Feb. 1, 2011 Issue 19

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February, 2011 - Vol 24a

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

T E A M

FIND US ON:

Happy Valentine's Day from the Golfi Team!

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

Sharon Stafford Sales Representative

Heather Reid Sales Representative

Hans Marcelissen Sales Representative

Wendy Murray-Nicholson* Sales Representative

Ashley Sidler Sales Representative

Dena Zlatar Office Manager

www.GolfiTeam.com

Rosemary Fournier Listing Co-ordinator

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Page 2

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

by: Rob Golfi

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 5 6

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is a loss. The insurance provides coverage up to a maximum of $100,000 per claim. In the event the sum of all claims made by all consumers against a particular registrant related to an occurrence (e.g. a brokerage becomes bankrupt) exceeds $1,000,000, the amount recoverable by each consumer may be pro-rated and limited to a portion of the maximum amount of $1,000,000 of coverage, subject to the terms and conditions of the insurance policy.

WHAT'S NOT COVERED Claims arising as a result of a registered broker or salesperson acting as an executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, conservator or in any other fiduciary capacity other than as a broker or salesperson are not covered under the policy.

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Call the Golfi Team to get your Home Sold

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905-945-0188

www.golfiteam.com The GOLFI TEAM is ranked in the Top 100 Re/Max Teams in Canada.

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When you work with a registered real estate broker or salesperson your deposit is protected subject to the terms and conditions of the insurance policy. All brokers and salespersons are required by law to participate in an insurance program that includes consumer deposit insurance. The premium for the insurance program, including the coverage that protects your deposit, is paid for by brokers and salespersons.

COVERAGE Consumer deposit insurance offers protection in the event of fraud, insolvency or misappropriation of funds by a registrant (e.g. a brokerage). There is no deductible under this coverage. However, the insurance policy contains clauses, which may limit the amount payable if there

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Deposit Protection

Maximum Exposure Sells Your Home

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February 1, 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.

“You’ll be impressed with the creative use of space.

It’s a 200-square-foot condo with 9 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and an indoor swimming pool!’

www. GolfiTeam .com

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February 1, 2011

The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

Grimsby, Lincoln & West Lincoln Area

Rob Golfi* JUST LISTeD

BeamSvILLe $239,900 5120 St. George's Drive

WeST LINCOLN $265,000 1786 Victoria Avenue

GRImSBY $249,900 65 Hemlock Way

GRImSBY $179,900 13 Sacks Avenue

Immaculate freehold townhome, open concept w/vaulted ceilings, 2 skylights & den/office, great rm w/gas FP. Fin rec rm, Cal shutters, main flr laund & ceramics. Upgrades bamboo hrdwd in LR, deck, shed, countertop, sink & faucet.

Country living at its best sitting on over an acre of private treed lot in fantastic location. Features cathedral ceilings, oversized family room with fireplace, country style kitchen with plenty of cupboards, fully finished basement.

Gorgeous Losani built town home features beautiful designer maple kitchen with breakfast bar, and showcase fireplace in living room.

Master bedroom has luxury ensuite and walk-in closet. 3 bedrooms and oak staircase. Close to parks, schools and QEW access.

Cute semi in a great neighbourhood close to parks & schools. Nice corner lot! 3 bdrms, two full baths, finished rec-rm w/gas fireplace, & open concept on main flr. Fantastic opportunity for any buyer to aquire in Grimsby.

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O

GRImSBY $299,900 17 Colonial Crescent

GRImSBY $1,799,900 351 Ridge Road East

GRImSBY $227,900 24 Kenyon Crescent, Unit 34

FONTHILL $649,900 23 Timbercreek Crescent

Attractive 4 level back split in quiet escarpment survey. Porcelain tiles, oak eat-in kitchen, vaulted ceilings in LR/DR, main flr laundry, gas fireplace in family room, newer furnace, humidifier & central air, along with new windows, doors, & shingles.

This fine property shows like a dream. Seated on 4 acres of lush landscape and backing onto Niagara Escarpment. This amazing 6500 sq ft estate features main floor master suite, multimedia control centre, gourmet chef’s kitchen & 4 additional large bedrooms.

Outstanding & immaculate town home beautifully finished throughout. Features great open concept design w/over sized sun filled living rm, oak kitchen w/sliding doors to private patio, finished basement, & quick access to QEW.

