Feb. 19, 2013 Issue 65

February 19, 2013 - Vol 48a

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

T E A M

WHAT’S INSIDE: Easter Colouring Contest PAGE 6

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara Listings PAGE 5

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook Listings PAGE 9

110 Strawberry Drive, Hamilton.

See page 9 for details.

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

Crossword & Sudoku PAGE 11

Page 2

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

About Rob Golfi

February 19, 2013

WHAT’S ONLINE See what’s on our blog this week!

Visit www.golfiteam.com and click on the BLOG tab.

Rob and Sue Golfi

Since the inception of his career in 1997, Rob Golfi has recognized that understanding his clients’ needs is essential to providing excellent service. Married 25 year with four children, Rob understands a family’s wants and needs.

It Fair Is : e g a g t r o M Your Bank Needs? r u o Y it u S It s And Doe

As business grew, Rob assembled the Golfi Team in an effort to maintain the same level of professionalism clients have come to expect. Shortly thereafter in 2003, the team received the prestigious honour of being among the top 100 Real Estate Teams for RE/MAX Canada, and this status continues to date.

Rob’s experience and aggressive negotiating skills have earned him every major honour awarded by RE/MAX, including President’s Club, 100% Club, Platinum Club, Chairman’s Club, Hall of Fame in 2003, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, his SRES® designation in 2009 and the Diamond Club Award in 2010. Having worked with many of the industry’s professionals over the years, he has the necessary edge to best negotiate the sale of your home.

Any agent can list your house, but Rob’s knowledge, extensive marketing background and dedication gives clients peace of mind when dealing with the single most important investment in their lives. With years of combined experience, the Golfi Team can provide your home with a level of exposure that most agents cannot. Utilizing a team approach also means that they will likely find a purchaser to buy your home sooner, rather than waiting for other agents to approach you with potential buyers.

Ranked in the top 5 of nearly 2,000 sales agents in the HamiltonBurlington and Niagara areas, listing with Rob and the Golfi Team is the right choice when choosing someone to represent your best interest.

Average S al On The R e Price, Listings ise In Janu ary

ALSO: Market Activity Stats in the Hamilton-Burlington Area

Read more on www.GolfiTeam.com

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February 19, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

Facts About the GOLFI TEAM‌ 3 Over $75 Million in Sales Annually** 3 #1 Real Estate Office in Hamilton-Burlington* 3 Amongst the Top Sales Reps in Ontario** 3 Ranked Top 50 Teams in Canada for ** 3 Ranked Top 100 Teams world wide**

Award Award Award Award Award 100%

Chairman’s

Club

1998-2012

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

Hall of Fame

Club

2003-2012

2003-2012

Lifetime

Achievement

2006-2012

Diamond

Club

2010-2012

OVER $500 MILLION IN REAL ESTATE SALES *#1 Brokerage in the Realtors Association of Hamilton Burlington MLS from 1994 to 2010 consecutively. **Year End Standings for 2010, based on residential commissions paid. Rankings are compiled from figures submitted by regional offices.

Rob Golfi

Sales Representative

Kristina King

Sales Representative

Sharon Stafford

Heather Reid

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

John Hellicar

Margaret Berlo

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Hans Marcellissen

Wendy Murray-Nicholson Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Dan Golfi

Rosemarie Fournier

Melissa Davidson

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Listing Co-ordinator

Mike McNeil

Office Manager

Outstanding Agents. Exceptional Results.

Call Today 905-575-7700

Page 4

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

February 19, 2013

Average Sale Price, Listings on the Rise in January

T

he REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported 763 property sales through the RAHB Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) for the month of January, representing a 6.4 per cent decrease in sales over the same month last year. RAHB also reported a 6.1 per cent increase in listings compared to the same month last year. The average sale price for all property types was up over January of last year by 6.2 per cent.

“Our sales in January seem to be low because we are comparing them to last year,” said RAHB CEO Ross Godsoe. “but they really are right on average for the month.”

Seasonally adjusted sales of residential properties were 10.2 per cent lower than the same month last year, with the average sale price up 3.9 per cent for the month. Seasonally adjusted numbers of new listings were 3.5 per cent higher than the same month last year.

Actual overall residential sales were 6.7 per cent lower than the previous year at the same time. Residential freehold sales were 7.6 per cent lower than last year; the condominium market saw a decline in sales of only 2.9 per cent. The average sale price of freehold properties showed an increase of five per cent over the same month last year, while the condominium market saw an increase of 4.6

per cent when compared to the same period last year.

