June 1, 2011 Issue 26

MarketWatch June A_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 31/05/11 3:52 PM Page 1

June 1, 2011 - Vol 28

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

T E A M

FIND US ON:

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

Sharon Stafford Sales Representative

Heather Reid Sales Representative

Hans Marcelissen Sales Representative

Wendy Murray-Nicholson* Sales Representative

Ashley Sidler Sales Representative

Dena Zlatar Sales Representative

www.GolfiTeam.com 905-575-7700 or 905-945-0188

Bonnie Spurrell Sales Representative

MarketWatch June A_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 31/05/11 3:52 PM Page 2

Page 2

The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

What is a Thermal Imaging Inspection?

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

SUDOKU 4

8

2 6

5 9 1 6

7

4 7 1 2

June 1, 2011

Unlike a conventional home inspection which is visual, a thermal imaging inspection will uncover deficiencies that are not visible to the naked eye. Using, non-invasive infra-red cameras, thermal imaging will provide invaluable information with issues such as water leaks in basements, energy loss, electrical faults and wood destroying infestations.

Thermal imaging scanning with Infrared Camera diagnosing unseen water penetrations in walls and ceilings, trace hot and cold water or air ducts and any Heat loss or Air leakage in the building envelope.

Most home inspectors do not use this technology for a standard home inspection, most will argue that it is not a necessary tool. Thermal images show exactly where the problems are. In conjunction with moisture meters deficiencies can me isolated and areas of concern can be identified, allowing for a proper diagnosis.

Mould Growth Conventional home inspectors will usually tell you they have no knowledge in mould issues beyond what is apparent on the surface. If mould growth has started behind paneling or tiles for example, it may not be visibly noticeable on the surface and go undetected. A thermal imaging inspection will usually reveal the problem to you.

Water Leaks Often conventional home inspectors will find surface evidence of water leaks in basements or ceilings, and the good will of sellers is relied upon when asked if the problem has been fixed. Want to know for sure? A thermal imaging inspection will reveal if the issue still exists and where the source of the problem exists, giving you the peace of mind that only certainty can bring.

6

Energy Loss The efficient use of energy is high on a home buyers mind these days. A thermal imaging inspection will show you where heat loss is occurring around windows, doors, ceilings and attics. The following are some other areas where a thermal imaging inspection will detect problems not easily seen by a surface inspection: • Hidden electrical faults that are possible fire hazards & overloaded electrical circuits • Missing insulation • Hidden roof leaks & plumbing leaks • Structural problems and defects • Air conditioner compressor leaks The selection process…

While there is no formal licensing for home inspectors, all reputable companies must adhere to a rigid code of ethics and standards of practice. Any qualifed inspection company will provide their clients with an inspection binder and a sample report on request. Home inspectors should never offer to make repairs to your newly purchased home. These inspectors are more likely to find defects that are in need of repair. You should arrage to attend the home inspection and either follow your inspector around (this may add to the time it takes) or have the inspector do a walk around at the end of the inspection. An average inspection should take 2-3 hours to complete as the report should reflect the condition of aproximately 400 items. Remember to do your due deligence as you are likely making one of the biggest purchases of your life. If all goes well you can enjoy your home sweet home for years to come!

George Mendes, C.H.I., C.M.I., Founder & Certified Home & Mould Inspector, www.homesweethomeinspections.ca gmendes_hshi@yahoo.ca Office: 905.324.HSHI (4744)

6 5 8 3 1 2 5 9 9 5

2 3 8

8

5

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.

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

905-945-0188

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

www. GolfiTeam .com

8

4

5

9

1

6

3

1

2

8

4

7

9

5

6

2

7

3

3 7 2 6 5 9 1 8 4

7 2 8 5 9 3 6 4 1

9 4 3 8 6 1 2 7 5

6 1 5 4 7 2 8 3 9

5 6 9 7 3 8 4 1 2

2 3 4 9 1 6 7 5 8

1 8 7 2 4 5 3 9 6

MarketWatch June A_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 31/05/11 3:52 PM Page 3

June 1, 2011

The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

Grimsby, Lincoln & West Lincoln Area

Rob Golfi*

GRIMSBY

Page 3

$789,900 177 Ridge Road

5.19 acres nestled onto the Niagara Escarpment, completely redone top to bottom, inside and out, slate & hardwd flring, new designer kitchen with stylish appliances, in flr heating in bathrm, 70 pot lights, patterned concrete porch w/exterior fireplace.

