Owning your first home is a great way to learn all the ins-and-outs of buying real estate. Building your real estate portfolio is a beneficial way to diversify and save for the future.

Increasingly, people are opting to purchase an investment property to help save for their children’s education or for retirement.

There are many benefits to owning a second or third property and if this is something you are considering, the following points should help you make you decision!

OTHER PEOPLE ARE PAYING YOUR MORTGAGE

Acquiring an asset without having to pay the monthly retainer is a smart business move. Having a property full of renters who pay more than your monthly mortgage means you’re gaining the equity on your home, without paying the bills and you’re earning some cash flow! While you are still responsible for the general maintenance on the home, there are cases when it makes sense to have the tenant pay the most regular of home costs such as hydro.

YOU ARE PROVIDING A PLACE FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO CALL HOME

Landlords who make their rentals into desirable places to live often get better, long-term tenants. A good rule to follow is ask yourself: “would I live here”? If your answer is no, it’s time to upgrade the place to attract the type of tenant you want.

IF YOU OWN ENOUGH PROPERTIES, YOU COULD EARN A FULL TIME SALARY

Most people would probably opt-out of a regular 9-5 job if given the chance.  It’s possible to generate a full-time income from managing multiple rental properties and enjoy the flexibility of being self-employed.

LEARN LIFE LESSONS

When you take on tenants and multiple dwellings, you are dealing with real life situations. Being organized, firm but charitable are traits that will ensure that you and your tenant maintain a long term and satisfying relationship. There is an unlimited amount of learning when you engage in rental properties from: financial management; multiple mortgages, renovations; complaints; understanding by-laws, legal issues, city regulations  and more.

But all of these perceived annoyances eventually will transition you into a better property owner.

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Our team of real estate sales professionals would be thrilled to help you find that perfect income property.

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 HGTVs Scott McGillivray.

There are many reasons why it may be time to sell your home. You may need more space to make room for a growing family or are in the process of downsizing now that your children have left the next. Whatever your motivations, timing is key.

If you sell when home prices are plummeting, you may end up losing on the deal. However if you place your home on the market when prices are at their peak, there may be a shortage of buyers.

So how do you know when it’s a good time to sell? A professional real estate agent can assess the market conditions, conduct a home evaluation and strategic marketing measures that will sell your home for top dollar in a timely fashion.

But there may be other time-tell signs that indicate, this might be the time for a new home.

YOU’VE OUT GROWN YOUR CURRENT HOME

Whether you are expecting another child, caring for an aging parent, or have taken in your adult children, when you’ve outgrown your home, it may be time to sell it. Buying a bigger home is one of the main reasons why homeowners choose to sell. Consider the permanency of the change. Will the kids be there for a long time? How long will you be able to care for your aging parent?

YOU NEED TO MAKE A CHANGE

Change is inevitable. Maybe you’re tired of shoveling snow and you want to shift to a condominium where those types of chores are taken care of.  Are you looking to move and chase that dream job or be closer to family. When change requires a move then selling your home is necessary.

HOME PRICES ON THE RISE

This can be a somewhat of a risky reason to sell your home. True you may get more than you expected for your home , but you may also have pay more for another home. This is where your real estate agent is can be of assistance is making the transition from home-to-home easy, affordable and headache free.

YOU NEED TO DOWNSIZE

As the baby boomer generation is moving into their golden years, they are selling their homes in order to downsize. The kids are all out of the house and all that extra space becomes a chore. Many homeowners have used real estate to boost their retirement finances. This is where your real estate agent and your financial planner can work hand-in-hand to best represent your interests.

YOU CAN NO LONGER AFFORD YOUR HOME

Sometimes, life changes (divorce, illness, death, job loss or other drastic financial circumstances) can force a home sale sooner than you are ready. Dealing with the situation early, could mean less financial impact later on.

Every situation is different and your personal home ownership situation is unique. An experienced real estate agent is key to helping you achieve your personal goals.

