Let's talk about real estate for your real life

I speak to more and more people who are contemplating selling their homes in order to combat the outrageous increases in the cost of living, the high intesrest rates and an unaffordable market. 

Selling a house can provide liquidity and potentially unlock equity that can be used for other purposes, such as downsizing to a more affordable property, investing in other assets, or paying off debts. However, it’s essential to carefully assess the financial implications, including transaction costs, taxes, and potential capital gains. 

Here are some points to consider:

Impact on Mortgage Payments:
High-interest rates can increase the cost of borrowing, resulting in higher mortgage payments for homeowners with variable-rate mortgages or those seeking new financing. If you’re struggling to afford your mortgage payments due to rising interest rates, selling your house could be a consideration, especially if downsizing or finding more affordable housing options would alleviate financial strain.

Equity Position:
Consider your equity position in your current home. If you have significant equity built up, selling your house could allow you to cash out and potentially downsize to a more affordable property or pay off other debts. However, if you have limited equity or are underwater on your mortgage (owing more than the home is worth), selling may not be feasible or advisable without incurring additional costs.

Market Conditions:
Timing is crucial in the real estate market. If you’re considering selling to combat unaffordability, it’s essential to evaluate current market conditions, including demand, supply, and pricing trends. Selling in a seller’s market where prices are high and demand is strong may yield a better return on investment. Evaluate the current real estate market conditions in your area. High-interest rates may dampen buyer demand and slow down the pace of home sales, potentially affecting property prices. If you’re considering selling, it’s essential to assess whether you can achieve a favorable sale price given prevailing market conditions. 

Alternative Financing Options:
Explore alternative financing options that could help mitigate the impact of high-interest rates. For example, refinancing your mortgage to secure a fixed-rate loan could provide stability by locking in a consistent interest rate over the long term. However, refinancing comes with its own costs and considerations, so carefully evaluate whether it aligns with your financial goals.

Long-Term Goals:
Consider your long-term housing plans and goals. Selling your house due to high-interest rates may provide short-term relief, but it’s essential to weigh the potential consequences and implications for your housing situation over the long term. Evaluate whether selling aligns with your overall financial plan and lifestyle objectives.

Alternative Housing Options:
Before selling, consider alternative housing options that may be more affordable or better suited to your needs. This could include renting, downsizing to a smaller property, relocating to a more affordable area, or exploring shared housing arrangements.

Ultimately, the decision to sell a house to combat an unaffordable market is a personal one that requires careful consideration of various factors. Its advisable to consult with financial advisors, real estate professionals, and other experts to evaluate your options and make an informed decision based on your unique circumstances and goals.

When you are ready to start chatting about this huge life decision, Krista is here to help you understand the current market and come up with a plan that helps you meet your current and long term goals.

Cal Krista Lachapelle today at (905) 251-9699 or email her at krista@real-estate-for-real-life.com.

You know that dead space in your house where you often stash away your holiday decorations, or anything else that needs to be hidden away?! Well there really are some neat ideas that can make that space very functional and beautiful! Here are some cool ideas!

It's hibernation season!! And what better to hibernate in than a WARM and COZY space?!! The question is...how we we create these spaces in our own homes?! Here are some photos for inspiration...and the elements seem to be: warm lighting (with lamps not overhead), candles, texture, texture, texture (fluffy, chunky, soft), super functional and cozy furniture (big couches, book shelves and coffee tables within easy access), loads of blankets and pillows, natural elements like wood and stone, and soft colours! Also why not try creating a cozy outdoor space so that even the cold weather becomes enjoyable?!

So hoop-de-do and dickory dock
And don't forget to hang up your sock (or in this case: WREATH!!)

I know everyone looooves their white kitchen nowadays - but I am a big believer in bringing in some warmth. Adding a little wood and some greenery is an easy way to warm up a white space. Here are some images I found as examples on Pinterest (my favourite social media) and they show the simple magic of bringing in a bit of wood - whether it's just through small accents - or larger elements like the floor, ceiling, or a feature wall of cabinetry.

Do you ever walk into someone’s home and wonder why it looks so polished and pulled together? Well it is often because they know how to arrange their tchotchkes (small decorative objects) together to create a mood. According to HGTV, here are some tips on implementing vignettes in your home…along with some images I found on my favourite social media platform: Pinterest! 

