Feb 2015 Issue 108

WHAT’S INSIDE: Are futuristic green towers on the horizon for Paris in 2050?

PAGE 8

HOMES FOR SALE | PAGE 6 Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Niagara

HOMES FOR SALE | PAGE 4 Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook LUXURY & WAtERFRONt | PAGE 9

February 2015 - Vol 73

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION 905-575-7700

905-945-0188

Page 2

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

February 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

February 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 $159,900 21 Available

Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $179,900 40 Available

Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $87,900 14 Available

Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $324,999 6 Available

Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $224,900 13 Available

Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $329,900 16 Available

Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $189,900 24 Available

two Storeys Starting at $199,900 12 Available

two Storeys Starting at $289,900 85 Available

two Storeys Starting at $139,700 65 Available

two Storeys Starting at $389,900 24 Available

two Storeys Starting at $299,444 43 Available

two Storeys Starting at $359,000 29 Available

two Storeys Starting at $299,900 26 Available

Semis & town Homes Starting at $155,000 10 Available

Semis & town Homes Starting at $138,000 28 Available

Semis & town Homes Starting at $94,900 14 Available

Semis & town Homes Starting at $239,000 11 Available

Semis & town Homes Starting at $219,900 23 Available

Semis & town Homes Starting at $239,444 12 Available

Semis & town Homes Starting at $236,500 17 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

February 2015

Hamilton, Stoney Creek Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

Rob Golfi*

A slice of heaven

GOING! GOING! GONE!

The value is in the land!

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

LAVISH FROM TOP TO BOTTOM! Custom built, elegant home boasts pride of ownership throughout. This 2 storey home sits on 54x145 ft lot and features family size kitchen w/granite counters & butler pantry, showcase fireplace in family rm. Stamped concrete drive & patio w/oversized dbl garage. 28 Southmeadow Crescent, Stoney Creek $639,900

The value is in the land – no showings on home. Call LBO for details. Seller says will entertain all offers. Not warranting room sizes. 132 Corman Avenue, Stoney Creek, $279,900

Love to walk?

Quiet cul-de-sac with plenty of updates

Bungalow Beauty!

GREAT HAMILTON EAST LOCATION!! Two bedroom, with two bathrooms, & eat in kitchen. Lots of updates, two car front parking with interlock brick. Walk to center mall and schools.

Fenced yard with deck. 1329 Cannon Street East, Hamilton, $139,900

Prime location! Great 1.5 storey home in desirable Stoney Creek location. Updates include roof ’01, furnace ’06, new paint '14, new front deck '14, and large fenced yard. Huge driveway to build a large garage. Don't miss this one. It won't last! 14 Roselle Place, Stoney Creek, $324,900

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 $559,900

Stylish decor, contemporary updates

Be your own boss!

Fantastic neighbourhood!

4+1 BR on a court location. Finished basement w/rec rm, full bath, kitch & walk up. Features engineered hardwd, crown moulding, California Shutters, covered patio. Updates: kitch w/granite, baths, C/A, furnace, most windows.

7 Lyngate Court, Stoney Creek Mountain, $494,900

High Traffic corner location. Established Bowling Alley (5-pin, 2-levels) currently. Rear parking plus municipal. May be assembled with 418 Guelph Line for apx. 1 acre of land on busy corner. Do not go direct. Contact LA for details of assemblage. 422 Guleph Line, Burlington $2,000,000

Updated 3 BR home in Headon Forest area! Open concept LR/family rm, eat-in kitch, master w/ensuite & walk in closet.

Priv. fenced in yard w/new patio. Upgrades: finished basement, new hardwd & tiling throughout, new windows, new furnace, new C/A, new water heater. Roof replaced in ‘09.

3191 Renton Road, Burlington, $579,900

A short walk to the water and you can watch the boats come in!

Investors – Be your own landlord!

Ready to move in

Fantastic opportunity to own a 12 unit apartment building.

Windows & Furnace updates. 6-1 bedroom and 6-2 bedroom units. Separate meters. Tenants pay hydro.

3-7 Connaught Avenue South, Hamilton Centre, $1,099,000

One floor home in a quiet neighbourhood of Stoney Creek!

Feat. hardwood floors, central vac, finished rec room w/full bath, concrete paved driveway, beautifully landscaped w/fully fenced yard plus 18 ft. above ground pool. Updates incl: roof, windows, doors, central air.

