Aug. 1, 2011 Issue 30

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August 1, 2011 - Vol 30

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

T E A M

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

Feature Home

GRIMSBY 3 Stonegate Drive

$439,900

Well maintained all brick executive home in lakeside neighbourhood features beautiful hardwood floors, mostly updated vinyl windows, professionally finished basement, fenced & landscaped back, concrete driveway, new shingles '06, new furnace '05, easy hwy access.

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The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

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

am mails e T i lf o G e h T

65,000 ly! atch month

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

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Call the Golfi Team to get your Home Sold

905-575-7700 905-945-0188 www.golfiteam.com The GOLFI TEAM is ranked in the Top 100 Re/Max Teams in Canada.

www. GolfiTeam .com

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August 1, 2011

The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

Grimsby, Lincoln & West Lincoln Area

Rob Golfi*

BeaMSvIlle $349,900 4955 Kennedy Street

GRIMSBY $429,900 29 Stonegate Drive

1433 sq.ft., 3 BR all brick bungalow built in 2004 backing onto green space. Features cathedral ceilings in great room w/hardwood floors, large maple kitchen w/island & french doors leading to large deck, spacious master w/hardwood floors & ensuite bath, main floor laundry, & double car garage.

GRIMSBY $439,900 3 Stonegate Drive

BeaMSvIlle $299,900 4533 St. Volodymyr Cres.

First Class! 2750 sq ft in executive neighbourhood close to the lake. 4 bedroom has loads of updates: carpets, shingles, ensuite with claw tub & glass shower, hi-eff furnace and more! Beautiful hardwoods & gorgeous fireplace.

Well maintained all brick executive home in lakeside neighbourhood features beautiful hardwood floors, mostly updated vinyl windows, professionally finished basement, fenced & landscaped back, concrete driveway, new shingles '06, new furnace '05, easy hwy access.

2 Storey, 3+1 bedroom on a large pie shaped lot.

Features oversized eat-in kitchen & dinette overlooking sunken family room, hardwood in living & dining room, french doors, master bedroom w/ensuite & walk in closet, finished rec room w/bedroom in basement.

GRIMSBY $389,900 519 Ridge Road East

GRIMSBY $249,900 95 Sumner Crescent

GRIMSBY $319,900 14 Marlow Avenue

WeST lINCOlN $328,500 9407 Silver Street

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.

3 bedroom home beautifully maintained & decorated! Features maple kitchen cabinets w/breakfast bar, hardwood floors, master bedroom with upgraded ensuite, access to backyard through garage, roughed in bath in basement and bedroom level laundry.

Custom-built 3 bedrm bungalow, open & inviting floor plan w/gorgeous hardwood, spacious kitchen w/breakfast bar and sliding doors leading out private fenced back yard, large master bedrm w/ensuite and double garage with 4-car drive.

Near schools, parks and quick access to QEW.

Amazing updated home on 100 x 200 ft lot, built in 1953, has an open concept living room/dining room with hardwood floors, huge master suite, New high efficiency gas furnance/CA, updated main bath, entry doors, & water conditioner.

Bonus room over the garage.

BUNGALOW

WATERFRONT

BeaMSvIlle $241,900 5120 Conner Drive

GRIMSBY $1,150,000 238 North Service Road

BeaMSvIlle $236,000 5126 Conner Drive

BeaMSvIlle $399,900 5158 King Street West

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.

Custom built 2-storey waterfront property with stunning Lakeviews! Gorgeous hardwood floors, master bedroom with walk out to balcony & gas fireplace w/rich hotel style ensuite, soaring 10ft ceilings, large designer kitchen w/granite, great big windows. Shows like a dream.

2 storey freehold town home 1386 sq ft. Similar to be built. 90 day closing avail. Incl. great sized Bedrooms w/3pc ensuite & walk in closet off master, kit w/breakfast area overlooking famrm, attached to neighbouring unit at garage w/access from garage to rear yard, & min to all amenities.