SMIthVILLE $349,900 22 Cherry Ave

GRIMSBY $269,900 446 Main Street West

BEAMSVILLE $329,900 4052 Hixon Street

4+1 Bedroom 2008 home, 2.5 baths with an incredible floor plan & boasts pride of ownership, great room w/showcase fireplace & cathederal ceilings, large country kitchen with lots of cupboards & counter space, & a beautiful family neighbourhood. Well worth seeing!

Fabulous ½ acre property backs onto green space. 4 bedrm home & 25x35' oversized garage/workshop, affordable enough to build new or renovate. This home offers new shingles & furnace ‘03, beautiful cast iron fireplace, lots of parking space, and easy access to QEW.

3+1 bedroom bungalow with oversized double car garage. Hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings in living/dining room, large bright kitchen overlooking landscaped backyard, beautifully finished basement with full bathroom, bedroom, den and rec-rm with gas fireplace.

WaTerFrONT

GRIMSBY

$242,900 41 Lorne Ave

3+1 bedroom split level in terrific Walk to town, schools, parks, conservation trails. Eat-in kitchen, living room and plenty of updates most windows & new furnace.

location! lake & spacious including

SMIthVILLE $249,900 30 Anderson Crescent

BEAMSVILLE $289,900 5065 Silverbirch Lane

Quiet location. Fantastic 1 storey home awaits you. Step inside to a 3 bed home with updated ceramic flooring, roof, lighting, kitchen countertop. Lower level is an entertainer’s dream w/ games room and rec room. All appliances are included and quick closing available.

Beautiful 3+2 raised ranch! Open concept kitchen, dining and living room. Kitchen with granite counters, fully finished basement with inlaw set up, large deck with a fully fenced yard and interlock patio. A Must see!

GRIMSBY

$599,900 88 Lake Street

Incredible 2300 sqft home faces Nelles Beach & Lake Ontario. This updated home features a new maple kitchen, granite, travertine tiles, hardwd & bamboo floors, updated bathrms w/designer tiles, family room with fireplace, shingles ‘05, new eaves & facia ’10, furnace & Central air ’07.

WaTerFrONT

BEAMSVILLE $329,900 4052 Hixon Street

BEAMSVILLE $339,900 4846 Northgate Crescent

GRIMSBY $219,900 24 Kenyon Cres., Unit 43

GRIMSBY $339,900 35 Victoria Terrace

3+1 bedrooms with oversized double car garage.

Features hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings in living/dining room, large bright kitchen with sliding doors overlooking gorgeous fenced backyard, finished basement with full bathroom, bedroom, den and rec-rm with gas fireplace.

This 2007 home offers 2050 sqft of Beauty.

Features 3 lrg BRs, 2.5 baths, computer loft, oak staircase, Master bedrm w/double walk in closets, luxury ensuite w/soaker tub & separate shower, california shutters throughout, great room w/hrdwd floors & gas fireplace, & quick access to QEW.

BEAUTIFUL END UNIT! 2 bedroom bungalow only 7yrs old. Hrdwd,ceramic flrs & backsplash in eat-in kitchen, laundry hook-up on main level & professionally finished bsmt w/full 2nd bthrm. Quiet sought after complex w/quick access to the QEW & new YMCA.

Waterfront with total privacy including pebble beach. Lots of potential & character! Ideal for someone to renovate or tear down for new home.

This home includes bright sunroom w/original tall french doors, living room w/high ceilings & gas fireplace, & vacant lot ideal for an addition.

