July 4, 2012 issue 51

MarketWatch July 1 2012 30/06/12 2:41 PM Page 1

July 4, 2012 - Vol 41

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

FREE ADMISSION -- Donate a non-perishable food item at the Golfi Team’s OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT at Centennial Park Grimsby, July 21st!

Details on Page 12

Rob Rob Golfi Golfi Sales Sales Representative Representative

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

T E A M

MarketWatch July 1 2012 30/06/12 2:41 PM Page 2

Page 2

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Which is better: Term life or mortgage insurance?

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

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

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

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

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July 4, 2012

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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.

Term Life vs ce Mortgage Insuran

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ou've just made the biggest purchase of your life: A new home for you and your

family.

What's the best way to protect your investment if you die?

Insurance is the answer. But what kind: mortgage insurance or term life insurance?

There are important differences between the two that aren't well understood, mortgage experts say.

Mortgage insurance pays the balance of your mortgage to the bank if a person listed on the mortgage passes away.

“It pays the institution that lent you the money. It pays off that loan so the people who inherit your home are not going to be saddled with that debt,” explains George Small, founder of Kanetix, a Canadian financial services website. “The last thing you want to do is leave that liability for someone else to worry about.”

Sometimes referred to as creditor insurance, this policy can be purchased when you sign your mortgage papers. It's offered by the bank and typically involves answering a few basic health questions. The premiums can be added to your monthly mortgage payments.

But that convenience comes at a cost.

The most important thing to remember about mortgage insurance is that even though you are paying the premiums, you're not necessarily covered. These policies use post-claim underwriting, meaning that the insurance company will delve into your medical history after a claim is made.

If you have a health condition when you sign the papers — whether you and your doctor are aware of it or not — and it is not disclosed, your claim may later be denied.

That means, even though you have been paying the premiums, no benefits will be paid.

Assuming that's not an issue, there are other key differences between mortgage and term life insurance.

Since mortgage insurance benefits pay out only the amount left owing on your mortgage if you die, the amount of coverage declines as you pay down that balance every month.

You will also need to renew the policy every time you renew your mortgage.

That could be every five years, if you choose a five-year term, as many Canadians do.

www. GolfiTeam .com

“What I tell people is that it's not guaranteed and your premium is probably going to go up because you're five years older, and you could have heart problems or diabetes,” says Andre L'Ecuyer, a mortgage broker with Mortgage Agent in Petawawa.

“Then, on the opposite side, what happens with your mortgage is that it decreases as the years go by. What's wrong with this picture? You're paying more for something that's not guaranteed, paying a higher premium and you're getting less.”

Term life insurance is just that — an insurance policy that covers you for a set number of years, typically 10 to 30 years.

The premiums, and the amount that your beneficiaries receive if you die, will stay the same through the life of the policy.

That's another key difference: Your family receives the payout and decides what to do with it. “Some people view that as a benefit because the family may be looking at alternatives, rather than paying off the mortgage. They may have other high-cost debts they want to put the money to,” Small says.

When purchasing term insurance, you may need a blood sample or urine sample upfront, and the insurance company may need to contact your doctor.

Depending on your age and health, the premiums on mortgage life insurance can be much higher than for a term life insurance policy, according to a comparison on the Kanetix website.

For example, a couple where both partners are 30 would pay $36 per month on mortgage insurance premiums, but they would pay $24.53 a month on a 10year term life policy.

The difference becomes more pronounced with age. Two 40-year-olds would pay $80 per month for mortgage insurance but just $36 for a term policy.

Two 50-year-olds would pay $160 for mortgage insurance, but only $73.35 for term life.

Keep in mind that mortgage insurance is not portable. If you switch lenders, you'll need to take out a new policy.

“Term life insurance is more portable, because it's attached to you rather than your debt,” Small says.

If you already have term insurance, you can consider boosting the amount of coverage to include your mortgage.

Madhavi Acharya-Tom Yew Business Reporter

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MarketWatch July 1 2012 30/06/12 2:41 PM Page 3

July 4, 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.

Rob Golfi

Sharon Stafford

Sales Representative

Mike McNeil

Sales Representative

Hans Marcellissen

Heather Reid

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Kristina King

Sales Representative

Wendy Murray-Nicholson Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Vince Lazaruk

Sales Representative

Rosemarie Fournier Listing Co-ordinator

Together Delivering More...

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188 Call Today 905-575-7700

MarketWatch July 1 2012 30/06/12 2:41 PM Page 4

Page 4

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

July 4, 2012

The Best Do-It-Yourself Cottage Improvements

B

ryan Baeumler, host of Disaster DIY and professional contractor, explains what you can do to improve the quality and investment value of your cottage.