Beautiful century home w/original woodwork, large sun filled porch, country style kitchen, inlaw apartment in basement, finished loft w/bathroom, mostly updated vinyl windows, furnace ’05, private landscaped backyard, & oversized 2 car garage, plus more.

ESCARPMENT

GRIMSBY

WATERVIEW

$749,900 177 Ridge Road

88 Lake Street

BeaMSvIlle $339,900 4846 Northgate Crescent

Fabulous ½ acre property backs onto green space. 4 bedrm home & 25x35' oversized garage/workshop, affordable enough to build new or renovate. This home offers new shingles & furnace ‘03, beautiful cast iron fireplace, lots of parking space, and easy access to QEW.

Incredible 2300 sqft home faces Nelles Beach & Lake Ontario. This updated home features a new maple kitchen, granite, travertine tiles, hardwd & bamboo floors, updated bathrms w/designer tiles, family room with fireplace, shingles ‘05, new eaves & facia ’10, furnace & Central air ’07.

This 2007 home offers 2050 sqft of Beauty.

Features 3 lrg BRs, 2.5 baths, computer loft, oak staircase, Master bedrm w/double walk in closets, luxury ensuite w/soaker tub & separate shower, california shutters throughout, great room w/hrdwd floors & gas fireplace, & quick access to QEW.

GRIMSBY $309,900 35 Victoria Terrace

BeaMSvIlle $339,900 4092 Mountain Street

GRIMSBY $234,900 111 Willow Lane

BeaMSvIlle $649,900 5225 Greenlane

Waterfront with total privacy including pebble beach. Lots of potential & character! Ideal for someone to renovate or tear down for new home.

This home includes bright sunroom w/original tall french doors, living room w/high ceilings & gas fireplace, & vacant lot ideal for an addition.

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.

END UNIT TOWNHOUSE! 2 BR Losani built townhouse w/ceramics & upgraded carpet. This home offers great views of the escarpment & an open concept floor plan. Garage has inside entry into basement & basement has walk out to backyard.

Hobby farm, 3.27 accre immaculate apple farm could earn $30-$45,000 per year. Close to all conveniences. Home features oak trim, 2 fireplaces, underground sprinkler system, 2 large coolers, sandy soil, close to QEW. Great opportunity!

5.19 acres nestled onto the Niagara Escarpment, completely redone top to bottom, inside and out, slate & hardwd flring, new designer kitchen with stylish appliances, in flr heating in bathrm, 70 pot lights, patterned concrete porch w/exterior fireplace.

GRIMSBY $269,900 446 Main Street West

GRIMSBY

$599,900

WATERFRONT

Call Today 905-945-0188

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The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

August 1, 2011

Facts About GOLFI… 3 Over $50 Million in Sales Annually** 3

#1 Real Estate Office in Hamilton-Burlington Region*

3 Amongst the Top

Sales Representatives in Ontario**

3 Golfi Team ranked Top 50 Teams in Canada for

**

3 Golfi Team ranked Top 100 Teams in the World for

1998

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

2003

2003

2006

**

2010

OVER $400 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.

LOOK WHAT WE'VE SOLD! R UYE B ASH C Y OM T D SOL

WATERFRONT

ER Y U B TA G O DT L O S

D SOL

R UYE B A O GT T S Y 0 DA 2 N I

WATERFRONT CONDO

FOR D SOL

T LIS F O 97%

GRIMSBY $219,900 24 Kenyon Cres., Unit 43

GRIMSBY $749,900 2 Seventh Street

STONeY CReek $322,900 174 Highland Road West

STONeY CReek $249,900 1204-500 Green Road

BEAUTIFUL END UNIT! 2 bedroom bungalow only 7yrs old. Hrdwd,ceramic flrs & backsplash in eat-in kitchen, laundry hook-up on main level & professionally finished bsmt w/full 2nd bthrm. Quiet sought after complex w/quick access to the QEW & new YMCA.