Stunning 4 bdrm, 3300 sqft Executive on exclusive street. Built 4 yrs ago & features hardwood and porcelain floors, granite countertops, 60 interior/11 exterior potlights, main flr den can also be a formal living room. In-law suite w/sep entry plus endless list of upgrades!

Scan this code to view more info on our listings!

WaTerFrONT

Go to www.4qr.ca on your mobile phone to download your free scanner.

Text "GOLFI" to 123411 to view our listings on your mobile phone.

GRImSBY

$299,900

Golfi Team has Maximum Internet Exposure to Get Your Home SOLD!

The

63 Griffith Drive Completed top to bottom with professionally finished basement. Spacious eat-in kitchen, dinette, cozy front porch with Escarpment views, patterned concrete drive, patio, private treed yard. Very desirable neighbourhood. Quick access to QEW!

Call today!

905-945-0188

NeW HOMe

GRImSBY

$1,490,000 143 Lake Street

Fabulous waterfront property! Custom built 3000 sq ft home with Lake views every room.

Maple hardwood floors, granite counters, master suite with access to back deck, ensuite and walkin shower. Handicap adaptable!

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O

BeamSvILLe $228,900 5141 Conner Street

WeST LINCOLN $324,999 7574 Highway #20

GRImSBY $299,900 8 Casablanca Blvd.

GRImSBY $289,900 33 Debora Drive

1386 sq.ft. Features include great sized bedrooms with 3 pc ensuite and walk in closet off of master. Kitchen overlooking spacious family room, attached to neighbouring unit at the garage.

2+1 bedroom fully reno’d & with modern kitchen, cherry wood cabinets, ceramic, cathedral ceilings, adjoined fam room. Thick carpeting in all principal rms & main bath w/whirlpool tub. Dbl side drv, fin bsmt (’06) incl. rec rm, kitchen, bedrm & laundry, 25 yr roof (’04), furnace (’03).

Custom built 2000 sq.ft. home with plaster construction and an unbeatable floor plan, gorgeous hardwood floors, oversized sunken family room, new furnace, new shingles in 2009, beautifully landscaped on oversized 75 x 133 ft lot.

Spacious raised ranch in impeccable condition 3+1 Bedrms, 2 baths, on large 61 x 125 ft lot across from private park, updates include new windows, new furnace & central air, finished bright basement, walk to downtown, 1 min to QEW

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O BeamSvILLe $259,900 4498 Ontario Street Ideal for Home Business. Impressive 4 bedroom, 4 level back split sitting on 60' x 150' lot. Features hardwood floors, updated windows, shingles ('06), furnace ('03), garage door & opener ('08), 2 fireplaces, walkout from lower level, 20' x 22' garage.

GRImSBY

234,900 42 Diana

Situated on spacious treed lot on quiet cul-desac, beautiful gleaming hardwood in bedrm, sun filled living room with floor to ceiling bay window, fin’d bsmt w/full bath & spare bedrm.

Fenced yard. Close to schools, parks & quick access to QEW.

11 acreS

BeamSvILLe $459,900 4276 Maple Grove Road

SmITHvILLe $279,900 16 Lindan Street

Raised ranch on 11 acres, built in 1993, finished in-law apartment with walk out, spacious kitchen with plenty of counter space, shingles one yr, furnace 3 yrs, well maintained home in the heart of wine country.

Prestigious 2 storey built in ‘06 on fantastic size lot, features spacious kit w/granite counters & breakfast bar, beautiful hardwood throughout, a sun-filled living room, large bedrooms, ensuite privilege off master, main floor family room, walk out from bsmt to fenced yard.

Call Today 905-945-0188

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The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

February 1, 2011

Commercial Rob Golfi*

BeamSvILLe $1,199,900 4485 King Street

BeamSvILLe $499,900 5532 King Street

BeamSvILLe $249,900 4993 King Street

STONeY CReek $349,900 19 King Street

Over 700 ft of frontage on Niagara's busiest wine route. 26.6 Prestigious acres on the lower bench with over a 20ft fall from front to back of property. Property consists of a large barn with 2 cold storages, heated workshop and parking area. 3 residential detached homes on property.