The average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all residential properties sold. 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 dropped from 54 days to 53 days in the freehold market and from 61 days to 55 for condominiums.

“There are big differences in how the real estate market performed in various com- munities”, added Godsoe. “For instance, Burlington has an almost 20 per

10 things to do in February Simple suggestions for passing the shortest month of the year

F

ebruary is the shortest month, but sometimes, it can feel like the longest. The celebrations are mostly done, the visiting a thing of the past as people hibernate in their own pads. Here's how to fight those February blahs.

that are almost empty. (Toss the first two, and use up the last one.)

1 Scrub the windows Yes, it's too cold to do the outsides, but give the insides a good hard scrub and you'll let in all the light that's there. And let's face it; at this time of year, every little bit helps.

3 Examine your summer shoe collection Sounds crazy, but imagining wearing them with your favourite little sundress will give you temporary respite from the winter blahs. And on a practical level, if there's a buckle that needs to be fixed or a sole that needs reinforcing, you can get it done now so you'll be ready to kick up your heels when the sun comes out for real.

2 Clean out your medicine cabinet Look for stale-dated over-thecounter remedies, make-up you don't even remember buying and any bottles

4 Go through old love letters Everyone has a shoe box full of past memories, pictures, movie ticket stubs, dried flowers... Can you think of

a better time to review them? It might put a smile on your face. And if you can't stomach it, how about that box of letters from friends, birthday cards from grandma and notes from dad? There's a reason you're hanging on to them. Pour yourself a glass of wine and spend some quality time with your past.

cent increase in inventory over last January, where Hamilton has a 13 per cent decrease. Looking at the numbers gives the big picture of what’s happening in the overall RAHB market area, but buyers and sellers would be wise to consult with a REALTOR® when they need information specific to their communities.”

Every community in RAHB’s marketing area has their own localized residential market. Please refer to the accompanying chart for residential market activities in select areas of RAHB’s jurisdiction.

FREE Market Evaluation Your home could be worth more than you think!

905-945-0188 Crossword Solution

5 Clean your desktop Even though it's not very sexy, plan to sit down at your desk for an hour, sift through your files, purge what's irrelevant and organize the rest.

Do the same with your e-mail account.

Your system may run faster and even if it doesn't, you'll have a better handle on the words, pictures and music you've been holding on to.

By Carmen Taylor

PINTEREST-ING! Great ideas pinned weekly! www. pinterest.com/robgolfi

Dress up an arched doorway!

Brown Wood Blinds from Budget Blinds in Grimsby

Install cabinets above my washer & dryer -especially a place to hang clothes

www.golfiteam.com

Love the concept of exposed brick + cream cabinets + dark granite + dark hardwoods

www. pinterest.com/ robgolfi

February 19, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

grimsby $334,900 5 Hazelwood Avenue

grimsby $309,900 683 Ridge Road West

9.2 acres on Escarpment bench, surrounded by trees is minutes from town. Secluded 1900 sq.ft. bungalow features stained oak hrdwd flrs, large liv. rm with showcase fireplace. Flr to ceiling sliding doors lead to backyard oasis overlooking Lake Ontario. C/A, vinyl windows & shingles in the last 10 yrs, & oversized 23x23 ft. double garage.

Rare find! Beautiful 2+1 BR on a 50x207 ft. lot, in family neighbourhood. Udates: roof ‘11, soffits & eaves, patio, gas bbq hook up, 2 baths redone, updated kitchen, & freshly painted. Fin. basement with new rec room, 3rd BR/games room. Laundry rm, large workshop & det. single garage.

Beautifully decorated 3+1 bedroom bungalow. Updates include granite kitchen counters, newer roof, furnace 07, updated windows, entry doors, and patio door. Large 16 x 28ft. deck off kitchen. Rec room with wood burning fireplace, office area, great room, laundry, and storage.

$3115.05 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$1334.05 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$1237.79 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

West LincoLn $679,900 8729 Twenty Road

beAmsViLLe $779,900 5109 Leonard Crescent

Huge Pie-Shaped Lot! Updated semi on court location.

