March 15, 2011 issue 22

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March 15, 2011 - Vol 25b

P R E S E N T E D

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G O L F I

T E A M

FIND US ON:

If you're looking for Waterfront Property with a View like this, call me for details.

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

Sharon Stafford Sales Representative

Heather Reid Sales Representative

Hans Marcelissen Sales Representative

Wendy Murray-Nicholson* Sales Representative

Ashley Sidler Sales Representative

Jaclyn Ross Office Manager

www.GolfiTeam.com

Rosemary Fournier Listing Co-ordinator

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The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

About Rob Golfi

S

ince the inception of his career in 1997, Rob Golfi has recognized that understanding his clients’ needs is essential to providing excellent service.

As business grew, Rob assembled the Golfi Team in an effort to maintain the same level of professionalism clients have come to expect. Shortly thereafter in 2003, the team received the prestigious honour of being among the top 100 Real Estate Teams for RE/MAX Canada, and this status continues to date.

Rob’s experience and aggressive negotiating skills have earned him every major honour awarded by RE/MAX, including President’s Club, 100% Club, Platinum Club, Chairman’s Club, Hall of Fame in 2003, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, his SRES® designation in 2009 and the Diamond Club Award in 2010. Having worked with

by: Rob Golfi

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

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

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

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March 15, 2011

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Sales Slightly Down, Prices Up The REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported a total of 926 units sold in the association’s jurisdiction* in the month of February, according to Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) statistics released today.

This represents an 8.7 per cent decrease in sales from the same month last year.

“While the numbers show that our sales and listings are down from last year, you have remember that February of 2010 was the beginning of the recovery from the uncertain market in the early part of 2009,” said Ann Forbes Arndt, RAHB President.

“While February sales weren’t stellar, they are certainly within the range of normal based on February sales over the last ten years.”

The number of residential properties sold during February totalled 897, and included 702 freehold properties and 195 condominiums. Commercial sales for February, including industrial, farm, vacant land and business, totalled 29 units.

The average sale price of freehold residential properties in the association’s jurisdiction in the month of February was $333,936, an increase of 3.7 per cent over February, 2010. The average sale price reflects the dollar volume of freehold residential sales divided

by the number of total freehold residential units sold.

In the condominium market, the average unit price was $232,289 a decrease of 3.4 per cent from the same month last year.

“Our average sale price continues to climb, year after year,” added Arndt. “Buying a property in the Greater Hamilton, Burlington and outlying areas is a good investment.”

Figures quoted are for sales and average sale prices of units located in the jurisdiction* of the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington and processed through RAHB’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®). Unit sales reflect “all property types” including residential, condominium, commercial property, farm, vacant land and business, unless otherwise specified. *RAHB’s jurisdiction includes Burlington, Waterdown, Flamborough and Dundas in the north; Hamilton, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, and Grimsby along Lake Ontario; and extends down to the shores of Lake Erie, including Glanbrook, West Lincoln, Smithville, Dunnville, Cayuga, Caledonia, and Hagersville. -Å

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8 2 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

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March 15, 2011

The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

Grimsby, Lincoln & West Lincoln Area

Rob Golfi* WaTerVIeW

Grimsby $229,000 111 Willow Lane

Grimsby $318,900 83 Lakeside Drive

Grimsby $299,900 6 Carnegie Lane

West LinCoLn $249,900 1786 Victoria Avenue

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.

Fantastic 4 +1 BR bungalow on an oversized lot w/water views across from the park. Many updates include oak kitchen cabinets w/tumbled marble back splash, updated bathrms, refinished hrdwd flrs, shingles ‘07, Furnace 2001, & mostly new vinyl windows ‘09.

COMPLETELY RENOVATED 3 bedroom, open concept 2 storey home. Impressive list of features incl. blown-in insulation, radiant in floor htg, main flr office, speaker system wired in, large lot plus more. Oversized single garage w/ separate furnace. Zoned M1.

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

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O West LinCoLn $329,900 9407 Silver Street

Grimsby $299,900 17 Colonial Crescent

West LinCoLn $324,999 7574 Highway #20

stoney Creek $674,900 1217 Green Mountain Rd. E.

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.

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

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).

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.

WaTerFrONT

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.

Grimsby $769,900 2 Seventh Street 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!

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

The

Call today!

905-945-0188

If you want it

NeW HOMe

beamsviLLe $236,900 5301 Connor Street 1386 sq.ft. Features include great sized bedrooms with 3 pc ensuite and walk in closet off of master. Kitchen overlooking spacious family room, attached to neighbouring unit at the garage.

