encouraged to get offices differentiating them from the drifters or swindlers of no fixed address and therefore no accountability.

The term REALTOR® (short of Real Estate Operator) was created at this time. 1910 there were 126,000 REALTORS.

In Canada the first real estate board was in Vancouver in 1888. In 1922 the first real estate licence was enforced to set standards across the nation. In 1925 the MLS was established and  used in over 200 cities.

In the early years, most REALTORS® were men, but in 1920 there was an influx of women. The home was considered the ‘women’s domain’, and women knew how to find homes for women. The depression would drive women out, with WWII bringing them back to the business.

In the 1960s, 25% of all realtors were women.  Today:  In Canada 42% of all REALTORS are women while 65% in the US.

There are 120,000 real estate agents in Canada and they spend $625 million in advertising.

Real Estate Firsts

The very first radio commercial in 1922 was for a real estate development in New York.

The first advertising agency was started by real estate agent Volney Palmer. In 1837 he was looking to diversify to keep his real estate business a float and so started selling advertising services. He became so successful in the 1845 abandoned all businesses and opened advertising agencies in Boston & NY.

REALTORS® On The Cutting Edge ?

• Often a lawn sign will include a additional single pane to highlight a particular feature of the home. There have been some creative choices: FREE pizza with purchase of house | Reduced: But not stupid or desperate | Zombie Free.
• Josh Altmann – California Realtor who ‘Sells the Dream’ with a rap video.
• Terry Waggoner  – Ferris Property Group – Your House Is A Piece of Junk.
• Ian Adams – Australian Realtor who uses online videos featuring mostly naked men and women lounging around in the luxury homes he sells.
• Cotty Lowry a Keller Williams agent, made his name when his billboards were continuously defaced. Every time he put up a new billboard, within a week it was vandalized. In the end, it worked as everyone remembered his name – and started looking towards the next ‘defacing.’.

And who could forget Alec Baldwin’s performance in Glengarry Glen Ross. If you haven’t seen Blake’s 8-minute ABC – Always Be Closing soloquy — take a moment and see it now.

Real estate marketing continues to lead the way in marketing from social media to flying drones to music videos. What’s next? Online offerings no doubt…

We would be thrilled to work with you and host your open house. Contact us Today!

Our team of real estate sales professionals is committed to finding you, your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the Karen Paul team is here to help with any questions.

Credit to posts by CBC | Under the Influence