May 1, 2012 Issue 47

MarketWatch May 1 2012 28/04/12 2:58 PM Page 1

May 1, 2012 - Vol 39

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 1 2012 28/04/12 2:58 PM Page 2

Page 2

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Family Heartache as Estate Battle ends up in Court

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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May 1, 2012

When seniors are considering the sale or transfer of the family home,get the decision in writing so that there is no misunderstanding or hardfeelings later.

W

hen it comes to estate planning, parents and grandparents often assume everyone knows what they want and will abide by their wishes when they die. But as a recent court case shows, it’s vital to put it in writing to avoid costly disputes later.

In 2004, Guiseppina Gabrielle convinced her mother to sell her home and move in with Gabrielle and her husband on Sylvadene Parkway in Vaughan.

Gabrielle’s mother, Mariannina Pulla, then 88, went on to sell her home and moved in with her daughter on the understanding that she could live there for the rest of her life. Nothing was put in writing.

In 2009, Guiseppina died. She was predeceased by her husband. Shortly before her death, presumably for estate planning purposes, Guiseppina transferred title of the house to her three children. No mention was made of their grandmother’s right to live there in perpetuity.

The children could not agree on what to do with the house, whether their grandmother should be allowed to remain there, or whether the house should be sold and other arrangements made for her.

The daughter, Mary Spadafore, wanted to sell the house and divide the proceeds equally with her brothers, Tony and Frank Gabrielle. Mary also wanted to have her grandmother come and live with her. But Mariannina refused, saying she wanted to remain in the house on

Sylvadene Parkway as agreed.

The dispute ended up in court. Mary asked a judge to evict Mariannina and order the home sold. Mariannina argued she had the right to remain there even though she had nothing in writing to support her claim.

In the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Judge Katherine Corrick ruled against evicting Mariannina. In her April 2011 judgment she said: “Mary, Frank and Tony were in effect gifted a home that bore the burden of their parents’ promise to their grandmother,” he wrote. “They (knew of) the arrangement between their parents and grandmother. They further allowed their grandmother to reside in the home, pursuant to the agreement, for years. To allow a sale that would effectively evict Ms. Pulla against her will would, in my view, be unconscionable.”

Ultimately, this case led to unnecessary legal costs and even more family grief because the arrangement was not made clear.

When seniors are considering the sale or transfer of the family home, the decision should not be made quickly and, more importantly, whatever decision is made, get it in writing so that there is no misunderstanding or hard feelings later.

If a dispute does arise, try to find a way to settle differences amicably, perhaps using a mediator, to avoid the price and unwanted publicity of legal proceedings.

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

Shopping for a House?

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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.

Call The Golfi Team 905-575-7700

www. GolfiTeam .com

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MarketWatch May 1 2012 28/04/12 2:58 PM Page 3

May 1, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Rob Golfi*

Page 3

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

Hamilton mtn $229,900 112 Fernwood Crescent

Hamilton east $129,900 101 Beland Avenue North

Hamilton West $149,900 36 Jones Street

Hamilton mtn $229,900 166 East 13th Street

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.

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.

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.

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.

FOR S Y A N 10 D I D L SO

LIST F O 99%

stoney Creek $424,900 5 Sandy Drive

Hamilton mtn $219,900 2-15 Derby Street

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

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.

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.

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!

Hamilton Ctr $229,900 68 Holton Avenue South

Hamilton West $279,762 72 Whitney Avenue

Brantford $279,900 91 Osborn Avenue

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.

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.

stoney Creek $549,900 132 Millen Road

Hamilton mtn $299,900 52 Deschene Avenue

T F LIS O 99% R O DF SOL Hamilton West $379,900 63 Paisley Avenue South 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!

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.

IST L F %O 9 9 FOR D L SO Hamilton West $299,900 27 Paradise Road South

stoney Creek $619,900 92 Fifty Road

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!

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

Hamilton east $349,500 15 Strawberry Drive

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.

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!

Hamilton mtn $319,900 14 Rowan Court

Hamilton mtn $359,900 23 Vineberg Drive

YER U B GTA O T D SOL Hamilton Ctr $124,900 86 Rosemont Avenue

stoney Creek $189,900 518-500 Green Road

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.

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.

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.

www.GolfiTeam.com

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.

