In the 1990’s, Ontario jumped on the teardown bandwagon, but this trend does not seem to be going away. Driving around Burlington, McMansions have been erected city wide as smaller, outdated homes have become affordable to replace.

Toronto Life Magazine just published their Sale of the week, which was a 93-year old teardown. The house, just one year YOUNGER than the current owner, was listed at $895,000 and sold in a 21 offer bidding war for $1,208,000, 135% of asking.

Sold in just 6 days on the market, this Bedford Park home sparked a bidding war as the desirable lot size has the ability to hold a monster home.

The teardown trend has spread across North America. The economic downturn halted the trend for a few years, but teardowns quickly became a hot topic once the economy stabilized.

If a teardown is not for you, but you’d like to extend, modernize or personalize your home, there are other great alternatives.

A company based in Hamilton has come up with a few ideas to reduce the teardown mentality. SMPL Design Studio claims “Homes built in the 50’s and 60’s have great “bones”, and with some added architectural presence, these homes can remain and simply be built onto to better suit the lifestyle of today.”

Whatever your taste in housing, we can help you find a home that is right for you.
Or a plot of land, where you can design, craft and build your own!

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.

Times drastically change with each generation. With the speed of the Internet and ever-evolving technology, expectations from new first time home buyers have followed suit.

Those who were born in the 1990’s are now the new wave of home buyers. 

This means we need to keep up with this fast generation and see Real Estate from their point of view.

The Real Estate Agent’s Role Has Changed

With MLS.ca, people are researching properties online and doing their own due diligence. A knowledgeable local agent brings an important role to the transaction in terms of advice, professionalism and taking care of all the fine details such as; paperwork, open houses, showings and dealing with lawyers.
The right agent makes all the difference with getting you the best price for your home as a buyer or a seller. Agents often have access to other purchases or sellers in the area and often help connect the two if they are suited. Once you have hired an agent, essentially they do all the work to achieve what you are looking for.

Technology Has Enhanced The Process 

MLS and digital marketing have vastly sped up the Real Estate process. Videos on Youtube and detailed home images on Realtor sites have allowed new buyers and sellers personal access into what is offered on the market. This means everyone can do their own online research (something Millenials know well) before they contact an agent. New buyers and sellers often even choose agents after Googling them on the Internet and watching them on Youtube. Having a professional and up to date website are extensions of who you are.

The Condo vs. House Debate

Those born in the 80’s and 90’s seem to have more of a wanderlust spirit and for many, the thought of settling down and buying a house is intimidating. A great alternative here is purchasing a condo or a multi-dwelling house that could be rented out in the case of an extended vacation. This is the best of both worlds – entering the property ladder, yet still maintaining the sense of freedom. Condos are also highly sought after as they require little maintenance and allow for a more worry-free lifestyle as everything is done for you. This way if the home owner is offered a job abroad, they have the option to keep their current home and rent it out and still benefit from home-ownership.

Everyone on my team is under 45 years old and we love working with the younger generations!

Let us know how Karen Paul & Associates can assist you with your purchase or sale! 

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

It doesn’t take long. Spring will be here before we know it! If you are looking to purchase a home this spring, there are a few things you can do NOW to prepare for your purchase.

1. Set your budget.

Keep your budget realistic. If you haven’t already, approach a bank or mortgage specialist for a pre-approved mortgage. You will be pre-approved based on your salary, but use it only as a guideline. Don’t feel you need to spend the full amount. Staying as close to your budget as possible will help you narrow your focus and keep you on track financially.

2. Create your wishlist.

Start with the end in mind. Knowing what you are looking for will save time in the home search process. Start with the basics, location, size of house and a preferred type of dwelling.  If you aren’t sure what you want, having a list of ‘NOs’ is sometimes just as useful.