SOLD Call Rob Golfi 905-945-0188 or visit

www.RobGolfi.com D SOL ER TH ANO NE O

FontHiLL $634,900 23 Timbercreek Crescent Stunning 4 bdrm, 3300 sqft Executive on exclusive street. Built 4 yrs ago & features hardwood and porcelain floors, granite countertops, 60 interior/11 exterior potlights, main flr den can also be a formal living room. In-law suite w/sep entry plus endless list of upgrades!

WaTerFrONT

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O 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!

Grimsby

$299,900 63 Griffith Drive

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

11 acreS

beamsviLLe $259,900 4498 Ontario Street

Grimsby $249,900 65 Hemlock Way

beamsviLLe $459,900 4276 Maple Grove Road

smitHviLLe $269,900 16 Lindan 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.

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

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

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

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

Call Today 905-945-0188

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The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

March 15, 2011

Commercial Rob Golfi* NeW PrIce

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.

Stoney Creek Rob Golfi*

If you want it

stoney Creek $339,900 85 Monza Drive

stoney Creek $249,900 50 Marina Point

stoney Creek $239,900 44 Odessa Street

4 bdrm home only 18 months old built by Mattamy homes at Fifty Point in fantastic condition. Features 9 ft ceilings on main flr, great room, beautiful plush carpets, bdrm level laundry, large windows & rough-in bath in basement.

3 bedroom freehold town home, features open concept with gorgeous kitchen with breakfast bar, living room with showcase gas fireplace, spacious master suite with private ensuite bathroom, bedroom level laundry, close to 50 pt marina.

Outstanding value in this gem of a home!

Features hrdwd flrs, 3 great size bdrms w/walk out from master to landscaped fenced yard, updated vinyl windows, shingles ‘06, updated furnace & C/air, & quick access to Redhill & Link.

SOLD Call Rob Golfi 905-575-7700 or visit

www.RobGolfi.com

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O stoney Creek mtn $309,900 36 Hillcroft Drive

stoney Creek $439,900 46 Second Road West

stoney Creek $465,000 17 Gumwood Place

stoney Creek $674,900 1217 Green Mountain Rd. E.

Charming 8 yr old, all brick, 5 level backsplit.

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

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

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

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.

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.

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O stoney Creek $309,900 39 James Avenue

stoney Creek $209,900 2-618 Barton Street

stoney Creek $369,900 62 Windemere

Winona $359,900 328 Winona Road

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.

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! Rare find on private lane close to Fifty Point Conservation area. 101ft of waterfront, park like setting and solid 3 bedroom bungalow. Substantial breakwall, well treed mature lot, amazing sunrises and sunsets included!

Easy access to the QEW, shopping,and schools.

Large kitchen with island & granite counters.

Vaulted ceilings, pot lighting, california shutters.

Inside garage entry with main floor laundry.

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

Call Today 905-945-0188

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March 15, 2011

The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Hamilton Rob Golfi*

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O DunDas $365,000 7 South Street East 2 storey, 3 BR home w/centre hall plan close to downtown Dundas. Shows like a dream & features hrdwd flrs, traditional style wood trim, sun room w/skylights, spacious LR w/showcase FP, & a backyard w/perennial gardens.

HamiLton $309,900 74 Huckleberry Drive

HamiLton $249,000 204-908 Mohawk Road East

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.

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.

DunDas

$189,900 21 West Street

Affordable 3 bedroom, 1½ storey home with-in walking distance to downtown. Features new shingles (‘09), beautiful hrdwd flrs, spacious dining room, finished rec-rm in basement, & 100 amp on breakers. Ideal for first time buyer or investor for McMaster Students.

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O HamiLton CentraL $99,900 11 Hope Avenue Potential!! Updated kitchen, roof & electrical.

Large principle rooms & high ceilings. Separate dining room, original hrdwd flrs, open concept layout, w/main flr master (16x11) & large fully fenced yard. Needs TLC but loads of potential.

east HamiLton $139,900 238 Walter Avenue

HamiLton mtn $217,000 7 Carrington Crt

east HamiLton $159,900 119 Fairfield Avenue

Amazing 2 bedroom home with a large kitchen, living room, and bonus living room/dining room combination with a gas fireplace. Large fenced yard, lots of privacy with above ground pool.

3+1 bedroom semi, central mountain, court location on a large pie-shaped lot. Close to schools. Features hardwood floors under broadloom, mostly new vinyl windows, shingles 10 yrs, furnace 9 yrs, & finished rec-rm with large bright windows.

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!