Walkup from basement to side yard.New Driveway(’12), Furnace/AC, Front Windows, 2 Exterior Doors(’11) Laminate Flooring (’10) Carpet, updated Downstairs Bathroom(’09). $2396.10 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

West LincoLn $399,900 8530 Silver Street

st. cAthArines $434,900 8 Westport Avenue

CHARACTER HOME Circa 1865 – Sitting on 1.22 Acres, 4 bedrm, 2 bathrms, over $200,000 in updates, beautiful pine plank flrs, large country size kitchen, updated vinyl windows, newer furnace & C/air, inground pool, 20x32 ft hobby barn + dble car garage 15 min drive to Hamilton. $1597.27 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

Prestigious area, walking distance to Port Dalhousie. Impressive open concept layout. Main level has hardwood flooring, living room with a wood burning fireplace, large family room surrounds eat-in kitchen w/plenty of countertops, cabinets, pot drawers & pantry storage. 2 patio doors lead to deck and private backyard.

grimsby $799,900 2 Shoreline Crescent

smithViLLe $349,900 114 Golden Acres Drive

LAVISH TOP TO BOTTOM - Elegant home on Lakeside Crescent. The new owner will reap the benefits of this over improved custom reno’d home w/waterfront views. Features entrance w/marble floors, designer kitchen w/oak cabinets, granite counters, stone backsplash, cherry hardwood floors.

A MUST SEE! 2 storey, 3 bedroom, former model home inimmaculate condition. Features hardwood and ceramicfloors on main floor. Stunning eat-in kitchen, with gardendoors to lovely back yard. Double car garage and covered.

$1737.06 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$3194.93 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$1317.67 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

SOLD grimsby $649,900 643 Ridge Road West

grimsby

$649,900 253 Ridge Rd

ONE R E H ANOT

VineLAnd $254,900 3927 Durban Lane

VineLAnd $649,900 3274 King Street

Country living at its best! 1.3 acres and features beautifulhardwd flrs, oak staircase, professionally finished basement,master bedrm with large ensuite, double garage with directaccess to basement, updated vinyl windows, furnace 2010,shingles 2006, 9000 gal cistern under garage.

Spectacular Stately home sitting on 1.26 acres minutes to downtown Grimsby. Features 3+2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, gorgeous, updated, new designer kitchen, all season sunroom, professionally finished basement. Nothing has been spared. A must see.

Beautiful open concept bungalow features hardwood &ceramics on main floor, oak staircase, California shutters,garden doors to large deck & a sunny main floor den. Landlease 2013 /mth $372.84 and maintenance fee $164 or $107/mth.

Spectacular, luxurious & Immaculate best describes this awesome beauty sitting on 1.3 acres on the bench of the escarpment with panoramic views of Lake Ontario surrounded by vineyards and neighbouring ranch, 4 bedrms, 4 car garage, granite, hardwd flrs, + + + shows like a dream.

$2595.81 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$2595.81 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$1018.11 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$2595.81 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

ONE R E OTH N A D SOL grimsby $459,900 23 Tunbridge Crescent

grimsby $449,900 364 Mountain Road

grimsby

$429,900 81 Aspen Drive

9 year old One Floor Beauty. Open concept home features hrdwd, cer & carptd bed. Main flr family room with walkout to fenced in back yard with spacious deck.

Basement is professionally finished with oversized recroom, bathroom, bedrooms & office space

Sprawling 3+2 bdrm home on aprx 1 acre. Eat-in kitchen, open concept LR, formal DR, den, master bdrm w/ensuite & walk-in closet, main flr laundry, & dbl car garage. 2nd kitchen, rec room, 3pc bath. Above ground pool. Many updates.

HOUSE & GARDEN! 2565 sqft executive home only 2.5 yrs new, thousands in upgrades, large stylish maple kitchen with granite counters, separate formal dining room, crown moulding, oak staircase, large walk in closet off or master suite including ensuite bath.

New Hampton Model home! 3000 sq.ft. of pure luxury, loaded w/upgrades. Open concept w/hardwood, ceramic & porcelain flrs. Kitchen w/granite counters, glass backsplash & island. DR boasts coffered ceilings & wainscoting.

Master bdrm w/double walk in closets & spa bathroom.

1836.92 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$1796.97 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$1717.09 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$2392.50 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

beAmsViLLe $599,000 4130 St. George’s Drive

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

beAmsViLLe $454,900 4024 Bush Crescent

VineLAnd $185,000 3933 Durban Lane

jordAn $547,000 2869 Prince William Street

WAinfLeet $899,900 40625 Feeder Road East

Outstanding and immaculate! This Hillside Estate home shows beautifully. Featuring maple kitchen with breakfast island and butler’s pantry to dining room. 9 ft ceilings, 8 ft wide sliding doors to fenced and landscaped yard with large 12 x 34 ft deck.

