June 19, 2012 Issue 50

MarketWatch June 15 2012 16/06/12 3:43 PM Page 1

June 19, 2012 - Vol 40b

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

The RE/MAX Balloon is Coming to Grimsby for the Golfi Team’s MOVIE NIGHT EVENT! Detail on Page 12 (weather permitting)

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 June 15 2012 16/06/12 3:43 PM Page 2

Page 2

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

How to Avoid Renting to a Tenant from Hell

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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Moving in: Most tenants won’t give any trouble...

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recent Toronto Star story exposed a problem tenant who was successful in abusing the Ontario landlord and tenant process to avoid paying rent. It can take landlords up to nine months to evict these types of ‘professional’ tenants.

However, it would be wrong to paint all tenants with the same brush. Over 95 per cent of Ontario tenants pay their rent on time and take care of their rental units.

For every problem tenant, there are also problem landlords who do not properly maintain their buildings.

Here is how landlords and tenants can avoid problems: Qualify your tenant in advance • When you advertise for a tenant, make it clear that you will be doing a credit check and checking personal references. This will assist in discouraging potential scammers.

• Ask for a pay stub or banking information. Make sure that the proposed tenant makes regular deposits into their bank account, to prove steady employment.

• Call references to make sure they check out • Google the tenant’s name to see if their social media information is the same as that on your rental application • Make sure the address on their driver’s license matches where they say they live now.

• Join a service such as tenantverification.com to check a tenant’s credit • Have the tenant pay for utilities, if separately metered. They will have to pass the credit check of the utility company as well.

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

Treat tenants with respect Successful investors understand that tenants are your silent partners. They are a source of income and are looking after your investment. When you treat them with respect, and show appreciation, they will also take better care of your building.

Something as simple as a gift card can go a long way. When the tenants leave, if they have been a model tenant, why not award them with a certificate of superior tenancy, to show your appreciation. This might help them find another unit, especially if they have other credit problems.

If things go wrong, it is better to make a deal Sometimes bad things happen. A tenant loses their job and even though they would like to pay the rent, they can’t.

Instead of rushing to the landlord and tenant board, which takes time and results in hard feelings, try to work it out. Perhaps offer to help the tenant move back with relatives and forgive part or all of the back rent owed, in exchange for the tenant leaving early. Let the tenant know that if they agree, you will also not notify the credit bureau about this and ruin their credit rating.

The landlord can then write off the amount owing and find another tenant to take over the unit. Also, when a deal is made, the tenant is likely not to damage the unit when they leave, which is what usually happens when things end badly.

Tenants, also show appreciation to those landlords who do properly look after your buildings. Don’t change the locks without permission, or permit visitors to damage anything on the property.

When landlords and tenants work together, everyone wins.

Mark Weisleder is a Toronto real estate lawyer. Contact Mark at mark@markweisleder.com

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MarketWatch June 15 2012 16/06/12 3:43 PM Page 3

June 19, 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 June 15 2012 16/06/12 3:43 PM Page 4

Page 4

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

June 19, 2012

Canadian Housing Market Expected to Moderate

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TTAWA, June 14, 2012 — Both new and existing home market activity are expected to moderate through the end of 2012, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) second quarter 2012 Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition1.

“Housing has gained some momentum recently. Housing starts in the early part of the year were robust due to the multiples segment, which varies significantly from month to month. Although economic conditions are expected to remain supportive of housing demand, housing starts activity is expected to moderate as 2012 progresses,” said

Mathieu Laberge, Deputy Chief Economist for CMHC. “Similarly, balanced market conditions in the existing home market will result in modest house price gains through to the end of the year,” added Laberge.

On an annual basis, housing starts will be in the range of 182,300 to 220,600 units in 2012, with a point forecast of 202,700 units. In 2013, housing starts will be in the range of 175,100 to 213,500 units, with a point forecast of 195,700 units.

Existing home sales will be in the range of 431,200 to 516,100 units in 2012, with a point forecast of 472,300 units. In 2013, MLS®2 sales are expected

to move up in the range of 431,300 to 522,400 units, with a point forecast of 474,900 units.

The average MLS® price is forecast to be between $341,100 and $406,700 in 2012 and between $346,000 and $419,900 in 2013. CMHC’s point forecast for the average MLS® price is $372,700 for 2012 and $383,600 for 2013. The moderate increases in the average MLS® price, of 2 to 3 per cent, are consistent with the balanced market conditions that are expected to continue in 2012 and 2013.

