Today everybody has their share of debt, whether it’s on credit cards, personal/student loans, lines of credit or mortgages. If you are uncomfortable with your debt load- let’s talk!

Consumer debt has risen over the past year. Paying down your debt as quickly as possible just makes sense. Monitoring your spending by budgeting using any one of the many online apps could be the solution.

Upon qualifying for a mortgage these three points are very important to a lending institution, when they evaluate your application:

• Reported income on your tax return (Line 150),
• Your credit report
• CRA for the previous year must be paid in full.

There is always the option of increasing your existing mortgage to pay off your high interest debts. However, the banks and mortgage companies will require a current appraisal on your home as well as proof of income. Another thought is to add a second mortgage to consolidate your debts.

There are pros and cons to both options.  Again, we can talk about this!

The Bank of Canada has recently increased their rate by .25% raising the Prime Rate to 3.7%. The financial institutes base their Variable Rate Mortgage rates on Prime. Consequently, it is smart to pay down your collective debt as quickly as you can in preparation for the next interest rate rise.

A five year fixed term has increased slightly, they are now in the range of 3.19% to 3.79% so if you are concerned with your variable mortgage, which will fluctuate with rising Bank of Canada Rates, I strongly suggest discussing the pros and cons of Fixed vs Variable Rate Mortgages.

As a mortgage broker, I am here to help you make the right financial decisions and become debt free down the road.

Lisa Upshaw is a Mortgage Broker with Open Door Mortgages and regularly contributes to Karen Paul’s Real Estate Blog.

• The 10 Don’ts Of Mortgage Closing
• Lisa Upshaw Talks Mortgages

Lisa Upshaw
Mortgage Broker
Open Door Mortgages
LisaUpshawMortgages.ca | 289-259-5095

Teamwork is critical in successful real estate transactions. And not just within our own team, but to our external partners that are involved in making your real estate transactions a success.

This is what Denise wrote…

Just had confirmation of closing. Our lawyers will also contact you to release keys. Thank you for your professionalism and courtesy extended to me. 

Karen Paul & Associates are a credit to the profession and I can say that after having a 38 year career as a real estate law clerk.

What I found exceptional is that Karen listens to her clients and that means a lot. 
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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

A Mother’s Day Poem

by Anonymous

Another Mother’s Day is here,
Bringing joy and pleasures new,
On this special day, Mother dear,
I want to remember you

I cannot give you costly gifts,
And I’ve told you this before,
No matter what I give to you,
You give back much, much more

I’m giving you a pure, sweet rose,
Gathered in the early morn,
This rose you planted in my heart,
The day that I was born

In kindly, loving thoughts of you,
And with the faith you still impart,
The rose I give to you today,
Is the love that’s in my heart

Selling your home? Ask yourself this quick question, will a prospective buyer know the use of that room that you are storing all the kids’ toys and junk in?

Make sure you stage every single room, do not presume that a buyer can visualize the space they see. Sometimes it really does need to be
physically shown to them so:

1. Set up rooms in your home for their intended purpose.
2. Declutter and be sure to show off how spacious that room is.
3. Arrange furniture in such a way that the room flows, do not cover windows and light with furniture.

If the room is empty, it’s equally as important to show its intended use. An empty room has no warmth, personality or life. It’s not inviting and certainly doesn’t help a buyer visualize their new life in that room. Add furniture, a use for that room that will, in turn, attract buyers.

Get rid of any furniture and others objects in the room that isn’t needed in a particular room for the purposes of selling your home. You are showing the buyer their perfect lifestyle.

Go neutral – a neutral room provides a blank canvass to help a buyer visualize what they can do themselves in that space.

In our experience, a house is not a dream home because of its size or color. It’s about how you feel when you walk through the front door – the way you can instantly see your life unfolding there. This is about more than real estate. It’s about your life and your dreams.

TRACKING YOUR WANTS AND NEEDS:

We can help you find the perfect home. Here are some things to think about as you begin looking at homes for sale.

GENERAL:

• Do you have a preference for when the house was built?
• Do you want a house in move-in condition, or are you willing to do some work on it?
• When people come to your home, what do you want your home to say about you?
• Do you want to have a swimming pool or hot tub?
• Are you looking for any additional structures such as a greenhouse or shed?

PROPERTY EXTERIOR:

• What type of home are you looking for – single-family, condo, townhouse, multifamily?
• Approximately what size house are you looking for?
• How many stories?
• What architectural styles do you prefer?
• What type of exterior will you consider?
• What size lot would you like?
• What kind of landscaping are you looking for?
• Do you want a porch or a deck?
• What are you looking for in terms of parking – driveway, garage, carport?
• What are other exterior features important to you?

