Feb. 6, 2012 Issue 41

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February 6, 2012 - Vol 36

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

T E A M

Happy Valentine’s Day

from the Golfi Team

Rob Rob Golfi Golfi Sales Sales Representative Representative

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

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 10)

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

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

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

Across 1. 1 Warning — guidance (6) 2. 4 Search online (6) 3. 8 Synthetic fabric (5) 4. 9 Slight criticism — argue over a trivial matter (7) 5. 10 A red wine (7) 6. 11 Aquatic birds — complete jackasses (5) 7. 12 Device containing sulphurous matter traditionally loved by naughty boys (5,4) 8. 17 Things (5) 9. 19 Boy with the magic lamp (7) 10. 21 Am erican vulture (7) 11. 22 Utter impulsively (5) 12. 23 Narrow sword with two-edged blade (6) 13. 24 Late morning meal (6)

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February 6, 2012

2 5 9 7

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

Down 1. 1 Herbal ointment used on bruises (6) 2. 2 Capital of Lithuania (7) 3. 3 Body of generally established principles for a given context (5) 4. 5 As a result of (5,2) 5. 6 Clark ___, film actor, d.

1960 (5) 6. 7 XI (6) 7. 9 Treacherous situation (which sucks people and things down) (9) 8. 13 Blow up (7) 9. 14 I dub one (anag) (7) 10. 15 Line on a weather map (6) 11. 16 Style of weightlifting (6) 12. 18 Loosen (trousers?) (5) 13. 20 Fossilised resin used in jewellery (5)

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February 6, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

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 6 IN 1

D SOL

AYS D 9 IN 2

BeaMSvIlle $219,900 5455 King Street

HaMIlton $149,900 101 Cope Street

Will Not Last. Exciting opportunity with this 3 bed bungalow. New carpet in living room, dining room, hallway and bedrooms. Home features a generous living room and eat-in kitchen. Let the kids run in the oversized backyard.

BIG 1.5 STORY on a great street in the East end of Hamilton. Old world charm, big front porch, wide driveway, good size garage and backyard, mud room in the back for storage or play area. Walk to school and major bus line, shopping nearby. Hardwood under carpet in big living and dining room. Basemt laundry and storage. Quick closing.

FOR D SOL

T LIS F O 95%

StoneY CReeK $214,900 1026 Highway #8 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.

R UYE B H CAS Y OM T D SOL

T

LIS F O % R 98 O F SOLD

DAYS 0 2 IN

GRIMSBY

$449,900 68 Lake Street

HaMIlton $119,900 64 Edgemont Street North

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

Located on large 75'x195' lot with 25'x32' tandem deep garage. Restored hardwood floors, upgraded doors and trim throughout. Thousands spent on upgrades and updates in past five years.

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.

GET YOUR HOME SOLD TODAY! 905-575-7700 % OF 9 9 FOR D L O S

LIST

DAYS 6 IN

FOR D SOL

T LIS F O 98%

LIST F O % R 98 O F SOLD

DAYS 5 1 IN

StoneY CReeK Mtn $279,000 129 Slinger Avenue

StoneY CReeK $349,900 29 Peachwood Crescent

GRIMSBY $329,500 6 Brentwood Road

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.

Immaculate 4+1 bedroom home in sought after Stoney Creek neighborhood. This 2,060 SqFt home features open concept layout, 4+1 bedrooms, ensuite and walk-in off master bedroom, separate dining room, hardwood in living room, fully finished basement.

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!

Call Today 905-575-7700

T

F LIS O % 8 OR 9 F D SOL

DAYS 4 3 IN

GRIMSBY $268,500 101 Magnolia Crescent End unit townhouse in fantastic area. Features new painted maple kitchen w/glass backsplash, new hardwood in LR/DR. Finished basement w/built-in for media center. Centrally located close to shopping, parks, hwy access.

AYS D 15 N I 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.