One of the easiest ways to add designer-worthy style to your home is to arrange objects into vignettes, or groupings, atop tables and shelves. Think of it as creating a beautiful still life. You can make a vignette on top of any flat surface: a dresser, table, bookshelf, countertop or window ledge. You can use accessories like vases, mirrors, plants, greenery, photos or other personal belongings to create a mood, just like a movie set designer does for a film. A vignette makes a room look more polished and pulled together.

1. Build your vignette around a light source.
   If your arrangement of objects is in a dark corner, it won't be seen and the effect will be lost. Try building your vignette around a lamp.

2. Choose objects to support the style and theme of your room.
   If your room is formal, a symmetrical design works best. If the room is casual, asymmetrical groupings are better.

3. Use color in your vignette to coordinate a room.
   Use items in shades that complement the dominant color in a room. Flowers, houseplants or books with colorful spines are good ways to introduce color into a grouping of items.

4. Display objects in odd numbers.
   Place several objects of similar shape, size and color together in odd numbers for maximum impact. Groups of three or five work particularly well and are stronger visually than a group of two or four.

5. Vary the height of the objects.
   Use small pedestals to elevate items. Try stacking books to create a platform for smaller objects.

6. Stick to a theme.
   Group candles, for example, or family vacation photos. In the kitchen, display various kitchen items like salt and pepper shakers, tea cups and saucers together on a vintage pie tin.

7. Create depth.
   Place objects from the back of the flat surface to the front instead of in a straight line the length of the surface. Placing objects atop a mirror, or leaning them against a mirror that's on the wall, is an easy way to create a sense of dimension.

8. Vary the textures of objects.
   Mix hard and shiny accessories with rough and natural. Use weathered wood or iron architectural elements to introduce an unexpected texture.

You know you have options, but which type of living situation is best for you? Not to mention, when is the "right" time for you to begin this next chapter of your life? To help you narrow down the choices, here are a few questions to ask yourself:                                            

• What is my current situation, and what do I see on the horizon?

• How is my health right now?

• What is my schedule like?

• Do I have anything planned over the next couple of years, like a trip?

• Am I about to have a new grandchild?
  Do I want to only make one move? Or am I okay with moving again if my health care needs change?                  

• What needs and wants are at the top of my list?

• Do I want to live close to my family?

• Do I want a social environment?

• Would I like on-site health care?                  

• What outside amenities need to be near me? Is there a shopping mall or community centre nearby? Is it near my church?                  

• What is my timeline for moving, and do I need to plan earlier?                  

• Would I prefer moving in the spring, summer, winter or fall?

The main differences in housing options will be in the amount of care provided for activities of daily living and for medical care as well as the level of independence you can maintain on your own. When researching housing options, there are three very important issues to address:

• make sure you are realistic about the required level of care you need, 

• whether the housing option can provide that care

• and whether you can afford that option

Buy or rent a condo

• Maintenance-Free Living is one of the biggest benefits of condo living for seniors. This means that you don’t have to worry about the maintenance and upkeep of a house or yard. 

• Accessible Amenities. Many condo buildings offer amenities such as fitness centres, swimming pools, and social spaces that are easily accessible to seniors. This can help seniors stay active, socialize with others, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

• Increased Safety and Security is a Bonus Benefit of Condo Living for Seniors Condo living for seniors provides an added layer of security with features such as secure entrances and 24/7 security personnel.In addition, many seniors appreciate the sense of community and support that comes with living in a condo building.

• Close Proximity to Services Condos are often located in close proximity to services such as healthcare facilities, grocery stores, and public transportation. In addition, living in a condo can provide opportunities for social engagement, with access to community events and activities.

• Affordability Condo living can be a more affordable option for seniors compared to owning a house. With the money saved on home maintenance and upkeep, seniors can put their resources towards other things that matter to them.