Custom built 5yrs new home, with 125 ft of Ledgerock shore protection and walkdown to waterfront. Beautiful kitchen with granite counters and built-in stainless steel appliances, pine plank floors, 4 levels of decking, facing the lake. Fully finished basement. Truly a dream!

Well maintained! This 3+1 bdrm, 4 level backsplit is located in a great family neighbourhood. Features all new carpets, french doors, upgraded light fixtures, oak kitchen cabinets, furnace ’07, fenced & landscaped backyard. Close to schools, shopping & Red Hill.

Waterfront luxury unit, 3 BR condo with incredible views of Lake Ontario, approx 1400 sqft. 2 baths, insuite laundry, beautiful oak kitchen cabinets with ceramic floors, new furnace 2002, new carpeting, fabulous amenities.

FOR D SOL

T LIS F O 99%

HaMIlTON MTN $229,900 #1, 1809 Upper Wentworth St. WOW! Fantastic 2 storey condo townhouse.

Open concept main floor living with hardwood.

Bedroom level has large master suite w/dble closet, ensuite bath and 2 additional bedrms.

Lower level has beautifully finished recrm & laundry room.

Your house will get noticed FIRST when listed by the Guy who gets noticed the MOST!

Call Rob Golfi Today!

D L O S

AYS D 2 IN 2

HaMIlTON MOuNTaIN $239,900 22 Kenwood Crescent 3+1 bedroom all brick bungalow located near Huntington park area. Features include updated kitchen, bath, laminates and ceramics throughout, newer windows & doors, furnace ’10, eaves, sofit & facia ‘08, and a fully finished basement.

RS E F OF

ERS F F O LE P I T L - MU

IST L OF % 0 10 R O DF L O S

ER Y U HB S A C MY O DT L O S

STONeY CReek $524,900 101 Bridgenorth Crescent

BeaMSvIlle $329,900 4052 Hixon Street

STONeYCReek $229,900 437 Hwy #8, Unit 11

STONeY CReek $269,900 131 Memorial Avenue

Outstanding Lakepointe 4 bedrm home shows to perfection! Features incredible floor plan w/3270 sqft., gorgeous hardwd flrs, grand foyer w/oak stair case & wrought iron spindles, classic style kitchen w/breakfast bar, & lots of pot lights.

Shows like a dream!

3+1 bedroom bungalow with oversized double car garage. Hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings in living/dining room, large bright kitchen overlooking landscaped backyard, beautifully finished basement with full bathroom, bedroom, den and rec-rm with gas fireplace.

Shows like a dream! Gorgeous kitchen w/island & mosaic back splash, living & dining rm w/hardwd flrs, oak railing leading to upstairs, bedrm level laundry, finished basement w/walk out to maintenance free & fenced yard, fees include exterior liability, snow removal & street lights.

Updated 3 bedroom home in desirable location.

Updates in last 3 yrs include kitchen, furnace/A/C, basement, pool liner, breakers, lighting, flooring (laminate, some carpet) garage door & more. Enjoy the pool in the backyard w/ a covered patio.

D SOL

D SOL

Call Today 905-945-0188

E IPL T L - MU

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Hamilton & Stoney Creek Rob Golfi*

eaST HaMIlTON $159,900 196 Weir Street

BuRlINGTON $259,900 308-5080 Pinedale Avenue

HaMIlTON MTN $224,900 211 East 18th Street

HaMIlTON CeNTRal $136,900 277 Balmoral Avenue North

Great starter home! This cute bungalow is nicely decorated, with an updated kitchen, newer windows, furnace, c/air and roof. Good sized kitchen, large deck from kitchen, and double parking in rear. Shows well, Act Now!

Popular Pinedale Estates, 2 bedroom, approx.

1300 sqft. in great condition! Clean & bright kitchen with plenty of cupboard & counter space, master with walk-in closet & 4pc ensuite, updated furnace, and 24 hr security gatehouse.