The View Start with the view from the lake!

Installing a new or refaced dock, cleaning up the beach or landscaping around the cottage, repairing downed eaves troughs and adding a new coat of paint or stain are simple ways to ensure a second appreciative look from passersby.

Clean Up Do a dump run – most people have piles of unnecessary lumber and

various items under, around and in cottage. the A good spring cleaning will create more space, reveal hidden problems that need to be addressed and energize you to continue improving your favourite place on Earth.

Around the House If your kitchen or bathroom reeks of 1970s linoleum and dark wood paneling, throw some tile on the floor, put in a new backsplash, repaint or replace cabinet doors and hardware, and put on a fresh coat of paint.

If you have an old outhouse, spruce it up with some aromatic cedar and paint – and give it a good debugging.

By: Bryan Baeumler

Crossword Puzzle (Solution on Page 6)

Across 1 9 10 11 12 14 15 18 20 22 23 24

Across

Get very angry (5,3,4) Message received and understood! (5) Rich (7) No oil painting (4) Canvas shoes with rubber soles (8) Identification for eg cattle (3,3) Leave without warning (3,3) Fabric pattern (for a yellow bikini?) (5,3) Football boot attachment (4) Etch (7) Crawler whose home has a helix pattern (5) Try something out to see how it goes (4,2,3,3)

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estate Clearing Transition management

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MarketWatch July 1 2012 30/06/12 2:44 PM Page 5

July 4, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Rob Golfi*

Page 5

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

Hamilton East $132,900 127 Hope Avenue

Hamilton East $128,500 6 Jerome Crescent

Hamilton mtn $204,900 4 Ben Lomond Place

Hamilton mtn $189,900 446 Upper Sherman Avenue

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS! Nicely finished one floor plan with no carpet. Shows 10+. Updated windows, wiring, plumbing, furnace, tank less water heater & waterproofed basement with 4 big windows. A walk to center mall, & easy highway access.

Great Location! Freshly painted, rec room in bsmt with loads of storage. Laminate flooring and ceramics. Great for kids, a walk to school, shopping, and major bus line. Shows nice!

Well kept and clean.

Shows 10++. Renovated in 2004. 3 bedroom plus den w/walkout to rear yard. Master on main floor w/4pc bath & laundry. Updated, windows, shingles, flooring, kitchen, bathrooms, & new drywall. A walk to parks, shopping & Juravinski hospital.

Parking for 6 through the double width mutual drive. 3 BR home w/main flr bedrm & ldry. Over 1000 sq.ft. of new flooring. Move in ready. Backs onto park, close to hospital & on bus route. Cozy gas FP, C/A, vinyl windows, furnace/roof (approx. 5), workshop with hydro.

$519.66 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$502.46 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$801.20 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$742.54 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

stonEy CrEEk $349,999 161 Halifax Street

stonEy CrEEk $329,900 134 Cove Crescent

$274,900 stonEy CrEEk 82 Whitefish Crescent

$239,900 Hamilton mtn 22 East 39th

ADORABLE AFFORDABLE! Immaculate 3 bedrm home in super clean condition on premium lot, features maple kitchen cabinets w/endless storage for cook-ware and dishes, spacious family room w/showcase fireplace with hook up for Plasma TV, fenced yard & quick access to QEW.

2 Stry, 3 BR home linked underground & features master w/ensuite & walk-in closet, LR/DR, eat-in kit w/walkout to a lrg concrete patio & fenced in yard. Basement recently refreshed w/new carpet & 3pc bath. Updates incl. windows, roof, furnace & A/C.

TRENDY AND STYLISH 2 STOREY! This move in ready 3 BR freehold townhome is in super clean condition & features incredible space plus fin. basement, bright master bedrm w/ensuite & walk in closet, wonderful size kitchen, oak stair case & is located across from Seabreeze Park.

GARAGE DREAM & LOCATION! Walk to Mountain Brow Park, Juravinski Hospital, shopping on Concession St., & mtn access. Loads of updates include windows, shingles, garage door, & C/A. Big dbl garage with concrete floor and hydro.

One bedroom used as dining rm (wall still there).

$1368.17 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1289.97 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

1074.91 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$938.05 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

YS A D 0 IN 3 D L O S

YER U B TA TO G

Hamilton mtn $199,900 2-15 Derby Street

Hamilton mtn $234,900 830 Upper Wellington Street

Hamilton Ctr $154,900 38 Stirton Street

Hamilton mtn $199,900 60 East 24th Street

1284 sq.ft. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouse w/a fully fenced yard. Updated roof (‘08), windows (‘06), fence & garage door (‘11). No carpet, all parquet flooring. All appliances included, electrical on breakers, huge master with walk-in closet and ensuite.

