April 3, 2012 Issue 45

MarketWatch April A 2012 final 29/03/12 4:47 PM Page 1

April 3, 2012 - Vol 38

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

T E A M

Happy Easter WHAT’S INSIDE? m Homes for Sale – Hamilton, . . . . . . 3 Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook m Finding A COLOR Scheme. . . . . . . . 4 m Gardening Tips for the Perfect . . . . . 4 Backyard m What is CMHC Mortgage . . . . . . . . 4 Loan Insurance? m Look What We've Sold! . . . . . . . . . . . 5 m Mortgage Fees: Understand . . . . . . . 6 the Fine Print m Homes for Sale – Grimsby, . . . . . . . 7 Lincoln, West Lincoln & Niagara m Easter Colouring Contest Winners . . 8 m Advertising a Garage Sale . . . . . . . . 10 m Buyer beware: Cracks in Walls . . . 11 may be Sign of Repairs Ahead

Rob Rob Golfi Golfi Sales Sales Representative Representative

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

MarketWatch April A 2012 final 29/03/12 4:47 PM Page 2

Page 2

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Crossword Puzzle

About Rob Golfi

S

ince the inception of his career in 1997, Rob Golfi has recognized that understanding his clients’ needs is essential to providing excellent service.

As business grew, Rob assembled the Golfi Team in an effort to maintain the same level of professionalism clients have come to expect. Shortly thereafter in 2003, the team received the prestigious honour of being among the top 100 Real Estate Teams for RE/MAX Canada, and this status continues to date.

Rob’s experience and aggressive negotiating skills have earned him every major honour awarded by RE/MAX, including President’s Club, 100% Club, Platinum Club, Chairman’s Club, Hall of Fame in 2003, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, his SRES® designation in 2009 and the Diamond Club Award in 2010. Having worked with

April 3, 2012

(Solution on Page 11)

many of the industry’s professionals over the years, he has the necessary edge to best negotiate the sale of your home.

Any agent can list your house, but Rob’s knowledge, extensive marketing background and dedication gives clients peace of mind when dealing with the single most important investment in their lives. With years of combined experience, the Golfi Team can provide your home with a level of exposure that most agents cannot. Utilizing a team approach also means that they will likely find a purchaser to buy your home sooner, rather than waiting for other agents to approach you with potential buyers.

Ranked in the top 5 of nearly 2,000 sales agents in the Hamilton-Burlington and Niagara areas, listing with Rob and the Golfi Team is the right choice when choosing someone to represent your best interest. -Å

Across

Down

5 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 18 19

1 2 3 4 6 7

Murderous (9) Masterstroke (4) Protector (8) Lego ad (anag) (3,3) Useless old fellow (6) Protuberant belly (6) Cold (6) Flatter for a purpose (6,2) Agreement (4) Arduous (9)

12 14 15 17

Grizzle (8) Mix (6) Obscene (6) Tough — laborious (4) Fellow worker (9) Talk peace (anag) — happen (4,5) Showing disrespectful levity (8) Greek god of commerce and theft (6) Dome (6) Mountain lake (4)

SUDOKU 5

3

8 9

4

6

7 4

2 4

3 7 2

5

9

6 3

1

1 5

9 8

6 7 7

8

3 5 9

3

The Solution Fill in the grid above, so that each row of 9 squares, each column of nine and each section of nine (three squares by three) contains the numbers 1 through 9 in any order. There is only one solution for the puzzle and the numbers shown can NOT be changed.

“This home has a wonderful view. If you go outside at night, you can look up and see the whole universe!”

www. GolfiTeam .com

7

4

9

8

1

3

4

2

5

9

8

6

2

5

6

1

3

7

2 6 5 7 3 1 4 8 9

8 7 6 3 4 2 1 9 5

5 1 4 6 7 9 8 3 2

9 3 2 1 8 5 6 7 4

6 5 9 8 2 7 3 4 1

3 2 8 9 1 4 7 5 6

1 4 7 5 6 3 9 2 8

MarketWatch April A 2012 final 29/03/12 4:49 PM Page 3

April 3, 2012

Rob Golfi*

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

Hamilton WeSt $324,900 27 Paradise Road South

Hamilton WeSt $172,900 453 Main Street West

Brantford $279,900 91 Osborn Avenue

Stoney Creek $619,900 92 Fifty Road

Westdale classic in a great location 5 minutes away from McMaster. Bright kitch w/breakfast bar, fantastic investment w/student income of $2680.00/mth, fin. basement, new furnace & air.

Parking for 2 cars & single garage.

Rare opportunity to own a duplex in West Hamilton for this price! Separate hydro meters.

7% cap rate “as is�. Potential to finish attic. Side drive! Roof (05). Buyer to verify all info.

Showings from 12-7pm only w/24 hrs notice.

