May 15, 2012 Issue 48

MarketWatch May 15 2012 09/05/12 3:54 PM Page 1

May 15, 2012 - Vol 39a

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

Rob Rob Golfi Golfi Sales Sales Representative Representative

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

G O L F I

T E A M

MarketWatch May 15 2012 09/05/12 3:54 PM Page 2

Page 2

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Canadian Police Week 2012: May 13-19

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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anadian Police Week is dedicated to increasing community awareness and recognition of policing services while strengthening police-community ties.

Police Week also encourages community involvement and initiation of activities through media awareness and community sponsored events.

Objectives Police Week is governed by four specific objectives: • To act as a vehicle in which to reinforce ties with the community; • To honour police officers for the public safety and security they provide to their communities; • To promote the work police do in their communities; • To inform the community about the police role in public safety and security.

Police week began in 1970 with collaboration between the Government of Canada's office of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada and its provincial counterparts. It starts on the Sunday in the week and always contains the 14th day of May, ending on the following Saturday. Today, May 14, is recognized internationally as Peace Officer Memorial Day. During Police Week, community groups will join with police services in arranging special activities and displays that promote the concept of police and community working together to enhance public safety and security. At this time, police take the opportunity to highlight the services and technology they provide to their communities.

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Low Inventory of Listings; Average Sale Price Continues to Rise

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The Solution Fill in the grid above, so that each row of 9 squares, each column of nine and each section of nine (three squares by three) contains the numbers 1 through 9 in any order. There is only one solution for the puzzle and the numbers shown can NOT be changed.

he REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported 1454 property sales through the RAHB Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) for the month of April. RAHB also reported a 9.6 per cent increase in average sale price for the month compared to April of last year. Seasonally adjusted* sales of residential properties were 2.2 per cent lower than the same month last year, with the average sale price increasing 10.3 per cent for the month. Seasonally adjusted numbers of new listings, however, were 12 per cent lower than the same month last year.

Listing inventory is down across the board when compared to the same month last year. The number of active listings at month end is notably lower than last year, and at 510 units is almost 27 per cent fewer than at the same time in 2011. “Not only is our overall listing inventory down,” said

www. GolfiTeam .com

RAHB President Cameron Nolan, “but when properties sell, they sell in a shorter period of time and for a higher price.”

Year to date, listing inventory is over 15 per cent down from the same January-to-April period last year.

Also year to date, sales of residential (freehold and condominium) properties are just under two per cent higher than the same period last year, with the average sale price almost eight per cent higher for the period. A four per cent drop in the number of new listings is contributing to the lower month-end inventory. “The condominium market in particular is a seller’s market right now,” added Nolan, “but the freehold market remains steady at the seller’s end of a balanced market.”

Every community in RAHB’s marketing area has their own localized residential market.

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MarketWatch May 15 2012 09/05/12 3:54 PM Page 3

May 15, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Rob Golfi

Sharon Stafford

Sales Representative

Mike McNeil

Sales Representative

Hans Marcellissen

Heather Reid

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Kristina King

Sales Representative

Page 3

Wendy Murray-Nicholson Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Vince Lazaruk

Sales Representative

Rosemarie Fournier Listing Co-ordinator

Together Delivering More...

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

Call Today 905-575-7700

MarketWatch May 15 2012 09/05/12 3:54 PM Page 4

May 15, 2012

Rob Golfi*

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 4

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook D SOL

YER U B TA G O T

$309,900 stoney Creek 28 Durham Road

$77,000 Hamilton West 1950 Main Street West

stoney Creek $189,900 518-500 Green Road

$419,900 stoney Creek 22 Valrose Drive

Side by side duplex! This well maintained 2 family home includes separate driveways w/attached garages, separate hydro & gas meters, both w/finished basements, fenced yards, shingles 6yrs new, new eaves, mostly vinyl windows, north unit w/oak cabinets & freshly painted. Great income!

Charming bachelor suite! Features 9’ ceilings, island kitchen with cozy breakfast nook, open & inviting living rm. Quiet building close to McMaster University & Hospital, Condo fee includes heat, hydro, water, building insurance & exterior maintenance & out- door parking space #93.

Beautifully maintained and upgraded suite with breathtaking views from windows and balcony.

