WHAT’S INSIDE: Canadian home sales predicted to shrink 1.1 per cent in 2015 PAGE 5
HOMES FOR SALE | PAGE 4 Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook LUXURY & WAtERFRONt | PAGE 9
HOMES FOR SALE | PAGE 6 Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Niagara
April 2015 - Vol 75
Hamilton Down Payment Assistance Program
T
he City of Hamilton is launching another round of the Down Payment Assistance Program for low- to moderate-income individuals and families who rent in Hamilton and want to purchase a home. The program is aimed at those who can afford regular mortgage payments but for whom home ownership is out of reach due to the inability to raise a lump sum down payment. Funding will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis to eligible participants until the fund is exhausted. Down payment assistance is in the form of a forgivable loan of either 5% or 10% of the purchase price depending on household income and whether the household includes dependents.
Applicants must retain the house for a 20-year period after which the loan is forgiven. If the property is sold, or the terms of the loan agreement are breached within the 20-year period, applicants must repay the principal loan amount AND either 5% or 10% (depending on the percentage down payment assistance received) of any capital appreciation. This program starts Monday March 30, 2015. Limited funds are available through the city. Contact The Golfi Team immediately for details 905-575-7700
HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION 905-575-7700 | 905-945-0188 Rob Golfi Sales Representative
Page 2
The Golfi TeaM Real Estate Market Watch
April 2015
Luxury
Real Estate Specialist
Rob Golfi
Sales Representative
Recognized as the mark of accomplishment in luxury markets around the world, the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation assures affluent buyers and sellers that the agents who have earned it have the knowledge, experience, competence – and confidence –they require.
L U X U RY P R O P E R T I E S SaLES SPECIaLIST
| Rob Golfi |
905-575-7700
www.GolfiTeam.com
Check out our redesigned website for all the latest information in Real Estate! COMinG FEBRUARY!
where the future takes shape
Seniors Real Estate Specialist is a designation for REALTORS® to address the needs of home buyers and sellers, age 50-plus.
If you are buying or selling a home, contact
Rob Golfi SALES REpRE SEnTATivE
905-575-7700
Call Today 905-945-0188
April 2015
The Golfi TeaM Real Estate Market Watch
How to Sell a Home That Didn’t Sell
MUST SELL Estate Sales Bank Foreclosures Company-Owned Properties Distress Sales
• • • •
Free List with Pictures www.HamiltonDistressSales.com
HAMILTON/NIAGARA – If your home has just come off the market and hasn’t sold, don’t be discouraged. The reason your home did not sell may have nothing to do with your home or the market. In reality, your home may have been one of the most desirable properties for sale. So Why Didn’t Your Home Sell? Last year almost half of the homes listed for sale never sold at all, and many sellers found that there was a tremendous amount a homeowner needed to be educated on to sell their home for top dollar in the shortest time period. Don’t risk making the wrong choices and losing both time and money on your investment. Before you hire a realtor, know the right questions to ask to save you time and money. Industry experts have prepared a free special report called “How to Sell a House that Didn’t Sell” which educates you on the issues involved. Please visit www.CouldntSell.com
Fixer-upper HOMeS FOr SALe These homes need work. Free list with pictures. www.HamiltonFixerUpper.com
11 Critical Home Inspection Traps To Be Aware Before Listing Your Home For Sale HAMILTON - According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the eleven most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale.
Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That’s why it’s critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you,
you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable preinspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for, and knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and
unmanageable ones. To help home sellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled “11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection” has been compiled which explains the issues involved. To order your free copy of this report visit www. HamiltonInspectionPitfalls.com
Page 3
27 Quick & Easy Fix Ups to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar HAMILTON/NIAGARA – Because your home may well be your largest asset, selling it is probably one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. And once you have made that decision, you’ll want to sell your home for the highest price in the shortest time possible without compromising your sanity. Before you place your home on the market, here’s a way to help you to be as prepared as possible. To assist homesellers, a new industry report has just been released called “27 Valuable Tips That You Should Know to Get Your Home Sold Fast and for Top Dollar.” It tackles the important issues you need to know to make your home competitive in today’s tough, aggressive marketplace. Through these 27 tips, you will discover how to protect and capitalize on your most important investment, reduce stress, be in control of your situation, and make the most profit possible. In this report you’ll discover how to avoid financial disappointment or worse, a financial disaster when selling your home. Using a common-sense approach, you get the straight facts about what can make or break the sale of your home. You owe it to yourself to learn how these important tips will give you the competitive edge to get your home sold fast and for the most amount of money. How to order your free copy of this report, check us out online at
www.hamilton27tips.com
Homes For Sale Bungalows & Raised Ranches Two Storeys • Semis & Town Homes Hamilton EaSt
Hamilton mtn
Hamilton CtR
StonEy CRk upR
StonEy CRk lWR
GRimSBy
linColn
Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $128,900 25 Available
Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $194,900 51 Available
Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $64,900 9 Available
Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $320,000 4 Available
Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $224,900 21 Available
Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $279,900 20 Available
Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $169,900 25 Available
two Storeys Starting at $214,900 12 Available
two Storeys Starting at $234,900 85 Available
two Storeys Starting at $139,900 56 Available
two Storeys Starting at $359,900 26 Available
two Storeys Starting at $320,000 61 Available
two Storeys Starting at $344,000 31 Available
two Storeys Starting at $374,900 27 Available
Semis & town Homes Starting at $164,900 14 Available
Semis & town Homes Starting at $159,900 25 Available
Semis & town Homes Starting at $94,900 14 Available
Semis & town Homes Starting at $239,900 11 Available
Semis & town Homes Starting at $189,900 23 Available
Semis & town Homes Starting at $262,500 10 Available
Semis & town Homes Starting at $88,500 18 Available
Call Us Today for information on Any of these Homes!
905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188 www. GolfiTeam .com
Page 4
The Golfi TeaM Real Estate Market Watch
Hamilton, Stoney Creek Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook
April 2015
Rob Golfi*
Fabulous Find
Ideal family home, great location!
Walk in and be ‘WOW’ed!
Prestigious 3 acre lot with a 230 ft. frontage and 550 ft. deep, build any size home you want. Existing home upgrades include windows, roof, furnace, air conditioning, siding drilled well and electrical all within the past 10 yrs. Property also has cistern but not used at the present time. 764 Fiddler’s Green Road, Ancaster $569,900
Well kept 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with an oversized garage and big driveway. Rec-room and 3 piece bath in the lower level. Hardwood floors. Shows very well, great neighbourhood. 15x28 saltwater pool, 4 feet deep & approx. 6 years old. 125 east 36th street, Hamilton $269,900
COMPLETELY RENOVATED TOP TO BOTTOM. Espresso kitch cabinets w/gorgeous granite, ceramic flrs, brand new SS appliances. All new wdws & doors, dble car garage w/new door opener. Large separate dr & lr, soaker tub, plus a finished loft perfect for a get away . This one is a 10+. 61 Cathcart Street, Hamilton $284,900
Bungalow in a great location!
Live on the beach!!
Location and value
Very well kept bungalow in a great location! Many updates in 2010 include furnace, c/air, insulation, soffits/eaves. Features include hardwood flooring, spacious basement w/large family rm, 2 bedrms & bathrm, separate side entrance could easily be inlaw apt. 4 Sheridan Drive, Hamilton $309,900
135 feet of unobstructed view. All season sunroom w/Lake views. Gorgeous second floor deck overlooking Lake Ontario. Many updates include flooring, kitchen, windows, fencing and driveway. Private parking off Dexter, last driveway on the North side. 7 Woodland Avenue , Hamilton $599,900
Hamiltons hottest neighbourhood large 2 storey. City will consider front yard parking(add value to your investment!). Cap rate is 6.6%. Seller is licensed registrant. 29 Holton Avenue North, Hamilton $149,900
Bring your cheque book!!
Meadowlands Custom Beauty
Custom Built Bungalow
Renovated in 2012. Shows very nice, nothing to do but move in. Rear parking for 2-3 cars and street parking. Gorgeous renovated kitchen & bathroom will wow your clients. Great family neighbourhood. Walk to shopping on concession street 47 East 22nd Street, Hamilton $229,900
Immaculate 4 bedroom custom built Maple Crest home in Ancaster, approx. 3000 sq. feet, ceramics and oak hardwood on main fl. Dream kitchen, gorgeous in-ground heated salt water pool, & landscaping. No disappointments! 4 Pickard Avenue, Ancaster $799,900
Outstanding & immaculate custom built 1841 sq.ft. all brick bungalow sitting on one acre with 3 car garage, featuring beautiful hardwood through-out, stylish kitchen with granite counter tops, main floor laundry, partially finished basement with 3pc bath & rough-in for kitchen. 1489 ½ Highway #8, Stoney Creek $549,900
Bright and spacious
Finders-keepers!
