Interview Recap: A Conversation with Judi Paré, President & CEO of Plentitude
Recently, Judi Paré, President & CEO of Plentitude, sat down for an insightful interview with Steve Jagger, co-founder of addy, sharing her incredible journey in real estate development and her approach to affordable housing and education. Here are some highlights from their discussion—and if you’re curious to dive deeper, don’t miss the link to watch the full conversation!
Judi Paré’s Path to Real Estate and Founding Plentitude
Starting her career in education, Judi’s career path has been anything but linear. With diverse experience across several industries, including real estate, she ultimately transitioned to coaching at Keyspire before launching Plentitude. Plentitude focuses on real estate development, vacation properties, and education—an innovative mix that reflects Judi’s dedication to both business growth and community empowerment.
From Townhouses to Cottages: Judi’s Real Estate Journey
Judi’s entry into real estate investing began with buying and renovating townhouses in Hamilton, Ontario. Her next venture involved acquiring and developing cottage properties. By following provincial guidelines rather than municipal permits, she was able to streamline her development process.
One of her most notable financing strategies involved a vendor takeback (VTB) mortgage. In a unique arrangement, Judi negotiated with a property seller to hold the mortgage, offering a 7% return—higher than a traditional lender’s rate. This deal underscored Judi’s resourcefulness and deep knowledge of creative financing options in real estate.
Expanding Horizons: From Condominiums to Social Housing
Judi’s projects have grown in scale and impact over the years. Among her current initiatives is a condominium development adjacent to a GO train station in Hamilton, where she aims to increase the unit density from 132 to 240 units. She’s also passionate about tackling social housing, emphasizing affordable housing solutions to make a difference in the community.
Advice for New Real Estate Investors
Throughout the conversation, Judi offered practical advice for aspiring real estate investors. She stressed the importance of starting small, managing credit with the guidance of a mortgage broker, and staggering investments to avoid burnout. Her approach encourages a sustainable, well-paced entry into real estate.
Education and Empowerment through Plentitude Insiders Network
In addition to her real estate ventures, Judi leads the Plentitude Insiders Network, an educational platform that provides resources and case studies on real estate investing. Through this initiative, she shares her expertise with a broader audience, empowering others to make informed decisions in their real estate journeys. Judi also coaches for Keyspire and manages both a development trust and a real estate income trust.
Dig into the Full Conversation
Judi’s conversation with Stephen Jagger is a must-watch for anyone interested in real estate investing, creative financing strategies, or community-focused development. Her insights offer a unique perspective on building a real estate portfolio while making a positive impact.
Watch the full interview below to dig into the details of Judi’s journey in real estate. You can also listen to the latest episode on Spotify, iTunes, and Google Play.