Get inside to see this lovely home! Generous foyer opens to the comfortable living room. Eat-in kitchen w/sliding doors to large deck. Buyer to be approved by Landlord. Land lease fee $328.84/mth. Estimated taxes $160.37/mth.

Maintenance plan Gold $162/mth or $105/mth.

Spectacular 3500 sq.ft. 5 bedrm beauty, sitting on 59.60 acres. Features maple kitchen with granite counters, main flr master bedrm with rich hotel style ensuite, oversized walk in closet, gleaming hardwd flrs, professionally finished basement, 140x72 ft. riding arena, & 8 stall horse barn.

$1816.94 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$738.92 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

Beautifully restored circa 1908 craftsman home which once was a post office, general store and train station in the Village of Jordan. Currently used as a two family home & is a legal triplex. The exterior of the home has been refurbished in the last 10 yrs including furnace, roofs, hot water heater, all plumbing & electrical. New sewer & water lines installed in 2012. Antique hardwood pine plank flooring throughout the main level w/the master suite offering a field stone wood-burning fireplace.

$2184.81 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

Call Today 905-945-0188

$3594.35 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

February 19, 2013

W e i

yo

Easter W n biK e!

ColourinG Contest An

Uc

!

!

www.GolfiContest.com

Submit your entries by March 27, 2013 Enter via Mail

(include this card): We will scan and upload your picture to Facebook for you.

Name: _________________________________________ Address:________________________________________ City & PC: ______________________________________ Phone Number: ________________________Age: ______ Mail to The Golfi Team Re/Max: 664 Fennell Avenue East, Hamilton, ON L8V 1V1.

Enter Online: 1. Scan your artwork.

2. Visit www.GolfiContest.com and ‘LIKE’ our page.

Follow the instructions to upload your artwork.

3. Include your contact information. Only your first name, age and City will be shown.

* ALL entries will be posted on our Facebook site. Get your family and friends to VOTE for your picture. THE MOST VOTES WINS!

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oU

Ld

*

February 19, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

Does a minute matter in a real estate deal?

Real estate contracts often say deals must be concluded no later than 6 p.m. on the day of closing. What happens if you miss the deadline?

T

he standard Ontario real estate contract says deals must be concluded no later than 6 p.m. on the day of closing. But if you’re a minute late, will that kill the deal?

On Friday, Nov. 30, 2007, lawyer Michael Gatien went to the Cornwall, Ont., registry office to register a deed on behalf of his client, who had just bought a plaza. He had wired the purchase funds to the trust account of the seller’s lawyer just after 4 p.m. and received the final go-ahead to register the deed at 4:53 p.m. But when he tried to register the deed, he missed the 5 p.m. deadline by one minute. The registration system would not accept anything after 5 p.m.

The seller then tried to cancel the deal, claiming the deed was not registered in time. The buyer’s lawyer argued that since all steps had been taken to close the deal, the deed registration could take place when the registry office reopened on Monday.

The sale had involved difficult negotiations and there were some hard feelings, which all contributed to the seller trying to cancel the deal. It went to court in March 2009 and a judge ruled the seller could not refuse to close.

Normally, real estate deals close when the money has been delivered from the buyer’s lawyer to the seller’s lawyer and title has been transferred to the buyer. Funds are usually sent by wire transfer. The seller’s lawyer releases the deed for transfer on the government computer registry system and the buyer’s lawyer then completes the computer registration.

Why does the standard agreement say that deals can be completed by 6 p.m. if the computers close down at 5 p.m.?

In order for the computer registration process to operate efficiently, lawyers for the buyer and seller sign an agreement that says all the money will be held in escrow until the deed gets registered. In many cases, buyers are waiting for their own sale deal to close in order to get the money to close their purchase. As a result, there is often not enough time to get the money wired into the trust account and to complete the electronic registration before 5 p.m. This is especially true at the end of the month, when many deals are closing on the same day.

As a result, in many cases, the deal closes after 5 p.m. “in escrow.” The lawyers agree that even though the deed is not registered, the buyers can move into the home, the seller’s lawyer will hold the money overnight in their trust account and the deed will be registered the next morning. This escrow agreement is typically completed before 6 p.m.