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The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

February 6, 2012

Hamilton & Stoney Creek Rob Golfi*

StoneY CReeK $389,900 181 Montreal Circle

StoneY CReeK $279,900 34 Regis Court

StoneY CReeK $299,900 121 King Street East

HaMIlton Mtn $299,900 65 Princeton Drive

Gorgeous, all brick, 2250 SqFt classic 2 storey.

Features quality upgrades & includes 9ft ceilings, family sized great rm, big formal dining rm, stylish kitchen w/lots of cupboards & granite, gleaming hardwd flrs, extra deep lot all fenced in, & a roughed-in bath in basement.

Great location on quiet court. This charming, fenced 4 lvl back split sitting on 150 ft deep lot.

Large country size kitchen overlooking family room with gas fireplace, beautiful hardwd in living & dining room, Master with ensuite, new shingles ’05, close to shopping, schools & buses.

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 and walking distance to downtown Stoney Creek. Make an offer!

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

StoneY CReeK $274,900 194 Millen Road

StoneY CReeK $549,900 132 Millen Road

HaMIlton eaSt $92,400 399 Fairfield Avenue

HaMIlton Mtn $309,900 956 Stone Church Road East

Old world charm w/modern conveniences.

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

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

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!

Well maintained home, clean as a whistle and updates galore. Immaculate backsplit, could be used as in-law w/entrance to lower level from garage and side door. Skylight in kitchen, neutral colors throughout. Huge lot. Concrete deck and walkways with interlock driveway.

CaledonIa $249,500 21 Orkney Street West

HaMIlton CtR $134,900 86 Rosemont Avenue

HaMIlton eaSt $189,900 34 Barons Avenue

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

2 Sty, 3 BR home in a mature neighbourhood.

Features lrg DR, LR w/gas FP, lrg eat in kit, Hardwd flrs, 3 good sized BRs & 4pc bathrm, lrg deck. Upgrades incl. a new 14x30 detached garage, new fencing, new driveway, roof ‘07, C/A ‘07, & most windows replaced.

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

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

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.

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

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

HaMIlton $299,900 292 Delancey Boulevard

HaMIlton $114,900 294 Emerald Street North

StoneY CReeK $419,900 35 Ivybridge Drive

HaMIlton Mtn $379,900 23 Vineberg Drive

Beautiful 4 BR, 2 stry home. Features family rm w/sliding door to yard, separate DR, ceramics in kit, 2.5 baths, master BR w/ensuite, laminated flrs, unspoiled bsmnt, & dble garage & drive for 4 cars. Updates incl. windows & shingles in ‘10.

Close to amenities.

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

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

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

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

HaMIlton CtR $104,500 18 Francis Street

HaMIlton Mtn $1,700/MontH 87 Mountain Park Avenue

Big home w/loads of updates, great private yard w/concrete patio, big fully fenced garden with shed, room for a big RV & 3 car parking. Home shows great. Close to General hospital. 100 amp breakers, new shingles in 2009 (stripped), new windows, siding, furnace and central air in 2008.

Lease property. Prime Location on Mountain Brow over looking the city with amazing views.

Close to hospitals, public transit, highways and all amenities. Credit Check, Rental application required for all offers, tenants pay all utilities.

One year lease required. Easy to show.

HaMIlton Mtn $314,900 202 Winston Place 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.

StoneY CReeK $274,900 326 Jones Road 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!

Call Today 905-575-7700

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February 6, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Grimsby, Lincoln & West Lincoln Area

Rob Golfi*

SMItHvIlle $274,900 122 Golden Acres Drive

Page 5

BeaMSvIlle $239,900 4181 Fly Road

GRIMSBY 49 Ontario Street, Unit#14

St. CatHaRIneS $249,900 61 Croydon Drive

Immaculate, oversized 1350 sq.ft. backsplit!