As Canada's national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 65 years of experience to help Canadians

access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable housing solutions. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making informed decisions.

CMHC Market Analysis standard reports are available free for download at http://www.cmhc.ca/housingmarketinformation.

1 The forecasts included in the Housing Market Outlook reflect information available as of April 27, 2012. Where applicable, forecast ranges are also presented in order to reflect financial and economic uncertainty.

2 Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) is a registered trademark owned by the Canadian Real Estate Association.

Check Out Our New Website View any of the listings in this publication at

www.GolfiTeam.com Extra pictures, More details!

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MarketWatch June 15 2012 16/06/12 3:43 PM Page 5

June 19, 2012

Rob Golfi*

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

STONey Creek $349,999 161 Halifax Street

STONey Creek $344,900 134 Cove Crescent

STONey Creek $274,900 82 Whitefish Crescent

STONey Creek $219,900 216 Gray Road

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 above, 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 finished basement, bright master bedrm w/ensuite & walk in closet, wonderful size kitchen, oak stair case & is located across from Seabreeze Park.

Beautifully maintained 3 BR home ready to move in. Features main flr ldry, main flr family rm, all vinyl windows, updated kit w/ceramics, refinished hrdwd flrs, updated copper wiring, new shingles ‘03, lots of parking, close to schools, & shopping.

HAMILTON MTN $234,900 830 Upper Wellington Street

HAMILTON CTr $154,900 38 Stirton Street

HAMILTON MTN $199,900 60 East 24th Street

HAMILTON MTN $239,900 22 East 39th

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.

GARAGE DREAM & LOCATION! Walk to Mountain Brow Park, Juravinski Hospital, shopping on Concession St., and mountain 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).

WATERFRONT

YER U B GTA O T D SOL STONey Creek $599,900 92 Fifty Road

HAMILTON eAST $499,900 711 Beach Blvd.

STONey Creek $599,900 46 Lake Avenue Drive

HAMILTON CTr $189,900 11 Greenaway Ave

Nature's paradise with perfect view! Gorgeous 1acre side split sitting on the bench of Niagara Escarpment. Gleaming hardwood flrs, large, custom maple kitchen with granite counter tops, 6 bedrms with in-flr heating, 4 bthrms, steel roof, new windows, doors & much more. Call today!

Live on the beach! Solid home on the Hamilton beach with a 2 bedroom self contained unit. Separate entrance and furnace. Gorgeous sun room with an amazing view of the lake. Huge fenced in yard, big drive way and large principle rooms. Minutes from Spencer Smith park and Joseph Brant Hospital.

ULTIMATE 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

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.

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AYS D 0 IN 3

HAMILTON WeST $399,900 220 Queen Street South

HAMILTON CTr $149,900 228 McAnulty Boulevard

HAMILTON WeST $319,900 230 Bowman Street

HAMILTON MTN $199,900 2-15 Derby Street

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

Nothing to do but move in! 2 BR bungalow freshly painted & updated. New flring throughout main flr, shingles ‘11, attic insulated w/R-50 insulation, new siding ‘10, basement insulated w/R-12 to R-20 insulation, kitch updated ‘12, bathrm updated ‘12 & much more take a look.

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.

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.

ICE R P LIST F O % R 99 O F SOLD STONey Creek $419,900 5 Sandy Drive

HAMILTON MTN $345,900 23 Vineberg Drive

HAMILTON MTN $319,900 14 Rowan Court

HAMILTON CTr $229,900 68 Holton Avenue South

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

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.

Court location. Updates include roof, garage door, hardwood floor, gas fireplace, downstairs bathroom, furnace and A/C, most windows, front entry door, concrete pad with shed.

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.

Call Today 905-575-7700

MarketWatch June 15 2012 16/06/12 3:43 PM Page 6

Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

June 19, 2012

Home Inspector Liable for Cost of Removing Mould

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recent court ruling found a home inspector liable for the cost of removing mould from

a house.

The inspector did not find any mould during his inspection, but the owner had a mould allergy and after she took possession there were problems. She sued and a judge ruled that the inspector should have suspected mould based on his review of the premises.

The ruling highlights the importance of checking or identifying mould, especially in older homes.