What a doll house! This 2 bedrm home is in fantastic condition across from Inch Park.

Features beautiful hardwd & ceramics, finished rec room in basement w/gas fireplace, private fenced yard w/mature trees & lrg deck, mostly updated vinyl windows, & close to amenities.

All brick home features many updates including windows, shingles, soffits, facia & exterior doors updated in the last 5 yrs, country-style pine kitchen with breakfast bar, landscaped fenced yard. 3 bedroom home can easily be converted back to 2. Fantastic value close to all amenities.

BINBROOk $434,900 108 Valiant Circle

STONeY CReek $284,900 11 Clydebank Place

STONeY CReek $339,900 179 First Road West

BINBROOk $289,900 266 Fall Fair Way

Amazing 4 bedroom Losani “Woodhaven Traditional’ family home. Large premium lot.

Loads of upgrades including kitchen, windows, wider garage, front door, cabinets, fire place, rounded corners, patio door to rear yard.

Court Location! Centrally located 2 storey, 3 bedrm home. Updates incl. most large windows, garden doors, roof, furnace, redone basement with new carpet & 3 pc bath, & refreshened main bath. Features backyard paradise with inground pool, composite deck & pond.

3 Bedrm with updates! Beautiful hardwood in family rm with gas fireplace, central vacuum, gorgeous oak staircase, finished rec-rm in basement, 3 large bedrms, beautifully landscaped yard, patterned concrete drive, new shingles & furnace & C/A '09, & new windows 2011.

3 bedroom Branthaven townhome on premium corner lot in Binbrook Fairgrounds. Eat-in kitchen w/ceramics, hrdwd in LR/DR w/walkout to deck, beautifully landscaped yard, finished basemt w/soundproofed theatre room completely wired for enhanced surround sound. Just move in!

STONeY CReek $319,900 1323 Baseline Road

HaMIlTON CeNTRal $212,900 29 Barnesdale Ave. South Beautiful large family home. Excellent possible income w/3rd floor, apartment ($550 Inc.) Complete w/steel fire escape & separate entrance. Quality vinyl windows, original hardwood, cement side drive for 3 cars. TLC will make this beauty shine!

Call the Golfi Team today to Get Your Home HaMIlTON CeNTRal $159,900 12 Arthur Avenue South

SOLD!

Fully renovated, 3+1 bedroom home or 2+1 w/extra main floor room for potential home office/daycare. 2 new bathrms, huge kitchen, updated shingles ('11), windows ('11), furnace & central air (under 5 yrs), 100 amp breakers, double rear drive, and fenced yard.

905-575-7700

Beautiful 3 BR brick bungalow! Oak kitchen cabinets, open concept kit. overlooking LR & DR, circular oak staircase, Mbed w/4 pc ensuite & walkout, spacious bedrms, concrete walkways & patio, fully fenced private yard, rough-in central vac & close to Fifty Point Conservation.

HaMIlTON MTN $176,900 606 Fennell Ave. East

HaMIlTON MOuNTaIN $299,900 746 Limeridge Road East

eaST HaMIlTON $279,900 85 Bow Valley

eaST HaMIlTON $439,900 24 Hildegard Drive

4 bedroom, 1-1/2 storey home with hardwood floors. Oversized single car garage. Needs some TLC. Great price, great location. Close to all amenities. Immediate possession available. Call us today at 905-575-7700.

Well kept, all brick home features 3 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, large master bedroom with ensuite and walk in closet. New roof (’11), most windows (’10), washroom in (’11), skylight (’04) & more.

Close to schools, parks, shopping & Linc. Fin. basement, ceramic floors, large fenced backyard.

Immaculate 3 bedroom with fully finished basement. Spacious living room & dining room.

Eat-in kitchen has been updated and boasts ample counter space & cupboards. Updated vinyl windows, concrete drive & patio in fenced yard.