Fin. basement, beautiful hardwood floors, bright kitchen with oak cabinets leads to side yard with 2 tiered deck, spacious family room with fp, master bedroom w/French doors to balcony, fenced yard w/gorgeous perennial gardens.

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

Stunning townhome! Quality finishes throughout incl. hardwd flring, kit w/breakfast bar, oversized master BR, walk-in closet, & a main floor bath. Condo fees are $290.00/month & incl. C/Air, & exterior maintenance, building insururance, hydro, parking, & water.

Charming home takes you by surprise! Updated birch kitchen w/granite counters, hardwd throughout main flr, mostly updated vinyl windows, new shingles 08, new furnace & C/air 05, finished rec-rm w/new Berber carpeting & showcase gas FP, updated bathrm in basement.

vIneland $310,000 3380 Dustan Street

BeaMSvIlle $267,900 5103 Connor Drive

BeaMSvIlle $339,900 4034 Barry Drive

SMItHvIlle $399,900 146 Rock Street

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.

2 Storey freehold townhome, backing onto park!

Home features $20,000 in upgrades, 3pc ensuite, walk in closet, maple cupboards, California shutters, C/Air, C/Vacuum, Alarm, access from garage to rear, yard, minutes to all amenities.

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

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

BUNGALOW

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

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

Home evaluation No Cost or Obligation

905-945-0188

BeaMSvIlle $339,900 4092 Mountain Street 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.

BUNGALOW

BeaMSvIlle $236,900 5137 Connor Drive

BeaMSvIlle $249,900 5143 Connor Drive

GRIMSBY $324,900 24 Red Haven Drive

GRIMSBY $249,900 41 Kenyon Crescent

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

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

Bright and Airy. Lovely one floor semi in a stylish neighbourhood. This home features a lovely eat-in kitchen, spacious living rm/dining rm w/ open staircase to finished basement complete w/ large fin recroom and extra bedrm

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.

GRIMSBY $172,900 #31-125 Livingston Avenue

St CatHaRIneS $384,000 40 Glenridge Avenue

GRIMSBY $356,900 519 Ridge Road East

BeaMSvIlle $749,900 4816 Mountainview Road North

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.

Stylish Old Glenridge Living. This stunning 1-1/2 storey beauty provides the classic beauty of its age and the updates you would expect.

This 3 bedroom home oozes character from the moment your drive up!

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.

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.

www.GolfiTeam.com

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Home evaluation No Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today!

905-575-7700 / 905-945-0188

Sharon Stafford Sales Representative

Ashley Sidler

Sales Representative

Rob Golfi

Sales Representative

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!

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.

BONDSEAL CANADA The Waterproofing Specialists

Specializing in Concrete Crack Repairs:

Maximum Exposure Sells Your Home

www.golfiteam.com

Dry, Seeping or Gushing All Methods InterExterior

John Walker

1.888.808.7595 www.bondseal.com bondsealcanada@yahoo.ca

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

www.golfiteam.com

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February 6, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

What Can You Really Afford… ?

What will you tell the BANK … and what’s TRUE? Let’s be realistic. What is it going to cost you to become a homeowner? The following is a monthly budget plan that will help you calculate the cost of moving into a new home.

MONTHLY BUDGET PLAN EXPENSE

Present Monthly Expenses

Future Monthly Expenses

HOUSING EXPENSES Mortgage Payment per month Property Taxes Condo Fees Total Monthly Housing Expenses

$ $ $ $

___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________

$ $ $ $

___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________

Outstanding debt payments Food Medical and dental Car payments, Transportation (bus, train) Gas, Maintenance Car Insurance Clothing Education Personal insurance Recreation and hobbies Utilities Heating Electric Phone Water Internet Cable / Satellite House Insurance Home Repairs & Maintenance Miscellaneous Total Monthly Other Expenses

$ $ $ $ $ $

___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________

$ $ $ $ $ $

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$ $ $ $

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$ $ $ $

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$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

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$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________ ___________________

Total Monthly Income Difference

$ ___________________ $ ___________________

OTHER EXPENSES

$ ___________________ $ ___________________

Call Today 905-575-7700

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Page 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

February 6, 2012

Understand the Consequences of Joint Tenancy

I

f you buy a home with your spouse or another person this year, you will have to decide how to take title together. It can be either as a joint tenancy or tenancy in common. It is important that you first understand the main difference between these two options before making your decision.