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Our team of real estate 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

The following article appeared in the The Real Estate Book | October 2017

It has been quite a roller coaster so far this year in the real estate market in Burlington. We started out exceptionally strong, carrying on from 2016 but with even stronger price appreciation and lack of inventory in the first quarter.

But there has definitely been a cooling off period in the last few months. The number of sales has been declining since March, and there were only 325 closed transactions in June 2017 compared to 649 in 2015 and 466 in 2016.

At the same time, we have finally seen a higher number of listings coming on to the market, probably tempted by the opportunity to take advantage of higher prices. Through most of 2016 and especially in the first quarter of 2017, the number of homes available for sale was less than half what is typical in Burlington. For example, at the end of March there were only 315 active listings, compared to 854 in 2015 and 468 in 2016. A balanced market in Burlington normally has between 500 and 700 active listings, and it appears we are back into this range again now.

So what about prices? Again, things seem to be moderating compared to the crazy price gains of the early part of the year. Burlington has historically been a very recession proof market, and the long terms trends have seen house prices go up by 5% to 6% per year. By the end of June, we were getting closer to these historical norms.

So what does this mean for local home buyers and sellers? Firstly, with a more balanced market and plenty of supply, agents have to work harder to sell listings. Buyers have more choice again, and they can safely present offers with the more typical conditions to safeguard their best interests. And sellers will need to moderate their price expectations, and recognize that they may not be able to achieve the valuations that we saw at the peak of this market in March.

As a team of professional realtors, we welcome a more balanced market, and look forward to more typical conditions in the second half of this year.

All Data From The Realtors’ Association of Hamilton-Burlington

For more information on the Burlington Market, please contact 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

“The measure of life is not its duration but its donation”

WOW! WOW! WOW!

How proud I am to be a part of Keller Williams International, headquartered in Austin Texas.

Can you imagine losing your home that is your comfort zone, not to mention your life savings? Pets, belongings, and treasures never to be replaced.

Keller Williams has an established 501(c) charity called KW CARES in which EVERY Keller Williams AGENT in EVERY office in the world contributes to from their commissions earned with EVERY transaction that comes through a Keller Williams office.

I bet you did not know you were helping with relief efforts around the world when you listed and bought through a KW agent!!

To date: Keller Williams has committed to donating $20million of your/our money to the disaster relief and recovery of Houston, Texas. KW CARES owns multiple 18-wheelers for transporting supplies that they were able to purchase in bulk.

Keller Williams also works side-by-side with the RED CROSS and other charitable organizations by sending in supplies or even flying into disaster areas, hundreds of agent volunteers.

And all the admin costs? They are being handled personally by our KW Chairman Gary Keller and Vice Chairman of the board Mo Anderson.

Learn more at KWRelief.org. You can donate right on the website or sign up to volunteer.

Merci!!

 

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As your local agent, the Burlington area is our home.
If you’re new to the area, we would be happy to help you get situated and introduce you to our favourite spots!

Karen Paul & Associates
Ontario Is Our Game ~ Come Play With Us
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

When it comes to home security, the statistics are surprising.
SGI Canada recently released the following stats on home invasions.

• A residential break-in happens every 90 seconds in Canada.
• More than 80% of break-ins occur during daylight hours.
• Most illegal entries are made by amateur burglars without the use of sophisticated tools.
• Most burglars enter through a basement or ground-floor door or window.
• Most burglars rely on concealment, speed and force to gain entry to a home.

Summer time = vacation time often providing the perfect opportunity to review how well your home stacks up against the ‘home invasion’ test.

Nothing is 100%, but there are preventive measures that will act as a deterrent to even the most professional burglars.

Securing Your Home When You Are Away.