Built on a quiet street w/open & inviting floor plan. Backs onto escarpment. Brazilian cherry hrdwd flrs, porcelain tiles, gas fireplace, oversized rooms, freshly painted, in-law set-up w/2nd kitchen & bath, mostly updated vinyl windows & doors, & upper level balcony.

WATERFRONT LOT

STONeY CReek $419,900 35 Riviera Ridge

STONeY CReek $239,900 78-485 Green Road

4+1 bdrm in prestigious loc’n! Fresh paint & crown mouldings. Plus porcelain tile, kulm hrdwd, main flr. den, lrg eat-in kit, livin rm, sep. dining rm & main flr. laun. New shingles (08) & undergrnd sprinkler system.

3 bedroom, 2 storey townhome features spacious master bedroom with ensuite & walk-in closet, hardwood floors in living room & dining room & gas fireplace. Property backs onto complex park with quick access to QEW. Available for immediate possession! Act now!

STONeY CReek $289,900 136 Green Road

STONeY CReek $449,900 Windemere Road

Incredible home sitting on a beautiful treed lot, most updates in 2002, great big sunny bedrooms with master bedroom on main floor with ensuite, country style kitchen overlookd back yard, finished high & dry basement with 3pc bath, new furnace, concrete drive, Close to all amenities.

The property is private with a Muskoka feel!

Park-like grounds. Substantial breakwall, multilevel decking and tremendous unobstructed waterfront views. Every season a postcard, check it out today and start packing!

Call Today 905-575-7700

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Why I wouldn’t sell my home myself ever again...

S

ince writing about whether you could create a bidding war without an agent, I have received numerous emails from sellers, real estate agents and companies that provide “for sale by owner” services on the pros and cons of selling by yourself.

Allison Philpot sold her home in Ottawa using a For Sale by Owner marketing service. She listed her home for $419,000, and was able to create a bidding war after her first open house. She received a top bid of $429,000, which she accepted.

The buyers seemed like nice people, as they lived in the community. Unfortunately, they later terminated the deal, relying on a condition in the offer, although Allison suspected that they just found a house that they liked better. The second bidder was no longer interested.

She then dealt with another buyer, who was represented by a buyer agent. Allison later admitted that she was out-matched in the negotiations, and eventually sold her home for $405,000. In addition, she agreed to pay the buyer agent a commission of approximately 2 per cent or $8,000. So her net selling price was $397,000.

After the fact, she reasoned that had she used an agent from the start, she would have probably sold for about $430,000, and that even if she paid $20,000 in commission, she would have netted $410,000, or $13,000 more, without any of the aggravation.

Still, Allison states that had she not gone through the experience herself, she would probably have felt that she had overpaid the agent.

The buyer who walked away from the first deal later told Allison that he would never try and buy a property

again without an agent, as he found the process way too stressful himself.

I received many emails from real estate agents talking about their additional network of potential buyers that they bring to every sale, as well as their own experience in qualifying potential buyers in advance and protecting sellers from unusual clauses that are sometimes inserted into agreements. Many agents in Vancouver are now setting up marketing events overseas, as more and more foreigners are looking at Canadian real estate as a safe haven to invest. More buyers mean better prices for sellers.

I spoke with Patrick Sullivan, a vice-president for Com Free, a company that provides services to assist home owners selling by themselves. These tools include a guide to assist the seller in determining the sale price, staging the home for sale, conducting open houses and preparing for negotiations. He suggested that there is no real harm in a seller trying to save money selling by themselves. They can sell with an agent later if they are not successful. He also claims that Com Free listings continue to grow and that they have many success stories. However, because they have no contract with the seller, the seller is not obligated to tell them how long it took to sell and what the property sold for, so it is difficult for Com Free to state how their seller compares with sellers who use an agent.

If you plan on doing this by yourself, at a minimum either have your lawyer look at the contract before you sign it, or make the deal conditional on your lawyer’s review and approval of the agreement. In my opinion, no

Alison Philpot sold her house privately but wonders if it was worth the trouble she experienced.

