Sept. 1, 2010 Issue 14

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September 2010 - Vol 20

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

T E A M

D L O S R E H T O N A ONE 188 North Service Road We are extremely pleased with the service provided by Rob and the Golfi Team. Rob’s dedication, strong knowledge of the market and high level of exposure enabled us to not only get our home sold, but more important, for the true value. We could not have asked for someone more honest, efficient and dependable to sell our home. With deepest sincerity, thank you Rob.

just listed

159 Main Street West GRIMSBY

$679,900

Grimsby’s Beautiful Historical Home – The White House Circa 1832. This historically designated, solid stone home backs onto beautifully treed Niagara Escarpment. Completely remodelled to preserve its original charm incorporating modern conveniences. Beautiful kitchen with mirco cabinets and island with granite counters. Original fretwork on side of bridal staircase. Wood plank floors, original Georgian fireplace, 4+1 bedrooms, double car garage. A must see! Call today.

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

Visit www.RobGolfi.com for more details.

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

Sharon Stafford Sales Representative

Heather Reid Sales Representative

Hans Marcelissen Sales Representative

Wendy Murray-Nicholson* Sales Representative

Penny Bryce Sales Representative

Sarah Dallicardillo Administrative Assistant

www.golfiteam.com

Rosemary Fournier Administrative Assistant

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Page 2

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

About Rob Golfi

S

ince the inception of his career in 1997, Golfi has Rob 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, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006 and the SRES® designation in 2009.

Having worked with many of the industry’s professionals

by: Rob Golfi

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, marketing extensive 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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September 2010

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Are all of Your Interests being Fully Protected?

A

fter viewing numerous homes, you have finally found the "perfect" home.

There are feelings of both excitement and anxiousness. It is time to submit an offer. This critical part of the buying process has significant ramifications. In today's complex and rapidly changing real estate market, it is imperative you have a realtor that will protect your most prized investment.

This article will discuss the essential clauses that should be part and parcel of any offer.

All offers will spell out the usuals –– offering price, deposit and closing date. However, there is much more that needs to be incorporated into your offer to make sure your interests are fully protected.

If you are looking to secure a mortgage and have a pre-approval from a financial institution, it would still be prudent to include a financing condition clause. The typical time frame is 5 to 7 business days. If for whatever reason you couldn't arrange financing, then your deposit would be returned in full. Often times a purchaser mistakenly believes a preapproved mortgage is a guarantee of a mortgage approval. If you review the fine print you will notice most preapprovals have many conditions. If these conditions are not met the final mortgage approval may not be granted.

Another imperative condition to include in an offer is a home inspection clause. This clause allows the purchaser the right to hire a professional home inspector who will conduct a home inspection of the subject property which typically takes 2 to 3 hours. The inspector will review the major components of the home including the roof, the furnace, electrical system, plumbing and exterior foundation. If for whatever reason the purchaser is unhappy with the outcome of the inspection he can nullify the transaction. Often times if a home inspection reveals a deficiency the purchaser may obtain an abatement (price adjustment) from the vendor.

An often overlooked clause is the chattel warranty clause. This typically applies to the appliances and ensures that the appliances remaining on the premises will be in good working order on closing. If an appliance is not working you will have legal recourse against the vendor. In many instances no mention is made of chattel warranties and the purchaser is at risk should the appliances not be operative.

The right to view the property one or two further time(s) should be inserted in the offer. This allows the purchaser the opportunity to visit the property prior to closing typically for

www.golfiteam.com

the purpose of taking measurements or showing the property to other family members. In many cases it is advisable to have the purchaser view the property just prior to closing to ensure that there are no significant changes in the condition of the property. The purchaser is in a position of strength prior to closing and should any problems arise it is easier for the purchaser's lawyer to remedy the situation.

Typically, a survey is required by both the solicitor and the lender.

Therefore you should include a survey clause to satisfy both of these parties.

In the event a survey is not available you can still obtain title insurance which will guarantee you "good title" to the property. Prior to title insurance, if a survey wasn't available then either the purchaser or vendor would have to bear the cost of a new survey.

(A survey is the accurate measurement of both land and building made with the aid of instruments.)

If you are buying a condominium you want to ensure the sound financial health of the condominium corporation. Any offer should be conditional upon obtaining a status certificate from the condominium corporation and having your lawyer review and be satisfied with such documentation.

This certificate highlights many important aspects of the condo corporation such as the current amount of money in the reserved fund, if there are proposed increases in the maintenance fees, if there are any special assessments being contemplated, and the outcome of any engineering studies determining the adequacy of the reserve fund.

