Dec. 1, 2011 Issue 38

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December 2011 - Vol 34

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

T E A M

Happy Holidays!

Rob Rob Golfi Golfi Sales Sales Representative Representative

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION Maximum Exposure Sells Your Home

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

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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

(Solution on Page 6)

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

SUDOKU 6

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CLUES ACROSS CLUES ACROSS 1. Married woman 4. Converged 7. Point one point S of due E 10. Table condiment 12. Trade 14. Indian frock 15. Bombast 16. Blighia tree (var.)

17. Pre-college school 18. Give clear expression to 20. ______ Tomei, actress 22. Tall hardwood tree 23. Actress Ryan 24. Not true 26. Organic compounds 29. Hill (Celtic) 30. Apprehension 35. They ___ 36. 1st state abbr. (var.)

37. Chicken ___ King 38. "Me and Bobby McGee" singer 44. Horny jaws of a bird 45. Beheaded queen Antoinette 46. Goatlike Eurasian antelope 48. Wrath 49. Container cover 50. Also-rans 53. So. Spanish port city 56. Brood of pheasant 57. Coal tar product 59. Retained 61. Sagu____: treelike cacti 62. Challenged 63. Clods 64. Pinna 65. Cotter or straight 66. Tell on

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December 2011

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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.

www. GolfiTeam .com

CLUES DOWN 1. Mutual savings bank 2. Abnormal breathing 3. E. European people 4. Nutmeg covering spice 5. Large northern deer 6. Spill over 7. Auricles 8. La ____ Tar Pits in L.A. 9. A way to take in liquids 11. Mercaptan 12. One who fires 13. Sewed together 14. Water tap 19. Vogue publisher Conde 21. ____l: of the kidneys 24. Nummulite 25. Space for public entertainments 27. Chinese dynasty 502-557 28. Genus of the Soleidae 29. ___ Mahal 31. Tokyo 32. High spirits 33. Not in good health 34. Seize suddenly 39. Bearded plants 40. Beget 41. Shouted derisively 42. No man is one 43. A hammered fastener 47. N.W. state 50. Old Italian money 51. Aroma 52. Detergent 53. Demeanor 54. Sports paraphernalia 55. ____ Romeo, car 56. No (Scottish) 58. ___ Lanka 60. Fall back time

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December

2011

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

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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.

LOOK WHAT WE'VE SOLD! D SOL

AYS D 5 IN 1

D SOL

GriMSBY $399,900 28 Sumner Crescent Awesome 4 bedroom home features slate & brazilian cherry floors, custom cherry kitchen cabinets, custom drapery, professionally finished basement, new central air and furnace, new liner & pool pump '08, hot tub, mostly vinyl windows.

T IN S I L ER V O D SOL

AYS D 5 3

HaMilTon CTr $219,900 54 Alanson Street Unit# 101 Gorgeous & functional loft at the foot of the escarpment! Private entrance at the front of the building w/porch. Open concept w/exposed post & beams, hardwd flrs & windows galore. Fully finished lower level, gas fireplace, & BR level laundry. Walk to Rail trail & Wentworth stairs.

IST L OF % 8 9 OR F D SOL

AYS D 7 IN 3

GriMSBY

$349,900

D SOL

T LIS F O 9% 9 FOR

T

LIS F O % R 98 O F SOLD

DAYS 2 3 IN

3 Hewitt Drive

STonEY CrEEk $399,900 35 Riviera Ridge

STonEY CrEEk $299,900 1323 Baseline Road

Escarpment views! Features beautiful maple kitchen w/granite island & breakfast bar, hardwood & ceramics throughout, great room w/cathedral ceilings & gas fireplace, incredible open concept floor plan, fenced yard, & a high energy efficient home.

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. Call 905-575-7700 today.

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.

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

IST L OF % 9 9 OR F D SOL

AYS D 3 N1

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F LIS O % 9 OR 9 F D SOL

STonEY CrEEk $224,900 #6 171 Highbury Immaculate 2 storey 3 bedroom end unit with low condo fees, large master bedroom with walk-in closet, large eat-in kitchen with ceramic floors, private deck, fantastic location close to Rymal, Linc & Redhill Expressway, schools and all amenities. Plenty of visitor parking.