BILL GRIMSHAW/FOR THE TORONTO STAR marketing service can properly prepare buyers or sellers to deal with the stress and emotion that will invariably be involved with any real estate negotiation. It is not easy.

Every buyer, seller and property are unique and will require a successful strategy to win.

Whatever method you choose to buy or sell your next home, be prepared and fully informed before you start.

Understanding Title Insurance

T

itle Insurance gives homeowners protection should someone else claim a legal interest in their property. It also protects homeowners against loss resulting from pre-existing municipal work orders, survey issues, certificate of location defects, unpaid taxes by previous owners and a number of other covered title risks such as Title Fraud.

What is Title Insurance?

When you purchase a home you're actually paying for title to the land: you acquire the right to occupy and use the space. Part of the price paid will be for the improvement, or the actual home, but the major cost of most property is the land itself. You obtain title to property when the owner signs the deed (transfer document) over to you. Title is then registered in the government’s land registration system.

Prior to closing, public records are "searched" to determine the previous ownership of the property, and prior dealings related to it. The search might

reveal, for example, existing mortgages, liens for outstanding taxes, utility charges, etc., registered against the property. At closing, the buyer expects the property to be free of such claims, so normally they must be cleared up before closing. For example, the seller's mortgage will be discharged and outstanding monetary expenses (such as taxes and utility charges) will be paid for (or adjusted for) at closing.

If the title is restricted by rights and claims of others; this could in turn limit your use and enjoyment of the property and even bring financial loss. However, such issues may not be discovered or remedied before closing. Title insurance will protect you against these situations.

Do I need Title Insurance?

Title insurance is not a requirement in some provinces. To fully understand what type of protection title insurance can provide you, talk to your lawyer, title insurance company or insurance agent/broker to determine whether or not you should purchase title insurance or if other options exist. Once you get all the facts, you can make an informed decision based on your specific situation and needs.

Who is protected with Title Insurance?

Title insurance policies can be issued in favour of a purchaser (on new/resale homes, condos and vacation properties), a lender, or both the purchaser and lender. Lenders will sometimes require title insurance as a condition of making the loan. Title insurance protects purchasers and/or lenders against loss or damage sustained if a claim that is cov-

ered under the terms of the policy is made.

What does Title Insurance cover?

For a one-time fee, called a premium, a title insurance policy may provide protection from losses, such as: * Unknown title defects (title issues that prevent you from having clear ownership of the property); * Existing liens against the property’s title (e.g., the previous owner had unpaid debts from utilities, mortgages, property taxes or condominium charges secured against the property); * Encroachment issues (e.g., a structure on your property needs to be removed because it is on your neighbour’s property); * Title fraud; * Errors in surveys and public records; and other title-related issues that can affect your ability to sell, mortgage, or lease your property in the future; * Title insurance will protect you as long as you own your property, and will cover losses up to the maximum coverage set out in the policy. It may also cover most legal expenses related to restoring your property’s title.

For a risk to be covered, generally it has to have existed as of the date of the policy. As with any type of insurance policy, certain types of risks might not be covered, for example, native land claims and environmental hazards are normally excluded. Be sure to discuss with your lawyer what risks are covered and what are excluded.

How long is the insurance coverage?

Residential title insurance coverage lasts as long as you own the property.

Most residential title insurance policies extend coverage to your heirs through a will, to a spouse in the event of a divorce, or to children when the property is transferred from parents to children for nominal consideration.

In the case of title insurance covering a lender, the policy remains in effect as long as the mortgage remains on title.

A lender covered under a title insurance policy is insured in the event the lender realizes on its security and suffers actual loss or damage with respect to a risk covered under the policy. Lenders are usually covered up to the principal amount of the mortgage.

The premium for title insurance is paid once (at the time of purchase).

Generally speaking, in Canada the purchaser of the property pays for the title insurance, though there can be situations where the seller pays for it. Some policies automatically cover both the purchaser and lender; others will cover both for a small additional fee.

