Open House at 5 Mullingar Drive
If you’re looking for a great family home in Paradise, then I hope you’ll join me for an Open House at beautiful 5 Mullingar Drive. This fully developed 3 1/2 year home, on the steps of Holy Family School church, has many features, including a large country kitchen with custom cabinets, eat-up bar, and microwave rangehood and dishwasher, as well as a formal living room and formal dining room plus a 1/2 bath on the main.
The spacious master bedroom in 5 Mulligar Drive has full ensuite and walk-in closet, and the home has two other nicely sized bedrooms. There are hardwood and ceramic floors throughout the main 2nd level, and the basement is developed with a huge rec room and guest bedroom. Outside is also nicely landscaped and fully fenced, with a 12×16 wired shed, 2 car paved driveway, and pressure treated patio deck wired with outdoor speakers.
If you have any more questions about this property, please don’t hesitate to call me at 682.0744. And I really hope you’ll join me at this great real estate in Paradise.
Avoid Scams and Protect Your Credit Rating This Holiday Season
As a Newfoundland real estate agent and Accredited Buyers Representative, I know all too well how important maintaining a good credit score is, not just for securing a mortgage, but for so many areas of our lives. That’s why as we approach the busy, holiday shopping season, I’m reminding my clients to be aware of credit card scams and how to avoid them.
Many of us know some safety tips to protect our cards, but it’s easy to forget to stay vigilant – and scammers rely on this to get our info. Scammers use many methods – they ‘skim’ your cards by secretly getting your numbers while we use them, they will call you soliciting donations for fake charities or pretending to be legitimate telemarketers, and they even email you pretending to be your bank. For more information on these types of scams, please see here and here.
Of course, there have always been criminals, and there’s no reason to be overly worried – because with knowledge, we can take some proactive steps to protect ourselves. Regularly check your bank statements (scammers like to start small, by charging small purchases to see if you’ll overlook them). When you have your credit card out in public, be aware of those around you, and keep your numbers hidden as much as possible. You should also sign the back of a new card as soon as you get it. Beware of any emails coming from what you think is your financial institution – and remember that banks don’t do their business through email. And when you’re shopping online, please be careful and make sure you’re on reputable sites.
And never (never, never, never) give your credit number out to someone who randomly calls you. If you have to do business over the phone, make sure you initiate it, and that you’ve verified the number you’re calling.
And what to do if you suspect you’ve been the victim of a scam or that your credit card has been stolen? Contact your credit card company right away. Again, as a real estate agent all too aware of the importance of credit scores, I also can’t stress enough the importance of contacting the credit bureau and having fraud alerts placed on your credit scores. You’ll find more information on how to do this, plus lots more tips on how to protect yourself, on the RCMP website, here.
Again, when you’re informed and proactive, there’s no reason to be worried about using your cards. I’m hoping that if you’ve experienced any particular new scams, you’ll let us know in the comments – exposing the criminals is the best way to stop them, so the more vocal we are, the better. Lets all protect ourselves this busy season, and, as always, if you have any questions about Newfoundland real estate, please don’t hesitate to call anytime at 682.0744. Take care.
Remembering Newfoundland’s Sacrifices
Over this upcoming long weekend and Remembrance Day, I’m sure we will all take time to remember and honour all the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers, as we are continually grateful for those in service today and their families. Since we began commemorating this national holiday after World War I, I thought it would be fitting to write a little bit about Newfoundland’s contributions to the Great War, as well as to share a great resource to learn more that I think you’ll appreciate.
For our relatively small size, Newfoundland played an important role in the war effort. In fact, 12,000 Newfoundlanders enlisted, with just as many volunteering and being rejected, and thousands more helping behind the scenes at home. War efforts were primarily centred in St. John’s and Grand Falls, with lots of fundraising efforts throughout the province, and a patriotic spirit that never questioned our involvement, even after heavy losses. In fact, according to Heritage Newfoundland, “Newfoundland proved to be remarkably imaginative in organizing its war effort in spite of a small population and limited resources.”
We all recognize the Royal Newfoundland Regiment for its heroic and tragic involvement in Beaumont-Hamel. I didn’t know, however, that it was first founded in 1795, or that it was significantly involved in the War of 1812. Along with the Battle of the Somme (Beaumont-Hamel), they also fought bravely at Gallipoli. And in fact, to recognize their service at the later battles of Ypres, King George V gave them the ‘Royal’ prefix, renaming them the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. This was only the 3rd time this honourific was bestowed during a time of war, and they were the only regiment to receive it during WWI.
If you are interested in learning more about Newfoundland’s contributions to World War I, I highly recommend that you check out Newfoundland Heritage’s site here. Not only can you find lots of information here, but you’ll also find some pictures, audio and even video of the Regiment training both in Newfoundland and overseas. There’s some pretty interesting footage.