S FER F O IPLE T L U HM T I DW SOL

STonEY CrEEk $274,900 90 Whitefish Crescent

GriMSBY $337,900 153 Lakeside Drive

BinBrook, on $319,000 28 Powell Drive

BEaMSvillE $324,900 4856 King Street

“The perfect 10!” 2 storey, 3 BR, 1715 sq.ft. freehold! 1.5 car garage & parking for 3 cars, open concept, computer loft & covered balcony w/view. Hrdwd flrs in LR, kitchen, DR & pantry.

Upgraded stainless steel appliances & carpet.

Ensuite, 3 walk-in closets & steps to Lake.

Charming bungalow w/family rm addition that will take you by surprise! This 3 bedroom home features vinyl windows, bright bathrm, hardwd flrs, shingles ‘11, skylight, beautifully finished recrm w/wet bar & games area, private treed yard w/perennials, extra long garage, & close to Lake.

Amazing open floor plan in this Flamingo Home loaded with over $20,000 in upgrades.

Outstanding value with hardwood floors, upgraded carpeting, French doors, central vacuum, oak staircase, upgraded railings, inside entry and more.

Bring your clients to view this home today.

Extensively Renovated Century Home. Reno’s in the last 5 yrs inc kitchen, 2 bathrms, most drywall, crown mould, most light fix, 3/4” hardwd flrs, ceramic tile, pool pump, filter and lining, basement finished & the list goes on.

Call Today 905-575-7700

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The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

December 2011

Hamilton & Stoney Creek Rob Golfi

HaMilTon $339,900 202 Winston Place

HaMilTon $124,900 64 Edgemont Street North

Walk to Mac!! All brick 3+3 bedroom home!

Newer shingles, new windows, Hi eff furnace & C/Air (07), oversized water heater (05), newer plumbing & water line. Bsmt waterproofed, smoke detectors handwired, Ethernet/cable in all rooms! $2100 income per month tenants pay utilities.

Amazing value in this 3 bedrm bungalow!

Features incl. laundry on main floor, 1 bath, an unspoiled basement, side parking & great front porch. Huge fully fenced yard w/on-ground pool surrounded by deck & gardens. School is within walking distance. A great family neighbourhood.

STonEY CrEEk $279,900 194 Millen Road

STonEY CrEEk $299,900 326 Jones Road

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 windws.

HaMilTon $349,900 15 Pinehurst Drive

STonEY CrEEk $299,900 121 King Street East

Fantastic family home in mature East Mountain Brow area. Features open concept living space w/large principle rooms, gourmet kitchen w/top of the line upgrades, lots of living space, a library(w/walk-out), family room, living room, rec room, hrdwd & ceramic flrs, & a 60ft park like yard.

Bring your tool belt and make this your dream home! Fantastic opportunity on large L-shaped 77.83 x 142.60 foot lot! 1.5 Storey all brick home with partially finished basement. Close to all amenities walking distance to downtown Stoney Creek. Make an offer!

HaMilTon EaST $205,900 34 Barons Avenue 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.

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!

if you want it

SOLD

STonEY CrEEk $324,900 6 Darrow Drive

STonEY CrEEk $214,900 1026 Highway #8

STonEY CrEEk $189,900 518-500 Green Road

www.RobGolfi.com

Great sought after location in Stoney Creek.

Hardwood in living and dining rooms, big eat in kitchen, huge family room with a gas fireplace over garage, concrete double drive, walkway and patio. Separate dining room, fully finished bsmt with extra kitchen. Call 905-575-7700 today.

Big bungalow in Stoney Creek on the Winona border! Country living minutes to Eastgate Mall & easy hwy access. Big bright rooms & updated furnace, c/air & windows, 2 car parking, big front deck, easy care lawn & landscaping, great value, & fantastic neighbours! Call 905-575-7700.

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.

STonEY CrEEk $519,900 21 Watercliff Place

HaMilTon CTr $79,900 11 Keith Street

HaMilTon MTn $324,900 65 Princeton Drive

Stunning 4 bedroom Lake Pointe home steps from the lake and near 50 Point Marina. Large formal living & dining room, eat-in kitchen with granite counters. Master has and his/hers closets & spalike master bath with soaker tub. Patio doors lead to deck with gazebo and large backyard.