Zoned light industrial, consists of building plus 4 Bedroom century home sitting on approx 3 acres located on Regional Rd 81 on wine route, with good traffic. Property has 6000 sq.ft steel frame building on concrete slab with 2 washrooms, 220 volts.

Downtown core storefront with large window, front and back entrances can suit 2 businesses or 1 large one. Rear parking and municipal lot.

New furnace, 2pc bath. 1800 sq ft of business space with GC zoning, plus 2 bedroom apartment on upper level.

Location, Location this 2.5 Storey commercial building w/high traffic & visual exposure zoned CA-1 permits 29 uses, ideal for doctors, lawyers, accountants, mortgage, real estate office.

Approx 1,335 sq.ft. on main flr, plus 1,500 sq.ft apartment on 2nd & 3rd flr, plenty of parking.

Free Down Payment What is a Free Down Payment Mortgage Program?

First time homebuyers and those who do not have sufficient down payment for their home purchase are eligible for a free down payment mortgage program. Fixed rate closed terms mortgage with a 5 year term.

How do I benefit from this mortgage program?

Don't wait to save up your 5% down payment before purchasing a home. You can purchase now without a down payment.

How does this mortgage program work?

The lending institution provides a down payment equal to 5% of the property lending value. They will advance these funds directly to the solicitor on the closing date.

What are the limitations?

A minmum beacon score (credit score) of 650 is required. This program applies only to owner occupied single family or duplex units.

Are there any extra fees?

The mortgage default insurance premium is 2.90% of the mortgage amount instead of the standard 2.75% with 5% down payment from your own resources. Client pays the full posted interest rate for the 5 year term rather than the discounted rate.

For more information on the Free Down Payment Mortgage Program and how it could help you buy your home sooner, please contact the Golfi Team at 905-575-7700.

Home evaluation No Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today!

905-945-0188

Donatella Pepe of Centrum SRF Financial Inc. is a Mortgage Specialist in the Hamilton/Burlington area. On behalf of the Leukemia Society of Canada, she is participating in a 42 km running marathon on May 12, 2011 in Nova Scotia.

By participating in this marathon, she hopes to heighten community awareness that there are many families and friends living with this disease. Her goal is to raise $10,000 by April 1, 2011 to help find a cure and not let this disease control our lives. Please help her fight this terrible disease.

To make a donation, please contact Donatella by at: donatella@srffinancial.com or by phone at 905-526-7551

Harper Government takes Prudent Action The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced on January 17th, prudent adjustments to the rules for government-backed insured mortgages to support the long-term stability of Canada’s housing market and support hard-working Canadian families saving through home ownership.

“Canada’s well-regulated housing sector has been an important strength that allowed us to avoid the mistakes of other countries and helped protect us from the worst of the recent global recession,” said Minister Flaherty. “The prudent measures announced today build on that advantage by encouraging hard-working Canadian families to save by investing in their homes and future.”

“The economy continues to be our Government’s top priority,” continued Minister Paradis. “Our Government will continue to take the necessary actions to ensure stability and economic certainty in Canada’s housing market.”

The new measures: • Reduce the maximum amortization period to 30 years from 35 years for new government-backed insured mortgages with loan-to-value ratios of more than 80 per cent. This will significantly reduce the total interest payments Canadian families make on their mortgages, allow Canadian families to build up equity in their homes more quickly, and help Canadians pay off their mortgages before they retire.

• Lower the maximum amount Canadians can borrow in refinancing their mortgages to 85 per cent from 90 per cent of the value of their homes.

This will promote saving through home ownership and limit the repackaging of consumer debt into mortgages guaranteed by taxpayers.

• Withdraw government insurance backing on lines of credit secured by homes, such as home equity lines of credit, or HELOCs. This will ensure that risks associated with consumer debt products used to borrow funds unrelated to house purchases are managed by the financial institutions and not borne by taxpayers.

Our Government’s ongoing monitoring and sound underlying supervisory regime, along with the traditionally cautious approach taken by Canadian financial institutions to mortgage lending, have allowed Canada to maintain strong and secure housing and mortgage markets.

The adjustments to the mortgage insurance guarantee framework will come into force on March 18, 2011. The withdrawal of government insurance backing on lines of credit secured by homes will come into force on April 18, 2011.