Protection and peace of mind Title insurance can help ensure that a closing is not delayed due to defects in title. And, if an issue relating to title arises with respect to a risk covered under the policy, the title insurance covers the legal fees and expenses associated with defending the insured's title and pays in the event of loss. It is important to keep in mind that title insurance does not replace legal advice when purchasing property.

If your home is important to you, don't overlook this important piece of insurance.

-

Your house will get noticed FIRST when listed by the Guy who gets noticed the MOST!

Call Rob Golfi Today!

Call Today 905-575-7700

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5 Reasons Why You Still Need A Real Estate Agent

T

he proliferation of services that help home buyers and sellers complete their own real estate transactions is relatively recent, and it may have you wondering whether using a real estate agent is becoming a relic of a bygone era. While doing the work yourself can save you the significant commission rates many real estate agents command, for many, flying solo may not be the way to go – and could end up being more costly than a realtor's commission in the long run. Buying or selling a home is a major financial (and emotional) undertaking. Find out why you shouldn't discard the notion of hiring an agent just yet.

1. Better Access/More Convenience A real estate agent's full-time job is to act as a liaison between buyers and sellers. This means that he or she will have easy access to all other properties listed by other agents. Both the buyer's and seller's agent work full time as real estate agents and they know what needs to be done to get a deal together. For example, if you are looking to buy a home, a real estate agent will track down homes that meet your criteria, get in touch with sellers' agents and make appointments for you to view the homes. If you are buying on your own, you will have to play this telephone tag yourself. This may be especially difficult if you're shopping for homes that are for sale by owner.

Similarly, if you are looking to sell your home yourself, you will have to solicit calls from interested parties, answer questions and make appointments. Keep in mind that potential buyers are likely to move on if you tend to be busy or don't respond quickly enough. Alternatively, you may find yourself making an appointment and rushing home, only to find that no one shows up.

2. Negotiating Is Tricky Business Many people don't like the idea of doing a real estate deal through an agent and feel that direct negotiation between buyers and sellers is more transparent and allows the parties to better look after their own best interests. This is probably true – assuming that both the buyer and seller in a given transaction are reasonable people who are able to get along. Unfortunately, this isn't always an easy relationship.

What if you, as a buyer, like a home but despise its wood-paneled walls, shag carpet and lurid orange kitchen? If you are working with an agent, you can express your contempt for the current owner's decorating skills and rant about how much it'll cost you to upgrade the home without insulting the owner. For all you know, the owner's late mother may have lovingly chosen the décor. Your real estate agent can convey your concerns to the sellers' agent. Acting as a messenger, the agent may be in a better position to negotiate a discount without ruffling the homeowner's feathers.

A real estate agent can also play the “bad guy” in a transaction, preventing the bad blood between a buyer and seller that can kill a deal. Keep in mind that a seller can reject a potential buyer's offer for any reason – including just because they hate his or her guts.

An agent can help by speaking for you in tough transactions and smoothing things over to keep them from getting too personal. This can put you in a better position to get the house you want.

The same is true for the seller, who can benefit from a hard-nosed real estate agent who will represent their interests without turning off potential buyers who want to niggle about the price. (In order to benefit from hiring an agent, you need to choose a good one. Read Finding A Good Real Estate Agent for more insight.)

3. Contracts Can Be Hard To Handle If you decide to buy or sell a home, the offer to purchase contract is there to protect you and ensure that you are able to back out of the deal if certain conditions aren't met. For example, if you plan to buy a home with a mortgage but you fail to make financing one of the conditions of the sale - and you aren't approved for the mortgage - you can lose your deposit on the home and could even be sued by the seller for failing to fulfill your end of the contract. (Keep in mind that the details of any contract may vary based on state law.)

An experienced real estate agent deals with the same contracts and conditions on a regular basis, and is familiar with which conditions should be used, when they can safely be removed and how to use the contract to protect you, whether you're buying or selling

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your home.