3 bedroom Semi! Granite cunters & floors, crown molding, 100 amp breakers, finished basement, roof 2010. Main floor has open concept eat-in kitchen, dining room and living room. Upstairs has 3 spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom. Great family home!

This all brick oversized 4 level back split in fantastic Sherwood heights neighborhood is available for immediate possession! Features updated vinyl windows, updated shingles, beautiful hardwood & ceramic flrs, second kitchen in lower lvl, great in-law potential, sun-rm, & fence yard.

STonEY CrEEk MTn $279,000 129 Slinger Avenue Charming raised ranch. Beautifully landscaped, ideal for growing family. Features new stylish kitchen with pantry & breakfast bar, hardwd flrs in front room & hallway. Enjoy lounging in the fully finished basment w/bedroom & bathroom.

Close to amenities & schools.Call 905-575-7700.

STonEY CrEEk MTn $389,900 1889 Rymal Road

HaMilTon EaST $109,900 90 Hope Avenue

HaMilTon EaST $95,900 399 Fairfield Avenue

HaMilTon EaST $183,900 154 Rosewood Road

Gorgeous raised ranch w/updates within the last 2yrs! Incl. shingles, furnace, hardwd, carpet, hot-tub, new pool liner, Cherry wood kit. cabinets w/granite, windows ‘05 , eaves trough & facia, bathrm ‘08, backing onto conservation w/private gate, & a 400 sqft workshop w/power.

Renovated 2 bedroom bungalow w/great hwy access. Double rear drive, all appliances included.

Immediate possession available. Basement waterproofing 25 year transferable warranty, updates includes flooring, bathroom and front porch. Get inside! Call 905-575-7700 today.

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!

Cozy & Desirable East Hamilton 2 bedrm doll house! Features hardwd floors under broadloom, finished rec rm in basement, mostly vinyl windows, updated furnace, detached garage, appliances included, close to busses, shopping & parks.

Call Rob Golfi 905-575-7700 or visit

Call Today 905-575-7700

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December 2011

Rob Golfi

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Grimsby, Lincoln & West Lincoln Area

GriMSBY $329,500 6 Brentwood Road

GriMSBY $176,900 125 Livingston Avenue

GriMSBY $256,900 41 Kenyon Crescent

GriMSBY $299,900 14 Marlow Avenue

Better than new! This completely updated 3 level sidesplit has everything. Hardwood throughout, new maple kitchen, updated furnace & C/A, all updated vinyl windows and doors. Beautifully decorated. 12'x30' garage. Close to town on quiet cul-de-sac. Call today!

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.

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.

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.

GriMSBY $675,000 487 Ridge Road East

BEaMSvillE $239,900 4056 Mountain Street

vinElanD $310,000 3380 Dustan Street

Beautiful setting from the iron gates to the spectacular view of the woodlands Bruce Trail & 30 Mile Creek. This home has had a complete makeover from the interior to the exterior. Call 905-575-7700 for a private viewing today!

Character home on a large 60'x 180' lot! New furnace ’07, shingles & plywood ’10, New electrical ’11, Garage/workshop is 25' x 33', some new windows & doors, original oak wood flooring on Main level, 3.5"w pine flooring upstairs, large deck with beautiful big yard & mature trees.

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.

Beautiful, spacious 3+1 bedroom family home with old-world charm, on park-like setting.

Located on large 75' x 195' lot with 25' x 32' tandem deep garage. Beautiful restored hardwood floors, upgraded doors and trim throughout. $1000s spent on upgrades and updates.

GriMSBY $379,900 442 Main Street

BEaMSvillE $749,900 4816 Mountainview Road North

GriMSBY $369,900 519 Ridge Road East

Character home set along Grimsby’s tree lined street. Features new kitchen, updated baths, new furnace c/air & water heater, new shingles & plywood 2002, all vinyl windows, hardwd under all broadloom, 2 storey garage 45x26 ft w/finished loft above with furnace & bathrm.

2 storey, 3000 sq.ft. on 6.75 acre hobby farm!

Upgrades incl new hardwd, new kitchen w/granite, new carpeting w/up-graded under pad, Mbed rm w/luxury ensuite, 3 season sunrm, gas FP, new c/air & furnace, updated shingles, 2 storage out buildings, & quick access to QEW.

