Tuesday, 27 March 2012

What makes a "Professional"...A "Professional?"

MY OPINION: WHAT MAKES A "PROFESSIONAL" ...A "PROFESSIONAL?"


My parents taught me to be independent, responsible & respectful to everyone in my life.
(the moment someone "screws me over" is the moment you lose my respect, trust & friendship)
A Tip for the business world would be: - - "Grow A Backbone" - -


A word of advice to live life by:
--"Be The Best Person You Can Be" --

The "business" of music has taught me to be business smart, humble, to never assume anything and how to manage almost every type of person & situation. Dad always made sure I "looked the part" on stage and portrayed myself as a true professional up there. I cannot remember a time that I have out-right sworn on stage, I am not an angel (i do swear at times) but NEVER on stage. I can honestly say that I have never consciously thought of being a "role model" to anyone, I just know who I am and what being a "Professional" in whatever business I am in, means to me. When I am performing whether its a bar, cabaret, beer gardens, casino..etc,  I would never drink more than 1 or 2 drinks (even at Stampede or Jamborees!) 
Integrity has played a big part in my life and I have enjoyed every experience with no regrets, and nothing to be embarrassed about, because I held strong to my Integrity, Professionalism and Values.

Today, being around so many different types of  "professionals" has proven to me that there are many good people out there....and there are many good people to know, that are not professional in my eyes.



My List of Un-professionalism (in no particular order)

  1. Showing half or more than half of your bare chest in a "business" atmosphere/meeting/event (this goes for both men & women, haha)
  2. Having a "dirty mouth" in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
  3. Thinking you're better than someone else & acting like you're better
  4. Talking about or putting down co-workers behind their backs in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
  5. PDA (public display of affection) in a business atmosphere/meeting/event (whether its your friend, co-worker, boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife, it's not the time or place)
  6. Getting drunk beyond being able to walk or speak correctly in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
  7. Saying derogatory things in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
  8. Talking about your wealth or how much money you make in a business atmosphere/meeting/event
  9. Going home at the end of the night with your boss or co-worker or band member after a business meeting/event.
  10. Constantly being on your phone,TEXTING, not giving the people you're with your attention.

A few final words:
  • There is a very fine line between a business professional setting and hanging out with friends who you work with or work for, after work hours, after you've hung out with these people a few times before.
  • #1 cause of screwing up is Alcohol, so keep your head on strait in this department during a business atmosphere, meeting or event and it wont be hard to stay as Professional as possible!
  • Remember to have fun no matter where you are or who you are with, laugh, joke, smile, just don't step over the line.
  • Yes, you may have to call someone back, but if its urgent, remove yourself from the area, take care of your business and then come back to provide your full attention to the people you're with.
  • Human beings are smart, they know when you're being yourself, they know when you're trying to be someone you're not, they either trust you or they don't, they either like you or they don't. (if you're one of those people who will "put up" with someone because you think they are a "good person to know" not a GOOD PERSON in general, good luck with that!)
  • YES, I have strong opinions and can be very blunt sometimes. haha.
Of course, this is all my opinion on things. And allot of this is at your own discretion and Yes, people are judging you all the time and Yes, I believe in just being yourself (if you REALLY know who you are,without alcohol/drugs involved, I don't think you can go wrong in any situation)

Just Be A Good Person. Be True. Be Happy. Enjoy Life!  (and if your instinct is telling you you're probably going overboard, listen) ;)

Signing Off - -
Chas Zemluk

Thursday, 15 March 2012

The Gist on Qualifying for A Mortgage!

 First Time Home Buyers
"The Gist on Qualifying for a Mortgage"
               

Hey everyone! Many people do not realise what it takes to purchase their first home and sometimes do not even realise their options. Josh Higgelke, who I work closely with many of my clients, of Axiom Mortgage Solutions has written a SPECIAL article for us! Please feel free to give myself or Josh a call with any further questions about qualifying for a mortgage and maybe you will be surprised as to what you can be approved for!! Remember: It Never Hurts To Ask!

Chas
C: 403-354-3777
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Buying your first home can be a very exciting / rewarding experience and many, many people strive to achieve the pride of ownership that comes with owning your home. Most people are very excited about paying off their own mortgage and building their equity instead of lining the pockets of their landlord. Unfortunately,  even though, for many Canadians buying your first home is something that is ranked very high on the “to do” list, many first time buyers become discouraged and they find that the mortgage qualifying process can be a bit overwhelming… It doesn’t have to be.

                There are many different banks and lending institutions that would be happy to provide you with your first mortgage and here is a summary, with a few tips, of what they are looking for. I like to use the acronym (I.C.E.) which stands for Income, Credit, and Equity.

1.       I –Income: When buying your first home the mortgage lender(s) will like to see that you have a good job and that you make money to cover your mortgage payments. Typically, unless you have past experience in the same industry, they will want to see that you are not on probation and they will ask you to provide them with:
a.       A job letter from your employer that states you start date, position, and income / wage.
b.      Your most recent pay stub that shows your current year to date.
c.       They may also ask to see your past 2 years T4’s or your tax returns if we are using any overtime income.