PROPERTY INTERIOR:

• What kind of style do you want the interior of your home to have – formal, casual, cozy, traditional, modern or eclectic?
• What kind of floor plan do you prefer – open versus walls between all living spaces?
• What kind of lighting do you prefer?
• Do you have flooring preferences?
• In general, what are your likes and dislikes for the interior of your home?
• Are there specific room needs for your kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms or other living areas?

BEING A STEP AHEAD: 

We understand how important it is to be “in the know” as a buyer. That’s why we’re happy to provide you with the tools you’ll need for buying the new home of your dreams!

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Our team of real estate sales professionals would be thrilled to work with you. Call us today!

Karen Paul
KP & Associates | Real Estate
Get that second opinion!
905-333-6234 | karenpaul.com | info@karenpaul.com
Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • Milton • Niagara
Buyer’s Corner | Free Home Evaluations | See Our Listings | Subscribe To Our Newsletter

If you are thinking about putting your home up for sale, now is a fantastic time of year! However, there are some key things you should do before you list your house in order to maximize your return.

Develop a Serious Seller Mindset

Moving can be a very emotional time. Detaching yourself emotionally from the property is helpful when you are looking to sell. Start by de-cluttering and making your home feel more like a house than a memory bank. Try to view your house as a business transaction and an investment that has earned you some money, this will help move the process along.

Show Off the House

First impressions are the only ones that matter. Having a home that is well-presented, smells good, depersonalized, and de-cluttered will help buyers visualize themselves living there. Turn on all the lights, and open the blinds. Showing the brightness of the house a will make the space feel more open. Keeping your home in showroom-ready mode throughout your selling process is a must. A buyer could be coming at any time and consistency, and cleanliness are key. Kitchens are the heart of the home, so if you are looking to spend money upgrading, the kitchen is the usually the best bet.

Hire an Agent

This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the selling process. Find an agent who can understand what you are looking for and has your best interest in mind. Meet with a few different agents to get a feeling for who can serve you best. Here a few key things to consider:

1) How many sales has this agent had in the immediate area? An agent who knows the local vicinity well is better positioned to negotiate.

2) Find out their marketing budget for your home. Agents (obviously) should do more than just put your house on MLS and hope for the best. You can ask about; brochures, signage, open house options, photographs, video tours, newspaper ads, and web ads. It is a good idea to know what marketing to expect.

3) Make sure the agent is willing to work with you to get the best price. An agent versed in your neighbourhood should present you with market comparables, get a valuation on your home and help you determine a priced based on these factors.

4) One of the most important aspects of finding a good agent is; how well do you get along? Working closely with someone on a big financial transaction (the biggest one of your life) is so much more enjoyable if you genuinely like your agent as a person. Finding an agent who is personal, yet will fight for you if need be is very beneficial for everyone.

Contact us – We would love to help you with your home selling process in this Amazing Spring Market!

__________________________

Our team of real estate sales professionals would be thrilled to work with you. Call us today!

Karen Paul
KP & Associates | Real Estate
Get that second opinion!
905-333-6234 | karenpaul.com | info@karenpaul.com
Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • Milton • Niagara
Buyer’s Corner | Free Home Evaluations | See Our Listings | Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Planning a winter vacation?

And truly, I do understand that there are a millions things to cover off before heading out. A word of caution, when compiling your ‘trip-to-do’ list, don’t forget those tasks that will keep your home safe and secure during the holidays.

It’s no fun being asked if you remembered to lock the back door – when you are seated on the plane.  Cover off these five key areas and you can probably set your mind at ease when vacationing.

1.  KEEP UP APPEARANCES – 

The key is to make it seem like someone is actually home while you are away. And the best way to do that, short of hiring a house sitter is to ensure that your home doesn’t look like its empty.

Suspending delivery services such as the newspaper or mail is a good idea. Home services such as landscaping is a different matter. If it snows, even if you aren’t there to appreciate it, arrange to have your walks shoveled and your car cleaned of snow.

Arrange to have your garbage bins taken to the curb and returned in a timely fashion – even if the bins are empty. It will give the impression that there is someone at home.

Inside and outside light timers and motion sensors give the impression that your home is occupied. The key though is to make sure your lights are operating just like you were there. Having lights on a 2AM on a week-night or during all daylight hours will give a false impression.

In addition to lights, sound can help keep-up appearances. There are now sophisticated programs that will manage your TV.