In a tenancy in common, if one of the owners passes away, they can leave their share of the property to anyone they choose.

However, in a joint tenancy, there is a principal called survivorship. What this means is that if two owners are joint tenants and one dies, their share automatically passes to the surviving joint tenant upon death.

They cannot leave it to anyone else in their will. There are some tax advantages in holding property as joint tenants as it can reduce estate taxes.

David Ramnarine and his common law partner, Meera Ragoo, bought a home together at 840 Eighth Street in Mississauga in September 2007 and took title as joint tenants.

David passed away in July 2010. His share of the home automatically transferred to

Meera, by the principal of survivorship.

However, his mother, Joyce Ramnarine, produced an agreement that was apparently signed

by David in 2009, where he said that he was holding all of his property in trust for his mother.

Joyce claimed that this agreement broke the joint tenancy, since it proved that David never intended to hold the property solely with Meera. Meera claimed that she never was told about t h e agreement, it was only produced after David passed away and that the signature was a forgery. The agreement was never registered against title to the property.

In trying to figure out the answer to this case, the judge had to look at whether it was possible to break a joint tenancy once it was already created.

In 1987, in the case of Horne v Evans, an unhappily

married couple owned a family home as joint tenants. The husband, shortly before his death, transferred his share of the property to himself, without telling his wife. He did this to try and break the joint tenancy, so that he could leave his share of the home to someone else.

The reason this breaks the joint tenancy is that an important element of a joint tenancy is that you acquire your interest in the property at the same

time as your partner. By transferring the property to yourself, you have now technically acquired your interest at a different time, so this breaks the joint tenancy. In Ontario, you are permitted to transfer property to yourself, even though the concept is hard to understand.

However, also under Ontario family law, you cannot sell or transfer your share of a family home without your mar-

ried spouse’s permission. This is why Horne’s wife challenged the transfer, saying that since she did not give her permission, it shouldn’t count. The judge disagreed, saying that people should have the right to change the way they hold title, if it is permitted under Provincial law.

After looking at these and other cases, Justice J. Seppi ruled on July 20, 2011 that there was no evidence that could reasonably support Joyce’s claim.

David and Meera were still living together at the time of his death and there was no witness to the agreement that he apparently signed. The judge stated that they were still joint tenants at the time of his death, so she inherited his share of the property.

The real lesson here is that before you agree to ever take title as joint tenants, understand the consequences, so that you do not have to try and figure out how to break it later if you change your mind.

Mark Weisleder is a lawyer, author and speaker to the real estate industry.

You can email Mark at mark@markweisleder.com

by Mark Weisleder

Call Today 905-575-7700

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February 6, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 9

Why it’s a Good Time to Buy a Home STYLISH STAGING AND DESIGN SOLUTIONS!

SPRING IS ARRIVING SOON! STAGE YOUR HOUSE AND SELL IT! What is Staging?

Home Staging is a process of preparing a property for sale.

It is beyond decorating and cleaning. Staging is what you do after you’ve cleaned, decluttered, painted, made minor repairs; it’s all about dressing the house for a sale. Home staging’s goal is to help you pay attention to even the smallest detail, so buyers don’t have a reason to chip away at your asking price. Home Staging is the best proven way of getting the competitive edge in any market, regardless of the price or location. To get your home sold faster, try Home Staging!