4-level backsplit
The word “Plateau” is in its namesake. Custom home built on half acre lot. Fully finished basement w/second kitchen, 2 cold cellars & walk out, oversized Barzotti kitchen w/sliding drs leading to pool sized fenced lot, sunken family room, dining rm large enough for any size family. 36 Hilts Drive, Stoney Creek $749,900
Nothing to do but move in to this beautifully, well kept home in family-friendly neighbourhood, featuring beautiful hardwood, granite counters in kitchen and bath, custom drapery, crown moulding and gorgeous exposed aggregate and stamped concrete drive and patio. Lot size 36’ x 136’, fenced yard. 193 Montreal Circle, Stoney Creek $424,900
Well maintained 4-level back split in desirable Templemead neighbourhood. Updates include newer windows, newer roof, newer tiling. Home features large family room with gas fireplace, main level sliding patio door with walkout to deck, large drive with two accesses and parking for 7 cars. Close to schools and amenities. 171 Independence, Hamilton $344,900
Call Today 905-575-7700
April 2015
The Golfi TeaM Real Estate Market Watch
Hamilton, Stoney Creek Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook
Page 5
Rob Golfi*
WATERFRONT
WATERFRONT
Sought-after Rosedale location
Stunning Luxury Waterfront Home
Pristine Waterfront Home!
Prime Rosedale location on an amazing lot features large rooms, French doors, separate dining room, 2 baths, gas fireplace, attached garage and concrete drive. Updates include updated kitchen, furnace 2005, central air 2013, windows, roof (2009), freshly painted. Won’t last! 131 Rosedale Avenue, Hamilton $319,900
Are you desiring the waterfront dream? This home checks all of the boxes to fulfill that wish. Nestled amongst towering trees with backyard pool overlooking Lake Ontario. Stunning! 24 Lakeshore Drive, Stoney Creek, $949,900
This expansive minimalist designed home will impress. Your family will love the open concept and views from the balconies that will take your breath away. 51 Windemere Road, Stoney Creek, $989,900
A slice of heaven
Bungalow Beauty!
Picturesque 3/4 acre country corner lot bungalow surrounded by pure nature. This home features pride of ownership with an open and inviting floor plan and sun filled rooms, finished basement, main floor laundry, updated shingles and furnace. 3226 Indian Trail, Ancaster $499,900
Beautiful spacious 3+1 bedroom, 3 bath bungalow in prime Stoney Creek location. This property features hardwood and ceramic floors throughout, maple kitchen with pantry, ensuite, walk-in closet, central vacuum, central air, in-ground sprinkler, shingles 12/14, California shutters, fully finished basement, concrete drive and patio with shed. Close to QEW, schools, park and go station. 79 Napa Lane, Stoney Creek $544,900
Why pay rent when you can own!
Perfect for First Time Buyers! Ready to move in. Home features 3+1 bedrooms, renovated bathrm, updated windows, hardwd flooring, new kitchen backsplash, new roof 2013, newer furnace & completely fenced-in backyard. Don’t wait!. 338 Barton Street, Stoney Creek, $249,900
Canadian home sales predicted to shrink 1.1 per cent in 2015 Lower mortgage rates will spur more home-buying this spring, experts say. TORONTO — The Canadian Real Estate Association is predicting that the impact of declining oil prices on consumer confidence in some provinces will push down Canadian home sales by 1.1 per cent this year, to 475,700 units countrywide. CREA also estimates the national average home price will grow by two per cent to $416,200 this year, a smaller increase than last year, as Alberta’s average home prices slip by an estimated 3.4 per cent this year to $387,600. The association had earlier predicted home sales would be 0.8 per cent above 2014, rising to 485,200 units, but revised its outlook lower to reflect the falling price of oil. Provinces with significant oil production will see lower home sales. Alberta is expected to see sales fall by 19.3 per cent in 2015, Saskatchewan by 11.2 per cent, Manitoba by 2.2 per cent and Newfoundland by one per cent. However, RBC Economist Robert Hogue said the oil price-related turbulence in Western Canada looks like it may subside soon. “It is encouraging to see possible signs that the worst may soon be over in Calgary and Saskatchewan,” Hogue said in a note. “In particular, we point to the drop in new listings in these markets as a positive development that, if sustained, would suggest to us that panic is not setting in and that activity may be close to reaching a floor.” Canada’s other provinces will continue to see higher sales and relatively stable or higher average sales prices, according to CREA.