MarketWatch May 1 2012 28/04/12 2:58 PM Page 4

Page 4

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

May 1, 2012

$99 Report Reveals Home’s Full History There is no supervision on the home inspection industry, while car mechanics must be licensed in order to certify a car.

The courts often use the concept of buyer beware for home buyers, even though many defects can’t be seen when you are inspecting a home. The result is sometimes unhappy buyers who are forced to correct problems that were not disclosed when they bought the home.

A lot of the sort of information you need is collected by insurance companies, but they don’t share it. They have huge databases about a property’s history, including claims for such things as water damage or theft. They use this to calculate how much they charge for a policy, but don’t share it, arguing that it is private.

Ottawa-based Homeproof.com is now offering this sort of information for $99. They will prepare a home history report, which company president Alexandre Morin says is similar to the vehicle history report you get when you buy a resale car. Morin says he has access to numerous databases, including most of the major police forces across Canada and those used by insurance companies, in compiling their report.

He uses Freedom of Information requests and voluntary disclosures by police forces to generate information about former grow houses in the report.

He also uses similar companies that have been compiling the vehicle history information reports for the insurance industry.

These databases will disclose claims for:

• Past sewer backup(s) • Past floods • Past fires • Earthquake damage • Hail and wind damage • Electrical fires • Burglary and theft • Such things as grow ops

ry for any re-sale home purchase. This would assist in both reducing the cost of this report and making a re-sale home purchase more transparent. Consumers pay about $60 today to get reports about their vehicle history, including whether there are any liens registered.

In the meantime, buyers should always be asking sellers whether they

The information in the report can go back between 10 and 25 years depending on the location. The catch is that to satisfy any privacy issues, the homeowner must give permission for the release of the information. The report could be given to the buyer’s home inspector, to help in making sure that anything noted on the report, such as a prior sewage backup claim, is checked to make sure that the problem was properly repaired.

Sellers could probably ask for a report from their insurer directly, at little to no cost, but it may take them up to 30 days to receive it. Homeproof claims they can generate a report in minutes.

Sellers who provide this report will probably attract more serious buyers, because more disclosure demonstrates more integrity. One report I looked at, identified a past water damage claim for $35,000 and two burglaries. The burglaries do not show what was stolen or the amount claimed, for privacy reasons as well. Still, if I am a potential buyer, I want to know this information.

Provincial governments should consider making this type of report mandato-

have made any insurance claims regarding their home during their period of ownership. Sellers, just disclose hidden problems and avoid lawsuits after closing.

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

“I describe the house with words like ‘Yummy’ and ‘Tasteful’ instead of mentioning the termites specifically ... ”

Multiple Wills can be a Winning Strategy

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n blackjack, the term “split” refers to when a player receives two cards of the same numerical value on a first hand. The player can choose to “split” the cards into two hands by making an additional identical bet or play the cards as a single hand using the aggregate of the two cards. In most cases, savvy card players will split the cards because it will increase the chance of beating the dealer.

The “split” in blackjack is analogous to an estate planning tactic, which divides estate assets into two groups to maximize the inheritance a deceased party provides to beneficiaries.

Multiple wills In Ontario, in order for certain assets such as real estate or bank accounts to pass on to beneficiaries named in a deceased’s last will and testament, the will may be required to be probated with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. In such cases, the court will calculate the deceased’s entire estate, wherever situated, and impose an estate administration tax of approximately 0.5 per cent to be paid on the first $50,000 of estate assets and 1.5 per cent on the value of the remaining assets.

If a deceased’s estate has assets that do not require probate, such as private shares in corporations or personal effects, a standard probate tax planning practice is to draft a second mirror will to carve out assets that do not require probate. In order to have multiple will that do not

revoke each other, the probated will would contain a clause acknowledging the existence of a second will.

Delay Barring any issues with a deceased’s estate, administration of the non-probated will can occur without delay. This may be of particular interest to individuals with shares in private corporations who have executed shareholder agreements with provisions that grant the corporation’s remaining shareholders an option to purchase shares from the deceased’s estate.

The use of multiple wills should be investigated by the shareholders of corporations. It is a mechanism that allows for the direction and ownership of a corporation to be seamless upon a shareholder’s death.

Public disclosure By dividing your assets into two wills, a deceased’s estate can not only minimize estate administration tax, but it can also prevent having public disclosure of a deceased’s assets. If a deceased only has executed one will, it’s required to be probated. Then the estate’s assets and value would be part of public record, which may be of concern to those who want to shield the value of these assets.