• Enlist the support of your neighbour to cut the grass, shovel the snow, collect and put out your garbage bins, pick up parcels and mail – even park in your driveway.
• Cancel all deliveries and if someone can’t pick up your mail, pay to have it stopped.
• Maintain normal lighting patterns and consider leaving a radio on. Both of these can be managed with electronic timers.
• Avoid posting your vacation photos on social media until you return. Locating someone’s home address using basic information from their social media profile is surprisingly easy. In fact, one survey of convicted burglars, more than 10 percent said they used social media to determine who was out of town.

Securing Your Home When You’re At Home!

• Consider installing a monitored alarm system, the statistics are pretty compelling. Not only is the chance of experiencing a home invasion significantly reduced but the stats show that the amount of property stolen from homes equipped with an alarm system is reduced.
• Make your home look lived-in – particularly during the day when at work.  Stats show that most home invasions are occur during the daytime between 12:30 -2:30PM. Lock all the doors (including patio and garage doors), keep windows obfuscated – don’t make it easy for the burglars to scope out your belongings.
• Check the outside of your home. Keep shrubs trimmed from windows and doors preventing hiding places. Tall bushes offer burglars an obstructed view from the street and an easy way to hide from neighbors. A clear and well-lit view of your front porch can act as the best defense. Secure any exterior doors, possibly with dead bolt locks. Add extra security to patio doors and basement windows, an entry point for many break-ins.

What should you do if there is a break-in at your home?

• Leave immediately. Go to a neighbour’s home and contact the police.
• Never confront a burglar or bock the exit route. The safest thing to do is allow them a safe way out.

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.

Just a quick note to say thank you so much for the gift card at the LCBO. That was very sweet. I will definitely recommend your team. It was a great pleasure to work with you and your son. Since we met years ago I have always liked you and respected you.

I recently was at the house and met with the couple who bought it. They have already done some lovely things to it and plan to keep the house as is and not do a rebuild. I’m sure they will have to do some major work in the basement however

Wishing you all the best. ~Joanne

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

On May 11, 2017 – RED Day – over 100 Keller Williams Edge Associates gathered at Food for Life (Burlington) to package over 20,000 lbs of frozen food for distribution throughout Halton to those in need through community partnerships.

First introduced in 2009, RED Day (Renew, Energize and Donate) is  the dedicated annual day of service for Keller Williams Realty agents. On the second Thursday of the month, KW real estate agents around the world spend the day away from their businesses serving worthwhile community organizations.

RED Day is an example of the KW promise to give where you live.

Local RED Day chair Susan Williamson MacKey and her committee also thank The Watermark Taphouse and Grille and Karmel Sakran Law Office for the BBQ.

Along with Karen, Justin Loncaric, Kim Perosa and Michael McQuinn, rounded out the Karen Paul & Associates Team.

#KWEDGE #REDDAY #KELLERWILLIAMS #GIVEWHEREYOULIVE

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As your local agent, the Burlington area is our home and we want to be involved in the community.
If you’re new to the area, we would be happy to help you get situated and introduce you to our favourite spots!

Karen Paul & Associates
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

Decked out in their finest, the Karen Paul Team attended the Canadian Nurses for Africa, sixth annual gala – Out of Africa,  February 25, 2017. Team members danced, dined, shopped the silent auction – only before photo-bombing the photo booth!

It was a wonderful evening, allowing the team to kick-up their heels in support of such a worthwhile and local organization.

The Canadian Nurses for Africa  was formed in 2007 by Burlington resident Gail Wolters. After meeting with Kenyan resident Aggrey Mulamba and hearing of the lack of affordable health care, Gail jumped into action.

With Gail in Canada and Aggrey in Kenya, the Canadian Nurses for Africa launched their first mission in May 2009. Eight Canadian nurses worked along side 12 Kenyan nurses and clinical officers in eight different clinics. Since then the CNFA mandate has broadened to include projects from jiggers to sexual health.

Beyond donations, the CNFA is always looking for RNs or RPNs to become involved in the program. Candidate requirements include: 3 years experience; good standing with their provincial College of Nurses and the ability to pay own expenses.