British Columbia is projected to see the number of home sales increase by 4.9 per cent, Nova Scotia by 3.7 per cent and Quebec and New Brunswick by 2.5 per cent. READ MORE: Mortgage wars heat up Vancouver’s already hot real estate market Ontario is expected to see a 1.9 per cent boost in sales levels from 2014, while Prince Edward Island is projected to see sales activity rise by 1.4 per cent. The B.C. average home price is expected to rise 3.4
www. GolfiTeam .com
per cent this year over 2014 to $587,600 and Ontario’s average price will grow 2.5 per cent to $441,900. Apart from those two provinces and Alberta, prices elsewhere are expected to be within one per cent of last year. TD Economist Diana Petramala said although rock-bottom interest rates will fuel housing demand over the short term, “the impact is likely to fade as 2015 unfolds.” Overall, Petramala predicts sales will remain relatively flat over the course of the year and price growth will slow down to about one to two per cent. “A stable housing market means the Bank of Canada will be in no rush to raise or lower interest rates over the near term,” Petramala said in a note. Meanwhile, home sales in February were up one per cent from January after several months of back-to-back declines, though the picture was dramatically different in various regions. The overall increase was led by the Vancouver and Okanagan regions in B.C. and Toronto. However, CREA said sales were lower in more than half of all local markets compared with January as buyers on the Prairies stayed on the sidelines amid low oil prices. Compared with a year ago, sales last month were up 2.7 per cent from February 2014. The number of newly listed homes fell 2.5 per cent in February compared to January. The national average price for a home sold in February was $431,812, up 6.3 per cent on a year-overyear basis.
Page 6
The Golfi TeaM Real Estate Market Watch
Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara
April 2015
Rob Golfi*
Rare end unit freehold townhome!
Steps to town and 1 minute to QEW
Losani built Parkside model
2 car garage w/inside entry, 1600 sq.ft. w/prof. fin. basement. Open concept main floor w/plank hardwood, eat-in kitch w/walkout to deck with roof covering half, lovely landscaped & fenced yard. Living room/dining room w/gas FP, main floor laundry, master w/walk-in closet & ensuite. Condo Rd fee $82.00/mth. 334 Main St., E, Unit #6, Grimsby, $349,900
it's all about property and location! On 51 x 148 foot lot with a tree lined street, large fenced in backyard, spacious driveway, this bungalow is ideal for Investors, retires or young professionals looking to live in a growing community. 39 Kerman Avenue, Grimsby, $279,900
1465 sq.ft., 3 BR, 2.5 bath w/fully fin. basement. Features open concept kitchen with all stainless steel appliances. Upgraded flooring in living room. Master bedroom with his & her closets and 4pc master ensuite. Bedrm level laundry. Ton’s of upgrades! Direct access to fully fenced yard through garage. 4847 Adam Court, Beamsville, $299,900
Quaint home on large lot
Income Potential
Done to Perfection
Here’s your chance to snag a quaint, old home on a 66 x 245ft. lot for a friendly price. The home owner has done some nice “core” work to the house including cabinets, tile, floors, doors, trim & light fixtures. This lot has plenty of size to add onto the garage or expand the foot print of the home. 8917 Thorold Stone Road, Niagara Falls, $224,900
Affordable 2+1 bedroom 1990 sq.ft., 2 storey home w/ large floor plan to make this a country dream home! BONUS separate 1 bedroom professionally finished bungaloft w/full kitchen, 3 pc bath, gas fireplace and separate patio w/great income potential to cut your mortgage in HALF! 4058 Fly Road, Beamsville, $319,900
This 3 level side split sits on almost 1/2 an acre in Grimsby. Updates: kitch, baths, flring, most windows, roof ‘11, furnace & AC ‘13, gas fireplace, electrical panel, sewer line, weeping tile, garage dr, updated insulation, & more. Summer of ‘14 new fencing & custom blinds. 564 Main Street West, Grimsby $414,900
First time buyer? Investor?