3. Choose your location.

Do you prefer the city, the suburbs or the countryside? Your personality and stage of life should help you indicate what is right for you. Once you’ve chosen the where, you need to zero in further. We provide insights in the Burlington neighbourhoods but there’s nothing like driving around to see if there any streets or neighbourhoods that stand out to you? Do you value close proximity to the lake or to the highway? Picturing yourself living in the location will help you decide if it suits you.

4. Visit open houses.

This is a great way to view what is currently on the market. Determining what your money can buy will gain you some valuable perspective. Visiting other homes on the market also shows you your house-hunting competition; how many other families are looking at similar price ranges and houses? If you are not currently working with an agent, visiting open houses is a great way to meet one!

5. Find a real estate agent with the right fit.

 A good agent can save you thousands of dollars in negotiations and countless hours of paperwork. It is imperative to work with an agent you feel comfortable with and who puts your needs first. Partnering with an experienced professional will help you get what you are looking for!

Let us help you find your new 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.

Winter can be one of the trickiest times of year to sell your home. People tend to hibernate in winter, especially on those minus 30 days like we’ve been having, even leaving the house can feel like a chore.

The great news is with MLS.ca home buyers don’t need to leave their homes as often.

Keep These Tips Top Of Mind When Showing Your Home In Winter…

1) Keep the exterior lean and free of snow and ice

Sidewalks, driveways and doorways should be clear of snow AND ice. While icicles look pretty, get rid of as many as you can, to avoid any falling snow or ice. Make sure to put down lots of salt to avoid any potential falls as well. When there is little to no snow, winter can often produce lots of grime, make an attempt to keep the exterior of your home as clean as possible, especially as the snow melts.

2) Crank up the heat and light the fireplace

On extremely cold days this is especially important. When people walk into your home, you are selling them the experience of living there. The warmth of the home will be one of the first things they notice. Lighting the fireplace will help create a look and cozy feel that will appeal to prospective buyers on cold winter days. It will help them visualize cuddling up with their own families in your space.

3) Show in the daytime if possible

It is always beneficial to show a house during the day to showcase how bright and open it feels. This is especially true in the darker winter months. Even though you may be showing during the day, make sure to turn on all interior and exterior lights. This helps bring more warmth to your space.

4) Price it accordingly

It is often believed that a house will sell for less in the winter market. What you need to remember is that there is less competition in the winter and people are always looking to move. Utilize the season. Less competition could mean more offers on your property. It is not pleasant moving in the winter, but  by the time the house closes (30, 60 or 90 days later) the winter may be over!

5) Marketing materials

Make sure you have some great pictures of your house in the summer months. Show off your flower gardens, pool and how the house looks with leaves on the trees. It is tough to visualize summer in the dead of winter, so make sure you have some great photos which leave nothing up to the imagination.

LET US HELP YOU GET THE MOST MONEY FOR YOUR HOME THIS WINTER!!

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.

“We’re #1 and we’ve just begun,” co-founder and Chairman Gary Keller said.

After another record-setting year of growth, productivity and profitability gains, Keller Williams announced it has become the largest real estate franchise by agent count in the world. The Austin, Texas-based company added a net gain of 17,000 associates in 2014, increasing its worldwide associate count to more than 112,000.

How EXCITING!! Keller Williams announced this achievement last week in Florida at their “Family Reunion”.

What an amazing, transformational time! I had the pleasure of joining the top Keller Williams masterminds who taught us about the revolutions that are sweeping our industry.

There are so many amazing things happening in Real Estate right now!

Some of the GREAT things we learned:

-How to best service the evolving consumer mindset, due to the digital revolution

-Insight into the 2015 social media trends that are emerging, so we can better service our buyers and sellers

-How to achieve success AND have a great work/life balance

-Tips to take our team to the next level by offering our clients exceptional service

-Canada is home to some of the most creative and successful real estate agents in the world!

“Keller Williams truly is a company built by agents for agents,” Davis said. “We’re all agents. And we share the same mindset, values and vision.”