If you’d like to commemorate this Remembrance Day in your community, and you’re in St. John’s, you can see the full schedule of events planned here. Mount Pearl will also be having a parade and ceremony, with more details here. In Torbay, a Remembrance Day Ceremony will be taking place at 11am at the Torbay Veterans’ Memorial Park on Torbay Road. Paradise will be having a parade, and residents can lay a wreath, with more details here. You can learn more about celebrations in CBS at the Monument of Honour here. And Pouch Cove will also be holding a ceremony, and you can learn more here.
I won’t be hosting an Open House this weekend, but remember that I’m always available to answer any of your real estate questions at 682-0744. I also have a mortgage calculator on my home page, and lots of information about buying and selling homes posted on my blog. I sincerely wish you a peaceful and contemplative long weekend, and know many will be sharing a silent moment with me on Monday. God bless.
Tip from a NL Real Estate Agent for Future Home Sellers
As a real estate agent in Newfoundland, I am happy to help clients list their homes at any time of the year. And I’m happy to answer all your real estate questions. So if you’re considering selling your home this winter, I have a really helpful tip for you.
When we’re getting your house ready to list, it’s always better to have exterior pictures taken on nice, sunny days in the summer. So even if you’re not sure exactly if/when you’ll be listing, take advantage of our last few weeks (or months, hopefully!) without snow and slush, and get a good picture in good weather. When it comes time to compile your MLS listing, you’ll definitely be happy to have a bright, cheery picture of your home to use (like you see above, on my listing for 46 Howard Avenue in Paradise).
As always, you can contact me anytime at 682-0744, and check back to this site often, to receive more real estate tips and advice (including a mortgage calculator on my front page).
Proudly Supporting Holy Trinity Regional High School at Mark Glynn Homes
Working as a real estate agent in Newfoundland, I know that there is more to building a strong community than just houses. And I wouldn’t be where I am today without the great community support and education I’ve received, which is why at Mark Glynn Homes we’re committed to giving back as much as possible.
That’s why I’m happy to promote a great fundraising event at Holy Trinity Regional High School in Torbay. Coming up on November 2, they’ll be hosting a Silent and Live Auction plus a 3 course meal. Wayne Bartlett is the hosting auctioneer, and lots of local companies have donated great items, so it will definitely be an enjoyable evening.
All funds raised will be directly used to support curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular interests for students. You’re encouraged to invite your friends and family, and you can call 437-5563 or drop by the school to reserve your ticket or to learn more.
As a graduate of Holy Trinity High, I am proud to help spread the word about this great community event. At Mark Glynn Homes, we’re thrilled to be able to offer support, and I hope it will be a successful evening for all involved.
Upcoming Halloween Events in Newfoundland
As a real estate agent in Newfoundland, I’m not just concerned with MLS listings, mortgage calculators and open houses. I’m also deeply invested in the community and in the families I help along the way. So I’ve compiled a list of upcoming Halloween events in and around St. John’s for you and your family to enjoy. Please let me know if I’ve missed any!
October 25 – Pumpkin Carving
At the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre on 68 McNamara Drive, come out and make your best jack-o-lanterns yet. Families can work together, or children can carve their own. Enjoy hot dogs, popcorn and prizes, too.
October 26 – Mardi Gras
The 2013 George Street Mardi Gras is the only event on my list that’s not meant for children, but it’s so much fun for adults I had to include it. Get dressed up (there’s a costume contest with a $10,000 prize!) and enjoy a good party, featuring musical guest Kelly Ann Evans.
October 27 – Halloween Family Skating Party
This Sunday in CBS, come to the Robert French Memorial Stadium at 1pm, and skate in your costumes. Prizes and treats will be given away.
October 28 – Pumpkin Carving
If you missed Friday’s pumpkin carving in Paradise, come on down to the Kinsmen Centre in Torbay. From 7-9pm, they’ll provide the pumpkins!
October 30 – Trunk or Treat
Kids can’t have too many opportunities to collect candy, so come to the Jack Byrne Arena from 6-7pm for this free event. Get dressed up, and trick or treat from various trunks of local business owners. Rain or shine.
Of course, we’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for some nice weather on Halloween. I’m wishing all my clients and friends a safe and happy holiday, and hope you get to enjoy some of these events in our community. And as always, if you have any questions about real estate in Newfoundland, don’t hesitate to call me anytime at 682-0744.
Open House in Downtown St. John’s, NL, with New, Lower Price
I’ll be showing another great piece of Newfoundland real estate this weekend and I hope you’ll join me. I’m particularly excited to be showing 102 Springdale Street – not only is it perfectly located downtown, we now have a new, lower price to offer.