RM2 ZONING on permitted uses.
9 ft Celings!
3 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath condo with updated bathrooms, basement flooring and furnace/C/A. Small 24 unit complex short walk to town and local Tim’s. Finished rec room in basement with inside entry to garage. Perfect for first time buyer or investor. 149 St Catharines Street, Unit# 8, Smithville $144,900
¾ acre land site centrally located downtown area, permitted uses apartment dwelling, boarding or lodging dwelling, home for the aged, nursing home, group home, private home daycare. Call for details on permitted uses. Lot#21 Academy Street, Beamsville $369,900
3 storey 1800 sq.ft. freehold townhome features 9ft. ceilings, 3 great size bedrooms, master with ensuite and walk-in closet, large eat in kitchen, rear yard backs onto pond, double car garage and minutes to all amenities. To be built. Taxes are “not set”. 5072 Cassandra Drive, Unit 11, Beamsville, $309,900
VACANT COMMERCIAL LOT
Location! Location!
Vacant Commerical Lot – NEW PRICE!
In-Law Setup
Large 4 bedroom family home in a great location with easy access for a bus to Brock University, schools, and highways. Updates include roof 04, furnace 09, large attached garage, big yard and more. Great location for students or a great family neighbourhood. 36 Cartier Drive, Thorold, $259,000
VACANT COMMERCIAL LOT 40x140 ft. located walking distance to downtown Beamsville and QEW. Services are on the road. Call Rob Golfi today at 905-945-0188 for a private viewing. Thank you for visiting my website and I look forward to hearing from you. 4946 Maple Avenue, Beamsville, $79,000
Newly built 2 storey home, with in-law sitting on nearly 30 acres. 3 bedrm home w/ open concept living, 1 bedrm in-law w/ basement rec rm. Original barn, 43x24 ft garage/workshop & office. Property borders Twenty Mile Creek, beautifully picturesque. 4426 Regional Road 69, St Anns, $849,900
Call Today 905-945-0188
April 2015
The Golfi TeaM Real Estate Market Watch
Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara WATERFRONT
WATERFRONT
Prestigious Neighbourhood
Rare find - this Exclusive waterfront lot in private enclave.
5 bedroom home on the most prestigious street in Niagara Falls includes in-law w/nanny suite, in-ground pool, sunroom w/built in hot tub, landscaped yard w/sprinkler system, eat in kitch, family room w/wood fireplace. Updates: roof ‘12, Furnace ‘13, AC in in-law suite, Water pump 14, interior & exterior painted in ‘12. 10185 Niagara River Parkway., Niagara Falls, $849,900
Looking for the right neighbor to build a luxury dream home on 140 x 183 ft. lot. Exclusive listing to the Golfi Team. Beautiful Waterfront lot sitting on 140 x 183 ft. lot on private cul-de-sac on the shores of lake Ontario, services include sewers, water and gas to lot line. 143 Lake Street, Grimsby, $955,000
Page 7
Rob Golfi*
Dorchester Estates sweet spot! Spectacular custom built home backing onto the escarpment offering in-ground salt water pool, hot tub, on a prestigious court. Features granite kitch counters, porcelain tiles, stainless steel appliances, main flr LR/DR, den or office, bonus great rm, hardwd flrs, lrg master suite. 28 Heathcote Court, Grimsby $829,900
WATERFRONT
Due Diligence Required
Beautiful lakefront property! Double car garage with 1 bedroom apartment, in-ground pool (as is) and garden. Landscaped yard leads to beach. Buyer to do “due diligence” with building permits, zoning, site influences, conservation authority and property restrictions. Municipal services available at the road. Taxes “not set”. 47 Lakeside Drive, St. Catharines, $379,900
8 acres of Merlot currently planted with Water Views! Water Views! Approx 19 acre parcel with fantastic views of the water. Farmhouse currently rented. Great opportunities! Can be purchased with adjoining Sann Road property. Great Opportunity! 4558 Lakeside Drive, Beamsville, $1,899,900
Bragging rights for owning a piece of perfection!