Situations may arise where special assessments in excess of $10,000 are levied against each unit owner. By reviewing all pertinent documentation this will ensure there will be no costly surprises.

If you are unsure or uncomfortable about any aspects of the offer you may want to include a clause stating that it is conditional upon your lawyer reviewing the offer and being satisfied with the same, failing which the offer shall become null and void. This will allow your lawyer the opportunity to review the offer and if any changes need to be made, your lawyer can make such changes to the agreement of purchase of sale. If the other side objects to such changes then you can void the agreement. This will give you peace of mind when you are submitting your offer.

Each offer is unique and conditions and clauses will vary. However, the clauses discussed in this article are viewed as indispensable and should be (when applicable) incorporated into your offer!

-Å

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September 2010

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

Grimsby Rob Golfi* Waterfront

$244,900 GRIMSBY Custom Built Condo

GRIMSBY $289,900 Impressive Top to Bottom!

$424,999 GRIMSBY Charming & Affordable

1465 sq ft custom home built by Losani.

Gorgeous kitchen with breakfast bar & stainless steel appliances, showcase gas fireplace & California shutters mostly thru-out. Bedrm level laundry, roughed-in bath in basment, access to back yard thru garage & fenced yard.

Amazing 3 bdrm home in great area! Fully finished w/recent updates. Bright eat-in kitchen w/large bay windpw, hrdwd on mn lvl & sliding drs from sep. din rm to priv. resort style bckyrd.

New furn(’10), shingles (’09) all vinyl wndws & fully fin’d bsmt.

Charming & affordable waterfront built in 1964, features a comfortable one floor plan with finished basememt. Plus oversized sliding doors leading to large interlock patio & gazebo in a private setting overlooking Lake Ontario. Newer furnace, central air & shingles ('07).

GRIMSBY $1,999,900 Grimsby’s Finest Luxury Estate

GRIMSBY $318,900 Losani Built Arlington Model

This fine property shows like a dream. Seated on 4 acres of lush landscape and backing onto Niagara Escarpment. This amazing 6500 sq ft estate features main floor master suite, multimedia control centre, gourmet chef’s kitchen & 4 additional large bedrooms.

Spectacular 3 bdrm model home, 3 years new!

Great family neighbourhood close to schools, shopping and quick access to the QEW. Plus bedroom level laundry, separate dining room with vaulted ceilings and upgraded cabinets in gorgeous kitchen.

GRIMSBY

$405,000

GRIMSBY

$507,900

2400 sq ft, 4+1 bedroomm with upgrades.

Professionally finished basement with full bath & spare bedroom, 9 ft ceilings with pot lights, hardwd flrs with upgraded trim, show case fireplace in great room, oak staircase w/runner, ens bath in master, stylish maple kitchen, inground salt water pool, hot tub, deck & more!

1.67 Acres

GRIMSBY 234,900 Charming 3 Bedroom Bungalow

Spectacular raised ranch boasts tremendous character! 2+2 bedrooms. Updates include gleaming hardwood, gourmet kitchen with backsplash, granite counter tops & mobile island. Plus a heated double garage and 3 outer buildings!

Situated on spacious treed lot on quiet cul-desac, beautiful gleaming hardwood in bedrm, sun filled living room with floor to ceiling bay window, fin’d bsmt w/full bath & spare bedrm.

Fenced yard. Close to schools, parks & quick access to QEW.

1 acre

GRIMSBY $679,900 Grimsby Historical Home Historical, solid stone home backs onto Niagara Escarpment. Remodelled to preserve its charm and modern conveniences. Beautiful kitchenl, mirco cabinets, island, granite counters. Bridal staircase, wood plank floors, original Georgian fireplace, 4+1 bedrooms, double car garage.

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

The

Call today!

905-945-0188

GRIMSBY $373,000 3+1 Bedroom Bungalow Spectacular one level on one acre of sprawling landscape. Gated front for privacy, gothic stone exterior w/double garage & drive. Airy & spacious living areas, 2 fireplaces, summer style eat-in kitchen & fully fin’d lower level with 2nd kitchen. In-law potential plus updates!

Waterfront

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O GRIMSBY $319,900 Inviting 1,500 sq.ft. Home

GRIMSBY $269,900 One Floor & More

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!

Bright & spacious bungalow situated on oversized treed lot backing on to a lush green space. This well built home feats. beautiful hrdwd flrs, vinyl windows, finished rec rm w/wet bar & spare bdrm.