Beautiful all brick 2 storey home! This home features Cherry hardwd flrs in hallway, kitchen & gathering area, kitchen w/island & upgraded backsplash, master bedroom w/walk-in closet & ensuite, rec room w/potlights & walkout to deck with a huge rear yard.

Includes C/vac, C/air and dishwasher.

Nature's paradise with perfect view! Gorgeous 1acre side split sitting on the bench of Niagara Escarpment. Gleaming hardwood flrs, large, custom maple kitchen with granite counter tops, 6 bedrms with in-flr heating, 4 bthrms, steel roof, new windows, doors & much more. Call today!

Hamilton WeSt $379,900 63 Paisley Avenue South Prime property in the heart of Westdale: fully furnished with couches, chairs, beds, computer desk & dresser, ideal for foreign students.

Within walking or biking to McMaster, close to shopping & busses, many updates in past 7 yrs.

Incredible income! No early a.m. showings!

Home evaluation No Cost or Obligation

905-575-7700

Hamilton $950/mo 47 Melbourne Street Fantastic location! Clean 2 BR home. Walk to Locke & Dundurn Street & 5 min. walk to amenities. Fenced yard w/rear parking, no pets, no smokers, credit check with application. 1yr min. lease. Perfect for single professional.

Hamilton mtn $314,900 30 Rockview Avenue

Hamilton Ctr $124,900 85 Belview Avenue

Hamilton WeSt $279,762 72 Whitney Avenue

Hamilton Ctr $234,762 68 Holton Avenue South

Big 4 level backsplit with eat-in kitchen, separate dining room, main floor laundry & 3pc bthrm & bedroom, above grade walk-out, family room w/FP. Shingles 4yrs new, 1-1/2 car garage with dbl drive. Fruit trees in the backyard. Close to Limeridge Mall, Redhill/Linc and amenities.

3 BR home for immediate possession & priced for a quick sale. This home features hardwd under broadloom in LR/DR, fenced yard, & front drive. Needs updating & is ideal for an investor or first time buyer. Ask about the home improvement program. Worth taking a look!

Close to Mac University. Has six rooms, two kitchens and two bathrooms. Front bedroom was the garage. 4 rooms rented to Tenants who would like to stay. Month to month rental. Place shows nice.

Attention Investors! Big home used as two family! Main level one BR, kitchen, living room, dining room, 4pc bath rented $875/mo w/utilities included. 2nd & 3rd floor has 4 BRs rented $400/mo ea. & share living room, bthrm & kitchen. Laundry room in the basement.

Hamilton mtn $315,900 31 Normajean Avenue

Hamilton WeSt $339,900 260 Bay Street S., Unit 2

Stoney Creek $549,900 132 Millen Road

Hamilton Ctr $127,900 86 Rosemont Avenue

Trendy, stylish raised ranch offers beautiful updated oak gourmet kitchen, new bathrm, gorgeous hardwd, completely finished basement w/kit, bathrm, & bedrm ideal for in-law suite.

Shingles 4 yrs new, furnace & C/air 1 yr new, vinyl windows, close to busses, shopping & schools.

Gorgeous Durand area condo! Only 3 units in this building, part of 86 Herkimer conversion.

Separate garage, locker in bsmt. Access to roof top terrace in 86 Herkimer. Shows 10++ w/upgraded fixtures, cabinets, counters, lighting, window treatments, & appliances.

AWESOME BEAUTY. Completely updated, hardwd flrs, kitchen w/maple cabinets, granite counters, bathrms updated, crown moulding, spiral staircase, exterior has all new eaves facia & soffits, new shingles, new siding with stone skirt, fenced yard, undergrd sprinkler system.

Clean, bright & immaculate 3 bedrm all brick 2.5 storey home avail for immed possession.

Features updated kit. cabinets, spacious living & dinning rm w/neutral colour ceramics, 2 pc bath in basement with 2nd kitch, private side drive, fenced in yard, close to buses & shopping.

Stoney Creek $189,900 518-500 Green Road

Hamilton Ctr $114,900 294 Emerald Street North

Hamilton mtn $359,900 23 Vineberg Drive

Stoney Creek $274,900 326 Jones Road

Beautifully maintained and upgraded suite with breathtaking views from windows and balcony.

Features new furnace & c/air system, new 800 series doors, freshly painted, amenities include pool, gym, sauna, library, work shop, squash courts, locker #14, and a parking spot.

Live mortgage free! With the upstairs apartment rental of $625/mth your mortgage is paid.

Freshly painted w/shingles 4 yrs old. Separate entrance to all floors. Parking for up to 6 cars in the back. Owner occupies main floor, with boarder in the basement.

Over 2000 sq ft., 4 level backsplit! Family room w/fireplace, big kitchen w/oak cabinets & island, vaulted ceilings in LR/DR, open from kitchen to family rm, big rooms & walkout to covered patio w/3 year old hot tub. Turner park, shopping, & YMCA all within walking distance.