One Acre - Just the right size property– easy to maintain and nicely private!
Executive 2-storey home backs onto green-space! 1-1/2 year old home 3+1 bedrm with main floor master suite, stylish kitchen, butler’s walk-in pantry, separate dining room, finished basement, office, games rm, rec rm & walk-out. 154 Forest Ridge Court, Welland $659,900
Enjoy country living only minutes from downtown and QEW. 3+1 bedrm home boasts large eat-in kitchen, liv rm w/ fireplc, main floor family rm w/ walk-out to deck. Fully finished bsmt w/ large rec room/fireplc + add’l bedrm/office. Oversized garage, small barn in fully fenced backyard w/ above grd pool + pond! 262 Mountain Road, Grimsby, $344,000
Country living in Grimsby
Own your own vineyard!
2.35 Acres of good living. Property features a storey & a half home w/ updated large country kitchen, good size living rm & dining rm. Main floor also featuring 2 bedrms & main bathrm. Master bedrm upstairs. Let the kids run on the large property with paddocks and 2 barns. 572 Ridge Road West, Grimsby, $549,900
Approximately 28 Acres Parcel with 24 acres of vineyard planted. 6 Acres-Sauv Blanc, 6 Acres-Gamay, 5 Acres-Cab Sauv, 5 Acres-Merlot, 1 Acre-Chardonnay, 1 Acre-Sauv Coronation. Home has had some interior updates & new 3500 gallon cistern. 4266 Greenlane, Beamsville, $1,399,900
WATERFRONT
Lakefront with 16 acres of vines already planted! Approx 21 acres property. Build your dream on lakefront parcel or create your own winery. Can be purchased with adjoining Lakeside Dr property. Great Opportunity! 4921 Sann Road, Beamsville, $1,900,000
Turn of the century character home! Beautifully finished with rich trim, crown mould, warm hardwoods, French doors, character front porch. Granite kitchen counter, added on family room with kitchenette & office. Carriage house perfect for the live/work environment. 3869 Victoria Avenue, Vineland, $374,900
www. GolfiTeam .com
The Muskoka house – If you like living on the water with no yard maintenance BIGGER THAN IT LOOKS! 2200 sq ft completely rebuilt Waterfront retreat w/180-degree views of Lake feat. 3 bedrms & 2 baths. Large master w/ensuite, two main floor bedrms, 3pc powder rm, two-level living area, spacious dining rm, & over sized chefs gourmet kitch. You will love this freehold property! 1-11th Street, Grimsby, $899,900
Page 8
The Golfi TeaM Real Estate Market Watch
April 2015
REALTORS® Association of Hamilton and Burlington
Home buyers not deterred by February's cold
T
he REALTORS® Association of HamiltonBurlington (RAHB) reported 1079 property sales processed through the RAHB Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) system in February. This represents a 13.9 per cent increase in sales compared to February of last year. There were 1450 properties listed in February, an increase of 2.6 per cent compared to the same month the year prior. End-of-month listing inventory was 11.3 per cent lower than last February. “The record cold month of February didn’t keep the buyers away,” said RAHB CEO Ross Godsoe. “Sales were not only up from last year, but were about five per cent higher than the average for the month of February.” Seasonally adjusted* sales of residential properties were 10.9 per cent higher than the same month of the previous year, with the average sale price up 9.6 per cent for the month. Seasonally adjusted numbers of new listings were 1.9 per cent higher than the same month the year prior. Actual overall residential sales were 13.2 per cent higher than the previous year at the same time. Residential freehold sales were 15 per cent higher than last February while sales in the condominium market saw an increase of 5.2 per cent. “While there were more new listings in February of this year than there were last February, new listings are still about 12 per cent lower than the 10-year average for the month,” added Godsoe. “That is having an impact on the listing inventory. The higher than average sales coupled with lower than average new listings plus continued low listing inventory is keeping our area firmly in a seller’s market.” The average price of freehold properties showed an increase of 10.1 per cent compared to the same month the previous year; the average sale price in the condominium market increased by 3.2 per cent when compared to the same period. The average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold in the RAHB market area. Average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends, but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value.