The "Granny Flat" or Coach house

• Essentially, this type of home is a second dwelling (something like a mini- bungalow) on someone’s property— normally an adult child and his or her family. This type of arrangement offers several benefits to seniors and their family members, including: 

• The opportunity to live independently and with autonomy, but with the peace of mind that someone is available if help is needed

• The chance to spend more time with family members (including young grandchildren, who can easily visit their grandparent on the same property)

• Privacy when needed

• Cost savings—as renovating this kind of dwelling can sometimes
  cost significantly less than the fees associated with living in a retirement facility

Independent retirement living

• Independent living communities are designed for healthy, active seniors who do not need assistance with activities of daily living such as grooming, personal care and eating. Independent living for seniors can range from luxury communities that offer gourmet dining and golf courses to age restricted apartment or condominium complexes for older adults. These communities are typically private pay and offer optional services such as housekeeping, meals and laundry.

• Other Names for Independent Living:
  55+ Communities
  Active Adult Communities Adult Lifestyle Communities Life-lease Communities Retirement Communities Retirement Homes
  Senior Apartments
  Seniors Housing    

• Independent Retirement Living Features: Apartment-style one to two bedroom units in a community setting, Convenient location to retail shops and recreational activities, Community features like gardens, pools, golf courses, hair salons and fitness centers, Options for housekeeping, meals, laundry and transportation 

Assisted living

• Assisted living communities provide supportive housing and care to seniors who need some assistance with daily tasks, but who do not require the skilled care provided at a long-term care home. Assisted living is a viable option for adults who are mostly independent, but who require some assistance with day-to-day living, or anticipate needing assistance in the near future.

• Assisted living communities come in all shapes and sizes. They can be towering apartment buildings in urban centers, sprawling complexes in the suburbs or more intimate communities catering to a relatively small number of residents, and can be found in most Canadian cities. Residents live in private one- to-two-bedroom apartments, studios or “bachelors units.” Meal-service is included, so kitchenettes are more typical in assisted living units than full kitchens.

• Assisted Living Features:
  Access to visiting or on-staff health care professionals such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses and physicians.vAssistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, eating and mobility.vHealth and exercise programs • Housekeeping and laundry. Meal service. Medication management.

A new chapter is on the horizon for you, and you need to know that you are not alone. Krista Lachapelle has helped numerous seniors make decisions, come up with a plan and implement that plan to find a better solution for where they live as they age.

When you are ready to start chatting about this huge life decision, Krista is here to make your decision about retirement living as easy as possible. Together, you can sift through the many choices available—and even create a timeline to help you prepare for this next chapter of your life. She has a roster of "down-sizing" specialists, lawyers and handy people who can help to make this seemingly daunting task much easier on you.

Cal Krista Lachapelle today at (905) 251-9699 or email her at krista@real-estate-for-real-life.com.

Aging in Place...It sounds so warm and fuzzy that most people entering their retirement years say that's exactly what they would like to do. It seems like an easy choice, but it's really one of life's most difficult decisions.

The choice is this: Do you want to “age in place,” that is, remain in your home among familiar surroundings; or would it be better to move into an environment that provides the ongoing resources and services you need to live a happy, secure and fulfilling life? 

The general belief is this: if you are healthy, active and live near family members, the decision is easy. You should stay put. And today, with aging- in-place services abounding — including everything from in-home health attendants to delivered convenience meals — there really is no good reason to consider changing your living arrangements. Or is there? 

Because everyone is unique, and there are no proven formulas to determine the best course of action, let’s take a closer look at nine key factors to consider when deciding if aging in place is right for you: 

Key factors to determine if aging in place is right for you: 

1. Physical health changes. We prefer to deny it, but as we age our bodies grow weaker. Even if our minds remain sharp, our physical abilities diminish. Should you need emergency care, is someone nearby to help you get it? Or are you on your own? If you have an extended hospital stay, is there someone to take care of your home? And care for you when you get back home? 

2. Mental health changes. My friend first realized that her mother’s mental state was changing when she got lost driving home from a shop she frequented. Then she started repeating herself, telling me the same thing three or four times within a five-minute phone conversation, then calling her back to tell me the same thing again. Physically, she was as healthy as she had ever been. But, she soon stopped preparing meals, bathing regularly, or on some days, even getting out of bed. There sometimes come a point where people need round-the-clock supervision and care. 

3. Everyday tasks. When you’re strong and healthy, you think you’ll never need help with everyday tasks like raking leaves, vacuuming floors, or even washing dishes. But as we age, these chores become more difficult. What about more personal tasks, like bathing? If you need help, have you identified the family member who will assist you? If that family member becomes unavailable, will you need a home health aide? If you do not have family or friends nearby, then you have fewer sources of available unpaid care, and a higher cost for living independently. 