18 Rose Crescent, Stoney Creek, $349,900

2 Storey, 3 bedrm home. Master bedroom with ensuite, living room/dining room, main floor family rm, finished basement & 2 car garage. Roof (4yrs ago), new furnace.

47 Waterford Crescent, Stoney Creek, $349,900

Call Today 905-575-7700

February 2015

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Hamilton, Stoney Creek Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

Cinderella home needs fairy godmother!

Right in the heart of Hamilton

First time offered, original owner, lrg 4 bedrm, 2 storey home on prime street in Dundas. Main floor offers large family room, formal LR/DR and separate den, 3 piece ensuite, large bedrooms, double car garage. Needs updating.

67 Turnbull Road, Dundas, $449,900

Great starter home near Centre mall, Tim Hortons field, transportation and elementary school. Featuring a double stamped concrete drive and walkway and great deck. Dropdown stairs for attic storage, updated kitchen, laminate flooring and partially finished basement with finished laundry room.

27 Frederick Avenue, Hamilton Centre, $246,900

Page 5

Rob Golfi*

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

Homeowners discover winter damage Homeowners may have to deal with the aftermath of a brutal winter. Snow and cold temperatures cause hundreds of millions of dollars in home damage, and many homeowners don’t yet realize their home is affected.

From the outside, Susan Simpson’s home looked perfectly fine. But inside, it’s a different story.

Her children were the first to sense a problem.

“I couldn't sleep at first. I thought I might be hearing things,” said Brian. “I heard cracks like ‘errrrrrrrr.’”

“Errrrrrr,” that’s what it sounded like,” agreed little sister Mary. “Kind of like something was cracking and something was moving against the ceiling. That was scary.”

The kids weren't just hearing things. When their mom climbed up into the attic to investigate, she said she panicked.

“This is the first thing I saw,” said Simpson, was a snapped piece of lumber. “It’s a broken truss and it was just hanging here. I started to wonder if there were more.”

She found three broken trusses above her children’s bedrooms and bathroom that were supposed to be supporting the roof. She soon discovered that was just the beginning of the trouble. One of the trusses pushed through the ceiling in Mary’s bathroom, and cracks were starting to develop throughout the house.

“The ceiling actually started to lift up off the walls. It lifted about one and a half, two inches off the walls.

There's actually blocks holding our ceiling down right now,” Simpson explained. “This is definitely not normal.” a structural engineer diagnosed the problem as truss uplift.

It can happen with big temperature and humidity differences in an attic – especially in the winter when the bottom part of a truss is buried under insulation and stays warm, and the upper chords of a truss are exposed to extremely dry, cold air. Those upper pieces of wood can expand and flex outward, lifting the bottom of the truss and, sometimes, pulling up the ceiling along with it.

“That should never happen in a home,” said Simpson.

“As a mom, I'm worried [if] there’s a piece of ceiling that's going to fall down on them. Is there a board that's going to break in the attic again? Is it going to come through the ceiling? From the ground up, we're having to re-do every room and area in our home.”

The Simpson’s are not alone.

Extreme numbers

Brutal winter can wreak havoc on houses all across Canada.

Heavy snowfall and bitter temperatures cause a lot of damage annually.

Insurers report high numbers of winter-related home claims. Insurance companies see increased claim occurrences for freeze damage.

A large insurance company, which reported $60 million in winter-related home claims during 2013, is now projecting a 35% increase in winter home damage payouts for 2014.

As snow melts and temperatures warm, residents begin to see the impact – most notably, on our roads. The freez-

ing and thawing cycle on asphalt, results in cracks and large holes.

A harsh winter can do the same to houses.

But because many homeowners do not inspect their homes closely, they are just starting to notice the damage.

And because many winter-related problems develop over the course of several weeks or months, homeowners may not realize the problems are directly related to harsh weather from months earlier.

“Tip of the iceberg”

“We've got significant cracks on the outside of the house, as well as the inside,” said Chris, a Hamilton homeowner who is dealing with winter-related home damage.

“You look, and the more you look the more you see. We've never had anything like this. Most of this really was not there six months ago.”

Most of the issues around Chris’ house are subtle, but they're everywhere. Walls, flooring, closets and window frames all show cracks, and on some parts of the home’s exterior, bricks are starting to separate away from the walls.