Features new furnace & c/air system, new 800 series doors, freshly painted, amenities include pool, gym, sauna, library, work shop, squash courts, locker #14, and a parking spot.

Impressive all brick 2 storey home! Features gorgeous hardwd flrs through-out, beautiful oak kitchen cabinets w/granite counters, large sun filled master suite with walk-in closet and ensuite bath, and professionally finished basement w/inlaw set up. Fantastic Stoney Creek location!

Too new for photo!

Hamilton mtn $229,900 777 Queensdale Ave. E.

Hamilton east $519,900 711 Beach Blvd.

What a beauty! Gorgeous updated kitchen with 4 stainless steel appliances and new 4 piece bath, refinished hardwood and new ceramic on main level, new berber carpet in lower level and interior freshly painted with Benjamin Moore paint. Shows 10+ move in and relax!

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.

IST L F 9% O 9 R FO D L SO $349,500 Hamilton east 15 Strawberry Drive

Hamilton West $139,900 36 James St. S, Unit 707

Big 2 storey home loaded w/upgrades! Oak staircase & trim, hardwd flrs, main flr den, 4 baths, 4 car driveway, sliding doors to patio, park like yard w/shed, & updated shingles. Fully finished bsmt, w/raised flr, & kitchen. 2 BR inlaw setup w/separate entrances. Note the lot size!

Pigott building, 7th floor 1 BR! High ceilings, move in condition, furnishings included, indoor parking, locker, in-suite laundry, exercise room, pool table and secured building. A walk to everything and transit at the door. Move in a relax.

LIST F O 99% R O F AYS D 0 1 IN SOLD Hamilton West $424,900 220 Queen Street South

Hamilton mtn $299,900 52 Deschene Avenue

Hamilton Ctr $259,900 15 Cedar Avenue

Hamilton mtn $219,900 2-15 Derby Street

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

Seeing is believing! Features showcase fireplace w/granite in LR, updated kitchen & bathrms, hardwd flrs in living rm & BRs, all vinyl windows, shingles 2011, furnace & C/Air 2006, finished basement w/full in-law set up, 16x32 ft. heated & insulated garage, $1000’s spent!

Just finished! Enjoy this brand new home! Cherry cabinets w/granite counter tops, 24 inch ceramic tiles flrs, gorgeous hardwd w/8 inch baseboards & crown moulding & 9ft ceilings, oak railing w/wrought iron spindles, ensuite bath, concrete dble drive & patio, & walk out from basement.

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.

RS E F F EO L P I ULT M – D SOL

RS E F F EO L P I ULT M – D SOL

Hamilton mtn $359,900 23 Vineberg Drive

Hamilton east $129,900 101 Beland Avenue North

Hamilton Ctr $229,900 68 Holton Avenue South

Hamilton mtn $229,900 166 East 13th Street

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.

No offers until April 27th . Updates include windows, wiring and flooring. Main floor master and 4 piece bath, double drive, roughed in bath in basement. Nice fenced yard and big front porch. Great location! Just minutes away from Redhill parkway & Eastgate mall.

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.

Outstanding, 3 bdrms with bath on 2nd floor, fabulous separate dining room with French doors to private deck and hot tub. Bsmt with bedroom, bath and rec room w/side entrance.

Big fully fenced yard w/a long garage & double drive. Great neighborhood. Move in and relax.

IST L F %O 9 9 FOR D L SO stoney Creek $424,900 5 Sandy Drive 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

TO D L SO

Hamilton West $379,900 63 Paisley Avenue South

stoney Creek $549,900 132 Millen Road

Prime property in the heart of Westdale: fully furnished with couches, chairs, beds, computer desk & dresser, ideal for foreign students.

Within walking or biking to McMaster, close to shopping & busses, many updates in past 7 yrs.

Incredible income! No early a.m. showings!

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

www. GolfiTeam .com

YER U B ASH C Y M

Hamilton West $149,900 36 Jones Street Investors/handy person needed. Great SW location (York & Dundurn). Close to Burlington, 403 & McMaster. Renovations started, need someone to complete. QSI windows, shingles 2 years, water line done, new bathroom in bsmt done, porch insulated and drywalled.