Large principle rooms, big garage with hydro, long driveway. Loads of updates! Updates include: bathroom, kitchen, and some flooring. Huge family room with big windows overlooking yard. Lots of storage in crawl space.

Walkup from bsmt to nice yard.

Wonderful big family home! 2.5 storey, move in condition.

Huge family sized Oak kitchen with walkout to party deck, front drive or rear parking if needed, beautiful hardwood floors, 4 or 5 bedrooms, new boiler in 2011 and very clean.

Big 4 BR home located on the mountain. This home features a main flr BR, family rm, LR/DR & a lrg eat in kitch.

Updates incl: roof ‘11, most windows ‘10, C/A ‘08, furnace ‘07, 1.5 baths, & has been freshly painted. Lrg 34.29 x 133 lot. Parking in front & rear drive for 5 vehicles.

solD

$918.50 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$605.69 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$781.64 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

Hamilton Ctr $189,900 11 Greenaway Ave

stonEy CrEEk $599,900 46 Lake Avenue Drive

Hamilton WEst $319,900 230 Bowman Street

Hamilton mtn $345,900 23 Vineberg Drive

Beautiful all brick 2.5 storey single family home.

Features 5 bedrooms & lots of possibilities! Newer hardwd flrs, updated kitch & baths, clean & fresh décor, nothing to do but move in! Includes single garage w/lots of parking & close to public transit.

CLASSIC HOME! Double brick home sitting on 107.5 x 390.25 ft lot and features original hardwd floors & trim, new bathroom on 2nd level, finished loft w/plumbing, complete house re- wired w/200 amp service, copper plumbing, 63 new windows, 35x19 ft 3 car garage, Zoning MR1.

Fantastic Location! 3+1 BRs, 1 1/2 baths, new roof May 2012, new front porch, updated water line, bath tub reglazed, new toilet, orig. hardwd flrs, single car detached garage w/parking for 2 cars. Tenanted until August 31, 2012.

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.

$742.54 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

2345.72 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1250.87 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

1352.53 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

WATERFRONT

Hamilton WEst $399,900 220 Queen Street South

Hamilton East $499,900 711 Beach Blvd.

stonEy CrEEk $419,900 5 Sandy Drive

Hamilton Ctr $224,900 68 Holton Avenue South

Charm & Character best describes this 3 bedrm beauty with fully finished basement ideal for in-law set up, features gorgeous hardwood, new kitchen & baths, vinyl windows, close to trendy lock st. Bay front & downtown shopping.

Live on the beach! Solid home on the Hamilton beach with a 2 bedroom self-contained unit. Separate entrance and furnace. Gorgeous sunroom with amazing view of the lake.

Huge fenced yard, big drive way & large principle rooms.

Minuts from Spencer Smith Park and Joseph Brant Hospital.

Prestigious 4 bdrm 2700 sqft 2 storey. Grand foyer with oak staircase, kitch w/large island & built in appliances, hardwd in formal dining rm, updated carpet & under pad in all bedrooms, family room with showcase fireplace, master bedroom w/ensuite & large walk in closet

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

$1563.68 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1954.70 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

1641.88 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$879.40 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

Call Today 905-575-7700

MarketWatch July 1 2012 30/06/12 2:44 PM Page 6

Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

July 4, 2012

Canadians are Richer than They Think It seems every day Canadians awake to another sober message from a bank economist or cabinet minister – one part scolding, one part warning, all very serious. We are spending too much relative to our earnings. We are overextending ourselves when we buy houses, and we are even taking on more debt than our supposedly more spendthrift American cousins.

The priests of commerce are telling us we are sinners.

But lurking behind the dire headlines about consumer debt and our creeping profligacy is a strange new reality: The average Canadian has quietly become richer than the average American. Over the past five years, net worth per Canadian household has exceeded net worth per American household (total combined value of liquid and real estate assets minus debt) for the first time.

Currently, the average Canadian household is more than $40,000 richer than the average American household. (According to the latest Environics Analytics WealthScapes data, the average household net worth in Canada was $363,202 in 2011; in the U.S. it was $319,970.) And these are not 60-cent dollars, but Canadian dollars more or less at par with the U.S. greenback. Furthermore, these figures ignore public-sector (government) debt that presumably people on both sides of the border or their children will some day have to pay. Such debt is higher in the U.S. as a percentage of GDP than it is in Canada.

