Karen’s Korner – Educational Real Estate Seminars

Coming in 2026: ClientFirst – Educational Real Estate Seminars – Built for Real Life!

Buying, renovating or downsizing a home comes with a lot of questions — and too often, the answers are scattered, confusing or tied to a sales pitch.

In 2026, our team is launching a series of small, practical educational seminars designed to give people clear, honest information they can actually use. These sessions are meant to educate first, reduce stress and help attendees feel confident — whether they’re buying their first home, planning renovations or thinking about their next chapter.

Each session will be hosted by one of our ClientFirst team members and supported by trusted professionals (mortgage, legal, inspection) so attendees hear multiple expert perspectives in one place.

Session 1: First-Time Home Buyers — What You Really Need to Know

Hosted by Bailey Keveryga | Date: February 24, 2026 6:30 – 8:30pm

Willow Ridge Community Association, Herard Room – 680 Acadia Dr. SE

Buying your first home is exciting — and overwhelming! This session is designed specifically for first-time buyers who want clarity without pressure.

Bailey will host and speak from first-hand experience, walking through common myths about first-time buying, what buyers actually need to worry about (and what they don’t) and how to prepare realistically for today’s market.

Who this session is for:

First-time buyers

Renters considering buying

Parents helping adult children buy

Anyone feeling unsure or intimidated by the process

What we’ll cover:

The real buying process, step by step

Pre-approval vs qualification (and why it matters) — Mortgage Broker

Expected closing costs, RPRs and legal timelines — Real Estate Lawyer

What inspections really protect you from — Home Inspector

Value:

Attendees leave understanding the full picture — financially, legally and practically — so they can move forward with confidence instead of fear.  

NO pressure to buy – just INFORMATION!

Session 2: Renovation 101 — What Adds Value & What Doesn’t

Hosted by Andrew Szedlak | Target: April 2026

Location TBD

Not all renovations are created equal — and some cost far more than they return! This session focuses on smart renovation decisions, whether you’re planning to sell in the future or simply want to invest wisely in your home.

Andrew will host and break down what renovations actually add value now and long-term, including real examples of projects that don’t pay off the way people expect.

Who this session is for:

Homeowners considering renovations

Buyers purchasing homes that need work

Sellers planning updates before listing

What we’ll cover:

Renovations that increase value vs those that don’t

How renovations affect financing & appraisals — Mortgage Broker

What can wait vs what must be addressed — Home Inspector

Permits, rules, RPRs & even tree restrictions — Real Estate Lawyer

What should and shouldn’t be done before selling — Realtor perspective

Value:

Attendees learn how to spend money strategically — and avoid renovations that look good – but don’t add real value!

Session 3: Downsizing & Next Steps for Seniors

Hosted by Karen Keveryga | Target: mid to end September / Early October 2026

Location TBD

Downsizing isn’t just about moving — it’s about timing, lifestyle and protecting long-term financial comfort. This session is designed to support seniors and their families navigating this transition thoughtfully.

Who this session is for:

Seniors considering downsizing

Adult children helping parents plan a move

Homeowners planning ahead (getting info now so not rushed when ready to change)

Focus areas will include:

When downsizing makes sense — Realtor perspective

Financial considerations — Mortgage Broker

Legal & planning implications — Real Estate Lawyer

Housing options & next steps — Realtor perspective

Aging in Place as an alternative to moving!  I will bring in specialists to speak on this topics.

Value:

A calm, respectful environment focused on clarity, planning and confidence — without pressure!

Future Topics We’re Exploring

We’re also planning future sessions around:

Adding Legal suites

Buying an apartment or condo for investment or for yourself

Other topics our community wants clarity on

We’d Love Your Input!!

These seminars are built for you or your family/friends/contacts!

If there’s a topic you’d like to learn more about — or a question you wish someone would explain clearly — we want to hear it.

👉 What would you like us to cover in a future session?

Stay tuned for registration details, dates and locations for each event — we’re excited to SUPPORT YOU in 2026.