WaTerFrONT

BEAMSVILLE $319,900 5123 Crimson King Way

GRIMSBY $449,900 29 Stone Gate Drive

BEAMSVILLE $339,900 4092 Mountain Street

GRIMSBY $749,900 2 Seventh Street

Fantastic value in this 4 bedrm 2 storey home located in quiet neighbourhood, features spacious eat in kitchen with island, dinette with sliding doors leading to private deck and fence yard. Sunken family rm, partially finished basement. Maintenance free front yard.

First Class! 2750 sq ft in executive neighbourhood close to the lake. 4 bedroom has loads of updates: carpets, shingles, ensuite with claw tub & glass shower, hi-eff furnace and more! Beautiful hardwoods & gorgeous fireplace.

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.

Custom built 5yrs new home, with 125 ft of Ledgerock shore protection and walkdown to waterfront. Beautiful kitchen with granite counters and built-in stainless steel appliances, pine plank floors, 4 levels of decking, facing the lake. Fully finished basement. Truly a dream!

WaTerFrONT

GRIMSBY $234,900 111 Willow Lane

WESt LINCOLN $329,900 9407 Silver Street

WESt LINCOLN $324,999 7574 Highway #20

END UNIT TOWNHOUSE! 2 BR Losani built townhouse w/ceramics & upgraded carpet. This home offers great views of the escarpment & an open concept floor plan. Garage has inside entry into basement & basement has walk out to backyard.

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

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

Call Today 905-945-0188

GRIMSBY

$1,490,000 143 Lake Street

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

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

MarketWatch June A_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 31/05/11 3:52 PM Page 4

Page 4

The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

June 1, 2011

Facts About GOLFI Over 50 Million in Sales Annually** #1 Real Estate Office in Hamilton-Burlington Region* Top Sales Representative in Ontario* Golfi Team ranked Top 50 in Canada for

**

Golfi Team ranked Top 100 in the world for

**

1998

2003

2003

2006

2010

OVER 400 MILLION IN REAL ESTATE SALES 6 N I D SOL

T LIS F O 7% 9 FOr D SOL

S Y a D

IN D L SO

S Y a 6D

T

LIS F O % r 97 O F SOLD

DaYS 0 3 IN

hAMILtON $309,900 74 Huckleberry Drive

StONEY CREEk $674,900 1217 Green Mountain Rd. E.

hAMILtON CENtRAL $99,999 80 Gage Street South

hAMILtON MOUNtAIN $189,900 105 East 14th Street

Well maintained w/beautiful floor plan, featur family rm w/cathedral ceilings, hardwd flrs & wood fireplace, kitchen w/garberator, fin’d bsmt w/spare bdrm, some newer wndws & shingles (’03), fenced yrd w/deck & 8 x 10 shed. Plus an extra wide garage w/new driveway.

2300 sqft 3 bedroom bungalow sitting on 2 acres of gardens, features gorgeous designer kitchen w/breakfast bar & granite counters, vaulted ceilings in great room w/showcase fireplace, beautiful Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, spa inspired ensuite.

Handyman special - being sold “As-Is”! Located seconds from Gage Park, large 2-1/2 storey home. Double front drive. Close to amenities and bus routes. Will sell fast - call today for a viewing. 2011 city assessment is $167,500.

GREAT VALUE!

Attractive well cared for 3 Bedroom 1.5 Storey home. Desirable central mountain, quiet street.

Windows replaced. Bay Windows in the Family room, Eat In Kitchen, Partially Finished Basement with Rec Room. Beautiful Fenced in Rear Yard, Mature trees and garden shed.

T LIS F O % 8 9 Or F D SOL GRIMSBY $219,9090 22 Pleasant Grove Beautifully kept 2 storey freehold town house with open concept main floor, finished basement, newer flooring, 3 bedrooms with lots of closet space and 2 bathrooms.

New carpet and recently redone 2nd bathroom. Large deck with 8 person hot tub and private back yard. shingles 2005, central air and central vacuum.

Call The Golfi Team Today to get your home

SOLD!