“You’re thinking – worst case scenario – my house is collapsing,” he said.

Chris called in a home inspector to diagnose the cause of the problems and to identify a remedy.

“I wasn’t sure what to do next and if these were big problems or small ones, so that was really a big help,” Chris said.

The home inspector was able to follow small cracks in drywall and tile to expose hidden water damage behind a dining room wall, and he also discovered some larger cracks that extended from the inside of the home to the outside brick.

“We really are seeing a lot more damage this year,” he said. “What’s sitting on the surface may be the tip of the iceberg. We’re having to tell people ‘You not only have this issue, but this issue, this issue and something else that’s broken.”

Last winter's severe weather turned many minor home issues into more urgent repairs caused by settling and shifting around a home’s foundation.

Here’s how it happens:

Each winter, the moist clay soil around your home freezes and expands. That puts some extra pressure on your foundation, which is normal.

But winter's extreme temperatures and snowfall cause the frost line (the depth to which groundwater in soil is expected to freeze) to extend deeper than normal. Soil expands more. Pressure increases more. That pressure causes some home foundations to slightly heave upward, resulting in cracks and other problems throughout the house.

In some homes, the damage is largely cosmetic.

Homeowners shouldn’t panic. In a lot of situations, there’s not a lot that needs to be done other than keeping an eye on things. But in other houses, the damage is much more significant and costly.

Lifting the whole house Just ask Ron Brown.

www. GolfiTeam .com

This spring, he’s been busy rescuing homes that suffered significant structural damage from severe winter weather.

“The foundation has literally dropped an inch and a quarter,” he said, pointing to large cracks on an outside corner of the home. “The brick wall is actually leaning over. It really needs to be stabilized.”

The 2-day project involved removing all of the soil from around the back of the home, placing jacks under the foundation and raising the house several inches. The process instantly closed large cracks that had developed throughout the structure and reunited separated brick with the side of the house.

“This house had some problems but it was stable for several years. Then, all of a sudden, a lot of little problems turned into big problems this past winter. It's not a cheap fix but sometimes when it gets this bad, that's the only alternative,” Brown said.

What to look for right now

Home inspectors and structural engineers say there are steps you should take right now to help prevent further damage – and to help you better understand whether you need some professional help.

First, walk around your home to identify any cracks in drywall, flooring, ceilings or brick. Look both inside and out. Bowen suggests paying special attention to basements and crawl spaces, because those locations can show some of the earliest signs of trouble. Moisture spots on ceilings or carpeting can suggest hidden cracks or openings somewhere in the exterior of the home, as well.

Next, if you see cracks that are wider than a quarter inch or any that extend all the way from the inside to the outside of your home, call in a home inspector to get some advice. “That’s pretty significant when they start expanding to a quarter inch. That should really catch your eye,” Ambro said.

“If it’s a hairline crack, something you cannot slide a business card into, chances are that may be a normal crack due to normal building movement,” agrees a structural engineer with Rimkus Consulting Group. “But if it’s a quarter inch or a half inch or more – or goes all the way through a wall – that’s cause for concern that might need attention.”

If you do see cracks – even small ones – take pictures and monitor them to see if they get bigger over time.

Cracks that grow in size are another sign you may want to call in an expert.

The best piece of preventative advice: make sure your gutters are working properly and that they drain water far away from your home.

Many winter home problems are caused by gutters that are clogged or that drain melting snow and ice close to a home’s foundation. That causes extra moisture in the clayrich soil near your basement or crawlspace, and when that extra moisture freezes and expands, it raises the likelihood that your foundation will suffer damage.

“Eighty percent of all winter damage that I see could have been avoided by having downspouts that worked properly,” said Bowen.

Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Luxurious Newly Renovated Detached Bungalow Set in adult-lifestyle enclave in sought-after downtown location. Beautiful open concept design w/high ceilings.

Professionally finished from top-to-bottom .Main floor laundry, master suite w/ensuite, c/air, c/vac, & gas fireplace. Everything is brand new just move in! 91A Main St E, Unit 9, Grimsby $529,900

Bragging rights for owning a piece of perfection!

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

One Acre - Just the right size property– easy to maintain and nicely private!

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, $369,900

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, $2,299,900

February 2015

Rob Golfi*

77.21 Acres of prime flat farm land

Dorchester Estates sweet spot!