Call Today 905-945-0188

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February 1, 2011

The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Hamilton & Stoney Creek Rob Golfi* ONe acre

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O

BINBROOk $1,129,900 2228 Guyatt Road

HamILTON eaST $299,900 2 Renis Court

HamILTON eaST $129,900 46 Adeline Avenue

HamILTON WeST $274,900 304 Emerson Street

Trillium award, country estate home minutes from the city. 3 fireplaces, 4+1 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, vinyl windows, custom drapery & california shutters, wrap-around porch. Finished basement with potential in-law suite and refrigerated wine cellar. Steel shingles w/50-year warranty.

3+1 bdrm all brick bungalow will take you by surprise. Upgrades include designer maple kit, hrdwd flrs, porcelain tile, crown moulding, hotel style bathroom, California ceilings, updated vinyl windows, shingles ‘06 & more.

First time buyers! Good location close to highways, schools & park. Great starter home w/2 bdrms, living room w/gas fireplace, updated kitchen & bathroom. Renovations done to make bathroom & master bdrm larger. Parking for 3 cars & a great backyard!

5 bedrooms, 1-1/2 storey home within walking distance to McMaster University, well maintained, updated furnace, electrical, steel roof, and deep treed yard.

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O HamILTON mOUNTaIN $210,000 98 David Ave.

STONeY CReek $219,900 503 Highway #8, Unit 19

Incredible value in this 3+2 bedroom, brick bungalow, featuring a finished rec-room, hardwood under Berber carpet, mostly vinyl windows, furnace & central air updated 2002, long concrete drive, close to busses and shopping.

Located in secluded complex w/plenty of visitor parking. Sunken LR w/gas FP, gorgeous hardwood flrs. Bright fully finished basement.

Attached only at garage, close to all amenities & easy hwy access.

HamILTON CeNTRaL $379,900 46 Edgemont Street South

WeST HamILTON $299,900 82 Bowman Street

Classic 3+1 bedrm home, kit w/plenty of cabinets, elegant dining rm, master bdrm w/gas fireplace, lrg walk in closet, skylights & ensuite w/whirlpool tub, prof. fin’d basement, located in a very quiet exclusive neighbourhood.

Great investment -- walk to McMaster, updates include new furnace (07), new shingles (02), hardwood floors, all new appliances, new driveway, carpet, ceramic floors in kitchen. rental income $1750/month, tenants pay utilities!

Scan this code to view more info on our listings!

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O

Go to www.4qr.ca on your mobile phone to download your free scanner.

Text "GOLFI" to 123411 to view our listings on your mobile phone.

mOUNT HOpe $252,000 59 Critzia Drive, Unit 312 Condo in Twenty Place. Features 2 bedrooms, hardwood, ceramics, Califormia Shutters, 2 walkouts to outdoor covered balcony. Don’t miss out! Access to Clubhouse with pool, whirlpool, gym, tennis courts, underground parking & large storage locker.

Golfi Team has Maximum Internet Exposure to Get Your Home SOLD!

The

Call today!

905-575-7700

STONeY CReek mTN $309,900 36 Hillcroft Drive Charming 8 yr old, all brick, 5 level backsplit.

This home is finished top to bottom & features kitchen overlooking family room w/showcase fireplace, leading to backyard concrete patio & fence yard, finished basement w/rec-room, & 2 full baths.

WINONa $359,900 328 Winona Road

HamILTON eaST $164,900 119 Fairfield Avenue

HamILTON eaST $214,900 19 Scotia Avenue

eaST HamILTON $169,900 37 Strathearne Ave.

Easy access to the QEW, shopping,and schools.

Large kitchen with island & granite counters.

Vaulted ceilings, pot lighting, california shutters.

Inside garage entry with main floor laundry.

Fully fenced back yard. Large master, his/her closets & ensuite with corner soaker tub.

3+1 bdrm home w/a side drive, garage, & screened in back porch, includes hrdwd flrs, bright white kit, freshly painted, LR & a great flr plan. Dry basement, Weeping tiles installed 9 yrs ago. Close to all amenities. Come see!

Renovated in Rosedale! New kitchen w/crown mouldng, unique backsplash, breakfast bar & blt-in wine rack. New hardwd & furnace, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 200 amp, in-law potential, concrete drive, huge lot! Near parks, schools, golf course & escarpment stairs.

