I'm a Broker!

I've wanted to earn my Broker's designation for years now - after being a real estate salesperson for so long, I felt it was the next logical step in my career.  But, as with many aspirations, life always seemed to get in the way - especially having my two children!  Last year my husband retired from the Canadian Airforce and has been staying home with the kids, allowing me to focus more on my business.  This fall I finally made the decision to do what I've always wanted to do, and I enrolled in the Broker's course, wrote my exam, and funny enough, I passed the thing!  So I'm happy to announce that as of today, I am officially a Registered Real Estate Broker.  I also wanted to say how thankful I am to have the family support that I have - my husband, parents and sisters are such an amazing source of inspiration and strength, I couldn't have done it without them!  :)

Two 4-bedroom Homes for Sale in Newcastle!

Robin and I have listed two spectacular homes for sale in Newcastle Village, Ontario.  Both homes are offered at $369,900 and have 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, eat-in kitchens and are in established pockets. 

We are hosting an open house tomorrow, Oct.27th 2-4pm at 48 Lillian Crescent, come out to see us and check out this great home!

Bowmanville parents organizing fundraiser for their young son - Saturday August 10th 8am to 4pm

I saw a post of Facebook today about a young boy who actually attended the same daycare in Bowmanville that my daughter did last year.  His parents have had a very challenging year, not only with Logan's diagnosis of Autism, but also their youngest child fighting a serious bacterial  infection as a baby.  Being a parent to young children in good health is hard enough, I can't imagine what it's been like for the Syers'.  In order to get Logan the care and help he needs to reach his highest and best potential, the family is organizing a huge community fundraiser next Saturday August 10th at 26 Lawrence Crescent in Bowmanville from 8am to 4pm.  There will be a yard sale, bake sale and 50/50 draw with raffle prizes including a Keg gift certificate and wine basket!  As a parent to young children, and a member of our incredible Clarington community, I'm asking everyone who reads this to pass the info along, and come out to show support for this lovely family next Saturday!

http://www.durhamregion.com/community-story/3910536-bowmanville-parents-organizing-massive-yard-sale-to-help-autistic-son/

 

Open House 5120 RR57 @ Taunton, North Bowmanville

Robin and I are hosting an open house today (Sunday July 28th) at our newest listing, 5120 RR57 in North Bowmanville (a few houses North from Taunton Road) from 2-4pm - come check it out!  This is a truly unique and special property, worth seeing as the pictures, as beautiful as they are, are a drop in the bucket compared to seeing this piece of heaven in person.  Properties like this do not come up often - hurry up before we buy it ourselves!! :)

New North Clarington Bungalow Listing.....Coming Soon $449,900!

Robin and I just listed an INCREDIBLE property in North Clarington...it will be coming on to the market soon...here's a sneak preview...walkout bungalow on a park-like manicured private lot, finished basement with an in-law suite...when this one hits the market it'll go quick, so let us know if you have any questions in advance!

Things to do today in Newcastle....cause it's HOT!

If you're at home wondering what in the heck you can do today in Newcastle, here are some ideas to help cool you off!

- Splash Pad at Walbridge Park (beside Newcastle Public School, on Glass Court)
- Public Swimming at the Newcastle and District Recreation Complex (1780 Rudell Road)
- Get an icecream cone at the parlor in Sears, downtown Newcastle
- Have a drink on the Patio at The Old Newcastle House (downtown Newcastle)
- take a walk along the water at the Port of Newcastle Marina & Beach Area

Enjoy the heat - we'll be freezing again before we know it! :)

Get a mortgage preapproval!

I'm prompted to write this entry because of a conversation I just had with my sister (not Robin...the other sister LOL).  She is considering making a move and has spoken to "someone at the bank" who told her that she "should be okay" to purchase another property.  THIS IS NOT A PREAPPROVAL! I can't express how many times I've had people tell me they are preapproved for a mortgage, only to find out that their credit hasn't been checked, their debt load and downpayment hasn't been verified, an interest rate hasn't been locked, they've got nothing in writing....and many times, they end up extremely unhappy campers when they fall in love with a home only to find out they are not qualified for the purchase.  Please don't do this to yourself!  The first step in purchasing a home is finding a good Realtor to work with (I suggest the Solowka Sisters!) and the second step is getting a solid purchase preapproval in writing from a mortgage broker whom your Realtor can verify is a solid professional who will be able to process your approval in a timely manner with little to no added stress for you.  Believe me, when you are in the 11th hour of a 5 day conditional period for financing and you  can't reach the person responsible for telling you that you're approved, or your application gets denied because somebody didn't do their preapproval job properly and you can't waive your condition and you lose the deal....nauseating, in a word.  A typical conditional period for financing is 5 business days - a good broker can get this job done for you in 1-2 business days.  So please - if you call me and I'm harping on about "getting preapproved" whether you are my sister or not - it's for your own good!  I'm not trying to be difficult, mean, bossy, controlling....I'm trying to save you aggravation, disappointment and alot of wasted time.  Like a parent would say "one day you'll thank me!".  Happy house hunting! :)