MarketWatch May 15 2012 09/05/12 3:54 PM Page 5

May 15, 2012

Rob Golfi*

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook D SOL

YER U B TA G O T

Hamilton West $299,900 27 Paradise Road South

stoney Creek $599,900 92 Fifty Road

Hamilton West $339,900 260 Bay Street S., Unit 2

Brantford $279,900 91 Osborn Avenue

Westdale classic in a great location 5 minutes away from McMaster. Bright kitch w/breakfast bar, fantastic investment w/student income of $2680.00/mth, fin. basement, new furnace & air.

Parking for 2 cars & single garage.

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!

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

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

Beautiful all brick 2 storey home! This home features Cherry hardwd flrs in hallway, kitchen & gathering area, kitchen w/island & upgraded backsplash, master bedroom w/walk-in closet & ensuite, rec room w/potlights & walkout to deck with a huge rear yard.

Includes C/vac, C/air and dishwasher.

YS A D 41 N I D SOL

IN D L SO

Hamilton Ctr $124,900 86 Rosemont Avenue

Hamilton West $279,762 72 Whitney Avenue

Hamilton mtn $319,900 14 Rowan Court

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

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

Close to Mac University. Has six rooms, two kitchens and two bathrooms. Front bedroom was the garage. 4 rooms rented to Tenants who would like to stay. Month to month rental. Place shows nice.

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.

YS A D 20

Hamilton mtn $229,900 112 Fernwood Crescent Updates galore…shingles, windows, furnace, central air, bathroom, kitchen counters flooring, Berber in bsmt, new drywall ceiling with potlights in bsmt, entry doors, roof on carport, freshly painted, & wet bar in bsmt. Great neighbourhood. Just move in and relax.

Why the Canadian Real Estate Association (CRA) wants $30,000 in HST Rebates back

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ome investors who bought new homes or condos in the past few years planning to flip them in a hot real estate market are facing HST bills of up to $30,000.

That’s because they didn’t read the fine print on the purchase agreement and they now have a problem that relates to the HST rebate that is available to buyers of new homes under certain conditions.

When you buy a new home or condominium, there are rebates for the federal 5 per cent portion of the HST and in Ontario, the provincial 8 per cent portion.

You can qualify for a rebate of 36 per cent of the federal portion of the HST if the home costs $350,000 or less. If the home costs between $350,000 and $450,000 there is a sliding scale. At $450,000 the rebate ends. For the provincial portion, everyone can apply for up to 75 per cent of the HST paid, to a maximum of $24,000. You can also apply for the rebates if you build your own home as well.

It can add up to a sizeable sum. If a new home costs $300,000 and there was no rebate, the HST would be 13 per cent of the price or $39,000. With the rebates, you’d pay $15,600 for a saving of $23,400 The catch is that in order to qualify, the new home or condo has to be your primary residence, or you must prove that you have rented it out for at least a year.

If you move in on closing, the builder often builds the rebate into the sale price and then applies to the Canada Revenue

Agency for the refund on your behalf.

Before the builder will do that, you have to sign a document saying that you will move in. If the builder suspects you will not be moving in, they have the right to ask you to pay the rebate on closing.

If you bought the house as an investment and plan to rent it out, you can apply for the rebate immediately as well, but will have to send proof that you closed your deal and a copy of the lease agreement. If you sell the investment property within a year, you have to pay the tax.

Many investors who bought new homes or condominiums several years ago from plans are trying to take advantage of the hot real estate market by selling without moving in. However, these same investors signed papers with the builder promising that they would move in, so the builder applied for HST rebates on their behalf. Now CRA wants the HST rebate back with interest. That can be as much as $30,000.

I’ve heard plenty of stories from realtors about investor clients receiving demand letters from CRA about the HST. The lesson is that buyers must understand their obligations if they intend to apply for any HST rebate on a new home or condominium. Either you must move into the home as your primary residence on closing, in which event you can immediately apply for the full rebate, or you must rent it out for at least one year and then apply for the rebate. If you are intending to immediately re-sell your

If you're planning to flip a condo or new property, be sure to check the HST rules. home without moving in, then just pay the full HST amount when you buy the home from the builder, and don’t apply for any rebate.

by Mark Weisleder

Call Today 905-575-7700

This article has been changed from an earlier version to clarify the HST rules regarding investment properties. Mark Weisleder is a real estate lawyer. Email mark at mark@markweisleder.com

MarketWatch May 15 2012 09/05/12 3:54 PM Page 6

Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Want to buy a cottage?