Recently refitted with new windows and plumbing throughout, this home also features a second apartment you can rent for extra income, plus off-street parking – all for $300,000. For more details about this great house for sale in Newfoundland, please see my listing here, and join me this Sunday from 2-4pm. And remember, if you’d like more MLS listings or have any questions about this property or any other, please feel free to call me anytime at 682-0744. See you Sunday!
Happy Thanksgiving from Mark Glynn Homes
Happy Thanksgiving to all my family, friends, clients and co-workers. I hope we all have a warm, reflective holiday of gratitude and togetherness. I am continually thankful for my work as a real estate agent – I truly feel blessed every time I get to help families find their dream homes. I’m also thankful to live in this beautiful province of Newfoundland and Labrador. But what I’m thankful for the most are the people I love, and I cherish all the time I get to spend with them, especially on beautiful holidays like this one. I wish the same for you and yours over this long weekend.
Fixed Rates vs Variable Rates
I like connecting people with their dream homes, but of course a lot of what I do as a real estate agent is educating clients about the market and about their options (that’s why I’m happy to offer a mortgage calculator on my home page). As an Accredited Buyers Representative, I advocate for my clients to help them get their best deals possible. Sometimes, this means making sure they understand the difference between fixed and variable rates – the distinction is important, because it’s one of the first decisions home-buyers have to make. Thankfully, it’s a pretty simple concept to learn.
Like its name suggests, fixed rate mortgages will stay the same each month of your mortgage. These are the most common types of mortgages in Canada, and they offer stability – you know exactly how much you’ll pay each month. For many people, that peace of mind alone is worth it. It is also a generally accepted piece of wisdom that when rates are exceptionally low, it is good to lock into that low rate.
And also like its name suggests, variable rate mortgages will fluctuate over time. It changes according to the Prime rate, which is the rate commercial banks change each other for overnight loans. Since the relationship to the prime rate will remain constant, it’s really the Prime rate that affects how much you’ll pay each month. Historically, variable mortgages cost less over time, but there’s lots more financial uncertainty involved. The overall economic climate will affect how much you pay -if you expect rates to fall from where they are when you’re buying your home, this may be an option you consider.
Ultimately, both fixed rate mortgages and variable ones have their pros and cons, and their supporters and detractors. I’m always happy to help my clients in whatever way possible, and that often involves not only education, but also recommending mortgage professionals who can help them make the right choice. A mortgage calculator is a good tool to help you start thinking about what you can afford, but when it’s time to buy a house, it’s important to know all your many options.
How Are Mortgage Rates Determined?
Figuring out what type of mortgage you want and what you can afford can be confusing, which is why I’m happy to offer a mortgage calculator on this website. With changing mortgage rates and complex-sounding terms, the process can seem much more complicated than it really is. Understanding how banks determine mortgage rates is a helpful step to de-mystifying real estate and the home-buying experience.
The simplest way to think of a mortgage rate is to compare it to the interest rate you’d pay on any loan. But it’s a little bit more involved than that. And mortgage rates are not exactly the same thing as the Bank of Canada’s monthly interest rate, although that’s a common misconception. Ultimately, variable and fixed mortgage rates are both set differently, so it’s helpful to understand the distinction.
Variable rates are indeed dependent on the Bank of Canada, namely on its key interest rate. This key interest rate in turn affects the Prime rate, which is what commercial banks charge for one-day/overnight loans they make to each other. And the Prime rate in turn affects all sorts of consumer loan and mortgage rates. Falling key interest rates can therefore decrease your mortgage payments. And note that the Bank of Canada will raise the key interest rate if it believes it needs to combat inflation.
Fixed mortgage rates are a little different, because they are impacted by Canadian government bond yields. Remember that bonds are traded daily, like stocks, so supply and demand affects their value (as does inflation, liquidity and the return on other financial assets). The important thing to remember is that when the stock market is doing well, bonds (considered safety investments) are less tempting so their price drops and their yield increases (as would your mortgage rate). Conversely, typically, when during rocky times in the economy, people prefer bonds, so their price increases, and therefore their yield decreases, and therefore mortgage rates do, too.
Of course there is more to what your personal rate will be than official mortgage rates (and you can see current rates here). Things like your credit score and your down payment amount can also affect your mortgage rate (and please stay tuned for coming posts on how to get the best possible rate). I’m happy to point you to a mortgage professional who can help you secure the best rate possible. I also have an Accredited Buyer Representative designation, meaning I am committed to advocating for my clients and helping them get the best possible price and terms for their purchase. Please use my mortgage calculator, but please also remember that there are lots of factors we can use to get you into your dream home.