Has Canada experienced a sudden surge of productivity or entrepreneurial genius? Not exactly. Our resource sector is certainly firing on

all cylinders, but the biggest reasons for Canadians’ deep pockets relative to Americans’ in recent years are the related phenomena of the 2008 economic crisis and the collapse of the U.S. housing market. Because house prices in the U.S. have plunged, the real estate held by Canadians is now much more valuable than that held by Americans (worth over $140,000 more on average). In fact, Canadians hold more than twice as much real estate as Americans and, once mortgages are factored in, have almost four times as much remaining equity in their real estate. Americans’ liquid (non-real estate) assets are still greater than Canadians’.

But if we cannot take full credit for our greater wealth on paper, nor should we be too badly excoriated for our greater levels of household debt.

Consumer confidence north of the border has been justifiably stronger.

(Hard-hit Americans are, reasonably,

more fearful.) More Canadians also simply have increased room to borrow; Americans are more maxed out – not least on those cumbersome mortgages.

Canadians have traditionally been the cautious, fiscally conservative society, watching American economic dynamism from a safe remove (and subsisting on a small cut of the branch-plant spoils). For us, paying off the mortgage was once the equivalent of forgiveness for our acquisitive sins. Our public policies were more prudent than the U.S. policy of allowing home owners to deduct the interest on mortgage debt. Canadian leaders rejected mortgage interest deductibility and fortunately Canadians only briefly embraced the subprime mortgages that are still a huge factor in Americans’ fiscal woes.

A decade and a half ago, our lead-

ers fretted about “brain drain” as some of our best young grads migrated south toward the land of opportunity instead of settling for our safer economic landscape – with more unions, more government security blankets (like medicare and public pensions) and, of course, higher taxes and more regulation. But after the 2008 crisis, when U.S. financial institutions went from dynamic to dangerous, the drab safety of Canadian fiscal conservatism began to cut a more pleasing figure.

For the moment, it seems that the risk-averse Canadian tortoise has the lead in the race against the risk-taking American hare, who has singed his feet on his rocket pack. How Canadians will respond to this at the household level remains to be seen.

Are we naively careering toward American-style (pre-crash) financial behaviour with loaded credit cards, second and third mortgages, and a lax approach to savings in a headlong pursuit of materialism, hedonistic pleasures, and instant gratification?

Or does it say something about our abiding national character that we have so many sober souls in positions of power who will mete out regular scoldings like the clergy in pulpits of old and do things like change our mortgage rules to protect us from ourselves?

Michael Adams The Globe and Mail Michael Adams is president of the Environics Institute and the author of Fire and Ice: The United States, Canada, and the Myth of Converging Values.

What is the Existing Homeowner Title Insurance Policy?

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nsuring the ownership of your property (referred to as "title") is just as important as insuring your property and its contents from physical loss or damage.

Traditionally, title insurance was only available on "purchase" transactions and ordered by lawyers/ notaries to save their clients money and protect their ownership or title against losses incurred as a result of undetected or unknown title defects.

Existing Homeowner Title Insurance Policy is for those who already own their home, but did not obtain the protection of title insurance when they first purchased their home.

Why do I need this Policy?

Even if you are the rightful owner of a home, there are instances such as real estate title or mortgage fraud, when your title can come into question. Generally, the losses from real estate title or mortgage fraud are catastrophic with homeowners paying thousands of dollars in legal fees to defend their title, and lenders possibly losing the full amount of their mortgage.

By obtaining an Existing Homeowner Title Insurance Policy, you are purchasing the peace of mind

associated with knowing that your policy contains comprehensive coverage for losses due to many forms of title and mortgage fraud and it includes a duty to defend your title, including paying legal fees.* How does real estate fraud occur?

Real estate frauds take several forms, but a common denominator is that the fraudsters are sophisticated and thanks to modern technology, are armed with the appropriate documentation and necessary knowledge of the real estate process to enable them to perpetrate these major crimes.

The Basics...

Legal ownership in property is evidenced by the title to the property being placed into your name. You obtain title when the vendor of the property signs transfer documents (a deed) transferring the ownership of the property to you. Once this occurs, the government land registration records will reflect you as the owner and anyone searching those records will also recognize you as the owner.

A Typical Example...

A fraud artist obtains title to a property via a fraudulent transfer doc-

ument (a deed).

The fraud artist goes to a bank and obtains the mortgage funds.

The mortgage is then registered against the property.

When the fraud artist does not make any mortgage payments, the lender will serve notice that it intends to sell the property, and the scheme is revealed to the legitimate owner when they receive the notice that the lender is trying to sell their property.

When is the policy effective?

Generally, the policy date is the date the homeowner first purchased the property. Coverage is also extended to heirs who receive your home in the event of your death.

What is the premium?