May 15, 2012

Weigh the costs vs the rewards

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s a vacation property affordable without stretching yourself too thin and sacrificing other financial goals?

May marks a time of change for those who own or who wish to own a vacation property. The snowbirds are returning from the sunny south and the Victoria Day holiday has historically been “opening weekend” for many cottagers. It is also a time of year that sees a lot of turnover of vacation properties — whether north or south — which might make you wonder how you can achieve your dream of owning a vacation property.

Most people opt for cottages over homes or condos in the southern states simply because of proximity.

Standard waterfront recreational properties can range from the mid$150s on the East Coast to approaching $1-million in Cranbrook or Vernon, B.C., the Muskoka region of Ontario or the Eastern Townships of Quebec.

For argument’s sake, assume the purchase of a $200,000 cottage. Not everybody has a couple of hundred thousand dollars waiting to find a home (pun intended), so most cottage purchases will be financed. It’s important to know ahead of time that mortgages for recreational properties may be subject to different lending requirements and higher interest rates than your home. Banks tend to look more favourably upon cottages that have year-round access and are winterized when determining acceptable loan-to-value ratios and discounts off of posted mortgage interest rates, so don’t count on standard mortgage terms for an uninsulated log home on an island.

If someone qualifies for an 80% mortgage on their notional $200,000 cottage, that requires a down payment of $40,000. It’s possible (though may or may not be advisable) to borrow against your principal residence for this down payment. Assuming a 4% rate and a 25-year amortization on the $160,000 mortgage, the monthly payments would be $842, which is about $10,000 a year. Property taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance might conservatively add another $5,000 a year, meaning a total annual cost of $15,000 (7.5% of the cottage purchase price). Assuming the entire down payment came from a secured line of credit on your home, add another $2,000 in interest-only pay-

ments at a minimum at today’s rates.

Remember, though, in addition, cottages need new roofs and experience other expensive and unexpected maintenance requirements just like a home. And interest rates have nowhere to go but up.

It wouldn’t be unreasonable for a family of four to spend $5,000 to go on a one-week vacation, but that’s a long way from the $15,000 carrying costs for the cottage. That said, in this example, nearly $4,000 a year would be going to mortgage principle repayments and if the cottage rises in value at a modest 3% a year, there’s another $6,000 in net equity — $10,000 in total — over the course of the year. If we knock $10,000 off the carrying costs, a family might be looking at only a $5,000 annual net “cost,”

ing a cottage property is the potential to rent it out. It’s much easier to rent a cottage on your own these days on Kijiji or other online directories, by creating your own website or simply by word of mouth. But there are also property managers who will find tenants and provide various levels of management — typically for 10% to 20% of the rent collected. This can certainly help pay for some of the carrying costs and can be a good option for families who can’t spend much time at their cottage. It also makes some of the carrying costs taxdeductible (though the rent received is also taxable). Renting any property, cottage or otherwise, can present many unpleasant challenges for landlords, so renting is not without potential headaches.

Illustration by Chloe Cushman which is getting a bit more reasonable when you look at it this way.

There is still a valid argument that the average family who might only take a couple weeks of vacation per year might do better to rent a cottage or visit an all-inclusive resort and spread out their vacation spending. A $5,000 vacation budget could go a long way and for those who like diversity, it might not be very rewarding to spend it all in one place at the cottage. But likewise, some would gladly add this to their budget to have a second home to call their own.

For those who like diversity, it might not be very rewarding to spend it all in one place at the cottage One consideration when purchas-

More and more Canadians are looking south of the border for vacation properties. Florida, Arizona and California tend to be hot spots. With the decline in U.S. home prices, coupled with the increase in the Canadian dollar vis-à-vis the U.S. in recent years, home prices are very affordable in the U.S. on a relative basis compared to many places here in Canada.

Average home prices in Florida peaked around $271,985 in 2006 and have since stabilized around $159,900. This compares to the average home price in Canada of about $369,677.

If financing is required for a U.S. property, U.S. banks may lend 50% to

75% of the purchase price to a Canadian depending on the state.

Lenders may also require the deposit of up to 12 months of mortgage payments, property taxes and insurance premiums into a U.S. bank account.

Some people use a mortgage or line of credit on their Canadian home to provide the funds to purchase a U.S. property to keep things simple.