SMiTHvillE $399,900 146 Rock Street 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.

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.

GriMSBY $269,900 446 Main Street West

WEST linColn $328,500 9407 Silver Street

BEaMSvillE $236,000 5126 Conner Drive

BEaMSvillE $339,900 4092 Mountain Street

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.

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 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.

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.

GriMSBY

$459,900 68 Lake Street

BUNGALOW

BEaMSvillE $241,900 5120 Conner 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.

HOME EVALUATION No Cost or Obligation

905-945-0188 www.golfiteam.com

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The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

December 2011

BONDSEAL CANADA The Waterproofing Specialists

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

HOLIDAY BOOK DRIVE The best gift you can give this holiday season is the gift of literacy. Across the world and even in our own community, thousands of young children, teens, and adults are left without books to challenge their minds, to cuddle up and read to their young ones, or to simply enjoy while sipping a nice cup of warm tea or coffee this winter. The Rob Golfi Team and Absolute Simplicity - Home Staging/Interior Decorating, value literacy and the importance it has on learning. Together as a team, they are hosting a Book Drive and ask for your help in spreading the joy of reading. Books will be donated to the Community Access to Child Health (CATCH) Program. CATCH is a community development program which offers playgroups, a lunch program, after school programs and a women’s group.

Children and youth who use CATCH visit the book bank to browse and choose a free book, which they can take home and keep – a luxury for many children.

Children can visit as often as they like.

Books will also be distributed to the local Stoney Creek Book Bank. The book bank provides books for children from newborn to Grade 8 to support and develop an interest in, and success in reading, self-esteem and pride of ownership.

The Rob Golfi Team and Luisa Giaitzis from Absolute Simplicity want to thank you in advance for your generous donations. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday.

For more information and links visit www.absolutesimplicity.ca Luisa Giaitzis (IDDP, ISRP)

Rob Golfi, The GolfiTeam

www.absolutesimplicity.ca absolutesimplicitysd@gmail.com

www.golfiteam.com robgolfi@golfiteam.com

905-515-0341

905-575-7700

Deadline for drop off is December 22, 2011 Drop off locations: REmAx EScARPmEnT REALTY Inc., BROKERAGE: Stoney Creek News Office: 333 Arvin Avenue - 8:30am to 5am Monday to Friday.

CATCH Office: 350 Quigley Rd. The Rob Golfi Team Office: 664 Fennell Avenue East - 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Sharon Stafford Sales Representative

Ashley Sidler

Sales Representative

Rob Golfi

Sales Representative

John Walker

1.888.808.7595 www.bondseal.com bondsealcanada@yahoo.ca

HOME EVALUATION No Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi Today!

905-575-7700 / 905-945-0188 Crossword Solution

Household Hints White Water Rings

To remove white rings left on furniture by water, rub the spot with petroleum jelly, let it stand 24 hours, and rub into the wood. Wipe off excess and polish as usual.

Heather Reid

Hans Marcellissen

Wendy Murray-Nicholson

Mike McNeil

Jaclyn Ross

Rosemarie Fournier

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Office Manager

Sales Representative

Listing Co-ordinator

Together… Delivering More!

www.golfiteam.com

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The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

Hate packing? BetterBox offers the Perfect Alternative

T

he move to a new home is an exciting one. Weeks before the move you spend your days dreaming of new decor, that gorgeous ensuite and entertaining in your fabulous kitchen. And then the daydreaming bubble pops as you begin to pack box after box of the “stuff” households accumulate. If you’re anything like me, you’re running around the city begging retail managers for free boxes that eventually distort, shred and do nothing to prevent your valuables.

So what if there was a better way of packing to ease the transition of moving? A local company has come up with a brilliant plan to banish our packing woes. BetterBox rents reusable, durable, stackable, eco-friendly and cost-effective plastic boxes that will handle the pressure of any move. And that’s not even the best part – they deliver the boxes and pick them up!

Wasting time cutting and flattening a mountain of cardboard will be a thing

of the past with BetterBox. Plus, they pickup and deliver anywhere in southwestern Ontario.

The list of benefits for using the service just keeps on growing.