T

S F LI O 98% r O DF L O S

D SOL

aYS D 6 2 N I

T

LIS F O % r 98 O F SOLD

DaYS 5 1 IN

T

F LIS O % 9 Or 9 F D SOL

DaYS 0 1 IN

GRIMSBY $319,900 8 Marsdale Ave. Spectacular raised ranch with 3+2 bedrooms. $20,000 in landscaping, patio & covered deck. Above ground salt water pool. Updated funace & central air in 04, all newer windows, pool liner, pump, bathrooms & flooring. Large kitchen, open concept living/dining room and large rec room with gas fireplace and office area.

T LIS F O 9% 9 FOr D SOL

hAMILtON $249,000 204-908 Mohawk Road East

hAMILtON $209,900 100 Fieldway Drive

hAMILtON $189,900 107 Adeline Avenue

StONEY CREEk $309,900 39 James Avenue

Location, Location! Fantastic 2 BR corner unit condo in upscale 36 unit building. Master bed w/ensuite & walk in closet. LR features garden doors to balcony. Features incl in suite laundry, ceramics in foyer & kitchen.

3 Bdrm semi. Located near Limeridge mall.

Features mostly vinyl windows & shingles 7 yrs new, beautiful hardwood flrs throughout.

Finished recrm in bsmnt. Beautifully landscaped private fenced in backyard close to schools busses & all amenities

Cute all brick 2+1 BR bungalow in prime Hamilton location. Features include open concept LR and kit, laminate flrs, updated windows, shingled roof 5 yrs old, updated 4 pc bath, finished rec room & a new furnace.

Parking for 4 cars & a fully fenced yard.

Charming side split in fantastic condition, features beautiful hardwood floors, bright stylish renovated kitchen leading to large deck, classic wood fireplace in livingroom, 3 large sunny bedrooms, family room with showcase fireplace, finished rec room in basement.

*#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.

Call Today 905-575-7700

MarketWatch June A_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 31/05/11 3:52 PM Page 5

June 1, 2011

The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Hamilton Wentworth Rob Golfi*

hAMILtON MOUNtAIN $174,900 3 Ben Lomand Place

hAMILtON CENtRAL $179,900 99 Lottridge Street

EASt hAMILtON $139,900 94 Charlotte Street

hAMILtON MOUNtAIN $309,900 746 Limeridge Road East

Fantastic opportunity for 1st time Buyer!

3 bedroom brick home close to Henderson Hospital. Mostly new windows, recent laminate flooring, 2 yr old shingles, electric in garage and shed, 100 amps, updated plumbing & main bath, 5 appliances.

Recently updated family home near schools & Ivor Wynne Stadium. Updates Include: kitchen, both bathrooms, roof, furnace, a/c, eaves, rec room, 100 amp on breakers, windows, and ceramics. Original hardwood with chestnut inlay.

All appliances included!

Cheaper than rent! This 1-1/2 storey starter home features updated eat-in kitchen & bath, laminate and ceramics throughout with a 160ft deep backyard, a fully fenced yard with a beautiful deck. Near Redhill & buses.

All brick 25 yr old 3 bedrm home located on a quiet street close to Limeridge mall, Linc & schools. Well maintained & updated: ensuite, walk-in closet, roof (may '11), most windows ('10), bathrm ('11), & C/A ('04), beautiful bay window & skylight ('04). Get inside!!!

Selling your Home?

Home Evaluations hAMILtON MOUNtAIN $224,900 42 Lilacside Drive

hAMILtON MOUNtAIN $254,900 22 Kenwood Crescent

Charming 3 level back split w/amazing space in a fantastic neighbourhood. Offers gorgeous & well maintained hardwood throughout, great size updated kitchen & bathroom, bright and spacious rec-room, private and fenced in yard, and a carport. Close to schools, shopping, bus routes & the Link.

3+1 bedroom all brick bungalow located near Huntington park area. Features include updated kitchen, bath, laminates and ceramics throughout, newer windows & doors, furnace ’10, eaves, sofit & facia ‘08, and a fully finished basement.

905-575-7700 NOT INTENDED TO SOLICIT PROPERTIES CURRENTLY LISTED FOR SALE.