Charming one floor bungalow, beautiful gleaming hardwood floors, finished basement with 3 pc bath, concrete drive and patio, oversized detached garage, fridge, stove, washer & dryer included, close to bus route and shopping.

eaST HamILTON $284,900 85 Bow Valley Drive

HamILTON eaST $159,900 43 Blair Avenue

STONeY CReek $439,900 46 Second Road West

BINBROOk $379,900 218 Tanglewood Drive

Immaculate 3 bedroom with fully finished basement. Spacious living room and dining room. Eat-in kitchen has been updated and boasts ample counter space and cupboards.

Updated vinyl windows, concrete drive and patio in fenced yard.

Large lot, fully fenced yard & parking for 5!

Shingles 2009, fence 2007, Vinyl windows, hrdwd flrs, updated kitchen, renovated bath, finished rec room. Beautiful bay window off dining room. All appliances included. Quiet east end location near the Red Hill Pkwy.

Oh my gosh, best value for this great 5 bedroom, 5 level back split, sitting 100 x 152 ft lot.

Everything is done -- all you have to do is move in. Features gorgeous hardwood floors, beautiful Florida room, showcase fireplace, perfect for growing family, fantastic location close to all amenities.

Quality built 2400 sq ft. Located in Jackson Heights, in the heart of Binbrook, this 4 bdrm, 2 storey home has many upgrades. Hardwd floors in family room & dining room, solid maple staircase. Upgraded ceramics, kitchen & backsplash, cove mouldings, painted in decorator colours, upgraded light fixtures.

Call Today 905-575-7700

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The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

February 1, 2011

What should I expect on Moving Day?

Is Spring really the Best Time to Sell?

No matter how well you prepare, there will always be some things missed so knowing what might happen and what to expect helps ease the stress.

Here are the top five things people are most likely to forget to do that have lead to some last minute scrambling on moving day: 1. Don't forget to save room for the moving truck. Whether you're hiring movers or moving yourself, you're going to need to ensure that there's a parking space for the moving truck.

It's always a good idea to notify your neighbors of the move and that you'll be using the front parking spaces or the back alley or whatever space is best for your move. Remember, that if you're hiring a moving company, you'll need to make sure that the truck is parked close to both the old house, where you're moving from, and the new home, where you're moving to. If you don't block off enough parking space and the movers have to park down the street, you may be charged extra for what movers call a long carry.

2. Notify the neighbors. While this point has already been mentioned, it's worth mentioning again. Not only should neighbors be aware of the parking space you'll need, but also of any inconvenience they may encounter because of your move. If you're moving on a weekend, when neighbors are more likely to be home, it's good to let them know that you'll be using the sidewalk or the space out front or that more cars will be parked out front.

There is a common misconception that the best time for anyone to sell their home is in the spring.

We’ve put together the following information: to show you how you can maximize your return by acting sooner, rather than later.

Reason #1: Less competition.

The winter months are traditionally slower times for new listings. April through June usually sees an increase of up to 70% in the number of new homes hitting the market!

This means more choice for buyers and more competition for you. The more properties prospective purchasers have to choose from, the less likely they are to submit full price offers.

Lower inventory also means a greater likelihood of competing offers, resulting in a higher sales price, and a higher net return on your sale.

3.

Have cash on hand. Tipping the movers and having cash on hand for pizza or snacks or any last minute things that you might need will save you the trouble of having to dig for a credit card or running to the bank at the last minute. Most movers appreciate a cash tip so have it ready before they arrive and keep it somewhere that's easy to access after your move in is complete.

4. Remember to leave the keys behind.

Before moving day, make sure you know what you're supposed to do with the house keys. If you're renting, make arrangements with your landlord; if you own your home, remember to check with the real estate agent or the new owners. Also collect all copies of the keys beforehand; from your children, spouse, friends or relatives. Have them ready for the new owners. And don't forget to have the keys to your new home ready when you arrive. Having movers wait to move you into a new space while you try to track down the keys, may cost you extra.

5. Have detailed driving directions to the new house. You may know how to get to your new home, but the movers might have a harder time. If you have detailed instructions, including where to park, the moving company will appreciate your organization. Also, friends and family who are helping you move will need to know where to go; the last thing you want to worry about is making sure that everyone is following you.