GRIMSBY

$539,900 Lake Views

Backing onto Niagara Escarpment with views of Lake Ontario, secluded setting on 1.83 acres in the heart of Grimsby, beautiful centre hall plan with 4 bedrooms, main floor den & laundry, sun room, gorgeous oak kitchen cabinets, walking distance to downtown, schools and parks.

Waterfront

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O

GRIMSBY $1,499,900 Fabulous Lakefront 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!

Waterfront

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O

GRIMSBY $222,900 Bright & Beautiful End Unit!

2 bdrm bungalow only 6 yrs old. Ceramic flrs & backsplash in eat-in kitchen, Living room w/gas FP, laundry hook-up on main level & professionally finished bsmt. Quiet complex w/quick access to the QEW. Won’t last!

GRIMSBY

$199,999 Quiet Location

Loads of potential and priced to move! New roof '09, refaced kitchen, windows '06. Spacious living room, separate dining room. Fenced yard, large 12 x 24 deck and parking for 6 cars!

GRIMSBY $1,499,900 2 Acre Lakefront

GRIMSBY $974,900 Extraordinary 4 Bedroom Custom

Huge waterfront lot! 3+1 bedroom home with additional self contained in law suite. Open concept great room with cathedral ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors and floor to ceilingwall to wall windows!

Approx 4800 sq.ft w/lakeviews. Oak kitchen w/granite counter-tops, blt-in appls & terra cotta tiles. Large family room, oak hrdwd, dining rm w/vaulted ceilings, living rm w/fp, main flr den, master with 5 pc ensuite & inground pool.

Call Today 905-945-0188

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Page 4

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

September 2010

Hamilton & Stoney Creek Rob Golfi* Waterfront

$599,900 STONEY CREEK Exclusive Waterfront

$249,900 EAST MOuNTAIN 3+1 Bedrooms

EAST MOuNTAIN $169,900 Bigger than it looks!

$210,000 HAMILTON Fabulous find!

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!

Across from Lawfield school. 3+1 bdrms, 2 baths & 2 kitchens plus in-law suite. In-ground pool with deck, hardwd flrs on main level under carpet. Upgraded windows (’09) & exterior door (’10) Furnace & shingles (’07). Spacious rec room w/gas fireplace & lots of room for storage.

4 bedroom super starter in a great east mountain location, close to local amenities. Features hardwood flooring in both living and dining rooms, a main flr laundry, fully fenced backyard with utility shed & rear parking. Plus newer furnace & shingles.

This great starter home, located in a friendly family neighbourhood features beautiful hardwood in the living & dining room, bright eat-in kitchen, & 2 baths. Plus sliding doors leading to a 2 tiered deck and fully fenced yard.

Close to shopping, schools, buses & the Linc.

Waterfront

$699,9O00 STONEY CREEK Gorgeous Waterfront

$359,900 STONEY CREEK Spectacular Freehold Towne!

Investment or In-law potential. 2 renovated separate units plus 1 apartment. Updates include landscaping, newer roofing, decking, flooring, awnings, wiring, plumbing, kitchen and much more. Don’t miss out on this one of a kind opportunity.

Main floor fully renovated with large kitchen w/island, aya oak, dark oak, granite & built-in appliances. New ceramic, hardwd & updated bath w/bowl sink, new sliding door to patio & garden. Luxury master w/ensuite, fireplace & 2 walk-in closets. Fully finished basement.

Renovated & ready to sell! Get inside this cozy 2 bedroom bungalow. Large priv. fully fenced yard with deck. Updates incl. 100 amp breakers, windows, doors, front porch, roof, soffits, facia, kitchen & bathroom. All appliances included.

Well maintained 1900 sq.ft. home w/beautiful floor plan. Family room w/cathedral ceilings, hrdwd flrs & wood fp, stylish kitchen, fin’d bsmt w/spare bdrm, some newer vinyl wndws & shingles (’03), fenced yrd w/deck & 8 x 10 shed.

Plus an extra wide garage w/new door.

EAST HAMILTON $299,900 3 Bedroom Raised Ranch

STONEY CREEK $319,900 Newly Renovated with In-Law

STONEY CREEK $474,900 Better than Brand New!

STONEY CREEK $216,900 One Floor Plan with Garage

Immaculate 3 bedroom with fully finished basement. Spacious living room and dining room. Eat-in kitchen has been updated and boasts ample counter space and cupboards.