Large duplex on 100 x 150 ft lot. Two 3 bdrm units plus professionally finished 1 bdrm in-law suite in basement. 1.5 car garage & parking for up to 10 cars with multiple street access. Huge private fenced backyard. Great investment opportunity! Incredible income potential!

www.GolfiTeam.com

MarketWatch April A 2012 final 29/03/12 4:49 PM Page 4

Page 4

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

April 3, 2012

Finding A COLOR Scheme

I

f you feel helpless when it comes to picking and blending colors, your answer could be as far away as your nearest pillow. Check out this quick way to create a color scheme for your home with the formula of PICK SEE -LMD. PICK a Pattern: Starting with a pattern is the easiest way to create a color palette for your decor. Choose a pattern from any object you already have and love such as a pillow, picture or piece of furniture. This will be your color palette !

SEE 3 Colors: Select a light, medium and dark color from your pattern to be used as your foundation. You may want to go to a hardware store and select color chips from the paint department that match your pattern to carry with you in case you come across a great find and need to know if it matches.

LMD: Light, Medium and Dark How you use these colors can affect the overall appearance of your room.

• Light- Is the Background- this is usually easy to achieve since most rentals are equipped with light to off-white walls.

• Medium- Large furniture and windows - Since the color of these objects will blend with the above lighter selection, the medium furniture will ground the room and give it a foundation.

• Darker- Accessories. Since your eye is drawn to a darker more intense color you will be able to arrange you accessories in a manner to guide the eye flowing through your room.

PICK - SEE - LMD a formula to live by!

by Tammy Schoppet (Rental Decorating Digest)

Gardening Tips for the Perfect Backyard

I

f you really do want to ponder on the notion of perfection, the thing that makes a backyard perfect is that it can be commonly enjoyed with great pleasure by friends and family. That is where it derives its meaning and its usefulness. Absent the ability to share, it’s about as perfect as the Queen of Hearts wanted her rose garden to be when Alice suddenly chanced upon it.

Anyone who has ever planted, nourished and grown plants know that time is the most vital element in gardening. The gardener may possess all the necessary implements, tools, growth hormones, fertilizers, seeds and yet, without understanding time, even the most elegant of plants will look like a weed.

The aim of this article is to make gardening a well cherished activity for the

entire family. After all, a garden is best enjoyed in the company of good friends and laughter. Here are tips from an experienced gardener.

1. Biology 101. Each plant has its own personality and character in the same way that flowers bloom in different months. Read up on the types of plants that you have the patience for caring. If you are a beginner, then choose the plants which don’t need too much attention and care. Plants are like princesses, treat them well and the kingdom could be yours.

Knowing a plant, is knowing its name.

2. Keep a Plant Journal / Inventory. All backyards, no matter the state of disrepair or neglect it is in, have plants or weeds in it. Keeping a journal is not just about reminiscing about the past, but more importantly the future.

Each plant has its own potential and you have the power to alter its course. Knowing what and how much plants you have could help you with the next tip.

3. Create a vision. You now know the plant and know how much of it you

4.

5.

have. The next step is to predict how it would look like after a year or two.

There’s no such thing as a green thumb, only ill planning and the lack of knowledge. That harmless and cute little bougainvillea could indeed turn into a spiny monster when left untended to. By having a vision, you’ll be able to precisely know how to guide its growth. Payoff doesn’t come in months, it comes in years.

Go organic. What good would it do if you have the perfect backyard when you’ve been dumping harmful chemical fertilizers and pesticides on it?

When your kids grow, the place will be a virtual wasteland where even weeds dare not go.

Attitude. Perhaps the most intangible of all elements, attitude is vital for sustainability. The plants in your care are living creatures. Perhaps there’s a certain merit derived from talking to them after all. You need to love hard manual labor and extreme patience working under the sun. Without this, you’ll just give up, go inside your home and browse on the Internet for another gardening article.

What is CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance?

Mortgage loan insurance is typically required by lenders when homebuyers make a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price. Mortgage loan insurance helps protect lenders against mortgage default, and enables consumers to purchase homes with a minimum down payment of 5% — with interest rates comparable to those with a 20% down payment.

To obtain mortgage loan insurance, lenders pay an insurance premium. Typically, your lender will pass this cost on to you. The premium payable is based on a percentage of the home’s purchase price that is financed by a mortgage. The premium can be paid in a single lump sum or it can be added to your mortgage and included in your monthly payments.

Mortgage loan insurance is not to be confused with mortgage life insurance which guarantees that your remaining mortgage at the time of your death will not be a burden to your estate.