“We have the best systems and models. We have the best training and coaching. We have the best people and culture. And we’re thrilled to have the best leaders to guide us through the next chapters in our extraordinary history,” Keller said.

Moreover, the company shared more than $98 million with associates through Profit Share and Growth Share – an increase of 25 percent over 2013. Since the program’s inception in 1996, the company has distributed more than $573 million in profits with associates. Profit share per agent has almost tripled over the past five years.

 “It’s what you’re doing in your local market that is building your business and making you the real estate expert of choice, and that means more opportunity for you and more opportunities for your family. Keller Williams is committed to creating deeper and more determined pathways for you to succeed faster.”

About Keller Williams Realty:

Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is the largest real estate franchise by agent count in the world, with 700 offices and 112,000 associates in more than a dozen countries around the world. In 2014, Keller Williams was named the No. 1 training organization in real estate and No. 2 training organization across all industries in the world by Training Magazine’s annual “Training 125” list. The company has grown exponentially since the opening of the first Keller Williams Realty office in 1983, and continues to cultivate an agent-centric, education-based, technology-driven culture that rewards associates as stakeholders. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information or to search for homes for sale visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com). For more information about KWWorldwide, please visit kwworldwide.com.

It doesn’t necessarily matter where you are or what you’re doing,  but rather how it makes you feel is what’s important.

However perfect the statistics appear on paper; whether it is an online dating profile, a job role or finding your “dream house” if the feelings do not match the statistics (no matter how impressive) it just won’t jive.

So how do we decide when the timing is right to make a change and how do we know if the change suits us or not, without regretting making a move that perhaps isn’t suited?

1) Make a pros and cons list
If you are thinking of a move, make a list of the good and bad about the decision. This is a good start to get your thoughts flowing about how you truly feel about each option.

2) Ask yourself why you are looking for a change
Is this something you have been considering for a long time? Are you currently frustrated and feel this is the only way things can get better? Thinking about what is the true driver behind your actions will help you seek the true answers you are looking for.

3) Decide if this is the right time
In life, timing is everything. Even after you’ve weighed up the pros and cons and you know why you would like a change, you need to ask yourself if now is the right time. Have you got the resources? Have you done your homework? Are you prepared to leave your current situation?

4) Move forward
If everything is aligned and you have gotten through the previous 3 points without hesitation, taking the plunge without looking back is the next step.

5) Enjoy your decision
You’ve got through the hardest parts, now you can enjoy your decision and move forward with your new house/job/partner!

I made a HUGE shift last year when I decided to move my team to Keller Williams. There was A LOT of thinking, A LOT Of researching, A LOT of digging. Once I decided this decision was right for us, we amicably left Royal LePage where I had called home for over 30 years. Making the shift was full of emotions. It was scary, it was new, it was interesting. But with the right preparation and timing, the shift was a success.

I am very happy to call Keller Williams my new home! My team have received such a warm welcome and while we are just getting our feet wet here, this decision came at exactly the right time!!

Let us know how we can help you and we’ll be happy to work with you through your decisions to find your new 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.

Buying a house is a very exciting time in life!

It is a big life decision and making sure you are as prepared as possible will make all the difference.

There are a number of factors to weigh up moving or buying a new home.

Here are a few things I suggest you keep in mind:

1. Are your finances in order?
For most people, a house is the most expensive item you will buy in your lifetime. Making sure you do not put yourself out financially is a must. As you know, the bigger your downpayment, the less your monthly mortgage fee will but be careful not to be house poor. A house is always a work in progress and things will need to be renovated, kept up and fixed over time, so keeping a nice safety net at hand is something to highly consider.

2. Find out what’s happening in the area where you are looking to buy a house
Get to know the neighbourhood / city you are looking to move to. Getting a feel for the area and comparing other house prices will give you a keen sense of what you can expect. Picture yourself living in any house you look at. Really visualize how it would look and feel to be pulling into the driveway, cooking in the kitchen etc. This should trigger some true feelings about what it would be like to own said property.