Immaculate 3 bedroom with fully finished basement. Spacious living room & dining room.

Eat-in kitchen has been updated and boasts ample counter space & cupboards. Updated vinyl windows, concrete drive & patio in fenced yard.

EASt hAMILtON $135,500 40-2700 Barton Street East

EASt hAMILtON $474,900 24 Hildegard Drive

MOUNt hOpE $359,900 3258 Trinity Church

EASt hAMILtON $159,900 119 Fairfield Avenue

Nice & bright end unit townhouse in prime area.

Fronts Bow Valley. 3 bedroom, 2 storey, w/formal livingroom, bay window, ceramic floors in entrance, kitchen & bath., laminated floors in living & dining room & halls hardwd in bedrms. Close to amenities & schools.

Built on a quiet street w/open & inviting floor plan. Backs onto escarpment. Brazilian cherry hrdwd flrs, porcelain tiles, gas fireplace, oversized rooms, freshly painted, in-law set-up w/2nd kitchen & bath, mostly updated vinyl windows & doors, & upper level balcony.

Minutes to the city, loads of updates, features large master bdrm, neutral décor, remodeled bathroom w/separate shower, soaker tub, & heated floor. 2 new bay windows, new front porch, roof '07, new rear deck with hot tub, and finished rec room.

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

No Cost or Obligation Call

Rob Golfi today

Call Today 905-575-7700

EASt hAMILtON $279,900 85 Bow Valley

MarketWatch June A_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 31/05/11 3:52 PM Page 6

Page 6

The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

June 1, 2011

Stoney Creek Area Rob Golfi*

StONEY CREEk $424,900 5 Riviera Ridge

StONEY CREEk MtN $229,900 14-800 Paramount Drive

StONEY CREEk MtN $399,900 739 Ridge Rd.

StONEY CREEk $364,900 17 Loneoak Cres.

Lavish from top to bottom this 2 storey has it all, beautiful updated kitchen w/granite, gorgeous hardwood floors, updated bathroom w/custom shower & heated floors, finished basement w/stone work, family room w/cathedral ceilings, & professionally landscaped w/underground sprinkler system.

Trendy & Stylish 12 yrs old 3+1 bedroom end unit town home in prime location. Backs onto a complex park this home features neutral colour ceramics in foyer, kitchen and baths, bright and spacious living/dining room w/laminate floors, finished basement w/spare bedroom, and recroom. Plenty of visitors parking in the front with quick access to Link & close to all shopping.

Extraordinary bungalow sitting on lrg lot w/incredible view of the city. Feats oak kit cabinets w/bay window, sunken liv rm w/fp, din rm w/hrdwd flring leading to resort style back yrd w/panoramic view, beautiful landscaping & newer shingles (’05).

Fabulous 2 storey 4+1 bedroom home in Stoney Creek! Large lot, backs onto parkland. Above ground salt water pool, large eat-in kitchen, dining room, family room w/gas fireplace and separate livingroom. Main floor laundry, double garage, & finished basement with 5th bedroom.

Scan this code to view more info on our listings!

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

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

StONEY CREEk MtN $229,900 #6 171 Highbury Immaculate 2 storey 3 bedroom end unit, low condo fees, large master bdrm, walk-in closet, large eat-in kitchen w/ceramic floors, & private deck backing onto school yard. Fantastic location close to Rymal, Linc & Redhill & all amenities! Plenty of visitor parking across.

The

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

Call today!

905-575-7700

StONEY CREEk $205,900 2-618 Barton Street Immaculate home shows like a dream! Beautiful decor, hrdwd & ceramics throughout, bright kit w/ceramic backsplash, in-law suite down stairs w/full bath & mini kit, master suite w/walk in closet & ensuite, updated windows & shingles.

WaTerFrONT

StONEY CREEk MtN $449,900 17 Gumwood Place

StONEY CREEk $449,900 Windemere Road

StONEY CREEk $199,900 216 Gray Road

StONEY CREEk $264,900 1204-500 Green Road

4+1 BR home on a mature Executive Crt. Close to amenities. Hrdwd flrs, master BR w/ensuite & walk-in closet. Main flr ldry, eat-in kit, DR, LR, family rm w/gas FP. Finished basement w/games rm, bdrm, 3pc bth, & rec rm w/wet bar.