Call Today 905-575-7700

MarketWatch April A 2012 final 29/03/12 4:49 PM Page 5

April 3, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Facts About the GOLFI TEAM‌ 3 Over $60 Million in Sales Annually** 3 #1 Real Estate Office in Hamilton-Burlington* 3 Amongst the Top Sales Reps in Ontario** 3 Ranked Top 50 Teams in Canada for ** 3 Ranked Top 100 Teams world wide**

1998

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

2003

2003

2006

2010

OVER $460 MILLION IN REAL ESTATE SALES *#1 Brokerage in the Realtors Association of Hamilton Burlington MLS from 1994 to 2010 consecutively. **Year End Standings for 2010, based on residential commissions paid. Rankings are compiled from figures submitted by regional offices.

THE MARKET IS HOT NOW!

ERS F F LE O P I T UL HM T I DW SOL

SOLD

FOR

F LI 99% O

ST T

A BU O GT

YER

ERS F F LE O P I T UL HM T I DW SOL

Stoney Creek $489,900 246 Glenholme Avenue

Stoney Creek $259,900 194 Millen Road

Stoney Creek $279,900 68 Birchlawn Court

SPECTACULAR, LUXURIOUS, IMMACULATE! 2700 sqft, clean and bright 4 bedroom home features hardwood floors & carpets, 9ft ceilings w/potlights, upgraded cabinets in kitchen and bathrooms, and a professionally finished basement w/over the top finishes.

Old world charm w/modern conveniences.

Beautifully renovated 2-storey with maple hardwood & ceramics on main flr. Family-sized maple kitchen w/tumbled marble backsplash & pot lighting. Large Master w/rich hotel style ensuite & W/I closet. Fresh paint, vinyl windows.

QUIET CUL-DE-SAC LOCATION! Freshly decorated home, ash hardwood flrs in LR/DR, crown moulding, oak kitch cabinets, professionally fin. rec-rm, furnace 6yrs new, C/Air 5yrs, & updated vinyl windows. Great neighbourhood near schools, parks, & shopping.

IPLE T L U HM T I DW SOL

ERS OFF

Burlington $454,900 2430 Redfern Road EXCLUSIVE Listing. 2 Storey family home, court location close to Go Train, HWY access & shopping.

Many updates, roof, furnace & central air, most windows, 2 bathrooms, ceramics, main floor hardwd, gas fireplace & landscaping.

FOR D SOL

GET YOUR HOME SOLD TODAY! 905-575-7700 IST L OF % 7 9 OR F D SOL

E RIC P L FUL

IST L OF % 9 9 OR F D SOL

D SOL

YER U B TA G O T

Hamilton eaSt $92,400 399 Fairfield Avenue Spacious 1 BR bungalow! Incl updated kitchen w/lots of counter space, fenced yard, new roof shingles & high efficiency furnace (gas on equal billing $66.00 month!), 100amp on breakers, big rear deck w/awning, A/C, big bathrm & lots of storage in bsmt. Can be 2 BR if needed. Shows great!

BUNGALOW

ICE R P LIST E V ABO D L SO

BeamSville $249,900 5120 Connor Drive Fabulous end unit freehold Bungalow 1,110 sqft!

90 day closing avail. Come & visit our model home & be wowed on this Energy Guide & Tested Home. Incl great size bedroomss w/3 pc ensuite off master, kitchen area overlooking family rm, attached to next unit only at garage.

IST L OF % 9 9 OR F D SOL

Hamilton eaSt $152,900 376 Osborne Street

grimSBy $249,900 41 Kenyon Crescent

Hamilton eaSt $189,900 34 Barons Avenue

Great Value in this one floor East Hamilton Beauty! Loads of updates and very well maintained by owner of 35 years. Eat-in kitchen with lots of sunlight, big rec-room with bar, concrete drive, fenced back yard with fruit trees and shed. Close to the Red Hill Pkwy.

Stoney Creek $419,900 35 Ivybridge Drive

Fabulous freehold end unit townhouse! Open concept main flr w/kitchen, dinette & living rm.

Patio door overlooks fenced yard & a 2-tiered wooden deck. Lrg master w/full wall closet, plus 2 extra large bedrooms & a 4pc bath. Finished Rec rm w/2pc bath & area for a home office/bar.

2400 sq ft. home overflowing w/upgrades incl. 9 ft ceilings, hardwood flrs, loaded kitchen w/granite counter tops, formal dining rm, slate floors, crown moulding, spiral staircase, showcase gas fireplace, 4 large sunny bedrms, rich hotel style ensuite bath, main floor den, bedrm level laundry, backing onto green space with pond.

3 or 4 bedroom home w/highway access, schools & shopping nearby. Loads of updates, some newer windows, roof 2011, furnace & tank 1998, main bath remodelled & new bath in basement.

Fully fenced yard w/gate at driveway. Rear patio & big shed.

Call Today 905-575-7700

MarketWatch April A 2012 final 29/03/12 4:49 PM Page 6

Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

April 3, 2012

Mortgage Fees: Understand the Fine Print A mortgage is usually the largest financial commitment a person will make. The interest is far more than any other debt, yet it is troubling that many of the details involved in mortgage applications are poorly explained — if at all — to those applying for the loan.