2.  HIRE A HOUSE SITTER – 

And, it might be just wise to hire a house sitter. Whether regular visits or as a live-in, they can also take of your pets, plants and the other regular chores that may fall to friends, family or neighbours.

3.  LET YOUR NEIGHBOURS KNOW –

Even if you hardly know them, best to let a few trusted neighbours know that the family will be away and whether or not you’ve hired a house sitter. Your community has a vested interest in keeping your home safe. Consider leaving a key and emergency contact.

As for your virtual neighbours, it might be wise to avoid sharing specific trip details on social media – before or during your trip. Burglars have been known to peruse social media sites to see who might be away.

4.  LOCK-IT-UP –

Having a last minute security checklist will guarantee that the backdoor has indeed been locked!

Identify those areas of your home that require special attention such as sliding glass doors, or basement windows. Taking extra steps like adding a wooden dowel in the tracks of a sliding door when the door is shut, will make your home a less desirable target.

It’s a good idea to leave a few shades open so that your home doesn’t look completely abandoned. However, remove any valuables such as lap-tops, flat-screen TV or another type of pricey gear to avoid a smash-and-grab-type burglaries.

If you haven’t already, perhaps this is a good time to install a home security system – one step to deter home invasions.

5.  SEAL-IT-UP –

Disconnect unnecessary appliances, such as computers, televisions (unless it’s on a timer) and coffee makers, to avoid excessive energy use. Your appliances will also be protected from any electrical power surges.

If you anticipate a cold frost, pipes and water appliances should be drained so they don’t freeze or burst when you are gone. Turn off the main water supply and open the taps to drain out the water. This doesn’t include the water heater.

Program the thermostat to run around 16 degrees Celsius to keep the pipes and appliances from freezing. Tightly seal the windows and doors to prevent excess condensation on the inside of the home.

Keeping the blinds shut and curtains drawn will trap warm air indoors, and increase the energy efficiency in your home.

If you haven’t had your home winter-serviced by your HVAC/Plumbing yet, it might be wise to have your system service before heading out.  A professional contractor may also have some good advice on keeping your home safe in the winter.

If you know your home is well attended and has been protected, you’ll be able to really kick-back and enjoy your vacation!

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Our team of real estate sales professionals would be thrilled to work with you. Call us today!

Having a home with the correct humidity levels during the winter is not only good for Ontario homes, but for the people that live in them.

Cold, dry winters zap humidity out of the air. Combine that with closed windows and the constant running of the furnace and your home’s humidity can easily drop well below the recommended range of 35-50%.

If you invested in a tight, energy-efficient house maintain that already maintains a lot of moisture, you may only need a slight adjustment in your home’s humidity.

Keeping watch on the humidity levels in your home means not just a happier house, but a healthier you!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR HOME IS REALLY DRY.

We’ve all experienced the health results of a long, dry winter: dry skin, scratchy throats and in some cases dried out nasal passages that not only aggravate respiratory problems but can make you more susceptible to colds and flu.

While there are no guarantees that using a humidifier means fewer coughs and colds, humidifying your home can help alleviate many of the symptoms.

Really dry air negatively impacts your home as well.

• Static electricity is a direct result of dry air. In addition to causing painful shocks, it can damage your electronic equipment.
• Houseplants suffer from dryness and can’t probably do their job of cleaning the air.
• Hardwood floors lose moisture and contract when the air is extremely dry. It can cause flooring to separate at the seams.
• Wallpaper has been known to start peeling at the edges in homes are that excessively dry.

CHOOSING A HUMIDIFIER.

Some of the most popular types of humidifiers are: warm mist humidifiers, steam vaporizers, cool mist humidifiers, and console humidifiers. Keep in mind that the models all consume different amounts of energy.

Choosing the right humidifier means making sure you’ve got the right size and capacity which is measured in gallons per day of operation.  A tabletop or portable humidifier works best for a single room but there are room humidifiers can cover up to 1000 square feet.

Whole-house humidifiers are installed in the ductwork, next to your furnace. They operate on a simple concept.

Air heated by your furnace or heat pump passes through a ceramic-coated pad in the humidifier, called an evaporator pad. The evaporator pad is saturated with water. The air absorbs moisture from the pad and adds humidity throughout the home as it circulates.

Depending on the model you choose and the size of your home, a humidifier will use from 1.5 to 12 gallons of water per day when the furnace is operating

YES, TOO MUCH HUMIDITY CAN BE A PROBLEM.

When warm, moist air comes in contact with a cold, dry surface, the water in the air condenses, creating water droplets. Excess moisture coupled with high humidity can cause all kinds of problems in your home.