Updated vinyl windows, concrete drive and patio in fenced yard.

Located in the heart of Stoney Creek. 3+2 bedrooms plus in-law w/separate entrance. 2 kitchens, 2 laundrys, 3.5 baths, 2 fireplaces, master w/ensuite & walk-in closet. Newer shingles, double concrte drive, garage converted to extra ebdrm & landscaped yard with deck.

2400 sq ft. builder's model home, incl. 9 ft ceilings, hardwood flrs, loaded kitchen granite counter tops, formal dining rm, slate floors, crown mouldings, spiral staircase, gas fireplace, 4 large bedrooms, rich hotel style ensuite bath, main floor den, backs on green space with pond.

Cozy bungalow on large mature lot features 2+1 bedrooms, spacious eat-in kit, finished rec room in basement, large 22 x 16 insulated garage with new door, keypad & 22 x 15 workshop with hydro. Plus ample parking space and more.

EAST HAMILTON $269,900 Gorgeous 4 Bedroom Home

EAST HAMILTON $399,900 In-law Setup - 4 Bedrooms

STONEY CREEK $224,900 Super 3 Bedroom Semi

EAST HAMILTON $289,900 In-law Potential

Fabulous home features centre hall plan with oversized living room with showcase fireplace, formal dining room large bay window, 4 spacious bedrooms, master ensuite, beautiful hrdwd, and gorgeous plaster & crown mldings on the main floor. Fully fenced yard.

Executive area near O'Sullivan Memorial park.

4 bedroom home with a full in-law suite. Large Barzotti style kitchen, solid oak flring, french doors grant access to a sunroom overlooking a picturesque backyard with a in-ground pool.

Concrete drive & an additional single drive.

Great 3 bedroom semi-detached in prime Stoney Creek location. Very clean & well kept, finished top to bottom. Features newer shingles, all new windows, sliding door & open fireplace in family room with walk out to private yard. Close to amenities.

Spotless & spacious home in Riverdale area. All levels finished. In-law potential in bottom 2 lvls w/sep rear walk-up. Hrdwd in upp 3 bdrms & LR. Ceramics in foyer, dining room, Fam rm & lower 2 bdrms. Priv. fenced yard w/shed.

HAMILTON CENTRAL Updates

$99,900

$324,900 HAMILTON Fabulous Lot!

Waterfront

HAMILTON CENTRAL $179,900 Renovations Galore!

STONEY CREEK $499,900 Custom Built to Perfection

STONEY CREEK $267,900 5 Level Backsplit

STONEY CREEK $399,900 3 Bedroom Gem

Fully renovated, 1100 sq ft, 3 bedroom home near Centre Mall. Windows/doors ('10), furnace ('09), singles ('09), siding ('10), new kitchen, bathroom, pot lights, carpet, ceramics. Parking!!

Full basement!!

3+1 Bedrm w/gourmet kitchen & granite cnter tops, travitn flrs, sunken fam rm w/fp & hrdwd in bdrms. Plus California shutters, crown mlding & Cthdrl ceilings. Upgds incl. furnace & c/air (08), pool heater & liner (09) newer wndws, facia & eaves.

Spacious all brick 5 levle backsplit w/in-law suite. 2 car garage & large drive fits 6 cars. Inlaw suite has separate entry, newer hickory kitchen, family room with fireplace and walkout to large lot. Newer furnace, central air, garage door plus walk-out to garage from basement

Waterfront!! Rare gem, 3 bedroom loaded with character, restorations underway! New kitchen (09), living room with beamed ceiling & pine plank floors 0throughout! Balcony with sliders from all 3 BRs upstairs, amazing lakeviews!

Call Today 905-575-7700

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September 2010

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Lincoln & West Lincoln Rob Golfi*

BEAMSVILLE $279,900 Oversized Lot!

FONTHILL $469,900 Custom Built Beauty!

WEST LINCOLN $349,900 Location! Location!

SMITHVILLE $289,900 Prestigious 2 Storey, 3 Bedroom

Beautiful home on oversized “L” shaped lot.

4 spacious bdrms, 2 full baths recently reno’d, sun-filled liv/din rm w/cathedral ceilings & gas fireplace/ Plus hardwd & berber carpet, mostly updated vinyl wndws & shingles (’03), deep garage, oversized deck in private back yard.

3800 sq ft of living space in this large 4 level backsplit. 4 yrs new with a stunning maple kitchen w/granite & centre island, vaulted ceilings in LR/DR, open concept family rm w/ wet bar & fireplace, large master w/vaulted ceilings & luxury ensuite.