Many people buying their first home do not have 20 per cent of the purchase price to use as the down payment and must take out an insured mortgage in order to get the loan. You can obtain this insurance through CMHC or Genworth Financial.

This will typically add 2 to 3 per cent to the loan. For example, if you qualify for a $300,000 loan, with a 10 per cent down payment and are not selfemployed, the premium is 2 per cent or $6,000. So your mortgage will be increased to $306,000. However, you will not see this amount when you close the deal. The lender takes the $6,000 off the top, to pay for this insurance premium, while the borrower still has to pay the entire $306,000 back.

You must also pay PST on the insurance premium, which is usually not explained. In the above example, it is

$780. This amount will be deducted on your closing, so instead of receiving $300,000, you receive $299,220.

There are more deductions that will come off your mortgage loan on closing that are typically not disclosed when you apply.

Mortgage processing fees This is a subject that bothers many buyers. It is typically on closing that they learn the lender is deducting an additional amount, typically between $200 to $300, in order to pay for the “processing fee.” This is because the lender has outsourced this function to another company, including the preparation of the mortgage instructions that go to the buyer’s lawyer.

This is not paid when the lender does the work themselves.

Interest adjustment date If your loan is advanced in the middle of the month, the lender will deduct the amount of interest owing to the first day of your next month. This could amount to hundreds of dollars being held back on closing.

Who pays the taxes?

In most insured mortgages, the lender will insist that the borrower

Sharon Stafford Sales Representative

Mike McNeil

Sales Representative

Rob Golfi

Sales Representative

include an amount for property taxes in every mortgage payment, so the lender can pay this bill on your behalf. However, lenders will often deduct about half the year’s tax bill in advance, so they have enough of a reserve to always pay the taxes. Again, this amount will come off what you can expect to receive on closing.

Finally, more and more lenders are waiting until three to four days before closing to have buyers come in to sign the papers. This often results in mortgage instructions not getting to the buyer lawyer’s office until the day before closing. If there are errors, which often occur, it becomes stressful for buyers to arrange their actual down payment needed, get to their lawyer’s offices to sign the paperwork and complete their purchase on time. Buyers should insist their lenders schedule any appointment to sign loan papers at least two weeks before closing, so that everything can be completed on time, without stress.

Ask your lender or mortgage broker in advance to detail everything that will be deducted from your loan on closing.

Being prepared for the mortgage lending

process means you are not surprised with the total loan amount you will receive from your lender on closing, but also that your closing will be completed in a stress-free manner.

by Mark Weisleder Mark Weisleder is a real estate lawyer.

Contact Mark at mark@markweisleder.com.

Heather Reid

Hans Marcellissen

Wendy Murray-Nicholson

Kristina King

Jaclyn Ross

Rosemarie Fournier

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Office Manager

Sales Representative

Listing Co-ordinator

Together… Delivering More!

Home evaluation No Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today!

905-575-7700 / 905-945-0188 www.golfiteam.com

MarketWatch April A 2012 final 29/03/12 4:56 PM Page 7

September 2010

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

grimSBy $249,900 32 Cline Mountain Rd.

grimSBy $239,900 69 Mountain Street

grimSBy $264,900 195 Main Street West

grimSBy $624,900 5 Heathcote Court

WeSt linColn $329,900 9407 Silver Street

Fantastic 3 level side split sitting on 70x170ft lot backing onto green space, features vinyl windows, laminate floors, concrete drive, room to build garage, quick access to QEW, country living in the community of Grimsby.

Privacy in the city! Gorgeous property sitting on the edge of escarpment surrounded by towering trees, fantastic 60x125ft lot with level back yard, great in-law set up with private entrance, furnace 2 yrs new, shingles 5 & 10 yrs new, 19x26ft garage, & 21x19ft carport w/steel roofs.

Updated, trendy escarpment property in 2003. Showcase gas fireplace in family rm, large master bedrm with hotel style ensuite, large kitchen with porcelain tiles, dinette w/patio doors leading to private deck overlooking escarpment.

Court location at the base of the Escarpment. 3042sqft Jewel Model boasts 5 bedrms upstairs, dining rm, custom kitchen, family rm w/FP. Basement fin with walkout to hottub in customized gazebo. Prof. landscaped.

Amazing home on 100 x 200ft lot, built in 1953, has an open concept LR/DR w/hrdwd flrs, huge master suite, new HighEff gas furnance/CA, updated bath, entry doors, & water cond.. Bonus rm over the garage.

WATERFRONT

DUPLEX

grimSBy $1,499,900 143 Lake Street

BeamSville $359,900 4469 Weltman Way

grimSBy $469,900 391 Kerman Avenue

grimSBy $272,000 20 Cline Mountain Road

grimSBy $255,000 15 Adelaide Street

Fabulous waterfront property! Custom built, 3000 sq ft home with lake views from every room. Maple hardwood floors, granite counters, master suite with access to back deck, ensuite and walk-in shower. Handicap adaptable!

BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED 2 STOREY HOME! 7 yrs new! Oak staircase, walnut hardwood flrs, wonderful family size kitchen, upgraded light fixtures throughout, custom blinds & california shutters, master bedrm with ensuite & walk in closet, fenced yard, large patio deck.

Prestigious 2-storey will surprise you! 2750 sqft of luxury, maple & oak hardwd flrs, large family size kitchen with granite counters & breakfast island, showcase fireplace in family room, crown moulding, shingles 3yrs new, furnace & C/Air 2yrs new, landscaped yard with pond.

3 Level side split with 20x24’ family room addition approx six years ago. Large 20x30’ detached garage and oversized lot. Awaits your renovating! Furnace has been removed but duct work still in place.

Fantastic Investment Opportunity, Duplex within the downtown core. 2 bedrm unit on main level & 1 bedroom unit on upper level. Gross income of $1885/mth. Includes large double car garage, shingles approx 4 yrs new, and new furnace 2011.

Please allow 24 Hrs for showings.

WATERFRONT

grimSBy $169,900 #31-125 Livingston Ave.

grimSBy $1,250,000 134 Olive Street

Great Value in this lovely 3 bedroom end unit townhome! Amazing escarpment views from your patio door. Freshly painted, hardwood flrs on upper & main levels. Corner gas fireplace in the living room. Plenty of parking, close to amenities and go station.

BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT property in fantastic residential neighbourhood. 75 x 276 ft lot with updated shore protection. Features inlaw setup, nanny suite, 4+2 bedrooms, master with 6 piece ensuite, floor to ceiling windows and quick access to QEW.

905-575-7700 905-945-0188 www.golfi.ca

IN-LAW SETUP

grimSBy $519,900 34 Golf Woods Drive Gorgeous 2+2 bedroom bungalow with main flr laundry, in desirable neighbourhood. In-law setup on lower level with private walk-out.

Beautiful hardwood floors with cathedral ceilings and gas fireplace. Master bedroom has luxury ensuite and walk-in closet. Shows like a dream!

BUNGALOW

grimSBy $356,900 519 Ridge Road East

St. CatHarineS $147,900 45 McGhie

BeamSville $244,900 5137 Connor Drive

BeamSville $339,900 4092 Mountain Street

BeamSville $249,900 5143 Connor Drive

1.37 acres on escarpment ravine near Bruce Trail!

Features geothermal system Jan ’10, insulated roof, newer windows, amazing low energy costs, large 2.5 car garage, large deck w/above ground solar heated pool, and charming cedar-sided home with large eat-in kitchen.

Move Right in! This 2 bedroom home is in a great location w/easy access to the QEW. Lots of hardwood floors, newer windows, furnace ‘03, updated panel and wiring, covered front porch, and a nice backyard.

2 Storey freehold town home 1386 sq.ft. Similar to be built. Features includes great sized BRs w/3pc ensuite & walk in closet off master, kit w/breakfast area overlooking family room, available for 60 day possession, access from garage to rear yard, & min to all amenities.

Want quality, this house is for you! This one flr plan incl. $20,000 in extras, California knock down ceilings, rounded corners, 120 sq.ft. of hrdwd flrs, upgraded trim package, maple kit, asphalt drv & much more! Approx 1445 sq.ft. similar to be built.

Fabulous end unit freehold Bungalow 1110 sqft avail. for 60-90 day closing. Come & visit our model home & wowed on this Energy Guide & Tested home. Incl. great size BRs w/4pc ensuite off master, kitchen area overlooking family rm, attached to neighbouring unit at the garage only.

grimSBy $174,900 49 Ontario St., Unit#14

BeamSville $239,900 4181 Fly Road

vineland $299,900 3380 Dustan Street

BeamSville $339,900 4034 Barry Drive

SmitHville $399,900 146 Rock Street

Stunning townhome! Quality finishes throughout incl. hardwd flring, kit w/breakfast bar, oversized master BR, walk-in closet, & a main floor bath.

Condo fees are $290.00/month & incl. C/Air, & exterior maintenance, building insururance, hydro, parking, & water.

Character home circa 1800’s gracefully set in scenic village of Campden. This 3/4 acre lot is just minutes away from wineries, & features 3 great big bedrms, lrg country size kitchen, main flr laundry, gorgeous plank flooring, triple detached 24 x 24 ft. garage/workshop.

Lakefront community living in comfort and style.

This 2 bedroom bungalow features relaxing front porch, 9ft ceilings, 2 full bathrooms, central air conditioning, spacious deck off of kitchen, main floor laundry. Homeowner Assoc. fee $30/mo for use of waterfront clubhouse and beach.