If you notice:

• Frequent fogging of windows may indicate too much humidity. The appropriate relative humidity allows only slight condensation along the lower edges or corners of windows.
• Moisture buildup or mold on closet walls or room ceilings and walls indicates high humidity.

… check your humidity levels.

A humidistat (sometimes also called a hygrostat) helps measure the humidity in your home. It can also act as a control with your furnace maintaining an optimum or preferred humidity level.

Keep your home and family safe and healthy this winter by keeping tabs on the humidity in your home.

__________________________

Our team of real estate sales professionals would be thrilled to work with you. Call us today!

Karen Paul & Associates | Real Estate
Ontario Is Our Game ~ Come Play With Us
905-333-6234 | karenpaul.com | info@karenpaul.com
Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • Milton • Niagara
Free Home Evaluations | See Our Listings | Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Credit to posts by ClimateCare.com and Lowes
Photo Credit: Pixabay

Every real estate agents tell you that any season is the right season to buy or sell your home, and that’s true, even in a winter when real estate market can be quite lucrative.

There are several great reasons not ignore a winter a market, whether you are a buyer or a seller and several great strategies to help improve your chances of a successful sale or great purchase.

IN A WINTER REAL ESTATE MARKET… buyers generally aren’t tire kicking

Winter buyers are motivated. Chances are they are looking for a home now because they have to, whether it’s a job location or this is the only time they can buy. I think you’ll find winter buyers are serious about their purchases.

As a seller, you have the advantage of attracting buyers who aren’t restricted by school districts or neighbourhoods. They tend to be truly committed to finding the right home, traveling several miles after work in a dark and cold winter.

IN A WINTER REAL ESTATE MARKET… industry professionals answer your calls immediately

It’s easier during the winter months to hire a contractor to finish off that last bit of flooring, get a home inspection done almost immediately or connect with other real estate agents. In fact, most agents have fewer clients and therefore more time to dedicate to you.

You may even find banks and other lenders more accessible and quicker at providing assistance. In some cases, you see lower costs on services such as movers – because you are willing to move during the winter.

A WINTER REAL ESTATE MARKET CAN MEAN… lower inventory and less competition

True, spring and summer are the most active real estate seasons. Traditionally there are fewer listings during the winter but there is also a high volume of buyers. Your home could quickly become a hot commodity particularly if it has desirable features. .

At the same time buyers also have definite advantages. A buyer may be successful in offering a lower than asking price, or ask for perks such as the light fixtures. With fewer buyers, there is less likely to be bidding wars and you may actually get time to think about your decision.

A WINTER REAL ESTATE MARKET HOME VISIT… allows you to test a home’s winter fitness

When you enter a prospective home during the winter you really can see how it will hold-up during extreme weather. This is a buyer’s time to see if there are any really cold rooms, check for drafts, the HVAC system, and check out the lighting.

A WINTER REAL ESTATE MARKET… presents some listing challenges

If you decide to list your home there are some unique challenges around showing your home.

• Light-Up Your Home: During the winter there is less natural light to highlight a home’s features. Additional light fixtures for showings will make your home appear warm and friendly. Don’t dispense with the holiday decorations, but make sure they are tasteful, modest and not personalized.
• Fresh scents are important: Because of the cooler outdoor temperatures, airing out homes during the winter is almost impossible. Sellers can improve the smell of their home by adding fresh cut flowers or particular natural scents, without going overboard.
• Keep the walkways clear:  Certainly there is less landscaping but your driveway and walkways need to remain shoveled and salted. And since the landscaping is hidden, consider adding summer photos of your home that highlight the landscaping in your listing photos.

Whether you want to buy a new home or sell the one you currently own, don’t think you have to wait until spring!

__________________________

Our team of real estate sales professionals would be thrilled to work with you. Call us today!

Karen Paul & Associates | Real Estate
Ontario Is Our Game ~ Come Play With Us
905-333-6234 | karenpaul.com | info@karenpaul.com
Burlington • Oakville • Hamilton • Milton • Niagara
Buyer’s Corner | Free Home Evaluations | See Our Listings | Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Credit to posts by HGTV, TammySellsRockwood, Paul Rushforth and Realtor.ca
Photos by: Pixabay

What a wonderful year we had! Not only was it hopping in terms of real estate sales but team-wise we had a lot of great events and activities.

And a large part of that success to belongs to all of my team members at Karen Paul, and of course you, our clients.

On behalf of everyone at Karen Paul & Associates and Keller Williams Edge Realty, we wish you a very happy holiday and look forward to serving you in 2018!