TOP 10 REASONS TO PROFESSIONALLY STAGE A PROPERTY: • Look better than others on the market • Sell faster • Typically “stand out” in the buyer’s mind • Look better in print and internet ads • Receive more interest • Are on a buyer's “must see” list • Are viewed by buyers as “well maintained’ • Are viewed as “well maintained” by appraisers • Are often appraised at a higher value • Are “move in ready”

Luisa Giaitzis (ISRP, IDDP)

www.absolutesimplicity.ca

BEST BUSINESS - INTERIOR DESIGN BEST PERSON – INTERIOR DECORATOR BEST BUSINESS - WINDOWS BEST NEW BUSINESS FOR 2011 Vote: www.hamiltonreaderschoice.ca Feb. 16 - Feb. 26

Look no further, Canada is a safe haven in a volatile world

I

believe there has never been a better time to buy a home. I’ve been in the industry for 28 years as a lawyer and I haven’t seen so many positive signs for housing, whether you are thinking or buying or locking in a mortgage.

Here’s why: Mortgage rates at historic lows: They can’t get any lower. Four- to five-year fixed mortgages at 3 per cent are unheard of. It is lower than the variable rate that most Canadians have been paying for years. Rates have nowhere to go but up, either later this year or next. If you are paying a variable interest rate, lock in now.

Canada’s appeal: This country has everything going for it — a stable banking and political environment, steady real estate market, the natural resources people want and few social tensions. That makes us a safe haven in a volatile world.

Our immigrant draw: Because of the above, we’re a draw for immigrants, often wealthy ones. When they get here, they need a home. So in my view while the real estate market may level off in some areas of Ontario, it should stay strong in most of the GTA and likely Canada’s other large urban centres as well.

Mortgage defaults: According to CMHC, more than 99 per cent of Canadians pay their mortgages on time. It’s quite a different picture in the United States where 7 million homes are in foreclosure and perhaps another 7 million homeowners are under water. This represents almost 15 per cent of all homes. So while the American housing market will likely be weak for the next few years, this should not occur in Canada. Our banks are not dumping homes onto the market, so there is no downward pressure on prices.

Recourse Mortgages: In many U.S. states, if you can’t pay your mortgage, the only thing the bank can do is foreclose; they cannot sue you for any shortfall. So when homes go under water, owners give the keys back to the bank. In Canada, loans are almost all Recourse, meaning if you don’t pay and there is a shortfall, the lender can sue you for the difference. This is another reason why, in my opinion, even if times do get tough, Canadian homeowners will find a way to make the payments until things improve.

Income-to-price ratio: Another misleading statistic is that in major markets, like Toronto, the average price of a home is now 4.6 times the income of the average Canadian. This same statistic was found just before the U.S. and U.K. markets went into the tank. However, if you look at median incomes of Canadians against the median cost of homes, this average comes down to around 3.5, which is not dangerous. Using averages are wrong. A person receiving social assistance will not buy a home, and should not be included in any relevant statistic.

High consumer debt: The warnings about rising debt ratios must be examined carefully. The governor of the Bank of Canada is worried that the average personal debt ratio is now 156 per cent in Canada. This means a household making $100,000 per year, owes $156,000, two-thirds of which is mortgage debt. Why is this so bad? At an interest rate of 3 or even 5 per cent, the amount needed to service the debt is manageable.

Most people do not pay off their mortgages in one year. Still, this is another good reason to consolidate your debt now, at these low interest rates, and lock in.

No guarantees: Nobody can predict the future and there’s always the possibility of a major economic shock. Yet, in a U.S. presidential election year, politicians will do whatever is necessary to prevent it. If the economy goes into the tank, so do re-election chances. The U.S. is already showing signs of economic recovery.

No matter what, do not take on a monthly payment higher than what you can afford. Meet with your lender or mortgage broker in advance to figure out what you can afford before you start looking for a home. It may be the best time to buy, but you need to buy smart.