Very productive prime flat farm land sitting on 77.21 acres in a great location on Grimsby mountain, no fence lines, well drained. Build your dream home on Church St. or Kemp Rd. 348 Church Road, Grimsby $619,900

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

BUILDING LOT

Rare find - this Exclusive waterfront lot in private enclave.

Business Opportunity - RM2 Zoning

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

Own your own vineyard!

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

¾ acre site centrally located in the 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.

Academy Street, Beamsville, $399,900

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

Room for busy family!

Great for young family

Approx. 3000 sq ft home w/ in-law set up & walk out from basement. Features grand foyer w/ circular oak staircase, 4 oversized bedrms, finished basement kitchen, bathrm & 2nd laundry. Home updated with new carpet and ceramics.

4349 Birchmount Avenue, Beamsville, $459,900

2 storey home has 3 bedrooms, eat-in kitchen, main floor living room, dining room, family room and laundry. Large backyard w/above ground pool and deck. Updates include kitchen, bathroom, most windows, furnace, central air, siding, fascia, soffits and eaves.

4981 May Street, Beamsville, $299,900

Call Today 905-945-0188

February 2015

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Move in and put your feet up!

Country living in Grimsby

This 3 bedroom well maintained bungalow boasts recent updates including kitchen, flooring, bathroom, windows, concrete walkway & steps with maintenance free railing. Enjoy the spacious family room and above ground pool in the backyard. 7260 Sixteen Road, West Lincoln, $354,900

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

Page 7

Rob Golfi*

Tired of seeing expensive homes on tiny lots?

This home noticeably wide lot and over 260 ft deep will give you all the real estate you need to make your back yard into your paradise.

2 master suites, designer kitchen with butler & walk-in pantries. Complete package with desired finishes and features. 6246 Tesla Court, Niagara Falls, $649,900

WATERFRONT

Due Diligence Required

Welland News! Rare find: A small, two storey condo townhome completely renovated backing onto walking trail. New carpet, lighting, polished hardwood floors and fresh paint throughout. 2 spacious bedrooms with private balconies. Concrete block construction and dedicated parking. Shows brand new! 810 Clare Avenue, Unit 4, Welland, $184,900

Updated end unit townhome with cozy fireplace!

Features family room w/ gas fireplace & sliding doors to balcony, oversized kitchen, generous size bedrooms, freshly painted. Recent updates incl. kitchen w/ backsplash, new flooring in the kitchen, dining room & bedroom level.

91 Livingston Avenue, Unit #1, Grimsby, $243,900

Chance to snag a 1960’s bungalow with modern updates at a friendly price! sitting on 60x145 ft lot. 3+1 renovated home in great neighbourhood. Updates include kitchen with granite counters & ceramic floors, baths, refinished hardwood flooring, windows, carport converted to garage. In-law potential or additional family living space in the basement. 5082 Charles Street, Beamsville, $314,900

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

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, $399,700

VAcANT cOmmERcIAL LOT

WATERFRONT

Vacant Commerical Lot – NEW PRICE!

Quiet street

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

Opportunity has knocked!! 4 level back split with 3 or 4 bedrooms. Walkout to beautiful backyard. Shows very nice, many updates & quick closing available. Walk to park, quiet street.

63 Canterbury Drive, St. Catharines, $172,900

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

February 2015

Luxury Homes & Waterfront Properties WATERFRONT

Rob Golfi*

WATERFRONT

WATERFRONT

Due Diligence Required

The Muskoka house – If you like living on the water with no yard maintenance

Rare find - this Exclusive waterfront lot in private enclave.

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

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

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

WATERFRONT

Entertain in elegant Georgian style!

Classic Georgian Colonial Manor with picturesque tree-lined private driveway. Featuring gleaming hardwd, entertainers kitchen, stunning great room with 14 ft ceiling, and custom millwork and trim thru-out. Upstairs you will find 4 spacious bedrms all featuring their own ensuite, as well as bedroom level laundry.

6195 Milburough Line, Burlington, $1,799,999

8 acres of Merlot currently planted with 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

Duty of Honesty and Good Faith in Performance of an Agreement of Purchase and Sale

T

ypical conditions include a buyer arranging financing and/or insurance, and performing a home inspection, all of which conditions usually provide that the buyer may rely on such condition in his sole and absolute discretion.