Title insurance is available for a low premium that is paid only once, and coverage is valid for the entire time you own your home. Your lawyer/ notary and his or her staff would be pleased to go over the premiums with you, and order the policy on your behalf.

What if I need to make a claim?

If you do need to make a claim inquiry, there is no deductible. To make a claim inquiry, you need to

provide evidence in writing that you have suffered losses as a result of a defect covered by the policy. One of our claims associates will then determine if your claim is covered by the policy and will communicate to you the proposed method to resolve your claim.

Protect your investment.

Contact your lawyer / notary to obtain title insurance on your behalf.

Crossword Solution

Call Today 905-575-7700

MarketWatch July 1 2012 30/06/12 2:44 PM Page 7

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MarketWatch July 1 2012 30/06/12 2:44 PM Page 8

Page 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

July 4, 2012

Affordability Factors into Greater Demand for Recreational Property in Markets across the Country this Year

S

ales of recreational product up in 70 per cent of Canadian markets examined.

Canadian recreational property markets have been reinvigorated, with softer values, increased selection, and a rebound in consumer confidence contributing to an upswing in sales in 2012, according to a report released today by RE/MAX. The RE/MAX Recreational Property Report, highlighting trends and developments in 33 markets nationally, found that sales were ahead of last year’s levels in 70 per cent of communities examined, while six per cent were on par with 2011 figures. Greater affordability has been a major impetus, in large part due to rising inventory levels and low interest rates.

Downward trending in starting prices was reported in 49 per cent of markets, while 33 per cent experienced no change.

Nineteen per cent posted an uptick in starting values year-over-year.* “Recovery is still in its early stages, but there are subtle differences on the recreational property front this year,” says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “The gains are more widespread, affecting more markets and regions.

Affordability has provided some serious stimulus, but renewed consumer confidence is the true driver. Buyers will simply not move forward if any doubts exist—economic or otherwise. So the demonstration of confidence we see today bodes well for the future.”

Inventory levels have climbed in virtually all centres, with some shortages noted at entry-level price points. Activity is exceptionally healthy for recreational properties under the $400,000 threshold, while demand for luxury product over $1 million has also seen renewed interest in several markets, particularly as values have moved more in line with current conditions. The mild winter weather also brought purchasers out earlier in the year in many parts of the country.

“While buyers are still cautious, they’re motivated,” says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. “Current market conditions have placed them firmly in the driver’s seat. While the more favourable climate has factored in, activity has also been fuelled by pent-up demand that’s been building since 2008, when many began waiting it out on the sidelines. Opportunity does exist.

Canadians love a good deal, and there’s no question that there are still some to be had in recreational property markets across the country.”

The report found that the changing mix of purchasers has also had an undeniable impact on the current momentum, particularly in Western Canada. Activity among the baby boomer demographic over 60 has softened, compared with years past. Enticing prices in the southern U.S. have played a considerable role in rerouting purchases, but some retirees are returning to their own backyard, as prices north of the border have edged down-

ward. Younger families and first-time buyers have stepped in to fill the void in most markets.

Starter waterfront product (threebedroom, winterized), priced under $350,000, is now offered in 53.5 per cent of all recreational markets, while 58 per cent of recreational centres offer entrylevel properties under $400,000—an improvement over 2011. Value markets were identified as Atlantic Canada, the Laurentians and Eastern Townships in Quebec, more than half of Ontario— inclusive of the coveted Muskokas—as well as Lake Winnipeg, Canmore, Harrison Lake and Comox Valley/Mt. Washington in Western Canada.

The mindset of this year’s buyer pool falls firmly into two camps—those willing to compromise, buying back-row properties off the water (happening in larger numbers—reflective of more young families active at the entry-level), and those who are steadfast in their search for the ideal location. While turnkey product is always the preference, it’s rarely a deal breaker, as renovation activity abounds. Teardowns and custombuilds are occurring where possible, but older, rustic cottages and/or vacant waterfront lots, are becoming increasingly scarce.

“The good news is that there is something for everyone, regardless of budget, in Canadian recreational property markets,” says Sylvain Dansereau, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Québec. “The challenge in the current cli-

mate is balancing expectations with market realities— both on the part of the vendor and the purchaser.

Yet, deals are coming together, and the start to the season has been encouraging. We’ve had false starts in the past, but this has the hallmarks of a market with promising momentum.”

RE/MAX is Canada’s leading real estate organization with nearly 18,900 sales associates situated throughout its more than 720 independently-owned and operated offices in Canada. The RE/MAX network, now in its 38th year, is a global real estate system operating in 87 countries, with close to 6,300 independently-owned offices and over 87,700 member sales associates. RE/MAX realtors lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, and asset management. For more information, visit: www.remax.ca.