Adam J. Savaglio is an associate at Scarfone Hawkins LLP practising in business law and can be reached at adam@shlaw.ca

Call Today 905-575-7700

Reprinted from Hamilton Spectator

MarketWatch May 1 2012 28/04/12 2:58 PM Page 5

May 1, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Facts About the GOLFI TEAM… 3 Over $60 Million in Sales Annually** 3 #1 Real Estate Office in Hamilton-Burlington* 3 Amongst the Top Sales Reps in Ontario** 3 Ranked Top 50 Teams in Canada for ** 3 Ranked Top 100 Teams world wide**

1998

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

2003

2003

2006

2010

OVER $460 MILLION IN REAL ESTATE SALES *#1 Brokerage in the Realtors Association of Hamilton Burlington MLS from 1994 to 2010 consecutively. **Year End Standings for 2010, based on residential commissions paid. Rankings are compiled from figures submitted by regional offices.

Rob Golfi

Sharon Stafford

Sales Representative

Mike McNeil

Sales Representative

Hans Marcellissen

Heather Reid

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Kristina King

Sales Representative

Wendy Murray-Nicholson Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Vince Lazaruk

Sales Representative

Rosemarie Fournier Listing Co-ordinator

Together… Delivering More!

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

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

MarketWatch May 1 2012 28/04/12 2:58 PM Page 6

Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

May 1, 2012

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi* IN-LAW SETUP

Beamsville $295,000 4503 Dufferin Avenue

GrimsBy $299,900 34 Juliana Road

GrimsBy $319,900 11 Tami Crescent

Beamsville $299,900 4176 Highland Park Drive

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!

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!

D SOL

WATERFRONT

AYS D 0 IN 3

GrimsBy $624,900 5 Heathcote Court 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.

West linColn $324,000 9407 Silver Street

GrimsBy $649,900 7 Chestnut Drive

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.

WATERFRONT

IN-LAW SETUP

GrimsBy $1,250,000 134 Olive Street

GrimsBy $519,900 34 Golf Woods Drive

vineland $299,900 3380 Dustan 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.

GrimsBy

$1,499,900 143 Lake Street

Fabulous waterfront property! Custom built, 3000 sq ft home with lake views from every room. Maple hardwood floors, granite counters, master suite with access to back deck, ensuite and walk-in shower. Handicap adaptable!

AYS D 0 IN 2 D L SO

FOR S Y A 30 D N I D SOL

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.

LIST F O 99%

stevensville $264,9000 3669 Carver Street

vineland $274,900 3951 Victoria Avenue North

Beamsville $359,900 4469 Weltman Way

GrimsBy $249,900 195 Main Street West

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.

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.

BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED 2 STOREY HOME! 7 yrs new! Oak staircase, walnut hardwood flrs, wonderful family size kitchen, upgraded light fixtures throughout, custom blinds & california shutters, master bedrm with ensuite & walk in closet, fenced yard, large patio deck.

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.

GrimsBy $389,900 100 Sumner Crescent

Beamsville $332,900 4034 Barry Drive

GrimsBy $459,900 391 Kerman Avenue

Beamsville $239,900 4181 Fly Road

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.

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.

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.

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.

IST L F 0% O 0 1 FOR D L SO

www.golfiteam.com

MarketWatch May 1 2012 28/04/12 2:59 PM Page 7

May 1, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi* DUPLEX

D SOL

AYS D 9 IN 3

GrimsBy $249,900 15 Adelaide Street

GrimsBy $272,000 20 Cline Mountain Road

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

smitHville $399,900 146 Rock Street

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

3 Level side split with 20x24’ family room addition approx six years ago. Large 20x30’ detached garage and oversized lot. Awaits your renovating! Furnace has been removed but duct work still in place.

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

Outstanding & immaculate Custom built 2350 sq.ft. Facing park, loaded w/upgrades, features maple kitchen with antique finish and granite counters, gleaming hardwood flrs, porceline tile, California shutters, luxury ensuite master bedrm with French doors leading to 16x24 covered patio.

BUNGALOW

TO D L SO Beamsville $249,900 5143 Connor Drive

Beamsville $339,900 4092 Mountain Street

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.

ER Y U SH B A C MY

GrimsBy

$239,900

U

• Check the driveway for cracks or winter damage.