4. Home Maintenance. Don’t forget about the more labor- intensive home maintenance tasks that you don’t think twice about doing yourself now. Cleaning out the gutters becomes a daunting task if you have begun to feel unsteady on a ladder. Even changing overhead light bulbs, washing windows and dragging the garbage cans to the curb can be difficult. The independence you achieve by remaining in your home is easily compromised by the struggle to perform these once-routine tasks. Many people who have relocated into condos or retirement communities discover that freedom from home maintenance is the greatest freedom of all. 

5. Security. As neighbourhoods age and commercial districts encroach upon residential areas, security becomes a genuine issue. Security systems are not foolproof, response times can be slow, and many older homes do not have adequate safeguards, such as deadbolts and exterior lighting. Condos and other retirement communities are generally secure. Grounds and entrances are usually monitored, and many have round-the- clock security staffs. In addition, many retirement residences come equipped with emergency call buttons, which summon immediate assistance, whether for a health problem or a safety issue.

6. Social Life and Companionship. When they retire, many people are excited by the freedom to finally spend some time by themselves, enjoying hobbies like reading and gardening. Many of these soon long for the social interactions from their workplace. Even those not in the work force find their circle of friends gradually diminishes, and living alone adds to the isolation. The opportunity to make new friends and enjoy new experiences is an often-overlooked benefit of moving to a condo or retirement community. In most retirement communities, there are planned activities ranging from bridge tournaments to lectures to dance classes to shopping expeditions — even golf outings and woodworking equipment. If you don’t like planned activities, you can make new friends to enrich your life, people you may never have met by staying in your home. Senior Living is a time for adventure and fresh experiences, not a time to become a recluse. 

7. Transportation. If driving becomes difficult, you will have to rely on family or friends for shopping transportation, for trips to the doctor’s office, even if you want to just visit a friend. Most condos are located close to or on bus routes, and most retirement communities provide regular transportation to shopping malls, grocery stores, movie theatres, doctors offices, and other routine trips. 

8. Meals and Nutrition. Cooking can become more of a chore and less of a pleasure — especially if you’re cooking for one. Unfortunately, this leads to irregular mealtimes and poor nutrition. And, poor nutrition causes illness and chronic bad health. Many retirement communities have attractive dining rooms with meal plans. Residents find that mealtimes are among the most enjoyable times of the day. The food is nutritious and appealing, and it’s a wonderful occasion to socialize with your friends. 

9. Home Modifications. Finally, to remain in your home, you will very probably need to make modifications. These can be very simple, such as the addition of grab bars in the shower or tub; or significant and costly, such as adding a bedroom and/or bathroom to the main floor, or even installing an elevator or a ramp. Retirement communities are built with an aging population in mind. They are safer, more convenient, and healthier places in which to live.   

A new chapter is on the horizon for you, and you need to know that you are not alone. Krista Lachapelle has helped numerous seniors make decisions, come up with a plan and implement that plan to find a better solution for where they live as they age.

When you are ready to start chatting about this huge life decision, Krista is here to make your decision about retirement living as easy as possible. Together, you can sift through the many choices available—and even create a timeline to help you prepare for this next chapter of your life. She has a roster of "down-sizing" specialists, lawyers and handy people who can help to make this seemingly daunting task much easier on you.

Cal Krista Lachapelle today at (905) 251-9699 or email her at krista@real-estate-for-real-life.com.

In many—if not most—divorces, the family home is the couple’s largest asset. It can also be a very emotional item. Very likely, you and your spouse decided in happier times that it was where you wanted to spend your lives together, and it may be where your children have lived most of their lives. This can make it difficult to let go and to assign a value to it. Because the house is so valuable and so important, it can be the biggest part of negotiations for a property settlement. Deciding what you’re going to do with the house often helps put other property issues into perspective, both financially and emotionally.

Before we even look at your options, let’s review what the Ontario Family Law Act stipulates so that we understand what your rights really are. The following information from Ontario.ca is an extremely useful place to begin your understanding of how the law works in Ontario when it comes to dividing property when a marriage or common law relationship ends in Ontario. 