For more information: Christine Martysiewicz RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada 905.542.2400

RE/MAX RECREATIONAL PROPERTY REPORT 2012 -- STARTING PRICES FOR RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES 1 Market 2009 2010 2011 2012 ONTARIO Eastern Ontario: n.a. n.a. n.a. $250,000 Barry's Bay/Combermere n.a. $200,000 $300,000 $289,000 Bancroft/Coe Hill $260,000 $235,000 $265,000 $275,000 Apsley $375,000 $400,000 $389,000 $399,000 Kingston $250,000-$270,000 $290,000 $300,000 $250,000 Prince Edward County $200,000-$250,000 $200,000 -$250,000 $300,000 $265,000 -$300,000 West Kawarthas $400,000 $400,000 $450,000 $400,000 -$500,000 East Kawarthas $195,000 $225,000 $300,000 $300,000 Lake Simcoe/Lake Couchiching: Beaverton $300,000 $375,000 $300,000 $329,000 Lagoon City $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 Innisfil to Oro $500,000 $520,000 -$530,000 $520,000 -$530,000 $520,000 -$530,000 Orillia $425,000 $430,000 $440,000 $450,000 Flesherton $400,000 $389,000 $400,000 $400,000 Georgian Bay: Wasaga Beach 2 $525,000 $570,000 $640,000 $640,000 Midland/Penetang/Tiny/Tay $500,000 $550,000 $500,000 -$600,000 $450,000 -$500,000 Collingwood $390,000 -$550,000 $600,000 $600,000 $600,000 Honey Harbour/Port Severn $400,000 -$425,000 $450,000 $450,000 $375,000 Muskoka/Haliburton: Haliburton $240,000 -$350,000 $350,000 $325,000 $240,000 -$250,000 Huntsville, Lake of Bays $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 $300,000 Bracebridge, Gravenhurst $350,000 -$400,000 $325,000 $325,000 -$350,000 $325,000 -$350,000 Bala/Port Carling $450,000 $450,000 $500,000 -$550,000 $650,000 Parry Sound $185,000 $219,900 $225,000 $225,000 Elliot Lake $225,000 $215,000 $215,000 $194,0006 Lake Huron: Sauble Beach/Bruce Peninsula $350,000 $350,000 $350,000 $330,000 Port Elgin/Southampton $450,000 $450,000 $450,000 $475,000 Grand Bend $400,000 $425,000 $475,000 $425,000 Source: RE/MAX 1 Starting price for a three-bedroom, winterized recreational property on a standard-sized waterfront lot. 2 Beachfront property.

www.golfiteam.com

MarketWatch July 1 2012 30/06/12 2:48 PM Page 9

July 4, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 9

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

Grimsby $479,900 288 Kemp Rd. W

bEamsvillE $424,900 4841 John Street

Grimsby $338,000 382 Kerman Avenue

Grimsby $359,900 82 Griffith Drive

Unique property zoned for priv. club recreational use; suitable for many types of organizations on priv. 25 acres of land w/mutual picnic area. Banquet/dance hall 2500 sq. ft with 12’ ceilings, FP, full kit facilities, bar area, coat check, bthrms & spacious bsmt for storage.

NEW HOUSE BUT BETTER! Features 9’ ceilings, gorgeous open stair case, wonderful family size kitchen with 8ft patio and sliding doors leading to 12x24 ft deck with hot tub and fence yard, oversized family room with showcase gas fireplace, and finished basement.

ULTIMATE LIVING! Private master bedroom with updated ensuite bathroom and heated floors, new furnace and C/air, hardwood floors, mostly all updated vinyl windows, garden doors leading to covered porch with hot tub, beautiful picturesque private back yard and quick access to QEW.

A PLACE WITH SPACE! 11 yrs new, beautifully maintained 3 bedrm home features kitchen refaced with breakfast island, showcase fireplace in sunken family rm, hardwd & ceramic flrs, freshly painted, ensuite bath & walk in closet, fenced yard.

$1876.49 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1661.43 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1321.64 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1407.27 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

Grimsby $174,900 17 Lakeview Street

bEamsvillE $324,900 4034 Barry Drive

SMALL, BUT SPECTACULAR! Cozy 3 bedrm bungalow sitting on 50x116 ft lot. In fantastic neighborhood close to the lake. Features new shingles 5 yrs, mostly vinyl windows, maintenance free exterior.