Pictured above are the six nurses from the 2014 mission who performed 11 days of field clinics treating 9,528 people.

Learn more about the CNFA by following their stories.

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As your local agent, the Burlington area is our home and we want to be involved in the community.
If you’re new to the area, we would be happy to help you get situated and introduce you to our favourite spots!

Karen Paul & Associates
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

Southern Ontario Lyric Opera (SOLO), is a young, vibrant and dynamic Opera company, launched in 2015 to bring the “rich musical and visual tapestry of opera to communities within Southern Ontario”. SOLO seeks to advance the public’s appreciation and enjoyment of the arts by providing high-quality performances of classical operatic works.

Since its formation, SOLO has appeared in numerous concerts and community events, including: Festitalia Italian Heritage Awards flash mob and concerts in at the Villia Italia in Hamilton.

In the spring of 2016, the chorus appeared again at Villa Italia to perform an Easter Concert, and participated in a Concert for Syrian refugees, in Hamilton.

In September of this year, SOLO presented their first partially staged opera, “La Traviata”, at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. (See program notes – right.)

SOLO FOUNDER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Sabatino Vacca is the Co-founder and Music Director for the Milton Philharmonic Orchestra, Music Director of the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra and Music Director for the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra.

Vacca has conducted orchestras in the Czech Republic, Symphony Hamilton, the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony, the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra, the Brampton Symphony Orchestra, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra.

As artistic director, Vacca has an impressive record including:

• Director of Productions for Opera York for
  Carmen, Suor Angelica/Gianni Schicchi, La Traviata, The Barber of Seville, Tosca, Rigoletto, La Bohème, Madama Butterfly, Il Trovatore, and as Conductor for Le Nozze di Figaro and Così Fan Tutte.
• Conducted the Opera Belcanto for Cavalleria Rusticana, Pagliacci, and Tosca.
• He is a staff member with Opera Hamilton and has worked as an opera coach for the University of Toronto, Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.

Vacca is the recipient of the Spirit of Ontario Award for the Arts by the National Congress of Italian Canadians.

Future SOLO initiatives  – education program including interactive lectures and informal talks; youth and senior program; and more community involvement and outreach.

In March 2017, SOLO will launch a production of Puccini’s “Tosca”, tickets can be purchased online.

Learn more about the Southern Ontario Lyric Opera and their 2017 season by visiting their website: southernontariolyricopera.comor follow them on Twitter or Facebook.

Consider becoming a Friend of SOLO.

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As your local agent, the Burlington area is our home and we want to be involved in the community.
If you’re new to the area, we would be happy to help you get situated and introduce you to our favourite spots!

Karen Paul & Associates
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

The Karen Paul Team participated in the CareGo 17th annual golf tournament on Friday, August 26 at Lowville Golf Club in Burlington.

CareGo is a technology company specializing in the material handling of heavy products including steel and aluminum. Found in 1999, CareGo began as a steel warehousing company and expanded into related services including truck transport, general distribution and transloading quickly becoming Canada’s largest steel transloading facility.

CareGo has a long history of providing support to community projects and charitable initiatives, both through dollars and staff volunteers. In this tournament, CareGo rasied $23,757.50 for the Robert Land Community Association.

Located in Hamilton’s North End, the Robert Land Community Association operates the Eva Rothwell Resource Centre providing necessary resources and support for community members to lift themselves out of poverty.  The Eva Rothwell Centre officially opened in December 2006 and took possession of the former Robert Land Elementary School which has been the heart and the hub of the neighbourhood for 90 years.

Karen Paul, Erin Kofoed and Justin Loncaric were delighted to participate in a wonderful day of golf!

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As your local agent, the Burlington area is our home and we want to be involved in the community.
If you’re new to the area, we would be happy to help you get situated and introduce you to our favourite spots!

Karen Paul & Associates
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