Canadians with a high net worth need to be cognizant of U.S. estate taxes, which could become payable on death for those owning U.S. assets.

There is a lot of short-term uncertainty around U.S. estate tax rules, so be sure to consult a professional.

A Canadian who rents out a U.S. property will be required to file a U.S. tax return, although in most cases, little or no tax results and the filing is simply administrative.

Is a cottage or U.S. recreational property a good investment? That depends in part on what happens with real estate prices. Some have called for the bursting of a real estate bubble in Canada, suggesting caution for Canadian cottage buyers.

Historically, Canadian homes have averaged about 3.5 times household income — currently, they stand at 4.75 times, which is quite a jump from the long-term trend. Meanwhile, the U.S. housing market, although it seems to have found a floor, has not shown much of an improvement to suggest positive returns in the near term.

Prices aside, because future real estate trends are just speculation, one needs to examine more tangible factors. Is a vacation property affordable without stretching yourself too thin and sacrificing other financial goals?

Is diverting money otherwise spent on vacations to a fixed address a good trade-off? And finally, where do you and your family want to be — sitting on the dock this summer or baking on a beach next winter? Both sound good, but take the time to determine what’s right for you from both a financial and lifestyle perspective.

Jason Heath is a fee-only Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and income tax professional for Objective Financial Partners Inc. in Toronto.

HOME EvALUATION No Cost or Obligation

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MarketWatch May 15 2012 09/05/12 3:55 PM Page 7

May 15, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Crossword Puzzle

Page 7

(Solution on Page 11)

Across

Down

1

Ideal (7)

1

8

Never appearing to grow old (7)

English philosopher, William (with a Razor!), d. 1349 (5)

9

Money-spinning business (4,3)

2

The box (2,3)

3

Non-cooker's cooker? (9,4)

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(In the US) a sheriff, for example (6)

13 Cellar where drink is stored (or served to customers) (4,5)

5

In great confusion (and in love?)

(4,4,5)

15 Conduct (9)

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18 Offers for sale from place to place (5)

Experience of feeling that we've been here before (4,2)

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Agreement (to a proposal) (6)

21 Metal-bearing mineral (4,3)

12 Rod between wheels (4)

22 Caribbean country, capital St George's (7)

14 Lie in wait (4)

23 The push (5-2)

16 Yippee! (6)

24 Being born — scan net (anag) (7)

17 US Pacific state (6)

10 Act between parties to reconcile differences (7) 11 Passover bread (5)

15 Plague (6)

19 Zigzag (through traffic?) (5) 20 Sting (5)

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MarketWatch May 15 2012 09/05/12 3:55 PM Page 8

Page 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

May 15, 2012

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

AYS D 3 IN 4 D L SO GrimsBy $379,900 15 Tamarack Court

GrimsBy $256,000 176 Livingston Ave, Unit #4

smitHville $399,900 146 Rock Street

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.

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

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.

Court location at the base of the Escarpment.

3042sqft Jewel Model boasts 5 bedrms upstairs, dining rm, custom kitchen, family rm w/FP. Basement fin with walkout to hottub in customized gazebo. Prof. landscaped.

GrimsBy $624,900 5 Heathcote Court

IN-LAW SETUP

GrimsBy $459,900 391 Kerman Avenue

Beamsville $295,000 4503 Dufferin Avenue

GrimsBy $299,900 34 Juliana Road

GrimsBy $319,900 11 Tami Crescent

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.

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.

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, raised ranch in fantastic condition & in great neighborhood, features new shingles 2011, furnace 2006, hardwood in living & dining room, vinyl windows finished basement, sun room, fenced yard, won’t last call today.

All brick 2 storey home w/3 spacious bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths. Totally finished! Featuring inground pool, hardwood flrs, walk-in closet, Main floor laundry. 2 car garage and potential in-law suite in lower level. Updated kitchen, baths, windows, roof, & flooring!

WATERFRONT

Beamsville $299,900 4176 Highland Park Drive

West linColn $324,000 9407 Silver Street

GrimsBy $649,900 7 Chestnut Drive

GrimsBy

$1,499,900 143 Lake Street

Charming 3+1 BR backsplit backing onto park like setting, features sparkling clean updated kitchen, hardwood floors, bright and spacious family room with gas fireplace and walk out to back yard. Updates include shingles 2007, & all vinyl windows. Fantastic lot size!