The property is private with a Muskoka feel!

Park-like grounds with electricity run to the decks edge. Substantial breakwall, multi-level decking and tremendous unobstructed waterfront views. Every season a postcard, check it out today and start packing!

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

Waterfront luxury unit, 3 BR condo with incredible views of Lake Ontario, approx 1400 sqft. 2 baths, insuite laundry, beautiful oak kitchen cabinets with ceramic floors, new furnace 2002, new carpeting, fabulous amenities.

Commercial Property Rob Golfi* NeW PrICe

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O BEAMSVILLE $259,900 4498 Ontario Street

BEAMSVILLE $1,199,900 4485 King Street

BEAMSVILLE $399,900 5532 King Street

BEAMSVILLE $235,000 4993 King Street

Ideal for Home Business. Impressive 4 bedroom, 4 level back split sitting on 60' x 150' lot. Features hardwood floors, updated windows, shingles ('06), furnace ('03), garage door & opener ('08), 2 fireplaces, walkout from lower level, 20' x 22' garage.

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

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

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

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

Call Today 905-575-7700

MarketWatch June A_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 31/05/11 3:52 PM Page 7

June 1, 2011

The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

BEWARE… and Be Aware Thinking of buying or selling a home built prior to 1990, then you need to know that over 300 thousand older homes in Canada, and over 35 million homes in the USA were insulated with vermiculite insulation from a mine naturally contaminated with asbestos fibers.

Addressing the Issue In Canada, the Federal Government may have contributed to the looming epidemic. During the energy crisis in the late 1970s and early 1980s, financial incentives were offered by the government to upgrade home insulation levels through the Canadian Home Insulation Program, or CHIP. Zonolite was on the list of insulation products eligible for grants.

This is the same program under which UFFI, or urea formaldehyde foam insulation, was installed. When the government later found out UFFI was linked to respiratory problems, it paid out $181 million to help Canadians get rid of it.

But UFFI isn't nearly as dangerous as Zonolite.

Background

Photo courtesy of CMHC Vermiculite is a mica-like mineral mined around the world and used in a variety of commercial and consumer products because it is fire-resistant and has good insulation qualities. Of concern is vermiculite ore produced by the Libby Mine in Montana from the 1920's to 1990. It was sold as Zonolite® Attic Insulation and possibly other brands in Canada during that time. Vermiculite from the Libby Mine may contain amphibole asbestos. The Libby Mine supplied the majority of the world market in vermiculite-based insulation. The Zonolite brand and the mine was acquired by the W.R. Grace Company in 1963. Mining operations at the Libby site stopped in 1990 in response to asbestos contamination. While in operation, the Libby mine may have produced 80% of the world's supply of vermiculite.

Photo courtesy of EPA Products made from vermiculite ore produced by the Libby Mine were not widely used after the mid-1980's and have not been on the market in Canada since 1990. Not all vermiculite produced before 1990 contains amphibole asbestos fibres. However, to be safe and in the absence of evidence to the contrary, it is reasonable to assume that if your building has older vermiculite-based insulation, it may contain some amphibole asbestos.

Pat Martin is an NDP Member of Parliament and he's on a mission to get the government to pay for the testing and removal of Zonolite. "I'd strip naked and bark like a dog if I thought that's what it took to get attention to this issue," he says.

Martin says the Federal Government owes it to Canadians to test and remove Zonolite because of the active role the government took in encouraging its use.

"Hundreds of thousands of Canadian homeowners are sitting on a ticking time bomb in terms of their family's health," he says. "Zonolite contamination is a national disaster on a greater scale than any flood, or hurricane. I think the Federal Government is reeling with shock at the full implication of the scope and breadth of this problem."

In Canada, there's an alert on the Health Canada Web site. It says Zonolite insulation could be linked to cancer, but advises it's fine to leave it in your home as long as you don't touch it or disturb it.

