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

Team photo array from the 2016 Keller Williams Edge Realty Fifth Annual Awards Luncheon (March 2017). Honoured guests included Ontario Real Estate Association CEO Tim Hudak and OREA President Ettore Cardarelli (first row, centre photo).

Karen Paul & Associates won the Double Platinum 2106 Group Award. They were also awarded in the Top 5 Groups for all of Canada. Congratulations to team members: Karen Paul • Justin Loncaric • Jessica Barnett • Kim Perosa • Michael McQuinn  • Erin Kofoed  • Amanda Barker • Sarah Rahim and Natalie Williamson. 

Karen Paul & Associates Celebrating
At the Keller Williams Edge Realty 2016 Awards Luncheon

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.

Over the years, I’ve developed a CLIENT FIRST guiding principle that emphasizes accessiblity, attention to detail, effective communication and meeting customer’s needs. Sometimes, this can involve advising or even assisting with the financial end of a real estate transaction.

This article The 10 Don’ts of Mortgage Closing was included in a mortgage newsletter from Lisa Upshaw, a local mortgage professional in Burlington. She compiled this compendium of don’ts from a variety of sources. I asked her permission to re-post these don’ts in our blog because they are so important.

____________________
Here is a list of things you should NEVER do in the time between the financing complete date (when everything is setup and looks good) and your closing date (the day the lender actually advances funds).

In fact, never make changes to your financial situation without first consulting your mortgage broker. Changes to your financial situation before your mortgage closes could actually cause your mortgage to be declined.

Mortgage Financing: 10 Things Never To Do

1. DON’T QUIT YOUR JOB.

This might sound obvious, but if you quit your job your mortgage broker will have to report this change in employment status to the lender. From there you will be required to support your mortgage application with your new employment details. Even if you have taken on a new job that pays twice as much in the same industry, there still might be a probationary period and the lender might not feel comfortable with proceeding.

Discuss any employment changes with your mortgage broker to see if there could be any negative complications.

2. DON’T DO ANYTHING THAT WILL REDUCE YOUR INCOME.

Similar to #1,  don’t change your status at your existing employer. Getting a raise is fine, but dropping from full-time to part-time status is not a good idea. The reduced income will change your debt service ratios on your application and consequently your ability to qualify.

3. DON’T APPLY FOR NEW CREDIT.

It’s easy to get excited about your new home, especially if this is your first, however now is not the time to go shopping on credit or take out new credit cards. So if you find yourself, shopping for new furniture and they want you to finance your purchase right now… don’t. By applying for and taking out new credit, you can jeopardize your mortgage.

4. DON’T GET RID OF EXISTING CREDIT.

In the same vein, as #3, it’s best not to close any existing credit either. The lender has agreed to lend you the money for a mortgage based on your current financial situation and this includes the strength of your credit profile. Mortgage lenders and insurers have a minimum credit profile required to lend you money. If you close active accounts, you could fall into an unacceptable credit situation.

5. DON’T CO-SIGN FOR A MORTGAGE FOR SOMEONE ELSE.

You may have the best intentions in the world, but if you co-sign for any type of debt for someone else, you are 100% responsible for the full payments incurred on that loan. This extra debt is added to your expenses and may throw your ratios out of line.

6. DON’T STOP PAYING YOUR BILLS.

Although this is still good advice for people purchasing homes, it is more often an issue in a refinance situation. If you are just waiting on the proceeds of a refinance in order to consolidate some of your debts, you must continue making your payments as scheduled. If you choose not to make your payments, it will reflect on your credit bureau and it could impact your ability to get your mortgage. Best advice is to continue making all your payments until the refinance has gone through and your balances have been brought to zero.

7. DON’T SPEND YOUR CLOSING COSTS.

Typically the lender wants to see you with 1.5% saved up to cover closing costs. This money is used to cover the expense of closing your mortgage, like paying your lawyer for their services. You might think that because you shouldn’t take out new credit to buy furniture, you can use this money instead. Bad idea. If you don’t pay the lawyer, there will be no house to deliver the furniture to.

8. DON’T CHANGE YOUR REAL ESTATE PURCHASE CONTRACT.

The are times after purchasing a new property that things will show up after the fact on an inspection and you might want to make changes to the contract. Although not a huge deal, it can make a difference for financing. Even if financing is complete, check with your mortgage broker if you want to make changes to to the purchase contract.

9. DON’T LIST YOUR PROPERTY FOR SALE.

If your mortgage broker has set up a refinance for your property and your goal is to eventually sell it… wait until the funds have been advanced before listing it. Why would a lender want to lend you money on a mortgage when you are clearly going to sell right away (even if it’s a short-term loan)?

10. DON’T ACCEPT UNSOLICITED MORTGAGE ADVICE FROM UNLICENSED OR UNQUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS.

Although this point is least likely to impact the approval of your mortgage status, it is frustrating when people, who don’t have the first clue about your unique situation, give you unsolicited advice about what you should do with your mortgage, making you second guess yourself.

____________________

Thanks Lisa.. By the way, #10 also pertains to real estate professionals. If you’ve hired a professional to act in your interests, then take their advice. Your friends, family and neighbours no doubt will have lots of other experiences and great advice, but your REALTOR® is the one that always, has your best interests in mind.

We would be thrilled to work with you on your next real estate transaction. 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
Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • Milton • Niagara

Credit to information provided by Lisa Upshaw and other sources.

During an average week, how many places can you, or do you, walk to?

If you’re like many Canadians, it’s difficult to get everything done in one day on foot—at some point, you need to drive – whether to school, work, or shopping.

Recently, I have noticed a trend away from a car-centred style of living. Instead, younger Canadians are looking for communities that allow them to focus on how much they can walk as part of their daily lives.

They seem to be gravitating towards vibrant city center neighbourhoods that include work places, schools, restaurants, shopping and recreation. City centre living means adapting to smaller homes sizes and giving up the giant yard and house – the focus of suburban living.

I found this interesting infographic about walkable communities from RentToOwnLabs. While the information and stats are US, we are seeing the same trends here in Canada. It’s been interesting to watch this shift in this ever surprising market!

We would be thrilled to help you establish a new life in a city centre, walkable community.

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 | Subscribe To Our Newsletter