Here is what happened: Glenda and Jennifer Halliwell bought an 80 year old home on Dufferin St. in Toronto in 2006. Glenda told her real estate agent that she was allergic to mould. The agent referred her to a home inspector who found no evidence of a leaky roof or basement and so nobody suspected any problem. The inspector said in his report that the exterior brickwork concrete at the base of the home near the driveway needed repair, as did sections of the driveway itself, but you could probably find this in most old homes.

The report had a standard limited liability clause which meant that if the inspector made a mistake, the most the buyer could expect would be the cost of the report. This clause is common in most home inspection reports, mostly due to the fact that the inspector can’t look behind walls or under floors.

The Halliwells bought the house and within three months after closing, moisture, mould and mildew presented prob-

lems for the allergic Ms. Halliwell. They sued the seller, the home inspector and the real estate agent for the cost to fix the problem.

In court, it was revealed that the seller had lived in the house for six years and the house was leak-free. There was no evidence that he tried to cover anything up by building a wall or repainting the basement walls.

In a decision in January, 2011, the judge decided that the inspector should have known that the damaged concrete and driveway at the front of the home could result in leaks to the foundation which could eventually cause mould, which would be especially problematic for someone who was allergic to it.

The judge decided that the home

inspector should pay 50 per cent of the buyer’s loss. Even though there was a limitation of liability clause, the judge accepted the evidence of Ms. Halliwell that it was not explained to her so it had no effect. The judge also decided that the buyer’s real estate agent was 25 per cent responsible for the loss, saying that the agent should have also read the inspection report and come to the same conclusion about the possibility of mould occurring. The buyers were found to be 25 per cent responsible for not reading the report themselves. The sellers were not responsible because they did not know about any leaking.

Everyone appealed. In a decision released last month, Ontario appeal court judges decided that the home inspector

should pay all of the loss. It was too much to ask a real estate agent or a buyer to make the connection that defects in the concrete and driveway at the front of the house could somehow later lead to mould.

I think the buyers were fortunate in the case that the court found that the inspector did not properly explain the limitation of liability clause.

Real estate agents are not general contractors, and should not be expected to provide this type of advice to buyers.

Still, agents should be suspicious if there is any visible slope in the floor, cracks in the walls or water stains. In addition, any time the seller has done recent renovations or paint jobs, it could be that the sellers are trying to hide an old problem.

In all cases, buyers should be warned to conduct detailed home inspections to satisfy these concerns.

Mould is becoming a serious issue for buyers. It can cause illness if one is exposed to it over an extended period of time and costs a lot to remove. The problem was that testing for mould once cost over $1,000.

Now companies such as Tristar Disaster Recovery with offices in Hamilton, Toronto and Waterloo, can conduct tests for mould for as low as $250, and can assist homeowners with removing mould as well. Since most homes for sale in the GTA are over 50 years’ old, a mould test should be mandatory for every buyer.

Mark Weisleder is a real estate lawyer. Contact him at mark@markweisleder.com

Year-to-Date Statistics Based on sales data on all home sales from May 2011 vs May 2012, P R E S E N T E D

B Y

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T E A M

REALTORS Association of Hamilton-Burlington AREA

YTD Comparison May 2012 / May 2011

Listed YTD

Expired YTD

Sold YTD

Average Selling Price

Average Days on Market

Selling % of List Price

ANCASTER (DISTRICT 42)

2012 2011

357 387

55 55

228 233

$451,249 $436,232

47 55

98% 97%

BURLINGTON (DIST. 30 to 36 & 38)

2012 2011

1917 1926

109 131

1499 1496

$453,643 $409,085

29 36

99% 98%

DUNDAS (DISTRICT 41)

2012 2011

187 198

20 25

172 146

$365,526 $347,038

55 44

98% 98%

GLANBROOK (DISTRICT 53)

2012 2011

245 239

28 35

160 151

$338,649 $316,121

52 55

98% 97%

GRIMSBY (DISTRICT 54,55)

2012 2011

257 261

37 34

183 176

$334,433 $317,654

54 67

97% 97%

HAMILTON EAST (DIST. 23,24,27,28,29)

2012 2011

460 494

61 67

375 327

$197,739 $186,994

46 49

97% 96%

HAMILTON MTN (DIST. 15,16,17,18,25,26)

2012 2011

1049 1107

127 122

832 767

$266,338 $249,946

41 45

98% 97%

HAMILTON CTRL (DIST. 13,14,20,21,22)