Mark Weisleder is a lawyer, columnist, author and speaker to the real estate industry. You can contact Mark at mark@markweisleder.com

by Dick Loek/Toronto Star

Your house will get noticed FiRSt when listed by the Team who gets noticed the moSt!

Call the Golfi team today!

905-575-7700

www.golfiteam.com

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Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

February 6, 2012

February is “Heart Month”

H

eart disease and stroke take 1 in 3 Canadians before their time. They are the #1 killer of women – taking more women's lives than all forms of cancer combined.

This February, more than 100,000 volunteers will rally together across Canada to raise life-giving funds to give Canadians longer, fuller lives. Every donation – whether at the door, online, or through an event – is giving the people you care about more time - for more experiences, more memories and more living.

Your gift of time ultimately leads to an even greater gift – the gift of life.

Volunteer for the 2012 Heart Month Campaign and make a difference.

Donate to the Heart & Stroke Foundation To make a Heart Month donation, please visit http://heartmonth.heartandstroke.ca.

Heart Month Heart Month was inspired by a

fundraising initiative called "Heart Sunday." The concept was adopted in British Columbia in the mid-1950s; in Ontario in 1958, and has since expanded across the country.

Top 10 tips for heart-smart eating Choosing better-for-you foods and using heart-smart cooking techniques can help you control risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. Here are 10 ways to be good to your heart.

1. Cook heart-smart. Choose cooking methods that use less salt and calorie-laden fat. Steam, bake, broil or grill instead of frying. Reduce salt by avoiding bouillon or salty broth (use water instead); add lots of herbs and spices to enhance flavour.

2. Choose whole grains. The fibre in whole grains like oats, quinoa, whole wheat and barley can help lower blood pressure. People who eat more whole grains have a 29 percent lower risk of heart disease compared to those who don’t. Aim for 3-4 servings each day.

3. Nix trans fat. Linked to clogged arteries and high cholesterol, trans fat is a no-no for happy hearts. Even a small amount is harmful. While the use of hydrogenated oil with trans fat

4.

5.

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has declined, it may still be found in some cookies, crackers and baked goods.

Control your portions. The amount we eat has increased over the past two decades. Choosing smaller portions can help limit calorie intake, which helps with weight control; being overweight is linked with heart disease.

Cut back on sodium. More than 70% of Canadian adults exceed their upper limit of 2,300 mg of sodium per day, which raises the risk of high blood pressure. And more than threequarters of that sodium comes from packaged foods.

Max out vegetables and fruit. With their heart-healthy combo of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre, getting at least six daily servings of vegetables and fruit is a winning idea.

Eat more beans. Legumes such as kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils are high in cholesterol-lowering fibre.

Cook from scratch. When you control what goes into your food, you can cook with less salt, sugar and fat, and add more vegetables and whole grains.

9.

Drink skim milk: Since getting two or three daily servings of low fat dairy products can help reduce blood pressure levels, it’s important to have milk and yogurt in your diet.

10. Enjoy fish more often: The healthy omega-3 polyunsaturated fat found in fish may help decrease blood pressure and triglyceride levels, which helps lower heart disease risk. Aim for 2-3 servings (75 g) of omega-3rich salmon, tuna, trout, sardines or mackerel each week.

By Cara Rosenbloom, RD

Crossword Solution

289-969-6532

Home evaluation No Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today!

905-575-7700 905-945-0188

MarketWatch February A 2012_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 02/02/12 3:39 PM Page 11

February 6, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

Rental markets: Canadian mayors warn Ottawa of drastic rental housing shortage

C

anada’s mayors h a v e sounded the alarm about a drastic shortage of rental housing across the country.

One-third of Canadians are renters, yet apartment construction has accounted for just 10 per cent of all new residential building over the last 15 years, according to a new report released by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Tuesday.

At the same time, apartment buildings have been razed or converted to condos at such a frenetic pace, the total number of rental units actually decreased across the country by about 18,000 units between 2000 and 2010, the umbrella group for Canada’s municipalities said

during a news conference in Ottawa.