In Ontario, property division upon breakdown of relationship is set out in the Family Law Act. The Ontario Family Law Act divides property in two categories: Family Property and Excluded Property. Property acquired during a marriage must be split equally when a marriage ends for any reason. This can include your: home, car, business, furniture, pension, money.

For property that you owned before the marriage, any increase in value is usually divided equally.

You must share the full value of the family home, even if: one of you owned the home before you got married, you received it as a gift, you inherited it. This is called the ‘matrimonial home’.

Money owed to either spouse is called an equalization payment, or an equalization of net family property.

Common law couples are not legally required to split property acquired when they lived together. We will look more at common-law relationships a little later on in this guide.

There are time limits.
If you need to go to court for a decision on the amount of an equalization payment, you have six years from the day you separated, or two years from the day your divorce is final (whichever comes first) to do so.

Other ways to divide your property.
If you both agree, you and your spouse can divide your property any way you want in a separation agreement. You should each have your own lawyer look over your separation agreement before you sign it. You cannot easily change your separation agreement later.

Exceptions.
There are some exceptions that allow one spouse to keep property they own. This is called excluded property. Examples of excluded property include:

• property (other than the family home) that you inherited or were gifted from someone other than your spouse during your marriage.

• money you received from an insurance company because someone died.

• money you received or have a right to as a result of a personal injury, like a car accident.

• property that you and your spouse have agreed to exclude through an agreement.

As mentioned above, if the family home was gifted or received as an inheritance, it does not count as excluded property. It must be divided equally unless you and your spouse agree to a different split.

If the family home is on a large piece of property that is also used for other purposes, only the house and the small area around it are considered the family home. For example, if your family home is on a dairy farm, the whole farm would generally not be considered the family home.

The court can only divide property differently in very special situations and if a 50-50 (equal) split would be extremely unfair to one of you. Talk to a lawyer for more advice.

Marriage contracts or cohabitation agreements.
A marriage contract is a legal document signed by couples before they get married to protect their rights if they split up in the future, including rights related to property. Couples in a common law relationship can sign a similar document, called a cohabitation agreement.

These contracts/agreements can set out terms if the relationship ends, such as: how much spousal or child support you will pay, how you will divide your property and who will move out of the home. It can’t say who will have decision-making responsibility or parenting time with respect to your children.

Both of you must sign a marriage contract or cohabitation agreement in front of a witness for it to be legal. The witness must also sign the contract/agreement. Once you have signed it, you must follow what it says. You can negotiate changes to the contract/agreement if they are made in writing and signed in front of a witness.

If you have separated and do not agree with the terms of the contract/agreement, you will have to go to court and ask a judge to make a decision if you and your spouse cannot agree about changing the terms.

You and your partner should speak to different lawyers and exchange financial information before signing a marriage contract or cohabitation agreement.

What you might be owed.
Adding up the value of your property and dividing it between you and your spouse can be complicated.

This section includes a general overview from the Ontario Government on how to calculate what you or your spouse might owe each other. It’s a good idea to consult a lawyer about how the rules apply in your case.

You must be fair and honest when you do this. If you go to court, you must prepare a full financial report of all your property, debts and income. You must swear that it is accurate.

Follow the steps on the following page to calculate what you might owe or be owed by your spouse.

Step 1: Add up the value of property you owned as of the day you separated and deduct the value of your debts and excluded property as of that date. Property can be located anywhere and include: homes, businesses, cars, furniture, jewelry, savings in the bank including retirement savings, tax free savings accounts and registered education savings plans, an Ontario pension (ask the pension administrator for information about the value of a pension), anything else that is in your name or belongs to you.

If you own some property together in both names, you should each put half the value of the property on your list. Examples of excluded property include: property (other than the family home) that you inherited or were gifted from someone other than your spouse during your marriage, money you received from an insurance company because someone died, money you received, or have a right to get, as a result of a personal injury like a car accident, property that you and your spouse have agreed to exclude through an agreement.

Example of debts include: money owed on credit cards, the amount left to pay on your house (mortgage), car loans.

Step 2: Subtract the value of property you owned, minus the value of your debts, as of the date of marriage. First, add up the value of all the property you owned on the day you got married. Do not include your family home, even if you owned it on the date of your marriage. When your marriage ends, the full value of the family home must be shared even if one of you owned the home before you were married, received it as a gift or inherited it.