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).

Built in ‘06 on fantastic size lot, features spacious kitchen w/granite counters & breakfast bar, beautiful hardwood throughout, a sun-filled living room, large bedrms, ensuite privilege off master, main flr family rm, walkout from basement to fenced yard.

SMITHVILLE $284,900 Loaded with Upgrades

FONTHILL $649,900 4 Bedroom Executive

BEAMSVILLE $209,900 Spectacular 4 Bedroom Semi!

pELHAM $484,900 Loaded with Character

Newly built bungalow in ‘07. Stylish kitchen w/brkfst bar, sun-filled fam rm with fireplace, master w/hotel style ensuite including a sep soaker tub & shower. Main flr laundry or mud rm that offers access to dbl garage, plus bsmt w/fruit cellar and fully fenced yrd! Avail Immed

Stunning 4 bedroom, 3300 sq ft on exclusive street. Built 4 yrs ago & features hardwood, porcelain floor, granite countertps, 60 interior & 11 exterior potlights, main floor den can also be a formal living room. In-law suite with separate entry plus an endless list of upgrades!

Great neighbourhood! 1700 sq ft of living space plus finished rec room in full basement.

Bright eat-in kitchen with large bay window plus spacious living & dining room. Huge master with ensuite potential. Situated on a large, mature, fully fenced lot.

Unique 3 bedroom home on 3.4 acres. Large kitchen with new ceramic, living room, main floor laundry & hardwood floors. Aged cedar look-alike metal roof has lifetime warranty.

Outbuilding with loft. Plus more!

VINELAND $199,900 Fantastic Value!!!

Sensational home with the best value in town!

Immaculate 3 bedroom with plenty of storage space. Double drive plus garage with inside entry. Private backyard, offers a sense of serenity with no rear neighbours! Close to all local amenities. All at an insurmountable value!

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

The

Call today!

905-575-7700

27.5 acres

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O

BEAMSVILLE Local Escape

$62,000

Clean and well cared for mobile home, open concept w/recent updates! Newer shingles, flooring & pantry. Spacious living room & kitchen w/cathedral ceilings. Current park fee $261/mth incl. water, garbage, sewer & snow removal.

D SOL ER TH ANO NE O

WEST LINCOLN $215,000 Quiet Country Setting

pELHAM $799,000 A Country Dream

VINELAND $269,900 In Mint Condition!

BEAMSVILLE $289,900 Upgrades Galore!

1,100 sq ft, 3 bedroom bungalow built in 2002.

Open and bright with high basement that's partially finished with 2 rooms and a rec room that just needs flooring. 3,000 gal cistern, gas furnace and 100amp breaker service. Close to Caistorville Golf Club.

5 yr old Executive on 27.5 acres, $70,000 in upgrades! 3+1 bedrooms in this open concept.

Brazilian Cherry hardwood,vaulted ceilings.

Gorgeous Maple kitchen w/granite & brkfst bar. Insulated bsmt floor, 3 bay, 1200 sq.ft gar with heat & hydro.

Immaculate 3 bedroom raised ranch in mint condition. Spacious 1250 sq. ft. Lower lvl features updated furnace (’05), shingles (’03) attached 1½ car garage w/inside entry to large foyer plus finished rec rm w/wood FP & eat-in kitchen w/bright bay window.

One of a kind 3+1 bdrm, 2 storey home w/plenty of impressive upgrades! Almost like new. Approx. 2000 sq.ft & backs onto Green Lane. Recently finished bsmt, new flring thruout, beautifully landscaped plus fully fenced private yard. The list goes on!

Home evaluation No Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today!

Rob Golfi*

905-575-7700 / 905-945-0188

Call Today 905-945-0188

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Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

September 2010

if you want it

Commercial

SOLD

Rob Golfi*

Call Rob Golfi

905-575-7700 BEAMSVILLE $1,399,900 26.6 Acre Farm on Lower Bench

$489,900 GRIMSBY 25 Acres Zoned Private Rec.

BEAMSVILLE $259,900 Prime Commercial

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.

Call Rob today at 905-945-0188.

Unique property zoned for private club recreational use; suitable for many types of organizations with mutual picnic area.

Banquet/dance hall 2500 sq ft with 12 ft ceilings, fireplace, full kitchen facilities, bar area, coat check, bathrooms & spacious bsmt for storage.

Call Rob today at 905-945-0188.