Trendy, stylish raised ranch! This cozy 1100 sqft. features 9-ft ceilings w/bright big windows, hardwd flrs, kit. w/walk out to patio, renovated bathrm, sun filled basement w/family rm, gas FP & spare BR w/full bathrm. Fantastic escarpment neighbourhood w/an extra deep lot

Outstanding & immaculate Custom built 2350 sq.ft. Facing park, loaded w/upgrades, features maple kitchen with antique finish and granite counters, gleaming hardwood flrs, porceline tile, California shutters, luxury ensuite master bedrm with French doors leading to 16x24 covered patio.

Call Today 905-945-0188

MarketWatch April A 2012 final 29/03/12 4:56 PM Page 8

Page 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

April 3, 2012

Congratulations Winners of the Easter Colouring Contest Thank you to all the young artists who participated in the 2012 Easter Colouring Contest. It was a tough decision to choose from all the great colouring. Looking forward to receiving your entry next year!

D

Congratulations to Ava Kentish from Hamilton, age 2

E

Congratulations to Thomas Postma

from Hamilton, age 6

D

Congratulations Cassidy Salmon from Stoney Creek, age 7

E

Congratulations to Connor Taylor

from Grimsby, age 12

Call Today 905-575-7700

MarketWatch April A 2012 final 29/03/12 4:56 PM Page 9

April 3, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 9

289-969-6532 dD∂Congratulations to Ava Kentish from Hamilton, 2yrs old

www.golfiteam.com

MarketWatch April A 2012 final 29/03/12 4:56 PM Page 10

Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

April 3, 2012

Advertising a Garage Sale

S

o you've decided to clean out your basement, garage, and home of surplus stuff. Usually you donate your clothes and items, but this time you decide to make a little extra money and sell it. Early Saturday morning you arrange all of your priced items on tables in your driveway, plant a sign in the front yard advertising your garage sale, and wait for throngs of buyers.

Disgruntled at days' end because only a handful of people visit your sale.

What went wrong? You didn't advertise your garage sale. Any successful garage sale begins with sufficient advertising. The rule of thumb is, "You can never advertise a garage sale too much."

The good news is that there are myriad ways to advertise, and some are free. Use all sources to advertise your garage sale, and yours will be a huge success. Here are several ways to advertise your next garage sale: • Flyers. Print flyers listing the location, time, dates, and some of the largedraw items you are selling. Use large print in bold letters, with as few words as possible when making your flyers.

Never list a phone number. Post your flyers on bulletin boards in grocery stores, post offices, libraries, and

Laundromats. If your garage sale starts on Saturday, post your flyers on Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

• Signs. Use large neon-colored posters with bold lettering to list location, time, and dates. Post the signs on telephone poles in your neighborhood, with arrows indicating which way to turn to find your home. Place signs every half-mile or so. Make sure the lettering of your signs is at least three inches high and one-half inch thick so that passing cars can read the words. If your garage sale is on Saturday, post your signs Friday morning.

• Online ads. You can place free online ads with Craigslist and Kijiji. Most community newspapers have an online version and allow free garage sale advertising. If your garage sale is on Saturday, post your online ads on Thursday.

• Print ads. Some newspaper print editions allow free ads for garage sales.

Check with the newspaper regarding deadlines and days the ads will appear.

If your community paper is delivered once a week, make sure you meet the deadline.

• Yard advertising. Place large neoncolored signs in your yard the day of the garage sale. Affix balloons to your mailbox. Play upbeat music through loud speakers (if allowed). Have one of your older kids wear a sandwich billboard and walk up and down the street.

Keep track of where you place flyers and signs and make sure that you remove them once your sale is finished. Always check with your homeowner's association concerning rules for having a garage sale and placement of signs, and remove your ads from Craigslist and Kijiji when your sale is finished.

amoRTiZaTioN CHaRT Monthly payment per $1,000 Length of Mortgage (Amortization Period) Example $150,000 at 20yr at 3.0%: 150 x 5.54 = $831.00 /month Interest Rate (%) 5 yr

Rooted in Nature

1092 Highway #8, Stoney Creek, On

T: 905.643.9933 F: 905.643.4655

www.AestheticsGroup.ca

A e s t h e t i c s G ro u p

BONDSEAL CANADA The Waterproofing Specialists

Specializing in Concrete Crack Repairs: Dry, Seeping or Gushing All Methods InterExterior