The average days on market decreased from 44 to 36 days in the freehold market and from 41 to 37 days in the condominium market when compared to the same month the previous year. Year to date, sales are 3.9 per cent higher compared to the same two-month period last year; listings are flat to last year and the average sale price is 9.8 per cent higher for the period. important information Established in 1921, the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) represents more than 2,500 real estate brokers and sales representatives from Hamilton, Burlington, and outlying areas. Members of the association may use the REALTOR® trademark, which identifies them as real estate professionals who subscribe to a strict code of ethics. The association operates the local Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) and provides ongoing professional education courses for its members. In addition, RAHB is an active participant in the Home Ownership Affordability Partnership (HOAP) and holds an annual auction in support of local charities.
Advertisements of local MLS® property listings and information about the services provided by a REALTOR® can be found at www.REALTOR.ca. More information about RAHB is available at www.rahb.ca. *Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal variations, enabling analysis of monthly changes and fundamental trends in the data.
THE ULTIMATE SELLING TEAM RoB GolFi SALES REpRESEnTATivE
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www.Golfiteam.com | 905.575.7700 |1.800.288.9184
YOUR HOME
SOLD
GUARANTEED* OR WE BUY IT
Call Today 905-575-7700
*Certain conditions apply
April 2015
The Golfi TeaM Real Estate Market Watch
Luxury Homes & Waterfront Properties
Page 9
Rob Golfi*
WATERFRONT
WATERFRONT
WATERFRONT
Live on the Beach!
Stunning Luxury Waterfront Home
Prestigious Neighbourhood
135 feet of unobstructed view. All season sunroom w/Lake views. Gorgeous second floor deck overlooking Lake Ontario. Many updates include flooring, kitchen, windows, fencing and driveway. Private parking off Dexter, last driveway on the North side. 7 Woodland Avenue, Hamilton $599,900
Are you desiring the waterfront dream? This home checks all of the boxes to fulfill that wish. Nestled amongst towering trees with backyard pool overlooking Lake Ontario. Stunning! 24 Lakeshore Drive, Stoney Creek, $949,900
5 bedroom home on the most prestigious street in Niagara Falls includes in-law w/nanny suite, in-ground pool, sunroom w/built in hot tub, landscaped yard w/sprinkler system, eat in kitch, family room w/wood fireplace. Updates: roof ‘12, Furnace ‘13, AC in in-law suite, Water pump 14, interior & exterior painted in ‘12. 10185 Niagara River Pkwy., Niagara Falls, $849,900
WATERFRONT
WATERFRONT
WATERFRONT
Pristine Waterfront Home!
Rare find - this Exclusive waterfront lot in private enclave.
The Muskoka house – If you like living on the water with no yard maintenance
Looking for the right neighbor to build a luxury dream home on 140 x 183 ft. lot. Exclusive listing to the Golfi Team. Beautiful Waterfront lot sitting on 140 x 183 ft. lot on private cul-de-sac on the shores of lake Ontario, services include sewers, water and gas to lot line. 143 Lake Street, Grimsby, $955,000
BIGGER THAN IT LOOKS! 2200 sq ft completely rebuilt Waterfront retreat w/180-degree views of Lake feat. 3 bedrms & 2 baths. Large master w/ensuite, two main floor bedrms, 3pc powder rm, two-level living area, spacious dining rm, & over sized chefs gourmet kitch. You will love this freehold property! 1-11th Street, Grimsby, $899,900
This expansive minimalist designed home will impress. Your family will love the open concept and views from the balconies that will take your breath away. 51 Windemere Road, Stoney Creek, $989,900
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Page 10
The Golfi TeaM Real Estate Market Watch
April 2015
Marketplace Developer pays 32 per cent premium in hunt for Vancouver land
Jacqueline Paradisi
A HOME STAGING
Real Estate Lawyer
Paul Lewis Settimi
Barrister, Solicitor and Notary Public 20 Main Street West Grimsby, Ontario L3M 1R4 Bus: 289-235-7500 Fax: 905-527-0774
8 Main Street East, Suite 303 Hamilton, Ontario L8N 1E8 Bus: 905-527-0808 Fax: 905-527-0774
paul.settimi@cogeco.net