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

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

Call Rob today at 905-945-0188.

amoRTiZaTioN CHaRT Example $150,000 at 20yr at 3.0%: 150 x 5.54 = $831.00 /month 5 yr

10 yr

15 yr

20 yr

25 yr

30 yr

35 yr

17.96 18.18 18.40 18.62 18.85 19.07 19.30 19.53 19.75 19.98 20.21 20.45 20.68 20.91 21.15 21.38 21.62 21.86 22.10

9.65 9.88 10.11 10.34 10.58 10.82 11.07 11.31 11.56 11.81 12.06 12.32 12.58 12.84 13.10 13.37 13.64 13.91 14.18

6.90 7.14 7.38 7.63 7.88 8.14 8.40 8.66 8.93 9.21 9.48 9.76 10.05 10.33 10.62 10.92 11.21 11.51 11.82

5.54 5.79 6.04 6.30 6.57 6.84 7.12 7.41 7.69 7.99 8.28 8.59 8.89 9.20 9.52 9.83 10.16 10.48 10.81

4.73 4.99 5.26 5.53 5.82 6.10 6.40 6.70 7.00 7.32 7.63 7.95 8.28 8.61 8.94 9.28 9.63 9.97 10.32

4.21 4.48 4.76 5.04 5.34 5.64 5.95 6.26 6.59 6.91 7.25 7.59 7.93 8.28 8.63 8.98 9.34 9.70 10.06

3.84 4.12 4.41 4.71 5.01 5.33 5.65 5.98 6.32 6.66 7.01 7.36 7.72 8.08 8.44 8.81 9.18 9.55 9.93

Housing Activity Stabilizing

O

TTAWA, August 31, 2010 — After rebounding in the second half of 2009 and early 2010, housing starts are expected to moderate in the second half of 2010.

Starts are expected to stabilize at levels consistent with demographic fundamentals in 2011, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) third quarter Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition.1 Housing starts are expected to be in the range of 170,200 to 198,400 units in 2010, with a point forecast of 184,900 units. In 2011, housing starts will be in the range of 146,900 to 210,500 units, with a point forecast of 176,900 units.

"Housing starts will moderate in the coming months as activity becomes more in-line with long term demographic fundamentals,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist for CMHC. Mr. Dugan also noted that the existing home market conditions will remain balanced over the next two years as MLS®2 sales ease and inventory levels remain elevated. Existing home sales will be in the range of 450,000 to 485,700 units in 2010, with a point forecast of 463,800 units. In

905-945-0188 VISIT

www.RobGolfi.com

Household Tips & Hints

Monthly payment per $1,000 Length of Mortgage (Amortization Period) Interest Rate (%) 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 7.00 7.50 8.00 8.50 9.00 9.50 10.00 10.50 11.00 11.50 12.00

OR

2011, MLS® sales will move lower and are expected to be in the range of 425,000 to 490,700 units, with a point forecast of 456,000 units.

With an improved balance between demand and supply, the average MLS® price is expected to edge lower through the end of 2010 and then rise modestly in 2011.

As Canada's national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable homes. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making vital decisions.

1 The forecasts included in the Housing Market Outlook are based on information available as of July 30, 2010. Where applicable, forecast ranges are also presented in order to reflect economic uncertainty.

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

CRAYON ON WALLS For crayon on walls, use WD-40. It removes it immediately, but if you use it on a flat paint it will leave a greasy line that can easily be washed off with soap and water.

TOILET BOWLS Toilet bowls come up shiny when cleaned with old, flat Coke or Pepsi.

Leave overnight to dissolve limescale.

SHOWER STALLS A good replacement for those expensive cleaners for shower stalls/doors that I have found is, believe it or not: WD-40.

REmOvINg STICkY LABELS Use adhesive tape to remove sticky price tags. It's moisture- and odour-free, and works even on glossy paper. Simply rub or lightly scratch in the tape to lift as much of the price tag as possible. Repeat till the whole tag and sticky residue comes off.

Another option is to use WD-40 or lighter fluid, it does come right off without the hot water and soap. But of course you want to rinse the chem smell.

CHEWINg gum To remove chewing gum from clothes freeze, or cover the gum with ice, then crack and scrape off.

INk STAINS If the ink is still wet put salt on the stain, and then brush it off after a few minutes when it has soaked up some of the ink. You may need to repeat this a few times. Clean wet ink off carpet with soda water, then blot it off with paper towels. Then clean with a detergent.