In a recent decision, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that there is a general duty of honest contractual performance in every contract. “This means simply that parties must not lie or otherwise knowingly mislead each other about matters directly linked to the performance of the contract. This does not impose a duty of loyalty or disclosure or require a party to forego advantages flowing from the contract. It is a simple requirement not to lie or mislead the other party about one’s contractual performance”.

The court also stated that “…parties …must perform their contractual duties honestly and reasonably and not capriciously or arbitrarily” and have “…appropriate regard to the legitimate contractual interests of the contracting partner…”

The court stated that this narrow duty of honesty already “accords with the reasonable expectations of parties that parties do not expect dishonesty among their trading partners.”

It is not a duty of fiduciary loyalty, a

duty of disclosure or a duty to forego the advantages of a contract.

The court’s decision is limited to the performance of contracts and did not address the negotiation of contracts. During negotiations you can bargain hard and in your own best interest only, without regard for the other party’s legitimate interests provided that you are not legally unconscionable or untruthful.

So, how does this new duty of honesty in the performance of contracts affect a buyer’s ability to rely on his conditions to terminate an agreement? Simply put, he must not lie or mislead the other party. The typical conditions mentioned above allow a buyer to terminate the agreement if he can’t satisfy the stated and bargained for condition, but NOT for any other reasons – for example – buyer’s remorse. A buyer should not be permitted to use his financing condition, home inspection report, or any other condition not expressly addressing buyer’s remorse, to get out of a deal on account of buyer’s remorse because that wasn’t part of the bargain and he would be acting dishonestly and capriciously in a way intended to bring a contract to an end for an undisclosed reason without regard to the legitimate interests of the seller.

Custom built home with Equestrian Hobby Farm on 37 Acres Features nanny's quarters or 2 bedroom in-law suite, 2 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, ceramics, vaulted ceilings, inground pool, 3 car garage. Barn with 13 stalls, 4 paddocks & a 60x140 arena. Minutes from town!

342 Kemp Road West, Grimsby, $959,900

Are futuristic green towers on the horizon for Paris in 2050?

P

aris is aiming to reduce 75 per cent of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, so could these futuristic green skyscrapers be the way forward?

"2050 Paris Smart City" is a research and development project for Paris City Hall carried out by Vincent Callebaut Architectures. It features eight high-rise buildings which recycle their own energies in a short loop through innovative systems.

The buildings include "Mountain Towers" in the city's first arrondissement or district, that blend solar, hydrodynamic and planted buildings, using bio-air conditioning systems.

The "Antismog Towers" in the 14th district are described as an "ecologic corridor" 23 km long, punctuated by depolluting photo-catalytic towers.

A striking complex called "Photosynthesis Towers" in the 15th, to be built in a vertical spiral and featuring organic facades of green algae, has also been suggested, alongside "Bamboo Nest Towers," a series of thermodynamic garden structures featuring food gardens and orchards on balconies.

Call Today 905-575-7700

February 2015

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 9

We SELL more... because we DO more!

Custom built home with Equestrian Hobby Farm on 37 Acres

Quiet street

Building Lot – RARE FIND

Opportunity has knocked!! 4 level back split with 3 or 4 bedrooms. Walkout to beautiful backyard. Shows very nice, many updates & quick closing available. Walk to park, quiet street.

63 Canterbury Drive, St. Catharines, $172,900

Fantastic opportunity to build your dream home on this 50.00 x 108.00 ft lot! Sewer and water to lot line. Buyer pays town, regional charges and park dedication plus building permit..

Subject to severance in progress.

2 Meadowood Lane, Beamsville, $159,900

Equestrian hobby farm

Fantastic neighbourhood!

Cinderella home needs fairy godmother!

5 acre property w/ large 4 bedrm home & barn w/ stalls. Home feat liv/rm, dinrm, eat-in maple kitchen, main flr master suite & fin bsemnt. Outdoor feat large pond, barn w/ 5 stalls, run in shed, 2 paddocks & exercise ring 571 Poth Street, Pelham, $699,900

Updated 3 BR home in Headon Forest area! Open concept LR/family rm, eat-in kitch, master w/ensuite & walk in closet.