3. Are you planning to stay awhile?
Buying a house is great, especially if you are looking to put down roots. If you are moving to a new city, it may be beneficial to rent for a few months so you can find out where you’d like to buy. If you have a work contract or are relocating, buying a house is great way to get settled. If you are committing to buying a home, planning to stay there for at least a few years is a good idea. This amount of time will give you some real perspective on your home, the city and will most likely earn you some equity.

4. Are you ready to buy?
Buying a house is an emotional decision. It is the place you will truly turn into your home. You can make it your own with paint, curtains, hanging pictures, your home is an extension of you. Make sure you are in the right place emotionally whether buying alone or with someone else. Be prepared. Understand all the terms and conditions so there are no hidden surprises that could push already high emotions too far. Often with big decisions there are feelings of confusion. Understand these feelings, but also, know your real reason to buying a home and keep that in your mind.

When you are ready to make your purchase, we’d love to help you along the way!

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.

We all want to be more efficient, more effective and have more free time to spend with loved ones.

With the way the world is today, sometimes we can get caught up in the busyness without knowing how we got to where we are. The Christmas Holidays are meant to be a time of reflection, spending time with family and slowing down, but it can also feel overwhelming at times and this Christmas “down-time” is often over-booked and hectic.

Winter is great time to slow down and now that we are into February – the dead of winter – this is the perfect time to slow down and re-evaluate what you want the rest of 2015 to provide.

Here are 5 Great Tips to Creating a Better Work / Life Balance

1. Live close to work

If this is at all  possibility for you, this will save you hours upon hours of commuting time. As you know, the joke here in South-Western Ontario regarding driving, is always bad. Three seasons of construction and one long season of winter. If you can arrange to work from home even one day a week or skip the commute all together and work near your home, you will gain lots of valuable hours. If neither of those options are available, perhaps moving closer to work may be the best option for you.

2. Live within your means

This is a tough one. We all work hard and deserve nice things, but knowing your limits (while still allowing some treats!) will help keep your stress levels down. Be smart about your purchases. While buying a very expensive car may seem like the best idea, weigh up your options of maximum return on investment. (Ie. your home will go up in value, whereas your car will depreciate). Get in the habit of asking yourself if your purchases are assets or liabilities (or even necessities!)

3. Get to know your community/neighbourhood

This one is especially important if you are new to a city. Getting to know your neighbours and the employees at your local Starbucks, grocery store and gym will make you feel more at home. You can start by introducing yourself to the neighbours (you’d be amazed how many people don’t do this anymore!) Getting yourself involved in activities in your community (whether it’s for yourself, your kids, or maybe your dog!) will help you meet people who live in the area. Learning more about where you live will help integrate you, in turn helping you feel a deeper sense of community and grounding. Even if you have lived in the same city for years, try stepping out of your comfort zone and take up a new hobby; you’ll be amazed at the fabulous people you’ll meet. Also, focus on your working community. Get more connected with colleagues, clients and other people you meet. Finding some common ground will get you excited to see these people daily.

4. Spend more time doing “The Little Things”

Get into the habit of going for a walk everyday (yes, even in the winter). The fresh air will do you a world of good and being aware of the sights, sounds and smells help connect you to slowing down. Now that it’s winter, light a fire, snuggle up with a hot drink and a movie, go play in the snow with (or without!) your kids. Take time to recharge, and everyone around you will benefit.

5. Let it Go (Frozen said it well…)

Spend time laughing with your kids/spouse/roommate about something silly that happened in your day. We often only reflect on the negative things that we endured – shifting the perspective to something comical or enjoyable contributes joy to all involved. Focus on the things you can change about your work / home life and accept or release those you cant change. Try to approach each day with an attitude of gratitude and extend this to your clients, colleagues and family. This will keep people at ease and a better frame of mind makes for happier people.