Yet the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corp. estimates growth in tenant households will average about 50,000 a year across Canada over the next decade.

The report makes no mention of provincial rent controls and the impact they may have had in discouraging the construction of apartment buildings.

Instead, the FCM focuses most of its attention on Ottawa. It calls for creation of the Building Canada Rental Development Direct Lending Program to stimulate investment in rental units, citing how the current condo boom has helped push the cost of land out of reach for rental construction.

The FCM also calls for tax credits aimed at stopping the erosion of existing units and an eco-energy tax credit to stimulate improvement of what stock is left.

“New rental construction will give cash-strapped young families, new immigrants, and an aging population housing

options they can afford and protect construction jobs as governments turn off the (post-recession) stimulus taps,” said FCM president Berry Vrbanovic.

A virtual doubling in house prices the last decade has pushed home ownership further and further out of reach of many Canadians and left municipalities like Brampton with waiting lists of 15,000 people and growing for affordable rental units, said Brampton mayor Susan Fennell, also co-chair of FCM’s Big Cities Mayors caucus.

While there is enough social housing in Canada right now for almost 700,000 lower-income Canadians, that makes up just 5 per cent of the country’s housing stock and isn’t nearly enough to keep up with demand, the report notes.

Condos have become a secondary form of rental accommodation in bigger cities like Toronto, but they are often too high-priced for many renters, and too small for most families, Fennell noted.

The rental shortage is also making it

difficult for workers to relocate to places where there may be jobs, but virtually no place they can afford to live, she said. It’s also forcing families into substandard or unsafe living arrangements, add Fennell.

Brampton has done what it can so far — creating a few hundred affordable rental units by streamlining approvals, preventing the demolition of existing rental stock and offering tax exemptions to both private and non-profit builders.

“But we can’t do it alone,” said Fennell. “The glaring fact today is that vacancy rates are at an all-time low across the country and we have a critical shortage of rental accommodation.”

The construction of apartments could also boost the economy, the report says, noting that the decline in new home starts across Canada since 2007 has resulted in 50,000 fewer construction jobs.

By Susan Pigg, Business Reporter Toronto Star

What are you doing on Family Day - February 20

C

anada’s newest holiday, Family Day, is observed on the third Monday of February.

This holiday celebrates the importance of families and family life to people and their communities. Family Day gives people time to spend with their children.

On Family Day, many people plan and take part in activities aimed at the whole family.

Here's some great ideas for family fun on Family Day, thanks to Toronto4Kids.com…

Make a Time Capsule A time capsule is a fun educational activity for kids of all ages. Make one before the year ends to preserve your family memories in a unique and creative way. Find a large box which can be sealed.

The kids can paint and embellish the box with craft supplies. Make a label to mark the year and put your family name on it.

Once you’ve designed your Time Capsule, find some special items from this past year to place inside it. These can include: • Family photos • A CD with favourite songs • Add journal pages of favourite moments and family milestones • Memorabilia, favourite toys and trinkets • Attractions tickets from family outings • Ticket stubs of concerts & shows you attended this past year • Pictures and small art projects your kids made • Have the kids write a letter about themselves • Add newspaper clipping of important events • Postcards from vacations Don’t forget include a small note on the capsule that says: "Do not open until January 1st 2020" or whichever year you choose. Seal your box in plastic and put it away in a safe spot to be enjoyed by your family many years later!

Funky Lunch

Feeding the Birds this Winter

March is National Nutrition Month so we thought it would be fitting to review this amazing book: “Funky Lunch”. The intent of the book is to lend parents a ‘big hand’ when it comes to feeding their picky eaters. It’s packed with tons of incredible ideas for healthy, fun lunches – these are not your every day sandwiches!

The unique recipes found in this book are the brainchild of Mark Northeast of Littlehampton, England.