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.

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.

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!

WATERFRONT

IN-LAW SETUP

GrimsBy $1,250,000 134 Olive Street

GrimsBy $519,900 34 Golf Woods Drive

vineland $299,900 3380 Dustan Street

stevensville $264,9000 3669 Carver Street

BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT property in fantastic residential neighbourhood. 75 x 276 ft lot with updated shore protection. Features inlaw setup, nanny suite, 4+2 bedrooms, master with 6 piece ensuite, floor to ceiling windows and quick access to QEW.

Gorgeous 2+2 bedroom bungalow with main flr laundry, in desirable neighbourhood. In-law setup on lower level with private walk-out. Beautiful hardwood floors with cathedral ceilings and gas fireplace. Master bedroom has luxury ensuite and walk-in closet. Shows like a dream!

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.

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.

YS A D 35 N I D SOL

YS A D 20 N I D SOL

vineland $274,900 3951 Victoria Avenue North

Beamsville $332,900 4034 Barry Drive

This charming bungalow will surprise you!

Clean & bright 3+1 BR home features prof. finished basement w/in-law set up, hardwd flrs, kitchen w/dinette, beautifully landscaped yard w/pergola & hot tub. Updates include shingles 2009, vinyl windows, & central/vac.

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

Beamsville $459,900 2845 Thirty Road North 2-1/2 storey, 4 BR on over an acre w/barn/garage & enclosed hot tub. Orig. hardwd & trim throughout w/many updates.

Generous room sizes & lots of room to entertain.

Great country location close to water & town amenities.

www.golfiteam.com

GrimsBy $249,900 195 Main Street West 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.

MarketWatch May 15 2012 09/05/12 3:55 PM Page 9

May 15, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 9

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi* DUPLEX

IST L F 0% O 0 1 OR F D SOL

GrimsBy $249,900 15 Adelaide Street

Beamsville $239,900 4181 Fly Road

GrimsBy $174,900 49 Ontario Street, Unit#14

$389,900 GrimsBy 100 Sumner Crescent

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.

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

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

FABULOUS FIND! Gorgeous home approx 2 yrs new, features hardwd & ceramic flrs, 4 large sunny bedrms, spacious family rm with showcase fireplace, large stylish kitchen w/walk out to back yard deck, unspoiled basement with good ceiling height & walk out to fenced yard.

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.

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

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

T E A M

REALTORS Association of Hamilton-Burlington AREA

YTD Comparison Mar 2012 / Mar 2011

Listed YTD

Expired YTD

Sold YTD

Average Selling Price

Average Days on Market

Selling % of List Price

ANCASTER (DISTRICT 42)

2012 2011

282 313

45 43

172 169

$455,709 $439,746

50 53

98% 97%

BURLINGTON (DIST. 30 to 36 & 38)

2012 2011

1494 1521

81 111

1137 1130

$450,297 $404,865

30 37

99% 98%

DUNDAS (DISTRICT 41)

2012 2011

152 165

20 19

136 121

$356,280 $349,041

59 44

97% 98%

GLANBROOK (DISTRICT 53)

2012 2011

196 194

28 31

111 112

$326,636 $319,825

53 61

98% 97%

GRIMSBY (DISTRICT 54,55)

2012 2011

195 190

32 25

148 126

$328,866 $320,891

54 66

97% 97%

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

2012 2011

377 382

49 57

292 254

$195,759 $185,874

48 64

97% 96%

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

2012 2011

800 819

102 103

608 570

$263,689 $246,304

44 47

98% 97%

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

2012 2011

512 561

122 134

361 338

$158,622 $151,768

50 56

97% 96%

WEST LINCOLN (DISTRICT 56, 58)

2012 2011

40 30

4 10

21 16

$335,124 $336,250

69 94

98% 95%

SMITHVILLE (DISTRICT 57)

2012 2011

39 42

10 12

26 23

$271,188 $237,981

73 80

97% 98%

STONEY CRK (DISTRICT 50,51,52)