Next, subtract all the debts you had as of the date of your marriage, except for debts that were owed for the family home (for example, a mortgage).

Step 3: Calculate the difference. Subtract the number you get in Step 2 from the result you got in Step 1. Now you know your share of the value of net family property. If your share is a negative amount, it is considered to be zero.

Step 4: Find out if money is owed to either spouse. Compare the value of your share of the family property to the value of your spouse’s share. Subtract the smaller amount from the larger amount and divide the difference by two. This is the amount that the spouse with the larger share must pay to the spouse with the smaller share. This is called the equalization payment.

Common law couples.
Common law couples are not legally required to split property acquired when they lived together.

Furniture, household items and other property belong to the person who bought them. Common law couples do not have the right to split an increase in value of the property they brought with them to the relationship.

If you contributed to property your spouse owns, you may have a right to part of it. Unless your spouse agrees to pay you back, you may have to go to court to get back your contribution.

Although there is no requirement to divide property on separation, common law spouses may choose to enter into a domestic contract such as a cohabitation agreement or separation agreement that sets out their respective rights to property.

Get legal advice.
Getting separated or divorced can be an emotional and complicated process. A lawyer can help you understand your rights around dividing property.

The Law Society Referral Service can provide you with the name of a lawyer who practices family law and will provide a free initial consultation of up to 30 minutes. If you are unable to use the online service because you are in a crisis, you may call 416-947-5255 1-855-947-5255. The Law Society of Ontario also maintains a list of lawyers in Ontario.

If you can’t hire a lawyer for your whole case, you may choose to hire a lawyer who is willing to give “unbundled legal services” or “limited scope services.” This means that the lawyer provides you with initial advice or helps you with specific steps in your case.

If you choose to go to court, you can represent yourself. It’s important to understand that judges and court staff cannot give you legal advice. Only lawyers can give you legal advice. People who represent themselves are responsible for informing themselves about the law and the court’s procedures. You will be held to the same standard as people who have lawyers representing them.

The division of property can be daunting and confusing - having a good support team is essential. Krista Lachapelle is a specialist in the Real Estate needs of people going through a separation or divorce. Reach out today to learn more. She has skills to help you reduce conflict and to save money in the long run  and to ensure that you can make the big decisions effectively with as much awareness, open communication and educational support where needed, as possible.

Contact Krista Lachapelle today (905) 251-9699.

So I went to a holiday craft market at the most beautiful nursery called ‘Valleyview Gardens’ in Unionville on the weekend. There were so many inspirational ideas for dressing up your indoor planters for the holidays…and of course I wanted to make every single one of them!! Here a few that I love…maybe this will inspire you to bring some greenery inside for this holiday season!

photos Krista Lachapelle November 2023

Your child is likely to adjust better to living arrangement after separation or divorce if he feels like he’s had some input. So it’s a good idea to reassure your child that you’ll consider the living arrangements that he wants. You can even involve him in the discussions if you think he’s old enough.

Your child might worry that she has to make a choice that means pleasing one of you and hurting the other. It’s OK to reassure her and let her know that it’s not up to her to make the major decisions. It’s important for your child to know that living arrangements aren’t about who loves your child the most. Rather you need to base them on practical issues like who is at home most, lives closest to school or can get to after-school activities. Here are some tips to help you set up living arrangements that work well for your child, and support your child as he adjusts.

Organization
Let your child know who’ll take her to school, where she’ll sleep and how often she’ll see each of you. Keep basic clothing and personal items like underwear, toiletries, pyjamas and runners in each home. This way your child doesn’t have to remember to move everything between the two homes. If your child has a special blanket or toy, make sure your child takes it when going back and forth. This will help your child feel more secure.

To make things easier at packing time, help your child pack his bag or write a list of what he needs to take and stick it on the wall. Older children might need help planning what school books and homework to take.

A shared online calendar or app can be a great way to stay organised and communicate with your former partner about what’s coming up.

Two homes, two routines
Children can cope well with different routines in different houses, as long as the rules are clear and you keep things as predictable as possible. You might need to say something like, ‘When you’re here, we’ll do it this way’. Eventually your child will get used to the differences.