4. Real Estate Agents Can't Lie Well, OK, actually they can. But because they are licensed professionals there are more repercussions if they do than for a private buyer or seller. If you are working with a licensed real estate agent under an agency agreement, (ie. a conventional, full-service commission agreement in which the agent agrees to represent you), your agent will be bound by common law (in most states) to a fiduciary relationship. In other words, the agent is bound by license law to act in their clients' best interest (not his or her own).

In addition, most realtors rely on referrals and repeat business to build the kind of clientèle base they'll need to survive in the business. This means that doing what's best for their clients should be as important to them as any individual sale.

Finally, if you do find that your agent has gotten away with lying to you, you will have more avenues for recourse, such as through your agent's broker, professional association (such as the National Association Of Realtors) or possibly even in court if you can prove that your agent has failed to uphold his fiduciary duties.

When a buyer and seller work together directly, they can (and should) seek legal counsel, but because each is expected to act in his or her best interest, there isn't much you can do if you find out later that you've been duped about multiple offers or the home's condition. And having a lawyer on retainer any time you want to talk about potentially buying or selling a house could

cost far more than an agent's commissions by the time the transaction is complete. (This doesn't mean you can ditch hiring a lawyer altogether. Read Attention Home Buyers! Why You Need A Lawyer.)

5. Not Everyone Can Save Money Many people eschew using a real estate agent to save money, but keep in mind that it is unlikely that both the buyer and seller will reap the benefits of not having to pay commissions. For example, if you are selling your home on your own, you will price it based on the sale prices of other comparable properties in your area. Many of these properties will be sold with the help of an agent. This means that the seller gets the keep the percentage of the home's sale price that might otherwise be paid to the real estate agent.

However, buyers who are looking to purchase a home sold by owners may also believe they can save some money on the home by not having an agent involved. They might even expect it and make an offer accordingly.

However, unless buyer and seller agree to split the savings, they can't both save the commission.

The Bottom Line While there are certainly people who are qualified to sell their own homes, taking a quick look at the long list of frequently asked questions on most “for sale by owner” websites suggests the process isn't as simple as many people assume. And when you get into a difficult situation, it can really pay to have a professional on your side.

Home Staging A Very Wise Decision by: Sheri Gamble, Details Event Coordination Inc.

W

hen it comes to selling your home, you have little or no control over market conditions. This is generally governed by supply and demand along with other economic factors including comparable home pricing. You can’t change the market, the competition or your location.

But you can change the look and presentation of your home to give you the “edge” over other similar homes for sale in your area.

If two homes share similar features and are listed for about the same price, buyers will be drawn toward the one that is staged properly and shows better than the competition.

If you wish to avoid price reductions, your home should speak volumes of value from a fabulous staging job. By staging your home properly you can command a higher price. Staging adds perceived value and provides the atmosphere homebuyers are looking for when they want to invest in a property to call their home. In 2010, over and over again staged homes sold for more money and in a quicker amount of time.

Homes that had been on the market for over a year were later staged and sold successfully. Using this strategy will help sell your home in today’s real estate market!

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It is estimated that 1 in 4 homes nationwide are now staged, so if you're not doing it, you may be at a disadvantage. Over 80% of buyers search the web first to get an inside peek at your property. Is it ready to be photographed for the listing and for an open house?

Clutter, misplaced furniture, vibrant wall colours are all visually distracting when looking at property photos on the net.

Home stagers will be able to discuss your home objectively and work on its problem areas. Sellers hire stagers to give an objective opinion based on their experience in the real estate market.

They are not judgmental but aim to be constructive and positive. Most sellers, when they see the transformation of their home, see exactly why home staging makes such a profound difference in selling.

Remember, home staging is the best way to make a dramatic impact without having to spend a lot of money.

Sheri Gamble and Gwen Kennedy are Home Stagers and Event Planners with Details Event Coordination. They can be reached at 905.632.2602 or via email at sheri@detailseventco.com.

Visit their website at www.detailseventco.com.

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