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O mount Hope $252,000 59 Critzia Drive, Unit 312

mount Hope $379,000 3258 Trinity Church

HamiLton mtn $210,000 98 David Ave.

east HamiLton $129,900 193 Tragina Avenue North

Condo in Twenty Place. Features 2 bedrooms, hardwood, ceramics, Califormia Shutters, 2 walkouts to outdoor covered balcony. Don’t miss out! Access to clubhouse with pool, whirlpool, gym, tennis courts, underground parking & large storage locker.

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.

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

Cozy home in awesome location ideal for first time buyer or retiree. 2+1 bedroom bungalow, most windows updated, new furnace ‘09, hardwood flrs, refaced bathroom, fenced yard, new insulation, new concrete floor & sump pump in basement.

Year-to-Date Statistics P R E S E N T E D

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Based on sales data from February 2010 to February 2011, REALTORS Association of Hamilton-Burlington

T E A M

YTD Comparison Feb 2011 / Feb 2010

Listed YTD

Expired YTD

Sold YTD

Average Selling Price

Average Days on Market

Selling % of List Price

GRIMSBY LWR (DISTRICT 54)

2011 2010

74 100

10 13

41 49

$279,915 $288,486

55 41

98% 98%

GRIMSBY MTN (DISTRICT 55)

2011 2010

7 13

2 2

4 6

$676,000 $317,500

112 91

92% 95%

STONEY CRK MTN (DISTRICT 50)

2011 2010

49 67

5 9

36 42

$289,947 $258,933

53 38

98% 97%

STONEY CRK LWR (DISTRICT 51)

2011 2010

139 178

23 39

80 87

$292,680 $294,081

71 51

96% 98%

LINCOLN (DISTRICT 94)

2011 2010

43 66

10 12

18 36

$244,906 $234,317

95 59

97% 97

SMITHVILLE (DISTRICT 57)

2011 2010

13 36

7 2

13 11

$262,915 $255,580

121 80

98% 98%

W. LINCOLN (DISTRICT 56)

2011 2010

10 10

2 2

5 2

$356,600 $260,000

80 53

97% 106%

AREA

Call Today 905-575-7700

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The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

March 15, 2011

History of CMHC

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hroughout its history, CMHC has touched the lives of Canadians in almost every community across the country. It all began with the National Housing Act, introduced in 1944, which consolidates all housing legislation and gives the federal government a leading role in housing programs.

gage risks with a 25% down payment, making home ownership more accessible to Canadians.

CMHC funds the design and development costs of habitat at expo 67 The 1960s: The Renaissance of Canada's Cities

housing for disabled persons.

During that decade, CMHC also turned its attention to Aboriginal and rural housing, introducing the Winter Warmth Assistance Program in 1971, the first of its kind to provide funds to Aboriginals for urgent repairs to housing in rural areas.

The 1980s: Laying a New Foundation for Quality and Affordability

The 1940s: A new beginning for housing in Canada

War is over and Canada experiences a period of explosive urban growth and innovative house design.

On January 1, 1946, the Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation was created (changed to "Canada" Mortgage and Housing Corporation in 1979) to house returning war veterans and to lead the nation's housing programs.

CMHC's basic functions were to administer the National Housing Act and the Home Improvement Loans Guarantee Act, and provide discounting facilities for loan and mortgage companies. The capital of the Corporation was set at $25 million (a substantial amount for the times), and a reserve fund of $5 million authorized to be accumulated from profits. This requirement and capital structure are still in effect today.

Toward the end of the 1940s, the federal government embarked on a program of much-needed social and rental housing, creating a federal-provincial public housing program for low-income families, with costs and subsidies shared 75% by the federal government and 25% by the province.

The 1950s: From Home Building to Community Building

CMHC evolves from home builder to community builder through new loan insurance and public housing projects.

The 1950s were notable for innovations in house construction and design, breaking away from the spartan, standard bungalows of the previous decade towards more spacious, convenient and modern living.

During this period, the federal government provided grants to cities to encourage them to tear down derelict buildings and build municipally owned housing corporations. Regent Park in Toronto is the first urban renewal project, where 42 acres are cleared to build the 1056-unit, low-rent housing development in 1950.

In 1951, CMHC started implementing the first of many federal-provincial public housing projects with 140 subsidized rentto-income units in St. John's, Newfoundland.

In 1954, the federal government expanded the National Housing Act to allow chartered banks to enter the NHA lending field. CMHC introduced Mortgage Loan Insurance, taking on mort-

CMHC shifts its focus to municipal planning and development to help cities deal with rapid urban growth.