2012 2011

466 467

67 62

354 300

$313,935 $297,149

50 58

98% 97%

Call Today 905-945-0188

MarketWatch May 15 2012 09/05/12 3:55 PM Page 10

May 15, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 10

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

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

Jeff Green Certified Arborist

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

real estate lawyer

Paul lewis settimi

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

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

paul.settimi@cogeco.net

DAVID COOPER Owner

BUDGET BLINDS OF G RIMSBY

SERVING GRIMSBY, STONEY CREEK & Hamilton

905.309.0909 Shutters, Wood Blinds, Draperies and more!

An Independently Owned and Operated Franchise

l ete R es iden id nti Yo u r C Co mpplete le tial t l Sh hoowr w ro o m www a ag ed o rcan ad d . gar da.ca w.g gedo a.ca

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

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

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

t: 905.573.2502

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

Jacqueline Paradisi

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

www.aulwardgraphics.com

CRAIG BUDD 1-866-252-0035

HOME STAGING

www.craigbudd.ca

Hardwood Floor Refinishing

The Quick, No-Sanding Solution for Beautiful Hardwood Floors

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

www.golfiteam.com

MarketWatch May 15 2012 09/05/12 3:55 PM Page 11

Page 11

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

May 15, 2012

7 Packing & Moving Tips for Parents with Young Children

Moving can be a scary venture for kids, especially the younger ones.

The whole idea of moving to a new town (or even just across town) and having to go to a new school and make new friends can make children apprehensive.

It’s normal for kids to not handle the strain of moving well, but there are some things you can do as a parent to make the move less stressful for your children…

Kids & Moving

1. Involve your children in the move, including packing and preparation.

Don’t try to keep your kids out of the loop; there is nothing scarier than mom or dad not telling them what the plan is.

Tell your children right away, as soon as you know you are moving. And tell them why you are moving. Give them a chance to ask questions, and take the time to answer those questions as honestly as you can.

Be sure to tell them when the move will happen and how things will go leading up to (and after) the move. Explain how their things will be packed and how those things will get to the new location.

Doing these things will prevent your children from feeling as though things are happening that they have no control over — which can be very frightening for young children, and even teens.

2. On moving day, If you can’t have your kids stay with a close friend or family member, then involve them in the moving day activities.

Let your children carry a few light boxes out to the truck, help you wrap plates in newspaper, or pack a box of books.

Letting them feel as though they’re a part of what is happening will help them to feel more secure. Giving a child small tasks that they are capable of doing will help to keep them occupied and prevent them getting underfoot 3. Spend time with your kids learning about the new location.

Go online and check out pictures and even some of the activities that will be possible at the new location.

Also, most schools are online in one form or another these days so you may even be able to visit a your child’s new school online.

These types of things will go a long way toward reassuring your kids about the move and what may happen once you get there.

Your child being less anxious is going to make for an easier moving day with less drama.

4. Help your child to pack one box of special things that they can take with them in the car.

Be sure to have this box available to

your child as soon as you reach your new destination.

Having something familiar that is just theirs and readily available as soon as you arrive will help with your child’s adjustment to the move.

5. During the move stay calm, upbeat and positive.

Children pick up on adults’ moods very easily. If you are obviously stressed out and irritable, then this can be very upsetting to a child.

Staying centered is a good way to keep your kids out of trouble, as well as prevent them from becoming upset.

Children who pick up on a parent’s bad mood may act out themselves. This can make the move traumatic for everyone.

6. Give yourself plenty of time to pack.

If you know about your move far enough ahead of time, then starting to pack a couple of weeks (or a month!) early can make things go much more smoothly on moving day.

This way, you can allow your children — who may be a bit slower when packing — to help you more.

7. Don’t change your routines during the moving process.

Kids need structure, and when they don’t have it, it can make everything

around them seem scary. Scared kids can make your move more difficult than it has to be.

So, eat your meals at the same time every day, and if your kids normally take naps at a certain time or go to bed at a certain time, encourage them to keep doing so.

The less the routines change, the happier your children will be during the moving process.

Crossword Solution

Your house will get noticed FIRST when listed by the Team who gets noticed the MOST!

Call the Golfi Team Today!

905-575-7700

Call Today 905-945-0188

MarketWatch May 15 2012 09/05/12 3:55 PM Page 12

WOW! LOWES

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Ontario St.

King St.

Cassandra Dr.

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South Service Rd.

Mountain St.

Stadelbauer Dr.

King St.

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South Service Rd.

Connor Dr.

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Hillside Dr.

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