Mark is just a dad who wanted to encourage his four year old son to eat his veggies, so he embarked on a quest – cookie cutter and paring knife in hand – to concoct these ingenious edible creations.

With popular cartoon characters, cuddly animals, sea creatures and even a pirate ship, Mark has helped his son Oscar perk up his eating habits. And along the way, he’s inspiring thousands of parents around the globe to do the same.

What’s not to like? Mark has turned plain and boring lunchtime sandwiches into WOW! His creations are adorable (almost too cute to eat) and very simple to make. All you need is nothing out of the ordinary: sliced bread, cheese, luncheon meats, colourful veggies, and some basic kitchen tools.

About his book, Mark shares that: “We want to encourage children to try different foods in a fun and creative way, and our aim is to provide you with the tools and guidance to turn an ordinary lunch into a funky lunch! We all know how stressful meal times with children can be and most of the time their reluctance to finish their food is down to boredom. Young minds need inspiring, so we decided to create a whole new food experience for them.”

Lunchtime will be scoring big with the kiddies now!

Parents can go to the website www.funkylunch.com to get ideas. Books can be purchased online at www.amazon.ca and www.chapters.indigo.ca.

If your kids get tired of watching the snowflakes fall this winter, why not look for colourful birds in your backyard instead? Feeding winter birds is a great pastime for kids. It teaches them kindness and compassion and it’s a great educational experience.

When winter sets in, have your kids build a bird house for the back yard. You can surf the internet for some great project ideas. Search for ‘building a bird house’. Here's one for the Rona website: www.rona.ca/project.

If you’re not the ‘handy’ type, look for some already made bird houses at your local craft store or specialty toy shops. Your kids can still have a blast painting and decorating their own birdhouse.

Here are some tips to get the birdies into your backyard…

• Place a variety of difference feeders – hanging feeders, ground feeders and platform feeders. That will attract many more species of birds. If you use ground feeders, you’ll be feeding the squirrels too.

• Fill the feeders with black oil sunflower seed and suet (purchased or made at home). Stay away from cheap bird seed mixes that contain lots of seed such as wheat and milo. Those seeds are added as "fillers" to the mix, and are not preferred by birds.

• Place your feeder in a sheltered area but make sure you are still able to watch the birds. Remember, you can attract wild birds to a spot where you can easily see them.

• Make sure your kids monitor what’s going on at their feeders. They can keep a journals of what’s they’ve observed and what types of birds are visiting.

Not only is bird feeding a fun activity for kids, but it also helps birds through harsh winter conditions when food may be scarce. It may take some time for birds to find your feeder. Your location,

www.golfiteam.com

the availability of natural food nearby, and the weather can all affect your bird feeding project. Here’s a great online resource for information on birds, http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/a nimals/birds/.

Now you're cooking!

Involve your entire family in cooking!

Even the teeniest member can shred romaine lettuce or mix the contents of a bowl.

Working as a team will teach your kids to listen and follow instructions. Cooking with kids also presents great opportunities to hone in on those math skills (measuring and fractions). A timer will help with seconds, minutes and hours.

Tips for cooking with kids: • Find a kid-friendly recipe (see resources below) and read the entire recipe all the way through to make sure they understand.

• Have your child help you prepare all equipment and tools required.

• Have your child measure out all the ingredients.

• Have a pair of hot mitts for everyone.

• Wear short sleeves (or roll them up) as loose clothing can be a fire hazard.

• Tie hair back.

• Wear proper shoes to protect little toes from spills.

• Always turn pot handles towards the inside to prevent accidents.

• Always supervise kids in the kitchen.

Kid-friendly recipe websites: Robin Hood www.robinhood.ca (Click on Baking with Kids) Hershey Canada www.hersheycanada.com (Click on the Fun4Kids Icon) Canadian Living.com www.canadianliving.com/food/kids_cooking.

More great family activities can be found at Toronto4Kids.com

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