BetterBox will provide dollies to help transport the boxes (and keep your back in tip-top shape). And, since the boxes are stackable, you can neatly pile them in rows in the moving truck without it becoming a feat for even the most diehard Tetris fans. This will also save you money if you’ve hired movers as they’ll load and unload in no-time.

“We began the venture about a month ago and the response has been astounding,” said Marty Speelman, a partner at BetterBox. The prices are very reasonable and are comparable to that of buying moving boxes – a one-week rental of 25 boxes is $79; a two-week rental of 35 boxes is $109; and a three-week rental of 50 boxes is $199. There are other “Better Bundles” also listed on the

website or call BetterBox directly for pricing customized to your needs.

“With cardboard, you’d be throwing it away, essentially throwing away your money, whereas with BetterBox there is absolutely no waste, so it’s a smarter decision for your wallet and the environment.”

To keep your valuables organized, the rentals also include labels to identify the box contents, which is a very smart idea come unpacking time.

For more information, check out the website at www.BetterBox.ca, email info@betterbox.ca, or call 1888-386-0102.

By Paula Kozbial

Happy Holidays Entertain your kids by baking a new house Holiday Fun: The kids are out of school, at home, excited about the holiday season and full of energy. Instead of letting their enthusiasm get the best of you, funnel it in to some positive and artistic projects. Baking is one of the best ways to create some lasting (and messy) holiday memories with your kids. Tie on the aprons, turn on the festive music and let the magic begin with “kid-friendly” holiday recipes that will inspire creativity and bring a smile to every family member.

“A classic recipe to make with your kids during the holidays is a gingerbread house,” says Trish Magwood, chef and mother of three. “Because the recipe is traditionally precarious, I have a great suggestion to keep spirits up (as well as the roof). By substituting a Rice Krispies Square mixture for the wall and roof, you can avoid caved-in houses and unhappy cooks!”

After the base is built, let the creativity flow and watch a fantasy house unfold with colourful

decoration. You can find other creative holiday recipes like this one online at www.ricekrispies.ca.

Ingredients: 125 mL (1/2 cup) 500 g (2 pkg) 5 mL (1 tsp) 3 L (12 cups) Prepared frosting

margarine or butter (about 80) regular marshmallows or 10 cups miniature vanilla (optional) holiday Rice Krispies cereal

Gumdrops Candy coated milk chocolate pieces Red cinnamon candies Powdered sugar Candy sprinkles 1. In a large saucepan over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons margarine and 5 cups marshmallows and stir until completely melted. When marshmallows have melted, increase heat to medium and cook for two minutes longer or until mixture starts to boil. Stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla. Add 6 cups of cereal, stirring until well coated. Quickly press into 32 cm x 22 cm pan coated with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. While mixture is cooling repeat step one, pressing mixture evenly into a 40 cm x 26 cm pan lightly coated in cooking spray.

3. Assemble House: Turn the first pan of squares onto a foil lined tray with right side up. This will be the base of the house.

4. Cut the second pan of squares into six 12.5 cm x 9 cm rectangles while still in pan.

5. Remove the six cut pieces from the pan. Set aside the remainder of the mixture for chimney doors and windows.

6. Cut front and back walls. Angle sharp knife from left side wall to centre of front side wall and cut off corners. Repeat cut back wall.

7. Preheat oven to low heat. Place all cut pieces about 3 cm apart on a cookie sheet covered with cooking spray. Cook for 25 minutes. Remove from oven. Reshape pieces with knife or spatula.

Cool completely. Remove pieces from cookie sheet.

8. Generously pipe prepared frosting on each end of the side walls. Stand the front wall on the centre of the house base. Attach right side wall. Then attach the back and left side walls.

9. To attach roof, place prepared frosting around the top edges of the front and back wall. Attach remaining pieces to form the roof. Use reserved pieces to make chimney, a door and window. Use prepared frosting to attach pieces to house.

Decorate with candy as desired. Use powdered sugar to resemble snow. www.newscanada.com Trish Magwood photo credit: Brandon Barré photo

Maximum Exposure Sells Your Home Call the Golfi Team to get your Home Sold

905-575-7700 905-945-0188

The Golfi Team got us such a great price on our home, mrs. Claus and i decided to take a vacation!

www.golfiteam.com The Golfi Team is ranked in the Top 100 Re/max Teams in Canada.