2012 2011

647 707

136 169

475 443

$160,395 $153,707

47 54

97% 96%

WEST LINCOLN (DISTRICT 56,58)

2012 2011

50 47

7 11

29 23

$364,555 $313,822

74 97

97% 95%

SMITHVILLE (DISTRICT 57)

2012 2011

56 51

11 16

33 32

$274,648 $242,314

69 76

97% 98%

STONEY CRK (DISTRICT 50,51,52)

2012 2011

603 617

81 76

463 385

$313,351 $296,534

49 58

98% 97%

Call Today 905-575-7700

MarketWatch June 15 2012 16/06/12 3:43 PM Page 7

June 19, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

Canadian Households’ Debt hits another Record

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ccording to StatsCan, households carry record debt as world braces for eurozone ripples.

Canadian households were worth more in the first three months of this year.

But they also owed more. And their disposable incomes didn’t rise fast enough to keep pace with their growing debt load.

This widely quoted measure of Canadians’ debt loads hit a record high even as policy makers warned consumers to curb borrowing.

Canadian households’ ratio of debt to disposable income climbed back into record territory in the first quarter, Statistics Canada said Friday.

After falling slightly at the end of last year to 150.5 per cent, the ratio rose to 152 per cent in the first quarter, the agency said.

That means that for every dollar Canadian households earned, they owed $1.52 in debt on average. The ratio is

considered a proxy for consumers’ ability to repay their debts.

The data comes a day after the Bank of Canada warned a financial shock wave in Europe could push some Canadian households over the edge if it led to a global economic slowdown and a rise in unemployment.

With record low interest rates set to eventually climb back to more historically normal levels, central bank governor Mark Carney has been warning Canadian households for some time to rein in their borrowing.

It appears Canadian lenders have been heeding the message, TD Bank economist Diana Petramala wrote in a note to clients.

The rate of household debt growth slowed to 0.9 per cent over the previous quarter. It’s now up just 5.8 per cent over last year, the lowest pace since 2001, Petramala wrote.

But incomes grew at an even slower

rate, up a “measly 2.3 per cent” over last year, Petramala noted.

“The slowdown in household credit can likely be chalked up to tighter borrowing regulations put in place by the federal government in early 2010 and 2011, rather than households taking a responsible attitude toward debt accumulation,” Petramala speculated.

Calling the level of household debt “excessive,” she warned Canadians were coming perilously close to the 160 per cent level that pushed many U.S. and U.K. households over the edge.

Canadians can no longer count on rapidly rising real estate and stock market prices to do the saving for them, she added.

Canadian households’ net worth rose to a record $6.5 trillion, or $185,800 on average. That’s up 1.8 per cent over the previous quarter.

Year over year, net worth rose just 2.6 per cent, the lowest increase since the

recession of 2008, Petramala said.

On a positive note, with the debt crisis in Europe continuing to threaten to slow the global economy, Canada’s central bank is unlikely to raise its trend-setting interest rate any time soon, said Richard Goyder, vice-president, personal lending, at RBC. Recent sharp gains in employment — the economy created 140,000 new jobs in March and April — also mean households’ disposable income should improve, Goyder said.

“We’ve seen the levels of personal debt continuing to rise, though the rate of that rise has continued to slow as well.

That, combined with the continued delays in rate rises from the Bank of Canada, means the servicing cost of this debt remains very manageable for Canadians,” Goyder said.

Torstar News

Home evaluation No Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today!

905-575-7700 / 905-945-0188 Crossword Puzzle (Solution on Page 4)

Across 1 3 9 10 11 12 14 17 19 22 23 24 25

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Solitary (8) Someone from outer space?

(5) Brilliantly clever (13) Ahead of schedule (5) Keepsake (7) Small drink of alcohol (4) Hold together (6) Appraised (8) Eighth sign of the zodiac (7) Spry (6) Adjust finely (5) Reside (5) Wound with a dagger (4)

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MarketWatch June 15 2012 16/06/12 3:43 PM Page 8

Page 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Rob Golfi*

June 19, 2012

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara RICE P T LIS F O 00% 1 R FO SOLD

WATERFRONT

GrIMSBy $474,900 53 Sumner Crescent

GrIMSBy $349,900 81 Colonial Crescent

BeAMSVILLe $419,900 4844 Northgate 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 with 9’ ceilings.

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.