ANTS IN THE HOuSE Ants will not cross a chalk line drawn on any surface. Of course if you live in a rainy area where ants are a problem, you must re-draw the chalk lines each time it rains.

EARWIgS If you have a problem with earwigs just roll up a newspaper and leave it in the problem area over night when you wake up in the morning they will be inside the paper put in plastic bag and throw away. Of course it isn't a permanent solution but it will help cut down on the quantity. mOuSE TRAPS Bait the trap with peanut butter and put it in a brown paper lunch bag. The mice seem drawn to the small place to explore and all you have to do is close the bag and throw it away after they've been caught! No muss, no fuss!

SCuFF mARkS Take a rubber soled shoe (like tennis shoes) wipe across the scuff and it will come off.

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MarketWatch September 2010_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 31/08/10 2:15 PM Page 7

September 2010

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

Framing your Basement Walls

Home Staging: Is It Worth It?

by: Joe Keca Home Improvement Group

by: Sheri Gamble Details Event Coordination Inc.

have nailing surfaces.

Filling in the Studs Do the stud layout now. Starting with your tape measure on the floor in the corner, extend it along the bottom plate and mark the plate every 16”.

This will be the center of the stud.

Continue around the basement. It doesn't matter what you end up with in each opposing corner; what counts is that you start with 16”. Go back to the corner you began at and cut the stud so that it fits snug but not bowing. Toe nail it at the bottom, plumb it with a 4' level and toe nail it at the top. Now you can hook your tape measure to that stud and mark the others on 16” and the rest of the studs should also be plumb.

Lay Out Your Electrical Outlets Do you already have electrical outlets everywhere you need them on the perimeter walls? Most likely not if your basement is currently unfinished. Even if you have them they might need to be relocated so they can be secured to the framing studs.

Unless you are very familiar with electrical work, it is highly recommended that you consult with a licensed Journeyman Electrician.

Building Your Interior Partitions Interior basement walls are easier to build on the ground and stand up.

Measure the floor to ceiling at several spots so that you can take the shortest height for the wall and use spacing shims where you need to. Before you stand the wall framing up, strike a chalk line on the floor so you know where the wall goes. Use the 3-4-5 method to ensure that you are perpendicular with the exterior wall.

If the wall is going the opposite direction as the ceiling joists, there's plenty to nail to. If not, you will need to add 2” X 4” nailers between the joists.

Joe Keca is a specialist in complete building and interior renovations with the Home Improvement Group. He can be reached at 905-309-5555.

-Å

Always consult your local structural building code with respect to basement wall framing. Some municipalities spell out how the top and bottom plates are attached. Some codes want the walls to be allowed to float.

Framing the Exterior Basement Walls You'll frame your walls using 2” X 4” lumber. Be sure to select only the straightest and truest boards.

You'll find there are three components to your wall – bottom plate (it's horizontal, it's on the floor, it contacts your concrete basement wall), top plate (the bottom plate's complement, which is nailed to the bottom of your ceiling joists), and finally the studs (they're vertical, toenailed at the bottom plate, top plate).

Secure your bottom plate to the floor. Use either a powder actuated nail gun, driving nails via a .22 cal blank or using a hammer with concrete nails. The powder gun is the best choice. Make sure you wear your safety glasses.

Now you can nail the top plate.

There are two ways to accomplish this: hammer it up or use a gun. A nail gun is the best choice because hammering in the upside down position will wear you out! Use 2 nails on every joist. You will need to cut your 2” X 4”s to make them break in the middle of a joist.

Next, starting in any corner, stand a stud up to the concrete wall between your top plate and your bottom plate.

Toe-nail it to your top plate. Now do your bottom plate. Next, nail the next stud to that stud, pressing the 2” side of your first stud against the 4” side of your second. Now nail a third stud so that its 2” side is also touching the 4” side of the first stud and its 4” side is contacting the 4” side of the second stud. It is a little hard to explain without illustrations but try it – the point is that the resulting intersection of the studs matches the intersection formed by the bottom and top plates (90 degrees). This is so your drywall will

Many prospective homebuyers make a decision 15 seconds within walking into your home as to whether or not they are interested in making an offer. First impressions are the biggest impressions and often the longest lasting!

Home staging has become the secret weapon savvy real estate agents are now using.

While staging is certainly about decluttering, depersonalizing and rearranging the furniture, it also can include painting, carpeting, landscaping and redecorating. Regardless of the amount of staging you do, it can make a significant difference in how quickly and for how much your home sells.