The 1960s was a decade of firsts. In response to rising affluence, houses became bigger and, for the first time, incorporating the basement as living space.

Public housing becomes more boldly designed and integrated into communities, mixing subsidized and non-subsidized units. Increased partnership with nonprofit agencies also started around this time.

During the 1960s, CMHC built the first co-operative housing and, for the first time in Canadian history, multi-unit apartment buildings were beginning to outpace housing starts for single family homes.

Through ongoing research with the building industry, CMHC raised Canadian housing standards to be among the best in the world. The construction of Habitat for Expo 67 in Montréal led to many advances in materials and construction.

In 1967, CMHC published Canadian Wood Frame House Construction which became an on-site resource for small builders and trades. The average house constructed in the 1940s takes seven months and 2,400 site person hours. By the mid-1960s, the average house takes eight weeks and 950 site person hours to build.

Assisted home ownership program is introduced The 1970s: Focus on Social Housing

Energy costs, convenience and quality of life concerns bring more Canadians back to the urban core.

During the 1970s, affordability became a major factor in the home buying process. To help make housing more affordable, builders reduced lot sizes and increased the density of developments.

To appeal to first-time buyers and stimulate the housing market, CMHC introduced the Assisted Home Ownership Program (AHOP) in 1971, to help lowincome people attain homeownership.

Preservation of historic neighbourhoods and downtown living became a priority and, in 1973, CMHC oversaw the transformation of Vancouver's Granville Island, a run-down industrial area, into a thriving centre for culture, recreation and tourism.

In 1974, CMHC introduced the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) to repair substandard homes to a minimum level of health and safety and to improve the accessibility of

In response to dramatic shifts in Canada's economy, CMHC offers loan programs to make home ownership more accessible.

Renovation came of age during the 1980s, rivalling new home building for dollar volume of business. Despite the high interest rates (rising to more than 20%), houses were getting larger and more luxurious - more than double the size of a 1940s bungalow.

In 1983, CMHC was awarded the United Nations 1982 Peace Medal for promoting a better understanding among people of the ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) countries as host of a study tour on housing, building and planning.

In 1986, CMHC introduced Mortgaged Backed Securities as an alternative to investing in individual residential mortgages. MBS helped to ensure a ready supply of low-cost funds for housing finance and to keep mortgage lending costs as low as possible for homeowners.

Research and development on indoor air quality, ventilation and moisture stimulate new products and practices. CMHC established the National Housing Awards in 1988 to recognize outstanding achievements and share housing innovations and best practices.

The healthy housing™ concept is introduced and demonstrated in toronto, ontario.

The 1990s: A New Era for Building Science

Building technology undergoes a radical transformation to address indoor air quality, moisture and environmental sensitivity.

The 1990s introduced a new era of science and technology, including the development of FlexHousing™, barrierfree housing, and Healthy Housing™, a concept of energy efficiency and resource conservation in home construction.

However, despite these advances, affordability remained a concern, particularly in the early 1990s as a result of the ongoing recession, lay-offs and socio-economic uncertainty.

CMHC created the Canadian Centre for Public-Private Partnerships in Housing in 1991, aimed at fostering public/private cooperation in housing projects.

In 1996 CMHC introduced emili, an automated insurance underwriting system that moves application approval times from days to seconds - making it easier for Canadian homebuyers to obtain mortgage loan insurance.

In 1999, the National Housing Act and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Act were modified, allowing for the introduction of a 5% down payment — a change launched as a pilot in 1992, extended and finalized in 1999 — removing a significant barrier for firsttime home buyers. CMHC also expanded its activities internationally and launched the Canadian Housing Export Centre (later renamed CMHC International) to share Canada's housing expertise with the world.

CMHC negotiates an ambitious agreement to keep the former coal mining community of tumbler ridge, british columbia alive.

2000 and beyond: Leading the Way Home

Sustainability and innovation become the watchwords for this decade as governments focus on cleaner energy, the environment, and sustainable, yet affordable communities.

Housing affordability received a boost in 2001 through CMHC's introduction of Canada Mortgage Bonds, aimed at ensuring the supply of low-cost mortgage funding and keeping interest low.

In 2002, CMHC was recognized for its innovative work, receiving the Conference Board of Canada's National Award in Governance in the Public Sector, presented to boards of directors that have demonstrated excellence in governance and have implemented successful innovations in their governance practices.

Homelessness, assisted housing and Aboriginal housing gained more prominence in the first half of the decade. In 2003, the federal-provincial affordable housing program began, with $1 billion in federal expenditure to improve affordable housing supply by an estimated 23,500 units.