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

$683.89 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1239.14 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

Grimsby $349,900 81 Colonial Crescent 3 bed home features open main floor plan, Jewel stone finish flooring in liv/din room, hardwood & walk out to backyard oasis, oversized deck, above ground pool & views of the Escarpment. Basement is fully finished with a 3 pc bath. $1368.17 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

Grimsby $474,900 53 Sumner Crescent DYNAMITE DEAL IN GRIMSBY! 5 BR home including laundry rm, all on second flr. Features gorgeous hardwood floors, grand foyer w/oak spiral staircase, maple kitchen cabinets, rich hotel style ensuite bath w/glass enclosed shower, & a professionally finished basement w/9ft ceilings.

stEvEnsvillE $254,900 3669 Carver Street Beautifully maintained 7 yr old, 2 BR bungalow. Large open concept living room/dining room w/cathedral ceilings complete with a home office/den. Completely finished basement w/corner gas fireplace, wet bar and a 2 piece bathroom. Loads of upgrades.

bEamsvillE $419,900 4844 Northgate Crescent LAVISH TOP TO BOTTOM! 2400 sqft. of luxury this 4 bdrm home features gorgeous hardwood, main flr laundry, oak staircase w/balcony overlooking great rm, crown mouldings, over sized maple kitchen w/granite & island, ,RI-bath in basement, $1000s in upgrades, shows like a dream! $1587.14 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$996.70 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

st. CatHarinEs $274,900 15 Lakeside Drive, Unit 41

smitHvillE $469,900 14 Sarah Crescent

2 BR townhome w/amazing views of the lake. Resort style living. Lrg eat-in kitch, formal DR, LR w/corner gas FP. Hardwd in DR/LR & new hardwd in the master BR. Beautifully decorated, inground pool, lrg courtyard, priv. deck off patio doors, lower level is finished.

Station Meadows Beauty. 2600 sq ft, 4 bdrm. Incl main laundry, soaring ceilings in the main flr family rm, oversized eat-in kitc & w/o to deck & pool-sized yard. Basement fin w/ rec room & additional rms for bedrms or office

1074.91 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1837.39 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1856.94 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

IN-LAW SETUP

ICE R P LIST F O 97% R O F SOLD Grimsby $379,900 15 Tamarack Court

vinElanD $289,900 3380 Dustan Street

WEst linColn $319,900 9407 Silver Street

bEamsvillE $284,900 4503 Dufferin Avenue

Outstanding & immaculate home on a quiet crescent with escarpment views! Features 2000 sqft. of beauty, spacious kitchen w/patio doors leading to landscaped & private fenced yard, family rm w/hardwd flrs, large sun filled master suite w/walk-in closet and ensuite bath.

Cozy and stylish bungalow in peaceful lakefront community with access to beautiful walking paths, waterfront clubhouse & beach! Open concept living features 9ft ceilings, 2 full bathrms, large kitchen w/patio doors leading to back yard deck, main flr ldry.

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

Raised Ranch with 4+1 bedrms ideal for in-law setup, double garage, walk out from finished basement, renovated kitchen with oak cabinets, island with granite counter, new C/air 2011, shingles 2005. All vinyl windows, great neighborhood.

$1485.48 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

solD

$1250.87 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1078.62 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

DUPLEX

Grimsby $168,999 49 Ontario Street, Unit#14

Grimsby $649,900 7 Chestnut Drive

Grimsby $249,900 15 Adelaide Street

smitHvillE $399,900 146 Rock Street

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

PURE LUXURY! Over 3000 sqft. flourished w/upgrades, lrg kitch w/Caesar stone throughout, hardwd in great rm & dining rm, lrg master bedrm w/upgraded ensuite w/oversized glass shower, 2 stainless steel gas fireplaces, oak handrails w/aluminum spindles, 9 ft ceilings.

Fantastic Investment Opportunity, Duplex within the downtown core. 2 bedrm unit on main level & 1 bedroom unit on upper level. Gross income of $1885/mth. Includes large double car garage, shingles approx 4 yrs new, and new furnace 2011. Please allow 24 Hrs for showings.

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.

$639.82 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$2460.50 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$946.11 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1514.01 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

Call Today 905-945-0188

MarketWatch July 1 2012 30/06/12 2:48 PM Page 10

Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

July 4, 2012

Marketplace Tree Inspection - Disease Diagnosis Ornamental & Shade Tree Pruning Tree Surgery & Cabling Tree & Stump Removal Tree & Shrub Fertilization

Skid Steer Services Available Attachments Available Backhoe Post Hole Auger Tree Spade

Jeff Green Certified Arborist

Bus: 905-957-5818 Cell: 905-516-0640

real Estate lawyer

Paul lewis settimi

Barrister, Solicitor and Notary Public 8 Main Street East, Suite 303 Hamilton, Ontario L8N 1E8 Bus: 905-527-0808 Fax: 905-527-0774

20 Main Street West Grimsby, Ontario L3M 1R4 Bus: 289-235-7500 Fax: 905-527-0774

paul.settimi@cogeco.net

DAVID COOPER Owner

BUDGET BLINDS OF G RIMSBY

Custom Made Wrought Iron • Railings • Fences • Gates • Spiral Staircases • New Modular Fencing • Pool Enclosures and more!