LAVISH FROM 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, ,R-I-bath in basement, $1000s in upgrades, shows like a dream!

DUPLEX

GrIMSBy

$1,499,900 143 Lake Street

Fabulous waterfront property! Custom built, 3000 sq ft home with lake views from every room.

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

FERS F O PLE I T L MU H T I W SOLD

GrIMSBy $244,900 15 Adelaide Street

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

SMITHVILLe $399,900 146 Rock Street

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.

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.

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.

AMAZING SPACE IN THIS FABULOUS 2 STOREY! This open and inviting floor plan is 11yrs new w/2168 sq.ft. and features kitchen with butler’s pantry to dining room, grand foyer with oak stair case, hardwood floors in family room with show case fireplace, cozy covered front porch, fully landscaped, & quick access to QEW.

GrIMSBy

$419,900 32 Elgin Street

YER U B ASH C R U TO O

ICE R P LIST F O % R 98 O F SOLD

GrIMSBy $459,900 391 Kerman Avenue

GrIMSBy $247,900 176 Livingston Ave, Unit #4

GrIMSBy $649,900 7 Chestnut Drive

GrIMSBy $379,900 15 Tamarack Court

3 BR townhome in Grimsby w/elegant finishes top to bottom. Lrg eat in kitch, formal DR, lrg LR w/walk out to private terrace. Master bedrm w/ensuite bath & two more good sized bedrms on the upper level. Lrg family rm w/laundry & plenty of storage space. Close to amenities

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.

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.

D SOL

Prestigious 2-storey will surprise you! 2750 sqft of luxury, maple & oak hardwd flrs, large family size kitchen with granite counters & breakfast island, showcase fireplace in family room, crown moulding, shingles 3yrs new, furnace & C/Air 2yrs new, landscaped yard with pond.

D SOL

IN-LAW SETUP

AYS D 2 IN 1

GrIMSBy $199,999 5 Kelson Avenue North

WeST LINCOLN $324,000 9407 Silver Street

ST. CATHArINeS $274,900 15 Lakeside Drive, Unit 41

BeAMSVILLe $284,900 4503 Dufferin Avenue

Quiet location in Grimsby close to QEW, Go and shopping. This 3 bedroom bungalow needs TLC but has loads of potential. Windows done in 04/06, roof 09, kitchen has been refaced. Good sized back yard.

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.

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.

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.

D SOL

ER Y U SH B A C UR O O T

SMITHVILLe $469,900 14 Sarah Crescent

BeAMSVILLe $324,900 4034 Barry Drive

VINeLAND $289,900 3380 Dustan Street

GrIMSBy $249,900 195 Main Street West

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

Trendy, stylish raised ranch! This home features 9ft 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.

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.

Updated, trendy escarpment property in 2003.

Showcase gas fireplace in family rm, large master bedrm with hotel style ensuite, large kitchen with porcelain tiles, dinette w/patio doors leading to private deck overlooking escarpment.

www.golfiteam.com

MarketWatch June 15 2012 16/06/12 3:43 PM Page 9

June 19, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

D SOL

Page 9

AYS D 5 IN 1

GrIMSBy $424,900 18 Manor Crescent

STeVeNSVILLe $254,900 3669 Carver Street

BeAMSVILLe $285,000 5144 Connor Drive

BeAMSVILLe $244,900 5136 Connor Drive

OUTSTANDING HOME IN FANTASTIC NEIGHBORHOOD! Features 4 large sunny bedrooms ensuite off of master, Wonderful family Size Kitchen leading to fenced yard, main flr den, spacious family rm with gas fireplace, well worth a look.

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.

Fabulous end unit freehold! 2 Stry, 1800 sq.ft. features incl. 9ft ceilings, wrap around porch, great sized 3 or 4 BRs w/3pc ensuite & walk-in closet for master bedrm, kitch w/dinette area overlooking family rm, main flr ldry, access from garage to rear yard & mins to all amenities. To be built.

2 storey, 1460 sq ft. freehold town home features 9ft ceilings, 3 great size BRs, loaf area w/3 piece ensuite, 2 large closets in master bedroom, kitchen w/ breakfast area overlooking family rm, access from garage to rear yard & minutes to all amenities. To be built.

BeAMSVILLe $249,900 5143 Connor Drive

BeAMSVILLe $339,900 4092 Mountain Street

BeAMSVILLe $244,900 5137 Connor Drive

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.