But the Department of National Defence considers Zonolite a significant enough threat that they've sealed off the attics in military homes across the country. And it will pay millions of dollars to test homes for Zonolite and eventually have it removed.

W-FIVE asked Minister of Labour and Housing, Joe Fontana, why his department is not giving people money to help Canadians test for Zonolite and get it removed from their homes. Fontana responded: "You are now asking me to have a national program with regards to replace-

ment of insulation and it's premature to suggest that we need to do that," he says.

Why is the government reluctant to address this problem? W-FIVE speculates: If you do the math, with more than three hundred thousand homes to test and clean up, at a cost of at least $10,000 per home, Ottawa would be on the hook for more than three billion dollars.

A class action lawsuit was filed against W.R. Grace & Co., and the case is ongoing. The problem is you needed to file your claim for Personal Injury or Property Damage, by December 31, 2009. Most Canadians are unaware of their homes even have this insulation.

What if I have Zonolite insulation installed in my house?

Stay away from it — if it's left untouched in the attic, there should be minimal or no risk at all, according to Health Canada. The asbestos fibres must be airborne to be inhaled. Each time you breathe asbestos fibres into your lungs, you increase the chance of developing health problems.

The fibres can become trapped in the lungs and can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma, a cancer of the lungs' lining or the abdominal cavity.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there are cases of individuals who got asbestosis — a chronic breathing disorder in which the lungs become scarred with fibrous tissue — from four or five significant contacts with the insulation material.

Tradespeople face a higher risk.

What if I'm renovating?

If you suspect you have vermiculate insulation, you should hire an asbestos removal professional before proceeding.

Health Canada also suggests sealing cracks and holes in the window frames, door frames and walls. If you suspect Zonolite was installed in your attic, seal up any cracks in the ceilings of the rooms below.

My home insulation looks like vermiculite. How do I know whether it's Zonolite from Libby?

It's impossible to tell just by looking at it. Often, empty Zonolite kraft paper bags were left in the attic. If the bags show that ore was processed by W.R. Grace Canada, Grant Industries or F. Hyde and Co., the product is probably from Libby. If you know you have vermiculite insulation in your attic or walls

and you're concerned about it, it probably makes sense to test the material to see whether it contains asbestos.

Can I test the material myself?

If you want to have a sample analyzed, it is suggested that you hire a trained consultant or contractor to collect the sample and get it analyzed at a laboratory. There are numerous consulting companies that perform this kind of asbestos analysis work.

According to Bruce Stewart from Pinchin Environmental in Mississauga, Ont., several samples should be taken since asbestos concentration may vary from one vermiculite piece to another.

Also, specialized consultants should be looking for traces of asbestos, even below 0.1 per cent on a weight-to-weight basis. Normally a concentration of less than 0.1 per cent is considered safe. But vermiculite is extremely friable — easily crumbled — and can release a very high number of asbestos fibres in the air when disturbed even if the concentration of asbestos is considered very low.

If there is asbestos in the insulation, should I have it removed?

Before taking that step, homeowners should consider a number of factors.

First, removing asbestos-containing materials is typically very expensive. If a significant amount of material is involved, it will probably cost thousands of dollars.

Secondly, due to the physical characteristics of vermiculite, the risk of the material getting into the air is low. If the insulation is not exposed to the home environment — for example, it's sealed behind wallboards and floorboards or is isolated in an attic that is vented outside — the best advice would be to leave it alone.

But if you have a house that needs to be renovated or you use the attic, you expose yourself every time you go up there and risk spreading it to the rest of your house. In those circumstances you are better off removing it, says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To avoid conflict of interest, have the insulation tested by one firm and removed by another. Carefully check the credentials of those you hire.

Article Submitted by Ken Boulter Grimsby, Ontario

Home evaluation No Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today!

Rob Golfi, Sales Representative

905-945-0188 / 905-575-7700

www. GolfiTeam .com

MarketWatch June A_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 31/05/11 3:52 PM Page 8