If you are looking to move closer to work, to find a house within your means or getting to know your neighbourhood better, please give us a call and we’d be happy to help you achieve your ideal work / life balance!

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

Work more efficiently and earn more money. Isn’t that the dream we all share?

I have a lot of people just like you asking me if buying a rental property in Canada is a good idea for them.

Being a property investor and a landlord is a second job. You need to evaluate if this is the right fit for you.

Now, while I can’t make the decision for you, what I can do is give you the information so you can then make your own informed decision if this is right for you.

Here are some Top Homework Tips to Buying a Rental Property in Canada:

1. Research the neighbourhood you are looking at
Not researching a neighbourhood is a common (and sometimes costly!) mistake investors can make. Look at other rentals in the area. Find out what demographic of people live in the area. Find out what the going rate of rent is. Make a list of all the pros and cons. Make sure to mention the amenities and pluses when advertising.

2. View the proposed property from the eyes of the renter

Successful landlords and investors imagine themselves living in the property. Is the neighbourhood nice enough for you to live there? Is the house kept up well enough that you would be proud to call it home? How does the neighbourhood look and feel?  What are the attractions to the neighbourhood? Seeing others who live in the neighbourhood will give you a good indicator of the people your place will attract.

3. Assess your finances

Do you have enough for a sizeable down payment?
Do you have enough of an income to cover surprise costs like fixing a roof/plumbing/leaky basement?
Do you have enough money to cover all the bills, especially if the house becomes vacant (this is often overlooked).
How much income will your property generate?

4. Know the Landlord/Tenant Act Thoroughly
Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a landlord. Even if you hire a Property Manager, you will have certain responsibilities for anyone living on your premises. You need to be able to protect yourself and know what is acceptable and expected of you and your tenants.

Remember, these tips are just meant to help you assess if you want to become an investment property owner.
There are many more steps I will help you with once you’ve made the decision!

I have lots of clients who are very successful landlords and who absolutely love owning rental properties.
If done properly, investing in a rental property can be a great way to diversify your investment portfolio.

Decide if this is right for you and I will help you make it a reality. Speak to you soon!

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.

Many people find winter, (especially January!) the hardest time of the year.

So far we have been very lucky this winter. (Hopefully I don’t speak to soon and have to deal with the wrath of Old Man Winter following this blog post!)

As much as I LOVE spring and summer, I have learned that (as with anything in life) you must endure the bad to be able to fully enjoy and relish the good.

Here are my Top 4 Tips to Help Fight the Winter Blues!

1. Embrace It!
Winter only comes once a year and it usually only lasts about 90 days. I understand this is tough for many as getting outside may not be the best option, but if you can embrace winter in any way, you may actually learn to like it. Get skiing lessons, go to a hockey game, lace up those skates or perhaps just go fro a brisk walk and enjoy the silence that winter brings. Whatever activity you choose to do, embrace it and know that with each passing day summer is on it’s way.

2. Eat Hearty Food
I don’t know about you, but eating a juicy steak with red wine and all the fixin’s doesn’t suit me well in the heat of summer. Let yourself indulge in some heavier foods this winter like roasts, stews and try out some new comfort food recipes you’ve always waned to make. Just make sure to keep it healthy as we need those extra nutrients in winter.

3. Slow Down and Take Time For You
I find the spring and summer season to be so busy and hectic! Instead of longing for days when your calendar is jam-packed, allow yourself to slow down in winter and do the things you feel you never have time for. Read a book, go to the gym, learn an instrument. Challenging yourself in a new and interesting way may have you looking forward to this down time next winter.

4. Go On A Holiday
This one may seem obvious but even taking a long weekend to go somewhere to catch some sun can be really beneficial in the dark winter months. Getting out of the heavy winter coats even for a few days can really recharge your batteries. If you can’t get away, get Vitamin D in any way you can; get outside, take a supplement or just open your blinds and let the sun shine in!

We’d love to hear from you! What do you do to beat the winter blues?

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.