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.

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.

BUNGALOW

BeAMSVILLe

$279,900

5132 Connor Drive, Unit 60 Fabulous end unit freehold! 2 storey, 1800 sq.ft. features 9 ft ceilings, great sized 3 or 4 bdrms, master with a 3 pc ensuite & walk in closet, kitchen w/breakfast/dinette area overlooking family rm, main flr ldry, access from garage to rear yard & mins to all amenities. To be built.

The History behind Canada Day – July 1st – Celebrations On June 20, 1868, Governor General the Viscount Monck issued a royal proclamation asking for Canadians to celebrate the anniversary of the confederation.

However, the holiday was not established statutorily until 1879, when it was designated as Dominion Day, in reference to the designation of the country as a Dominion in the British North America Act. The holiday was initially not dominant in the national calendar; up to the early 20th century, Canadians thought themselves to be primarily British, being thus less interested in celebrating distinctly Canadian forms of patriotism. No official celebrations were therefore held until 1917—the golden anniversary of Confederation—and then none again for a further decade.

In 1946, Philéas Côté, a Quebec member of the House of Commons, introduced a private member's bill to rename Dominion Day as Canada Day. His bill was passed quickly by the House of Commons but was stalled by the Senate, which returned the bill to the Commons with the recommendation that the holiday be renamed The National Holiday of Canada, an amendment that effectively killed the bill.

Beginning in 1958, the Canadian government began to orchestrate Dominion Day celebrations, usually consisting of Trooping the Colour ceremonies on Parliament Hill in the afternoon and evening, followed by a mass band concert and fireworks display. Canada's centennial in 1967 is often seen as an important milestone in the history of Canadian patriotism, and in Canada's maturing as a distinct, independent country, after which Dominion Day became more popular with average Canadians. Into the late 1960s, nationally televised, multi-cultural con-

certs held in Ottawa were added, and the fête became known as Festival Canada; after 1980 the Canadian government began to promote the celebrating of Dominion Day beyond the national capital, giving grants and aid to cities across the country to help fund local activities.

Some Canadians were, by the early 1980s, informally referring to the holiday as Canada Day. However, this practice did cause some controversy: Numerous politicians, journalists, and authors, such as Robertson Davies, decried the change at the time, and some continue to maintain

the change as part of a much larger attempt by Liberals to "re-brand" or redefine Canadian history. Columnist Andrew Cohen called Canada Day a term of "crushing banality" and criticized it as "a renunciation of the past [and] a misreading of history, laden with political correctness and historical ignorance".

The holiday was officially renamed as a result of a private member's bill that was introduced in the House of Commons when only twelve Members of Parliament were present. (This was actually eight members less than a quorum, but, accord-

that it was illegitimate and an unnecessary break with tradition. Proponents argued that the name Dominion Day was a holdover from the colonial era, an argument given some impetus by the patriation of the Canadian Constitution in 1982, and others asserted that an alternative was needed as the term does not translate well into French. Conversely, these arguments were disputed by those who claimed Dominion was widely misunderstood, and conservatively inclined commenters saw

ing to parliamentary rules, the quorum is enforceable only at the start of a sitting or when a member calls attention to it.) The bill passed the House in five minutes, without debate. It met with stronger resistance in the Senate — some Senators objected to the change of name; Ernest Manning, who argued that the rationale for the change was based on a misperception of the name, and George McIlraith, who did not agree with the manner in which the bill had been passed and urged

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the government to proceed in a more "dignified way" — but finally passed. With the granting of Royal Assent, the name was officially changed to Canada Day on October 27, 1982.

As the anniversary of Confederation, Dominion Day, and later Canada Day, was the date set for a number of important events, such as the first national radio network hookup by the Canadian National Railway (1927), the inauguration of the CBC's cross-country television broadcast (1958), the flooding of the Saint Lawrence Seaway (1958), the first colour television transmission in Canada (1966), the inauguration of the Order of Canada (1967), and the establishment of "O Canada" as the country's national anthem (1980). Other events fell on the same day coincidentally, such as the first day of the Battle of the Somme in 1916—shortly after which Newfoundland recognized July 1 as Memorial Day to commemorate the Newfoundland Regiment's heavy losses during the battle—and the enactment of the Chinese Immigration Act in 1923— leading Chinese-Canadians to refer to July 1 as Humiliation Day and boycott Dominion Day celebrations until the act was repealed in 1947.