• Clean the steps and the driveway with a spray nozzle hose. If moss is visible, pour vinegar on it and scrub.

• Inspect the gutters around the house. Remove debris.

• Inspect the roof, looking for damage and missing or loose shingles. Contact a roofing professional if you need a few replacements.

• Get your deck ready for use.

Clean it with oxalic acid, which will penetrate the wood and kill microorganisms. Once dry (24 hours), treat the deck with a sealant.

$279,900

69 Mountain

5132 Connor Drive, Unit 60

Gorgeous property sitting on the edge of escarpment surrounded by towering trees, fantastic 60 x 125 ft lot with level back yard, great in-law set up with private entrance, furnace 2 yrs new, shingles 5 & 10 yrs new, 19x26 ft garage, & 21x19 ft carport w/steel roofs.

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.

Spring Cleaning Checklist for the Exterior of Your Home se this handy checklist to help you while starting the clean up of your outdoor space.

• Inspect the exterior walls of your entire home. Look for signs of winter damage such as splitting wood, peeling paint, mold, etc.

• Got brick? It should be cleaned and checked for water damage once a year. Aside from cleaning the surface by using your hose with a spray nozzle to wash off dirt, you need to be on the lookout for mold. If there is mold, mildew, or moss, wash with a solution of 1 cup of bleach mixed with 4 L of water.

Use a natural or synthetic bristle brush. Wire brushes leave traces of steel behind that will rust and discolor the bricks.

• If you use them, remove the storm windows.

• Clean the windows.

• Use screens? Make sure they are dust-free and sparkling clean before putting them up.

Beamsville

• If boards on your deck are splintered or worn beyond repair, replace them before you seal and stain.

• Prepare outdoor furniture for use. If you kept the furniture out during the winter months, you need to scrub the surfaces clean.

If you stored your furniture, bring it outside and make sure it's clean.

• Put on those gardening gloves, it's time to weed! The first step to a beautiful, clean garden is to remove weeds. It is important to leave a few, however, as they do have a purpose; they are food for insects and create a covered landscape for little critters.

• If you haven't removed the covers you placed on your shrubs and trees, and are confident you won't have another frost, remove the covers.

• Give your garden a filled-in appearance until it grows in. Sprinkle mulch around shrubs, trees, and flowerbeds.

Call Today 905-945-0188

Home evaluation No Cost or Obligation

Call the Golfi team today!

905-945-0188 Crossword Solution

MarketWatch May 1 2012 28/04/12 2:59 PM Page 8

Page 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

May 1, 2012

House Hunting: Find the Right Fit for You ern look, then loft-like spaces or open concept homes will probably hold more appeal.

Look Outside What is out in the world that catches your attention? Is it a brick exterior or cedar shingles that make a house feel like home to you? Consider the different styles of houses that you like, and see if there are any common elements among them. Another place to look is at the style and size of any new items you plan to acquire. Taking an outside inventory of what appeals to you can help narrow down your search.

W

ith so many choices and variables, how do you find the perfect fit? It's a good idea to narrow down the playing field by looking at what would fit you best. Here's where to look: Look Inside What do you already own that your new home would need to accommodate?

If your dining suite is one that you cherish, use often and happens to be huge,

then add "large dining room" to your Must Have list. Carry this logic through your space and you should come to some conclusions about what is essential in a new home. While you're at it, take a look at your personal style; it can also give you valuable clues as to what you really want.

For example, if you're surrounded by lace, chintz and silver you might be more drawn to a Victorian style home. If your style tends more to clean lines and a mod-

Look at Your Requirements It's helpful to take a head count and look at what features are vital to each member of your family. How many of you are going to live there, and are any more expected shortly? How many of you need home offices or parking spaces or playgrounds or workshops? This will give you an idea of the size and number of rooms you require, as well as clues to locations or types of housing. Make sure you include pets and consider what's best for them. This may move a fenced yard to the top of your list.

Taking stock of any special needs or limitations you have will also help you clarify your choices. If climbing stairs is not an option, a single storey dwelling is likely to be the best fit. Anyone who has sworn off snow shoveling or leaf raking (or simply doesn't have the time for it) may find that a condominium set-up, where someone else does the big chores, is what they're looking for. If you work a night shift, and need to sleep during the day, make sure your bedroom window isn't facing the rising sun (or in close proximity to a schoolyard or playground).