Call Today 905-945-0188

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The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

December 2011

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

10 yr

15 yr

20 yr

25 yr

30 yr

35 yr

Interest Rate (%) 5 yr

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

8.00

20.21

12.06

9.48

8.28

7.63

7.25

7.01

3.50

18.18

9.88

7.14

5.79

4.99

4.48

4.12

8.50

20.45

12.32

9.76

8.59

7.95

7.59

7.36

4.00

18.40

10.11

7.38

6.04

5.26

4.76

4.41

9.00

20.68

12.58

10.05

8.89

8.28

7.93

7.72

4.50

18.62

10.34

7.63

6.30

5.53

5.04

4.71

9.50

20.91

12.84

10.33

9.20

8.61

8.28

8.08

5.00

18.85

10.58

7.88

6.57

5.82

5.34

5.01

10.00

21.15

13.10

10.62

9.52

8.94

8.63

8.44

5.50

19.07

10.82

8.14

6.84

6.10

5.64

5.33

10.50

21.38

13.37

10.92

9.83

9.28

8.98

8.81

6.00

19.30

11.07

8.40

7.12

6.40

5.95

5.65

11.00

21.62

13.64

11.21

10.16

9.63

9.34

9.18

6.50

19.53

11.31

8.66

7.41

6.70

6.26

5.98

11.50

21.86

13.91

11.51

10.48

9.97

9.70

9.55

7.00

19.75

11.56

8.93

7.69

7.00

6.59

6.32

12.00

22.10

14.18

11.82

10.81

10.32

10.06

9.93

7.50

19.98

11.81

9.21

7.99

7.32

6.91

6.66

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December 2011

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 9

Should I Take my Home Off The market During The Holidays?

W

hen you look at your holiday calendars you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligations -- shopping, entertaining, children's pageants, charity work, decorating the house, and so much more. If you are also trying to sell your home, you are under extra pressure to keep your home in "showtime" condition. And that could be the last thing you need before the holiday spirit is broken.

It is understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays. And the list of justifications is long. If you are too busy, buyers may be also, and you may find your efforts unrewarded by enough showings. And what if you do get an offer? You may be faced with the possibility of packing and moving during the busiest time of the year. Besides, you can give your house a rest, and it will have better momentum after the holidays. Better to just pack it in and start fresh in January, right?

Taking your home off the market during the Christmas season is a mistake.

The house sure isn't going to sell off the market! What is the advantage of that? So you're busy. Let your Realtor do the work.

You can leave in the morning, go to work, go shopping, and let your Realtor take care of things.

The holidays are the best-selling period. Why? Because most people take off work sometime during the season. The husband and wife are both off and want to see houses. Buyers have more time, and they can look at homes together.

Before you take your home off the market, consider the following points: Although buyer activity may appear to slow down, the buyers who are actively looking during the holidays are that much more serious. The home market is

no more affected at Christmas than during other "busy" periods. If that were so, the market would shut down throughout the year as families concentrate on spring weddings, June graduations, summer vacations, and autumn back-to-school activities.

Many buyers deliberately choose to shop for a home after the busy spring and summer rush. They know that it will be easier to look, and that negotiations will be less stressful. They may not have children, or they may have grown children, so moving to accommodate the school year isn't a consideration. Finding the right home at the right price, however, is.

Relocating families often don't have a choice in when they can leave for their new destination. Although 68 percent of transferring families have children, many families have to transfer during the mid-

dle of the school year. These families are that much more motivated to get their families settled in before either before the January semester begins, or to arrange for the move during spring break in March. If you sign a contract by New Year's Eve, the timing couldn't be more perfect.

At Christmas time, our culture focuses on family and the home. Preparing for the indoor activities of winter is one of the most enjoyable periods of family life.

Allowing buyers to view your home during this most hospitable of seasons lets them better picture their own family life in the attractive environment you have created.

When is your home ever more beautiful and inviting? You have cleaned and decorated, and your home looks like a picture postcard. If the results are good enough for family and friends, they will

surely be good enough to impress your buyers. Get the family team on board to do a five-minute blitz pick-up every morning to keep holiday messes to a minimum.

With reduced inventories and motivated buyers, you will have all the members of the MLS on your team. You may find you have more showings than you would if your marketed your home during a busier time of the year.