2.       C – Credit: Your credit bureau is very important when applying for your mortgage as it shows the lender(s) your track record and ability to pay back money that you have borrowed. Typically the lender(s) will like to see a credit score of 620, or greater, but they might be willing to work with a slower credit score if you can come up with a larger down payment. Here are some tips for maintaining / building your credit score:
a.       Pull your own credit bureau and make sure that everything on your bureau is accurate. Unfortunately, even the credit bureau companies make mistakes and, as consumers, we have to stay on top of the credit companies as they might have reported something that could have a negative impact on your credit score. Please visit www.equifax.ca and request a copy of “your Equifax Credit Report.”
b.      Keep your credit card balances below 75% of your allowable limit
c.       Do not have too many creditors “pull” your credit in a short period of time
d.      Pay your minimum payments on time. if you can’t make a payment, call the creditor and make payment arrangements with them.

3.       E – Equity (Down Payment): in an ideal scenario the lender(s) would like to see that you have saved your 5% down payment but there are other solutions if you cannot come up with the 5% down payment on your own.
a.       Gifted down payment – the lender(s) will allow you to use a gifted down payment from a family member and they will request a signed gift letter from the family member.
b.      Borrowed down payment – the lender(s) will allow you to borrow the down payment from a line of credit or loan as long as you can cover the monthly costs on top of your mortgage costs.
c.       “Zero down” – There a still few lenders that offer a “zero down” mortgage but you will have to have strong job tenure and good credit. This is a great product for those of us who have trouble saving up for the down payment.

There are many different mortgage products available for the first time home buyer and there are many solutions that can be offered to overcome hurdles along the way. I strongly recommend that anyone who is interested in purchasing their first home to please get in contact with a professional mortgage broker. A mortgage broker will work hard to get you the very best mortgage to suite your needs and they will do everything that they can to ensure the mortgage qualifying process is a smooth and seamless as possible.





Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty
403-354-3777


Friday, 9 March 2012

JUST LISTED in Stanley Park SW!


LOCATION, LOCATION & LIFESTYLE! SOLD
Centralize yourself in Calgary's BEST! Stanley Park. If you're always on the go and love to be active, you've found the perfect condo to suit your lifestyle without giving up luxury! After a long day downtown, arrive at your doorstep within 15 minutes of leaving work. Enjoy the evening hosting a barbeque with friends on your private balcony & open open concept kitchen, dining & living area. Want more?


Step outside for a quick game of tennis or basketball, take a jog on the Elbow River pathways and stroll to Stanley Park! Or, launch a dingy on the river and Relax! It doesn't get better than this!


Stress-fee, executive style living. Enjoy!
Features:
2 minute walk to C-train station
5 minute walk to Stanley Park
Tennis courts, playground,walkways, basketball courts & baseball diamonds out your front door!
Granite countertops
Laminate flooring
Open-concept floor plan
Gas fireplace
In floor heating system
In-suite laundry


1034 square feet
Condo Fees $442/mth
Taxes $1905

OFFERED AT $360,000
CALL or EMAIL for more details!


Chas ZemlukCIR Realty
403-354-3777







Balcony w/storage shed

Exercise Room

Tennis Courts

Elbow River Rafting






Thursday, 1 March 2012

TIP: Re-Examine Your Mortgage

If you can reduce your interest rate by one percent or more, it is often beneficial to refinance. Beware of early redemption fees and discuss with your  bank or mortgage company.

Want A Vacation Home in Arizona?

Learn about: LAKE HAVASU, ARIZONA  ....in a nutshell

Why Choose Lake Havasu City?  In 2007, Lake Havasu was named one of the Top 100 places to live in America by Relocate America. With three hundred days of sunshine a year and winter Temperatures Avg. 62- 86 degrees. It makes our winter weather hard to beat. For all those outdoor lovers Lake Havasu City offers miles of hiking, mountain biking and walking trails through our beautiful Lake and Mountain Scenery. Are you into Fishing? Well look no farther as Lake Havasu City offers some of the best fishing in Arizona. With Lake Havasu City holding many national and local fishing tournaments through out the year. This is also one of the most family-friendly Arizona vacation spots. Kick back on our safe, sandy lake beaches, marvel at the London Bridge or explore Lake Havasu’s 60 miles of pristine navigable waterways. Explore our breathtaking landscape on memorable land, air and water tours. Bring your unique vacation ideas to life in Lake Havasu City - where the days are endless and the nights spectacular. Are you thinking about purchasing a Vacation Home in Lake Havasu? With the avg price $160,000. Makes this area a very affordable area for vacationers and Locals to purchase real estate. So Plan your trip today! And come enjoy the west's best kept secret


JEFF COLLINS - Realtor
The COLLINS TEAM
- REO Specialist

Lake Havasu, Arizona


"I'd like to thank the Collins Team for providing us with information on Lake Havasu"
Chas Zemluk


If you or someone you know is interested in learning more or viewing vacation homes, foreclosures and short sales in or around Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Give me a call/text or email and I will get you in touch with the Collins team who will answer all your questions, provide you with important information and make the buying a vacation home experience fantastic!


CHAZ ZEMLUK - Realtor
(cell) 403-354-3777
(email) czemluk@cirrealty.ca