John Walker

1.888.808.7595 www.bondseal.com bondsealcanada@yahoo.ca

10 yr

15 yr

20 yr

25 yr

30 yr

35 yr

3.00

17.96

9.65

6.90

5.54

4.73

4.21

3.84

3.50

18.18

9.88

7.14

5.79

4.99

4.48

4.12

4.00

18.40

10.11

7.38

6.04

5.26

4.76

4.41

4.50

18.62

10.34

7.63

6.30

5.53

5.04

4.71

5.00

18.85

10.58

7.88

6.57

5.82

5.34

5.01

5.50

19.07

10.82

8.14

6.84

6.10

5.64

5.33

6.00

19.30

11.07

8.40

7.12

6.40

5.95

5.65

6.50

19.53

11.31

8.66

7.41

6.70

6.26

5.98

7.00

19.75

11.56

8.93

7.69

7.00

6.59

6.32

7.50

19.98

11.81

9.21

7.99

7.32

6.91

6.66

8.00

20.21

12.06

9.48

8.28

7.63

7.25

7.01

8.50

20.45

12.32

9.76

8.59

7.95

7.59

7.36

9.00

20.68

12.58

10.05

8.89

8.28

7.93

7.72

9.50

20.91

12.84

10.33

9.20

8.61

8.28

8.08

10.00

21.15

13.10

10.62

9.52

8.94

8.63

8.44

10.50

21.38

13.37

10.92

9.83

9.28

8.98

8.81

11.00

21.62

13.64

11.21

10.16

9.63

9.34

9.18

11.50

21.86

13.91

11.51

10.48

9.97

9.70

9.55

12.00

22.10

14.18

11.82

10.81

10.32

10.06

9.93

MenusOnly.com is an online restaurant menu guide connecting you with great restaurants in the Hamilton and Burlington areas. Browse through restaurant menus, view pictures of restaurant dining areas, patios, and menu items, and print local restaurant coupons all in one place. MenusOnly.com – a perfect dining experience starts here.

MenusOnly.com is selling local restaurant gift certificates at half price! Save money by purchasing restaurant gift certificates at 50% off! Visit www.MenusOnlySellOff.com to see what's available now!

www.golfiteam.com

MarketWatch April A 2012 final 29/03/12 4:56 PM Page 11

April 3, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

Buyer beware: Cracks in Walls may be Sign of Repairs Ahead

T

here is an old superstition that if you step on a crack in the pavement, you will break your mother’s back. When it comes to houses, if you see or step on a crack, ask questions, because it can be a sign of costly repairs to come.

In early February, 2008, Ronald and Kathleen Jacob agreed to buy a house on 122 St. in Edmonton from Kenneth and Renee Pool. The house was 90 years old and the offer was conditional on the Jacobs being satisfied with a home inspection.

During the inspection, the Jacobs noticed cracks on the drywall and ceiling

in one of the rooms and also that some of the doors and windows did not close properly. They asked the Pools whether they had faced problems with the home’s foundation and the answer was no.

The home inspection report said it excluded defects in the property such as cracks that may result from hidden defects because inspectors cannot search behind walls or under floors during an inspection.

After they moved in, the Jacobs had to pay $10,500 to fix the foundation when it slipped, damaging an area around the front porch. They sued the Pools in small claims court, claiming they either knew

about the problem or concealed it.

In court, the Pools counter argued the cracks had been there for years, they did not hide them and hadn’t had any problems with the foundation.

Randy Bilyk, a civil engineer was called as an expert witness by the buyers.

He testified that one third of basement foundation problems are caused by the settlement of soil. This can cause cracks in the foundation, allowing penetration of water. It can also cause doors to stick and windows to misalign.

He also testified that had he been called for the inspection, he would have conducted a visual inspection as well as a laser inspection to see if the home was level. He said the ceiling and wall cracks, the misalignment of the windows and the results of the laser test, would have raised concerns leading to further testing. That further resting might have revealed issues with the foundation.

He found no evidence that the Pools had done any repairs to try and stabilize the foundation or to disturb the soil around the foundation where the problem later occurred.

The law on hidden defects says that if a seller knows about a major hidden defect, does not disclose it or actively covers it up, then the buyer can sue them after closing. The judge accepted that there was no proof the Pools knew about the foundation problem or had covered anything up. As a result, the Jacobs lost.

Check out our New Website View any of the listings in this publication at

www.GolfiTeam.com Extra pictures, More details!

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188 www.golfiteam.com

What are the lessons of this case?

Not all home inspectors are the same so check their level of experience before you hire them. Consider additional testing, such as whether the house is level, especially in older homes.

Sellers, if you know about serious problems to your home, disclose them up front to any buyer or just fix them before you put your home up for sale.

Buyers, open every window and test every door during an inspection to make sure there are no visible problems.

by Mark Weisleder Mark Weisleder is a real estate lawyer.

Contact Mark at mark@markweisleder.com.

Crossword Solution

MarketWatch April A 2012 final 29/03/12 4:56 PM Page 12

WOW! LOW

EST PR IN TOW ICES N!

&) % ' $

&!$ ) %# & !( % !( !( % %& ( & ( ! ' &) " $ QEW

Ontario St.

King St.

Cassandra Dr.

Sales Office

!

South Service Rd.

Mountain St.

Stadelbauer Dr.

King St.

%

$

QEW

South Service Rd.

Connor Dr.

$!

!'$% ' % ) % )

Hillside Dr.

'$% " & ' $ ) ) ""! & &

"

244,900