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.