If you do get a contract, you can arrange the terms to suit your needs. If moving during the holidays isn't an option, you can put in the closing date of your choice. Most people can close 30 to 60 days after a contract is written, so there is plenty of time. Possession and closings are are very negotiable.

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Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

December 2011

Governments of canada and Ontario Sign Agreement,

T

Deliver Investments for Affordable Housing

ORONTO, November 8, 2011 — The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario today announced a combined investment of $481 million under a new affordable housing agreement that will create over 5,000 jobs for the province and continue to reduce the number of households in housing need. The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, made the announcement today.

The Agreement comes as a result of the recently announced Investment in Affordable Housing 2011 – 2014 Framework Agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments.

“Our Government believes that all Canadians deserve a stable, safe and affordable place to call home and we are committed to helping deliver affordable housing solutions in partnership with the provinces and territories, along with opportunities for economic growth,” said Minister Finley. “Access to acceptable housing is a foundation for healthy living and a building block for success.”

“This agreement will create thousands of jobs for families across the province and will benefit all communities in need,” said Minister Wynne. “When we get individuals and families into safe and affordable housing we are improving their health, making our neighbourhoods safer and increasing young Ontarians’ opportunities to prosper.”

The federal investments announced today are part of the Government of Canada’s $1.9 billion commitment for

housing and homelessness programs announced in 2008. The initial phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan built on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing, plus $2 billion in low-cost loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Earlier this year Ontario passed the Strong Communities through Affordable Housing Act, 2011. The new Act supports Ontario’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy; a plan that puts people, and the communities that serve them, first. The strategy gives municipalities who deliver the services on the front-line more flexibility to use existing resources to meet diverse housing needs locally. It also takes steps to ensure that non-profit and co-op housing providers are treated fairly. The Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) Program supports Ontario’s strategy by providing increased flexibility to meet local needs.

Both orders of government will report annually to the public regarding the investments and progress toward achieving the intended outcomes of the initiative. Recognizing the diversity of affordable housing needs throughout the country, the Province will have responsibility for the design and delivery of programs in order to address specific priorities in their jurisdictions. Through to March 2012, the Province has requested that the federal government, through CMHC, continue to make new funding commitments under the existing renovation programs.

Today’s announcement was made at the YWCA Elm Centre in Toronto. The 300-unit project received $21 million from the federal and provincial governments. This funding is complemented by $15.7 million in municipal financial

incentives from the City of Toronto.

This announcement fulfills the remainder of a five-year commitment made in September 2008 by the Government of Canada to provide more than $1.9 billion to address the needs of low-income Canadians, those at risk of homelessness, and the homeless.

Province of Ontario Ontario continues to build new affordable housing and repair existing units for Ontarians with housing needs.

The province’s overall investment of over $2.5 billion has translated into the construction and repair of more than 270,000 housing units and the provision of 35,000 rent supplements for Ontario families on

fixed incomes. The province's LongTerm Affordable Housing Strategy sets a strong foundation for a more efficient, accessible affordable housing system in Ontario. For more information visit http://www.ontario.ca/housing. cmHc To find out more about how the Government of Canada, through CMHC, is working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (left), alongside the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, sign the Canada – Ontario Investment in Affordable Housing 2011 – 2014 Agreement at the YWCA Elm Centre in Toronto, ON.

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December 2011

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

Renovating Before Selling—Is It Worth It?

D

oes your home and current market conditions warrant a home renovation before you sell? Here are some things to consider before you start that large reno job.

Every day a homeowner asks the question, "should we renovate and sell or sell this home as it is?" And every day a homeowner gets the renovation bug and spends thousands of dollars on their aging home only to find that they really made no profit on the work after selling.

Do-it-yourself and home renovation is an extremely enormous market. And with all the inspiring shows we see on television each day, it is hard not to get the bug! Absolutely everything we need is available at the local hardware outlet some of them even offer free reno classes.

All that is missing is experience. The experience required to select professional materials and not just buying what is presented in the sale catalogue; the experience to handle the difficulties of the job, to prepare the many different types of surfaces that people are confronted with,

and the experience to know what can and cannot be achieved without specialised tools or without time to cure products or allow them to settle so that inherent problems do not affect how the finish performs over time.