Priv. fenced in yard w/new patio. Upgrades: finished basement, new hardwd & tiling throughout, new windows, new furnace, new C/A, new water heater. Roof replaced in ‘09.

3191 Renton Road, Burlington, $579,900

First time offered, original owner, lrg 4 bedrm, 2 storey home on prime street in Dundas. Main floor offers large family room, formal LR/DR and separate den, 3 piece ensuite, large bedrooms, double car garage. Needs updating.

67 Turnbull Road, Dundas, $449,900

Features nanny's quarters or 2 bedroom in-law suite, 2 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, ceramics, vaulted ceilings, inground pool, 3 car garage. Barn with 13 stalls, 4 paddocks & a 60x140 arena. Minutes from town!

342 Kemp Road West, Grimsby, $959,900

THE ULTIMATE SELLING TEAM RoB GolFi SALES REPRESEnTATivE

SHARON StAFFORD

HANS MARCELISSEN

WENDY MURRAYNICHOLSON

MIKE MCNEIL

LAURA BIELAK

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PENNY CIARDELLI

HANK BALFOORt

DAN GOLFI

JEFF GOLFI

ASHLEY SIDLER

ALLISON PARK

ERIC PINI, B.A.

BROKER OF RECORD

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*Certain conditions apply

Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

February 2015

Marketplace Real Estate Lawyer

Paul Lewis Settimi

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Jacqueline Paradisi

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if you’d like to learn how Bni (www.bnigh.com) works and what it can do for your business, call or email me at laura@golfiteam.com. i can arrange for you to visit a chapter meeting close to you so you can see how Bni helps members develop referral business relationships. two Bni chapters in the Gta recently reported referral business totaling $1m for the past year!

Laura Bielak

905-575-7700

Sales Representative, The Golfi Team

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Crossword Solution

Call www.

Today GolfiTeam 905-575-7700 .com

February 2015

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

Contractors going bankrupt mid-renovation a “nightmare” for homeowners Toronto real estate lawyer Mark Weisleder says homeowners won’t get their money back and may have to cover unpaid wages for independent contractors.

A contractor going bankrupt midrenovation is a “nightmare” situation for homeowners, experts say.

If a construction company goes bankrupt mid-project, homeowners aren’t likely to see their money again, said Toronto real-estate lawyer Mark Weisleder.

“As far as going after the contractor, there’s very little (homeowners) can do,” he said.

The problem can get even worse for homeowners if subcontractors haven’t been paid. Once an independent contractor has worked on someone’s land, they have an automatic right to register a lien — a type of security interest granted over an item of property to secure the payment of a debt — against its owner, Weisleder said. “(Homeowners) know (subcontractors) are doing work on their property, and that’s why they’re responsible for payment,” he said.

Weisleder said he has seen homeowners lose double the money or even the property itself when faced with the cost of both their lost payments and liens.

Employees working for a bankrupt company are protected under Ontario’s Employment Standards Act, said Toronto employment lawyer David Whitten.

Under the act, directors of a bankrupt company are personally liable for unpaid wages for up to six months. If the company has no money, the directors’ personal assets will be seized.

The act does not cover independent contractors, forcing them to file a lien, he said.

If employees find themselves in that situation, they should file a complaint with the Ministry of Labour, keeping in mind the ministry can only pay out a maximum of $10,000 per person, Whitten said.

“If you’re owed more than $10,000, if you get that close, consider whether you should still be providing services,” he said.

By: Laura Armstrong Staff Reporter, Published on Sun Jan 04 2015

osswordCrossword no 13,953

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www. GolfiTeam .com

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Ancaster Branch

Binbrook Marketplace Branch

Grimsby Branch

1100 Wilson Street West | 905-304-6838

2537 Regional Road 56 | 905-692-8359

155 Main St. E. | 905-945-2930

Centre on Barton Branch

Jackson Square Branch

Beamsville Branch

1187 Barton Street East | 905-547-6202

2 King Street West | 905-528-6391

4520 Ontario St. | 905-563-0822

Rymal Road Branch

Stoney Creek Branch (Opening Fall 2014)

Vineland Branch

2176 Rymal Road East | 905-692-3597

3370 King St. | 905-562-7373

259 Queenston Road

Hamilton Commercial & Small Business Banking Centre 2 King Street West | 905-528-6391

www.GolfiTeam.com Call Today 905-575-7700