Finally, if you're not the handyman type

and don't have a large budget or the patience for renovations, you may want to skip past fixer-uppers, no matter how tempting a deal they are.

Look at Your Lifestyle Look at your lifestyle to gain insight to your best locations. If you're planning to stay awhile, and are also planning on children (or already have them), then you'll want to find a neighbourhood that's kid friendly and has great schools.

Another consideration should be your work commute. Will your new location support you in getting to work on time, in the usual way? Make sure it has what you need, whether that's access to public transportation or parking spots. Does your usual routine depend on being close to shops or nightlife, or do you prefer quieter surroundings?

Your lifestyle can also determine the best layout for your home. Look at how you spend your time, how you relax and interact. You may find that the dining room is rarely used, while the family room is definitely the place to be.

Similarly, look at how you entertain. Do you have overnight guests often enough that a guest room is a necessity? If your idea of a fun evening is cooking with your guests, then an open kitchen with lots of gallery seating may top your list.

People who do most of their entertaining and socializing in public spaces may find a galley kitchen with an eating bar better suited to their needs.

All in all, if you take the time to consider what's really important to you, you should be able to define the type, size, attributes and location of houses that you want to look at. The results should be a lot less time looking, and a better chance of finding the house that is the right fit for you. Happy Hunting!

Call Today 905-575-7700

MarketWatch May 1 2012 28/04/12 2:59 PM Page 9

May 1, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Crossword Puzzle

Page 9

(Solution on Page 7)

Across

Down

1

2

9 10 11 13 14 15

18 20 21 22 24

Cocktail of vodka and orange juice (11) From Montevideo, say? (9) Lass (3) Deep brown (5) Peter __, actor, playwright and raconteur, d. 2004 (7) Nettles (6) Sedation given before a general anaesthetic (abbr) (33) Empty-headed (7) Desert plants (5) I will (3) Rules observed in polite society (9) Make the first move in a conversation (5,3,3)

3 4 5 6 7 8 12 16 17 19 23

French vineyard (and the wine from it) (3) Personal attendant of a member of the royal family (7) Practice performance (3,3) Is it not? (5) Designed for work efficiency (9) Vessel in the neck (7,4) Cruel employer (with a whip?)

(5-6) For both eyes (9) Hermit (7) Informal top (1-5) Greek letter (5) Nervous movement (3)

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MarketWatch May 1 2012 28/04/12 2:59 PM Page 10

Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

May 1, 2012

Eliminate Offensive Odours at the Source with Fresh Start

W

hen selling a home, not taking into consideration the power of smell can be a deal breaker. Offensive odours caused by cig-

arette smoke, pets and other smells can scare away potential homebuyers and possibly cause the value of your home to decrease significantly.

A number of products on the market mask smells with harsh perfumes or chemicals, but if you’ve tried these, you know that eventually they need to be reapplied because they don’t get to the source of the problem, so you’re never really fixing it.

One product out there crushes the competition and not only removes the offensive odours without harsh chemicals, but also eliminates the odours at the source – Fresh Start.

Fresh Start uses the same treatment as our water supply – chlorine dioxide.

While the process is scientific, it’s actually really simple – the chlorine dioxide gas penetrates the odour molecules causing a chemical reaction that vapourizes the offending odours.

It leaves behind no toxins and is one of the greenest treatments used on the planet, explained Brendan Muldoon, Fresh Start’s distributor for the southwestern Ontario region.

“It uses less than an ounce of water and permanently eliminates the odour.”

Even if you aren’t selling your home, but still have offensive odours that are lingering and you’re tired of wasting your money on useless retail products, Fresh Start is an affordable solution.

“We have customers in the hospitality industry who have used our services in hotels and restaurants, as well as car dealerships and gyms. We recently had a client who had spilled milk in her car and tried everything to get rid of the smell. Spilled milk in the heat is one of the most unpleasant smells. With one treatment we completely got rid of the smell and the car smells fresh and new,” said Brendan.

For a complimentary consultation to assess your home’s needs or more information, contact Fresh Start at 905510-2390, email info@freshstart.pro or visit www.freshstart.pro.

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MarketWatch May 1 2012 28/04/12 2:59 PM Page 11

May 1, 2012

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

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MarketWatch May 1 2012 28/04/12 2:59 PM Page 12

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