Queen Elizabeth II was present for the official Canada Day ceremonies in Ottawa in 1990, 1992, 1997, and 2010, when more than 100,000 people attended the ceremonies on Parliament Hill. The Queen also helped celebrate Canada's 100th anniversary on July 1, 1967. Prince William and his wife took part in the events in Ottawa for Canada Day, 2011, the first time a member of the Royal Family other than the monarch and her consort had done so. from Wikipedia

MarketWatch June 15 2012 16/06/12 3:43 PM Page 10

Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

June 19, 2012

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MarketWatch June 15 2012 16/06/12 3:43 PM Page 11

June 19, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

Should You Install a Backyard Pool?

Pros and Cons of Swimming at Home

H

aving a swimming pool in your back yard can be a summer dream come true. Know the pros and cons, risks and benefits before deciding to install a backyard pool.

If you spend your summer carting kids, beach balls and floaties to the public pool or swim club nearly every day, chances are you’ve flirted with the idea of putting in your own backyard pool.

Swimming pools are a source of summer fun, instant recreation for your kids, and a plus for your property.

They’re also expensive to install and maintain, time consuming, and a safety concern.

Before you sign off on plans to install a backyard swimming pool, consider the pros and cons for your family.

With a Swimming Pool As a pool owner, be prepared for your neighbours and your children’s friends to be lining up at your door, goggles and beach towels in hand. Having your own pool is an advantage if you have teens and older children and you’re looking for a way to keep them at home.

Your children will never be able to say, “We don’t have anything to do” when they’re not in school. For children from toddler through teens, water is a source of fun.

A swimming pool is an attractive asset to your property and is a great place to entertain, not to mention a theme for any party.

A Pool Helps a Child’s Swimming Skills Improve Having a swimming pool in their own back yard allows children regular

exposure to the water, which improves their confidence, swimming skill, and safety. One factor in a child’s ability to learn to swim is how often they’re in the water and how frequent they’re using and practicing techniques.

Like any sport, the more often a child swims the quicker he masters the task, improves his technique, becomes more confident in the water and is a better, safer swimmer.

Health, Sports and Fitness Benefits of a Backyard Pool No matter what athletic interests your family has, swimming is a great way to stay in shape and train for any sport.

Swimming is highly aerobic, a good cardio workout, and is easier on the muscles, joints and bones than running or biking.

When children are in a pool – even if they’re just tossing a ball back and forth

or playing Marco Polo – they’re getting exercise.

Safety and Liability Concerns of Backyard Pools Installing a pool on your property carries with it an added responsibility in backyard safety. Before installing a pool, be aware of local requirements for fencing. A responsible pool owner goes beyond legal requirements and sees to it that the pool is protected by a high fence with a locked gate. Consider pool alarms, door alarms that can be set at night to prevent toddlers from going to the pool during the night, and the best safety covers for when the pool is closed.

Talk to your insurance agent about an umbrella policy that covers any accident at your home, at the pool, in the pool, or anywhere on your property.

Swimming Pool Expenses The cost of installing a backyard pool ranges from high – for an in-ground cement pool – to lower – for an aboveground pool. Having the pool installed is just the beginning. Fencing, a cover, equipment and landscaping add to the initial cost of a swimming pool.

Chemicals, cleaning, heating, maintenance, repairs, closing your pool in the winter and reopening it in the summer are all additional expenses.

Some expenses are offset by the cost of a swim club membership, beach passes or trips to a public pool.

Your Time at Your Pool Pool owners become part-time pool cleaners and full-time lifeguards. You’ll find yourself spending part of every day either cleaning the pool, checking filters and baskets, and checking and adding chemicals, not to mention being present while any child is in the water.

Doing your own pool cleaning, however, has a side benefit advantage. A backyard pool is cleaner and more sanitary than a public pool.

And as the lifeguard, you’ll be sure your children are being watched over.

Don’t hesitate to set strict rules – no diving, no jumping onto rafts, no running on the pool deck, no glass at the pool, and when the adult in charge has to leave the poolside area, no matter how brief, everyone gets out of the water.

After weighing the pros and cons, if you decide to take the plunge and install a backyard swimming pool, being prepared for the expense and safety concerns will help you to enjoy your pool even more.

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MarketWatch June 15 2012 16/06/12 3:43 PM Page 12