In 2005, CMHC introduced a 10 per cent "green refund" on Mortgage Loan Insurance premiums for homeowners who buy or build an energy-efficient home, or who make energy-saving renovations to their existing homes.

CMHC also introduced two onreserve loan insurance products during the first half of the decade, enabling Band Councils or Aboriginal persons to access CMHC-insured financing for the construction, purchase or renovation of single-family homes or multiple residential properties, and an insurance pilot designed to increase market housing on-reserve.

Today, CMHC remains committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of safe, quality, affordable homes, and making vibrant and sustainable communities and cities a reality across the country.

CMHC is truly home to Canadians. -Å

Call Today 905-575-7700

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The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch

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Home Staging Facts by: Sheri Gamble Details Event Coordination Inc. 2011 Show Dates Friday, March 25 11:00a.m. - 8:00p.m.

A

s the number of unsold homes on the market rises, prospective home sellers are trying to beat the days-on-market averages. But before they lower expectations along with their selling price, there is a far less costly option to consider — “staging” your home for sale. Home staging is simply the merchandising of a house to capture the hearts and bids of potential buyers. The objective: making a good first impression.

If the concept seems like just another fee layer guaranteed to inflate selling expenses, think again. History has proven that home staging pays for itself — and then some — by boosting the final selling price. According to a recent survey, homes listed for sale without staging spent an average 4.5 months on the market; homes staged before listing spent less than 1.5 months on the market. The average time for a staged home to reach a ‘sales pending’ status was about a week. And staging boosts the estimated sales price by 3 percent,

according to other industry surveys.

Often sellers are too used to their homes they just cannot see them through the eyes of a buyer, therefore many realtors prefer that their listings be staged; some even pay for clients’ first hour of consultation with a stager. Sellers need to “detach” once they’ve made the decision to sell. The home is no longer about you, but a house that needs to appeal to its next owner. The stager makes that leap for the homeowner by figuring out how to showcase the best features of each room.

Staging should not be confused with interior design. Decorating means personalizing your space — staging is about depersonalizing it.

Ultimately staging is about helping prospective buyers see themselves occupying the space.

Sheri Gamble is a Home Stager and Event Planner with Details Event Coordination. She can be reached at 905.632.2602 or via: Email at sheri@detailseventco.com Visit www.detailseventco.com -Å

MenusOnly.com is an online restaurant menu guide connecting you with great restaurants in the Hamilton and Burlington areas. Browse through restaurant menus, view pictures of restaurant dining areas, patios, and menu items, and print local restaurant coupons all in one place. MenusOnly.com – a perfect dining experience starts here.

Saturday, March 26 9:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.

Sunday, March 27 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Parking Free for more than 5,000 cars. Enter at Hall 1, Hall 4 or Hall 5.

Parking is always FREE at the International Centre.

Child Care Enjoy the show while your child is supervised for up to two hours. Free child care is available in Hall 2 on Saturday and Sunday only, subject to space availability. Children may not be left unattended in the Family Activity Centre in Hall 1.

Animal Policy Service dogs are welcome. Kindly leave other animals at home.

Admission Adults (18 +): $17 Weekend pass: $24

Youth (13-17): $10 Children under 13: free

Tickets Ticket sales onsite are cash only. No debit or credit cards for onsite ticket sales.

Purchase your tickets online at http://www.cottagelife.com and you'll be automatically entered to win a Canadian-made iron campfire pit with a loon motif, from A Twist of Iron of Cape Breton, NS. Discount coupon - see the April 2011 issue of Cottage Life magazine for the show coupon or a code to use for an online ticket discount.

Wheelchair loans A limited number of wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge. They are available in the info booth in Hall 1, at the info booth in Hall 4, or at the entrance at Hall 5. A piece of ID must be left in order to borrow one.

Location: INTERNATIONAL CENTRE 6900 Airport Rd. (at Derry Rd.), Mississauga, ON (about 10 minutes from Pearson International Airport) Go to http://www.cottagelife.com for directions and transit route info.

Relocating in Canada?

If you are buying or selling a home in another city in Canada, we will connect you with an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent in that area. Remember, the right Real Estate Agent makes all the difference.

Please contact the Golfi Team at 905-575-7700

Home evaluation No Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today!

Rob Golfi, Sales Representative

905-945-0188 / 905-575-7700

www. GolfiTeam .com

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REGISTER ON-LINE NOW! MODEL HOME

1-289-566-9528

905-945-0188 www.homesbycambridge.ca

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