So what do you do if selling the home is intentional and a profit essential?

You need to do a serious market survey and compare your home with what is in your street and area and what they had that you don’t. If you are the best home in your street, then you have already hit the top of your market and it will be hard to predict what you will get. In this situation you need to find a buyer who is simply as passionate about your home as you are, and hope that an emotional bid may allow your home to hold the new highest street price as a future comparative yard stick for others.

At the same time, a professional finish can be achieved with a very minor budget. It would be very worth bringing in a professional painter and painting the home in soft colours that provide a warm or cool contrast but do not dominate the

colours within your rooms. Another low budget recommendation is to invest your budget in hiring new, fresh furniture for the auction or sale period, so that the furnishings are not tired and worn and can actually modernise the feel of the home.

In closing, your best bet is to have a serious chat with agents or the right people for advice on what is an acceptable limit for your renovation work given the area you live in. Remember, everyone out

there wants to purchase a bargain. And they all hold the same opinion about freshly renovated homes; that have already been purchased and redone by someone else in order to make the profit they may be looking to make also. Why not give your next buyer a home worth renovating! It might be just the thing that attracts them to it.

By: The HGTV.ca Editorial Team

5 Reasons you should Buy a Small House Here's Why the average size of new homes has been shrinking in recent years the "recently sold" listings in your own neighborhood, you might be surprised to see that most sales are of smaller homes.

Should you consider buying a small home yourself? Living in a small home has many benefits:

I

1.

f you're shopping for a home, you may have walked through a few McMansions. Because of the current real-estate market, many of these opulent homes are being sold at rock-bottom prices. But even though large homes have become more affordable, should you consider buying one?

Do you really want to live in a home that's 2,500 square feet or larger?

If you take a quick look back, you'll see that smaller homes historically were the norm for most of us. In 1950, the average home size was 983 square feet.

But in 2004, at the height of the building boom, the average home size was 2,340 square feet. That's an enormous difference over the span of just a few decades.

The days of the McMansion are slowly fading away. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average size of new homes has been dropping in recent years. If you peruse

Small homes cost less. Think about what it costs to heat and cool a 3,000-square foot behemoth. Many homebuyers forget about this important cost when they look at bargain-priced mansions. Homeimprovement projects such as repainting the exterior, replacing the roof or changing the flooring cost more because of the size of these homes. You will also spend more money to furnish and decorate all of the extra rooms.

Small homes, on the other hand, reduce expenses because of their size. A small home has smaller rooms to heat and cool, less square footage on the outside to paint and a smaller roof. Monthly utility bills cost less and you'll spend less on home maintenance. You also save money on property taxes, since you have less square footage.

2.

Small homes save time. It takes a significant amount of time to clean a big house and maintain the yard, unless you hire a cleaning crew and a landscaping company to come in every week.

Living in a small home means you spend less time, week after week, on housecleaning and maintenance.

When you live in a small house, you can use the extra time to read, play with your kids, cook healthful dinners or enjoy your hobbies.

3.

Smaller homes make it easier to live simply. When you have a smaller home, you have less space to store belongings. Many prospective homebuyers balk at the reduction in space instead of envisioning a simpler life.

Living in a smaller home forces you to make choices about what you keep and what you donate, sell or give away. Members of the Small House Society and the Small House Movement espouse these values, living in affordable and ecologically responsible small homes.

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4.

Smaller homes mean quality splurges. It costs a small fortune to upgrade countertops or replace cabinets and appliances in a restaurantsized kitchen. You have to buy so much more that you may have to make sacrifices in terms of quality.

Living in a small house means you can splurge on quality upgrades because you have less to buy.

5.

Small homes may be easier to sell.

Energy costs continue to rise. That means energy-efficient homes, especially small energy-efficient homes, will be in high demand in the future. The empty mansions sitting on the market seem to indicate that the value of oversized homes depreciates over time. When you need to move, your small home will be much easier to sell than a megahouse with six bedrooms.

There's no doubt that small homes are seeing a resurgence as people realize how cozy, comfortable and inexpensive they can be. Smaller homes just feel good, and living in one makes it easier to be close with your family. Plus, the cost savings of smaller homes can really add up over the long term.

MarketWatch December_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 29/11/11 4:38 PM Page 12

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