Moving day isn't a good day to keep a convoy together!

David Ryback is a regional sales manager with Harvey Moving Systems 905-945-5540 / 905-515-6896 www.harveymoving.com david@harveymoving.com

LET ME

TRESS OUT OUT OF MOVING! MOVING! TTAKE AKE THE SSTRESS GOLFI Once the GO LFI TEAM has

SOLD S OLD YOUR HOME call me for a FREE in-home estimate on moving costs!

Reason #2: Only serious buyers look at this time of year.

Winter months have a tendency to weed out the lookers from the serious buyers.

People who are ready and willing to move don’t care if there is snow on the ground or that it gets dark early.

They have made a decision to move and they want to move now.

Reason #3: Interest rates are predicted to rise in 2011, quarter by quarter over the year. Buyers are anxious to get settled before any possible rate increases occur.

Increases in rates

decrease the amount of mortgage a family can afford, cutting them out of certain price ranges. Buyers will be looking to maximize their purchasing power early in the year.

Reason #4: Relocation is at its highest at this time of year.

Companies are anxious to get new employees settled for the beginning of the year. Statistically, corporate relocations rise by up to 15% from November to March.

Reason #5: Current market stability. Right now, the market is perceived as stable, leading to greater consumer confidence.

This is in contrast to many months through late 2009 and early 2010 when the media created a false sense of instability which had caused many buyers and sellers to withdraw from the market.

Reason #6: The perfect gift to yourself – a new home. Start your year off the best possible way – in a new home for yourself and your family.

By the time everyone else decides to list their home for sale, you will be moved in to a new comfortable space.

To find out if the time might be right for you to sell, or to see how you can benefit from today’s market conditions, contact the Golfi Team today!

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

Home evaluation No Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today!

Rob Golfi, Sales Representative

905-945-0188 / 905-575-7700

Call Today 905-575-7700

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February 1, 2011

The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

What you Need to Know about Home Inspections

W

hen you purchase a home, it's often recommended that you have a home inspection done. In fact, a typical Agreement to Purchase Form will include a standard preprinted clause with respect to home inspections. This is one of the most common conditions in an offer to purchase a property. When real estate markets are extremely active and you really want a particular home, skipping the home inspection and not placing this kind of condition in an offer can be tempting. Before you make the decision, consider the benefits of a home inspection.

If there is a Seller Property Information Statement (SPIS), you may receive a copy and have a general sense of comfort about the history of the property. However, you should keep in mind that the person selling the home may not be aware of property defects and that the information provided in the SPIS is based only on their personal knowledge.

Similarly, the broker or salesperson

representing you in the transaction may have the experience to identify visually obvious defects, but underlying problems can exist.

A qualified and experienced home inspector will examine the major systems in the home such as: * Electrical * Roofing * Plumbing * Heating/Air Conditioning * Foundation * Septic Systems Many home inspection companies encourage you to attend the inspection and ask the inspector questions during the process and about the results of the inspection. The decision is yours to make, but you will be better informed and able to assess whether or not you want to invest in any upgrades or repairs that might be needed.

For information about home inspectors and home inspection services you can speak to your real estate broker or salesperson.

Septic System Inspections

O

ntario's Ministry of the Environment recommends that home buyers have a septic system inspected prior to finalizing a sale on a property. This condition may also be requested by your financial institution. A time of sale inspection may help protect you against future unexpected

costs. The inspection process might involve pumping the tank and examining the leaching bed for any signs of problems. A septic system inspection may be conducted by a licensed septic system installer, a licensed sewage hauler or a professional engineer.

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

3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 7.00 7.50 8.00 8.50 9.00 9.50 10.00 10.50 11.00 11.50 12.00

9.65 9.88 10.11 10.34 10.58 10.82 11.07 11.31 11.56 11.81 12.06 12.32 12.58 12.84 13.10 13.37 13.64 13.91 14.18

6.90 7.14 7.38 7.63 7.88 8.14 8.40 8.66 8.93 9.21 9.48 9.76 10.05 10.33 10.62 10.92 11.21 11.51 11.82

5.54 5.79 6.04 6.30 6.57 6.84 7.12 7.41 7.69 7.99 8.28 8.59 8.89 9.20 9.52 9.83 10.16 10.48 10.81