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n aging three-storey apartment complex covering one city block on Vancouver’s affluent west side has been sold at a hefty profit to a developer for $26.3-million, the latest sign of the boom in Canada’s most expensive housing market. Cressey Development Group’s purchase price is $6.35-million higher than what the sellers paid last year, or a 32-per-cent premium. Cressey plans to demolish five buildings dating back to 1948 on the site and construct a new four-storey, mixed-use development with retail space on the ground level and condo units above. The purchase places the spotlight on builders’ hunt for developable land in Vancouver, which is boxed in by the ocean, mountains and agricultural land reserves. Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.’s abandoned freight line, the Arbutus corridor, is being eyed by some developers because the 9.5-kilometre-long route is up to 20 metres wide. The railway’s property snakes through some of Canada’s priciest neighbourhoods, including a stretch of track next door to Cressey’s new acquisition. Cressey’s deal to buy the multifamily complex will close on April 7. Tax records show that the sellers, Alex Zhang and Lucy Xu, assembled three commercially zoned lots between January and May of 2014 for a total of $19.95-million to clear the way for a single listing. The three land parcels combined had assessed values that totalled $15.87-million in July, 2013. Apartment tenants in the complex used to be suite owners in a long-standing co-op arrangement for 44 units, said Mark Goodman, a principal at HQ Commercial, which listed the property in September for $28-million. Mr. Zhang and Ms. Xu, through West Boulevard Property Ltd., invested hundreds of thousands dollars in preliminary work by architects and planners for a condo proposal. Vancouver-based Cressey, no stranger to the upscale Kerrisdale neighbourhood, paid a total of $22.14-million last year for multifamily buildings on one city block directly south of the one that it will take possession of in April. Cressey has filed an application to the City of Vancouver to build a new project on the south site, and expects to apply this fall to construct a similar-sized retail and condo development on the north site, between West 47th Avenue and West 48th Avenue. CP has the right-of-way for the Arbutus corridor, but City of Vancouver officials have balked at rezoning the railway’s property for residential development, opting to keep the transportation designation. CP hasn’t used the line to transport freight since June, 2001. “A real estate project along the corridor would be successful, but first the zoning has to be determined,” Cressey executive vice-president Hani Lammam said. CP reckons its land is conservatively worth $100-million, while the City of Vancouver is willing to pay $20-million – a lowball offer when compared with prices for the two blocks sold to Cressey. “We know this is a very valuable piece of land,” said Mark Wallace, CP’s vice-president of corporate affairs. “The true value of this corridor is huge. We think that we’re being very reasonable and so far, the city’s offers to buy this land from us have been wildly inadequate – not realistic.” He said there are creative hybrid ideas worth exploring – the railway has proposed a pilot project to build housing on a small portion of the Arbutus corridor, subject to rezoning. CP believes that selected real estate development could co-exist with public transit while setting aside space for sanctioned community gardens. CP has offered to hand over its property for free if the city rezones several parcels and allows the railway to participate in housing development. “The city zoning is what’s really blocking us,” Mr. Wallace said. “You’re talking to a wall when you talk to city hall. I’m tired of negotiating with myself.” But Vancouver city manager Penny Ballem said CP is engaging in short-term thinking about real estate because civic leaders envisage a corridor strictly for streetcars carrying passengers, possibly within 20 years. “As the city grows, you really have to work very hard to preserve green space and transportation corridors for future citizens and generations,” Ms. Ballem said. For now, CP plans to reactivate the Arbutus line to use the tracks to store rail cars.
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April 2015
The Golfi TeaM Real Estate Market Watch
Page 11
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Crossword puzzle (Solution on Page 10)
SUDOKU 1
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the Solution 4
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agitated (2,1,5) large african antelope (5) Severe verbal reprimand (6-7) measureless chasm (5) Whaling weapon (7) attractive person (4) Deft (6) Figure of speech (8) Sequoia (7) Experience again (6) Ruhr city (5) put up with (5) Dig — larva (4)
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taverns (4) affixed (8) Finder of a magic lamp (7) World War i battleground (5) insect in its adult form (5) outcome (6) policy of strict law enforcement (4,9) Vipers (6) South american beast of burden (5) Chambers (5) Fulminate (7) Banter (8) laugh at with derision (4)
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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.
Congratulations Winners! Congratula tions M 4 yr s. old, adeline Sieder s Hamilton
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Thank you to all the young artists who participated in our 2015 Easter Colouring Contest! Thank you to your friends and family who took the time to vote for you! We look forward to receiving your entry next year!
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