A ‘place for me’
Children need a place they can call their own and a space to store their things in both homes. Think outside the box a little. Find a way to give your child some ‘me space’, even if she doesn’t have her own bedroom. This space could be a cupboard for her toys, a beanbag, or a wall where she can put up her favourite pictures.

Listening
If your child is confused or anxious about moving between two homes, listen to what’s bothering him. You might need to talk to your former partner about the arrangements if they need changing to suit your child’s needs. If talking to your former partner isn’t possible, a counsellor or other professional might be able to help.

Flexibility
A consistent and predictable routine helps children feel secure, confident and happy. But as your child gets older, she’ll have extra school, social, sport and even part-time work commitments. This might make it harder for her to move from one house to another. You might need to adjust your arrangements to your child’s changing needs.

When going through a separation or divorce, the very best way to reduce conflict and to save money in the long run is to ensure that you can make the big decisions effectively with as much awareness, open communication and educational support where needed, as possible. I will help you to set realistic expectations by combining the very best data and my expertise. I am committed to being non-judgemental, supportive and transparent. I will never take sides, and truly want what is best for BOTH of you. 

Because you have spent years, if not decades together, your lives are very intertwined, and this whole process needs to be handled with compassion, nurturing and understanding. I too have been where you are – and so I understand it
on a visceral level. I can also help to reduce conflict and overwhelm during this strenuous time because I have a vast amount of education in psychology for supporting couples during difficult transitions. 

Please let me know how I can be of help to you. I know how stressful this all can be - and there are no questions too small. We can get you through this - together.

Contact Krista Lachapelle today (905) 251-9699.

Your daily living expenses will likely increase when you live separately. Maintaining a home on your own is more expensive than sharing the costs. For many people, this means having less money to spend. A budget can help you make the most of the money you have.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1.     Make sure you keep paying your bills throughout your settlement period. While your emotions might be raw while working through a divorce, refusing to pay joint bills is literally cutting off your nose to spite your face. Recent slow or missed payments will make it either prohibitively expensive or downright impossible to qualify for mortgage financing in the foreseeable future. The best advice is to make sure that all of the bills are paid (you can seek reimbursement for the expenses your spouse should have covered during the settlement phase, so keep your receipts!)

2.     Separate your joint accounts as soon as possible and check your credit report to ensure that you did not miss anything. Regardless of what you and your ex-spouse have agreed about who is responsible for paying what bill, a missed payment on a joint account will hurt both your credit ratings equally. Also, if all or most of your credit has been in your spouse’s name, set up your own accounts as quickly as possible because it is much easier to get approved for a mortgage with an established credit history.

3.     Since no lender will provide you with a mortgage until all of your future financial obligations can be clearly understood, complete your separation/ divorce agreement as a matter of priority. Also, because your soon-to-be ex-spouse can make a claim against any of your assets, lenders will not risk such a claim on your new home while divorce proceedings are still underway.

More specifically, if you are looking to buy out your former husband/wife’s share of the matrimonial home, the first step is to agree on the property’s current market value. This can be done by working with a realtor who is mutually accepted as a trusted resource.

4.     If your spouse is buying out your equity in the matrimonial home, get confirmation from the lender in writing that you are no longer registered on the mortgage, and keep in mind that simply being taken off the property’s title is not the same thing. Until you have this proof in hand, you could still be on the hook for the outstanding mortgage balance for a house you no longer own.When going through a separation or divorce, the very best way to reduce conflict and to save money in the long run is to ensure that you can make the big decisions effectively with as much awareness, open communication and educational support where needed, as possible. I will help you to set realistic expectations by combining the very best data and my expertise. I am committed to being non-judgemental, supportive and transparent. I will never take sides, and truly want what is best for BOTH of you. 

Because you have spent years, if not decades together, your lives are very intertwined, and this whole process needs to be handled with compassion, nurturing and understanding. I too have been where you are – and so I understand it
on a visceral level. I can also help to reduce conflict and overwhelm during this strenuous time because I have a vast amount of education in psychology for supporting couples during difficult transitions. 

Please let me know how I can be of help to you. I know how stressful this all can be - and there are no questions too small. We can get you through this - together.

Contact Krista Lachapelle today (905) 251-9699.