4.73 4.99 5.26 5.53 5.82 6.10 6.40 6.70 7.00 7.32 7.63 7.95 8.28 8.61 8.94 9.28 9.63 9.97 10.32

4.21 4.48 4.76 5.04 5.34 5.64 5.95 6.26 6.59 6.91 7.25 7.59 7.93 8.28 8.63 8.98 9.34 9.70 10.06

3.84 4.12 4.41 4.71 5.01 5.33 5.65 5.98 6.32 6.66 7.01 7.36 7.72 8.08 8.44 8.81 9.18 9.55 9.93

17.96 18.18 18.40 18.62 18.85 19.07 19.30 19.53 19.75 19.98 20.21 20.45 20.68 20.91 21.15 21.38 21.62 21.86 22.10

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.

Page 7 569 Concession Street Hamilton, ON L8V 1B2

905-383-9797

The Cancer Assistance Program (CAP) was built on individual needs: the needs of cancer patients and their families, here in Hamilton and surrounding communities. CAP has been in service since 1993 and was a vision of Don Muir, a great Hamiltonian. CAP receives no government funding but relies on community support to ensure caring service for its cancer patients. CAP is a volunteerbased organization. CAP has provided assistance to thousands of patients in the community and has had an annual growth rate of more than 60%. Currently, CAP has over 2,500 equipment items on loan service. Funds through special events, bequests and memorial donations are handled with fiscal responsibility and accountability with thanks. Through Patient Service Programs, CAP is able to assist cancer patients and their families. The following are available upon request: transportation to clinic and medical appointments, supplementary diet, wigs and breast prostheses, available free of charge for as long as needed, on request.

Land Transfer Tax Calculation For Residential Transaction in Ontario Examples (Price-Tax) $55,000 - $275 $65,000 - $375 $75,000 - $475 $85,000 - $575 $95,000 - $675 $100,000-$725 $110,000-$825 $120,000-$925 $130,000-$1025 $140,000 - $1125 $150,000 - $1225 $160,000 - $1325 $170,000 - $1425 $180,000 - $1525 $190,000 - $1625 $200,000 - $1725 $210,000 - $1825 $220,000 - $1925 $230,000 - $2025 $240,000 - $2125

$250,000 - $2225 $260,000 - $2375 $270,000 - $2525 $280,000 - $2675 $290,000 - $2825 $300,000 - $2975 $325,000 - $3350 $350,000 - $3725 $400,000 - $4475 $425,000 - $4975 $450,000 - $5475 $500,000 - $6475 $525,000 - $6975 $550,000 - $7475 $600,000 - $8475 $650,000 - $9475 $700,000 - $10,475 $725,000 - $10,975 $750,000 - $11,475 $800,000 - $12,475

$825,000 - $12,975

$850,000 - $13,475

$900,000 - $14,475

$925,000 - $14,975

$950,000 - $15,475

$975,000 - $15,975

$1,000,000 - $16,475

The information contained on this page is for estimation purposes only and applies to the sale of Ontario Residential properties only. Your actual Ontario Land Transfer Tax should be independently calculated and verified. The real estate board nor any of its advertisers shall ave any liability for the accuracy of the information contained on this page.

www. GolfiTeam .com

MarketWatch February A_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 28/01/11 6:39 PM Page 8

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OWN THIS FOR ONLY

$864 MONTHLY

MONTHLY P&I* PAYMENT BASED ON 5% DOWN

OUTSTANDING FEATURES

STYLISH 2-STOREY & BUNGALOW TOWNS NESTLED WITHIN A BRAND NEW COMMUNITY PARK!

t 063 45"/%"3%4 "3& .045 BUILDERS UPGRADES t 0/-: #-0$,4 0' 508/4 AVAILABLE t -6963: &/46*5&4 t 42 '5 t %&4*(/&3 KITCHENS

SITE HOURS: Mon,-Thurs 1-5pm Sat-Sun 1-5 pm Fri by appointment

REGISTER ON-LINE NOW! MODEL HOME

1-289-566-9528

905-945-0188 www.homesbycambridge.ca

The bi-weekly P.I. payment, based on 5% down, and a purchase price of $228,000 works out to $864 MONTHLY, (based on 5 year term, 35 year amortization)