Home stagers will make your house appeal to the widest variety of homebuyers. Prospective buyers want to envision themselves living in the home and not feel like they are trespassing on your property. Stagers are experienced to know what looks best and will provide new and creative ideas for getting your

home sold fast. They will provide you with honest information about what needs to be done, changed and repaired.

Stagers have many tricks! They can simply move a piece of furniture from one spot to another and create a totally different look and feel of the room. The stager understands why change is important and can provide “quick fix” recommendations. For example, one impact piece of décor can totally transform a room into a fresh and inviting environment.

Professional Home Stagers can walk you through every step of this marketing process. Remember, home staging is the best way to make a dramatic impact without having to spend a lot of money.

Sheri Gamble and Gwen Kennedy are Home Stagers and Event Planners with Details Event Coordination. They can be reached at 905.632.2602 or via email at sheri@detailseventco.com or gwen@detailseventco.com. Visit their website at www.detailseventco.com. -Å

Land Transfer Tax Calculation For Residential Transaction in Ontario Examples (Price-Tax) $55,000 - $275 $65,000 - $375 $75,000 - $475 $85,000 - $575 $95,000 - $675 $100,000-$725 $110,000-$825 $120,000-$925 $130,000-$1025 $140,000 - $1125 $150,000 - $1225 $160,000 - $1325 $170,000 - $1425 $180,000 - $1525 $190,000 - $1625 $200,000 - $1725

$210,000 $220,000 $230,000 $240,000 $250,000 $260,000 $270,000 $280,000 $290,000 $300,000 $325,000 $350,000 $400,000 $425,000 $450,000 $500,000 -

$1825 $1925 $2025 $2125 $2225 $2375 $2525 $2675 $2825 $2975 $3350 $3725 $4475 $4975 $5475 $6475

$525,000 - $6975 $550,000 - $7475 $600,000 - $8475 $650,000 - $9475 $700,000 - $10,475 $725,000 - $10,975 $750,000 - $11,475 $800,000 - $12,475 $825,000 - $12,975 $850,000 - $13,475 $900,000 - $14,475 $925,000 - $14,975 $950,000 - $15,475 $975,000 - $15,975 $1,000,000 - $16,475

The information contained on this page is for estimation purposes only and applies to the sale of Ontario Residential properties only. Your actual Ontario Land Transfer Tax should be independently calculated and verified. The real estate board nor any of its advertisers shall ave any liability for the accuracy of the information contained on this page.

History Chart Average Selling Price for Detached Homes YEAR

LOWER uppER STONEY CREEK STONEY CREEK

EAST HAMILTON

WEST HAMILTON

CENTRAL HAMILTON

HAMILTON MOuNTAIN

ANCASTER

$79,137

$56,479

$66,183

$42,253

$73,520

$125,745

$168,413

$116,253

$161,153

$266,681

$209,070

$190,117

$146,557

$155,381

$217,824

$82,527 $134,705 $211,505 to $141,665 solicit proper ties cur rently listed for sale.

$165,318

$149,230

$124,002

$132,368

$202,473

DuNDAS

GRIMSBY

SMITHVILLE

LINCOLN

$82,450

$65,870

N/A

BuRLINGTON

1985

$80,942

1990

$194,027

$184,470

$129,776

1995

$157,811

$160,651

not$106,711 intended

2000

$184,130

$177,745

$119,461

$151,572

$89,828

$152,677

$252,164

$194,402

$191,177

$164,699

$164,839

$254,074

2005

$263,252

$263,245

$159,859

$228,813

$123,084

$214,749

$372,585

$288,193

$289,975

$220,649

$240,143

$371,100

2006

$279,816

$279,951

$166,363

$238,338

$130,693

$222,765

$385,046

$317,238

$305,964

$233,243

$268,673

$394,798

2007

$289,651

$284,280

$180,614

$257,108

$137,370

$236,621

$427,272

$331,272

$306,477

$253,259

$275,085

$428,599

2008

$310,131

$293,571

$186,031

$267,973

$148,432

$243,239

$431,561

$329,752

$321,451

$246,381

$301,542

$449,261

2009

$298,521

$299,641

$178,956

$279,104

$144,513

$245,988

$439,293

$344,179

$326,034

$256,862

$289,085

$452,434

2010 (YTD)

$317,431

$329,783

$188,428

$305,141

$152,629

$263,676

$453,775

$372,439

$349,043

$282,564

$304,295

$490,977

$91,210

www.golfiteam.com

$107,325

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