SERVING GRIMSBY, STONEY CREEK & Hamilton

905.309.0909 Shutters, Wood Blinds, Draperies and more!

An Independently Owned and Operated Franchise

dcooper@budgetblinds.com www.facebook.com/BudgetBlindsGrimsby www.twitter.com/BudgetBlindsGRM www.budgetblinds.com/Grimsby

10 Davidson St. • Unit 1 • St. Catharines • CALL 905.708.0069 www.dreamironworks.com

Brochures • Flyers • Booklets • Catalogues • Posters • Cards • Calendars

TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF MOVING! David Ryback Regional Sales Manager

t: 905.573.2502

32 Keefer Court, Hamilton ON L8E 4V4 tf: 1.800.265.0134 e: info@aulwardgraphics.com

Hamilton: 905-573-8776 Grimsby: 905-945-5540 www.harveymoving.com david@harveymoving.com

www.aulwardgraphics.com

Hardwood Floor Refinishing Jacqueline Paradisi The Quick, No-Sanding Solution for Beautiful Hardwood Floors

www.MrSandless.com

HOME STAGING

1-877-955-9663 • 905-304-3380 • hamilton@mrsandless.com

Advertise Here For information on advertising in the market Watch, contact

Rose Magro

email: rosaliemagro@yahoo.ca cell: 905-745-0122

www.golfiteam.com

MarketWatch July 1 2012 30/06/12 2:48 PM Page 11

July 4, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

Better Looking Floors create more Desirable Home

W

hen a prospective buyer views your home, one of the major considerations is the appearance and condition of your floors or floor coverings.

Replacing older, worn carpets represents a significant cost as well as a health concern with those suffering respiratory problems.

Wooden floors, in an unacceptable condition are seen as being costly to refinish by traditional sanding methods or as an even more costly outlay if the floors are replaced. Even if the cost of the above alternatives is acceptable, the time it takes to complete them can adversely impact on the purchaser’s move-in date. With your home on the market, the above

considerations can adversely affect the time your home is on the market as well as the offers tendered.

Mr. Sandless offers a revolutionary method to refinish your floors without all the difficulties of sanding.

Using a process like traditional screening, but with a non-toxic solution, the Mr. Sandless service can prepare the floors in a much better way than a light sanding can. At the same time, there is no odour, no cleanup whatsoever, and no disruption or noise to deal with. Its completely “GREEN CERTIFIED” service is completed in just hours. Each floor that is refinished is sealed with multiple coats of its trade secret commercial sealer and finish for years of

durability and a better overall look than urethane. Its finishes offer you three sheens: matte, satin (semi gloss) or high-gloss. Mr. Sandless also offers a range of services for every type of wooden floor, from carpet removal to trim replacement. Its service can even be used on laminate and composite floors.

When it comes to “century” homes, Mr. Sandless can help. The purchasers of these older, classic homes want the look and feel that reflects the fine workmanship and attention to detail reflected in the home. They want the floors to display the “patina” that has developed over the last 100-plus years. Additionally, they want to have the sheen and

appearance of a well-maintained floor. Mr. Sandless’ non-sanding service allows their desires to be met.

Using the same methodology that the company uses on floors, it can also be applied to refinish the trim and panelling typically found in this type of home.

Mr. Sandless is a trusted name in the industry and has appeared on HGTV and recently repaired and refinished one of the main public rooms in Casa Loma.

BEFORE (Parquet)

AFTER (Parquet)

BEFORE (Hardwood)

AFTER (Hardwood)

For further information, visit Mr. Sandless on YouTube.com or at www.mrsandless.com.

289-969-6532

RECEIVE A STAINLESS STEEL UNDER MOUNT SINK & A FREE UPGRADED EDGE! *Minimum of 40 square feet, no cash value, 1 gift certificate per household.

Must present this post card at time of ordering.

Contract must be signed before June 31, 2012, in order to redeem certificate.

Some restrictions may apply.

MER M U S IAL SP E C

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TO MEET WITH A MEMBER OF OUR FRIENDLY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE SALES TEAM

Call Today 905-945-0188

MarketWatch July 1 2012 30/06/12 2:48 PM Page 12