Can a seller get out of the deal if the money is not delivered to their lawyer before 5 p.m.?

While this did not occur in the above case, a judge will also look at the local practice of how real estate deals are conducted.

In another case, a buyer’s lawyer was late getting the cheque to the seller’s lawyer. The seller tried to cancel the deal. The court found that the seller contributed to the deal closing late by delay-

ing the final closing visit of the buyer and not giving the buyer’s lawyer instructions as to how to make the cheques payable until late in the afternoon.

Another question that arises on closing is when does a seller have to let the buyer into the house?

This should happen as soon as title registration takes place and not later than 6 p.m. if it is an escrow arrangement. In one case, a buyer’s movers sat in the driveway from 6 p.m. on the day of closing until 9 p.m., waiting for the sellers to leave. It cost the sellers more than $1,000 to pay for the buyer’s additional moving costs, since they were late leaving the home.

Sellers also cannot leave junk in the house on closing. If they do, the buyer can sue to pay for the cost of removing it.

Sellers, vacate your home early on the date of closing and take everything with you. If you need more time, make changes in the contract at the time you sell it.

Buyers and sellers, do not try to change your mind and cancel a deal because a deed cannot be registered in time. Let your lawyers complete the escrow and move on.

Mark Weisleder is a Toronto real estate lawyer. Contact him at mark@markweisleder.com

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

905-575-7700 RECEIVE A STAINLESS STEEL UNDER MOUNT SINK & A FREE UPGRADED EDGE! *Minimum of 40 square feet, no cash value, 1 gift certificate per household.

Must present this post card at time of ordering.

Contract must be signed before January 31, 2013, in order to redeem certificate.

Some restrictions may apply.

RICE !

P T S BE ANTEED GUAR

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM TO MEET WITH A MEMBER OF OUR FRIENDLY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE SALES TEAM

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 today.

Call Today 905-575-7700

Page 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

February 19, 2013

Maximum Exposure Sells Your Home Dear Rob, Thank you for doing such an extraordinary job of selling our home Rob! Words cannot describe how patient and supportive your team has been.

www.golfiteam.com 905-575-7700

I was very impressed with your professionalism and how quickly you always answered our calls. We definitely received our money’s worth and your negotiating for us definitely earned us a great selling price. Again, thank you – my sister will be calling you to sell their home too!

GOLFI

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February 19, 2013

Rob Golfi*

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 9

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

stoney creeK $459,900 20 Spartan Court

hAmiLton eAst $169,900 117 Fairfield Avenue

hAmiLton eAst $199,900 523 Queensdale Avenue East

hAmiLton ctr $269,900 107 Garfield Avenue South

TUCKED AWAY ON QUIET CUL-DE-SAC! 2-storey home backing onto forestry w/complete privacy, features incredible open floor plan, lrg family rm w/showcase gas fireplace, hardwd flrs on main level, master bedrm w/luxury ensuite & walk in closet, fenced yard, & main flr laundry.

BUNGALOW WITH FAMILY ROOM ADDITION. Two good sized bedrooms w/a large family room, lots of parking, updated windows, shingles, furnace, C/A, kitchen & wiring.

Needs TLC in decorating & cleaning. Great Value. Close to highway access & shopping.

FABULOUS FIND with 3 bedrooms on the top floor.

Updates include windows, central air, shingles, fencing, kitchen and most flooring. 3 car parking and a fully fenced yard. Walk to inch park recreation center and schools.

Dining room leads out to private deck.

USED AS A TWO FAMILY! 1 bedroom on main floor, porch & laundry room, $850/mth w/1yr lease from Oct 2012. 2nd/3rd floor two bedrm w/ensuite, granite, gas FP, ldry room $875/mth(vacant). New H/E boiler (gas on equal bill $106/mth). Steel roof, windows & doors 2008.

$1836.92 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$678.61 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$798.43 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$1078.02 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

ONE R E OTH N A D SOL hAmiLton ctr $282,900 262 Ottawa Street South

hAmiLton mtn $364,900 15 Pinehurst Drive

hAmiLton mtn $159,900 36 Poplar Avenue

hAmiLton eAst $349,900 110 Strawberry Drive

Charming updated 3 BR family home w/a detached garage.

Home features hardwd flrs, updated bathrms, open concept LR/DR, new entry doors & a completely finished basement.

Home has been renovated from top to bottom w/high quality materials. All finishing touches have been done.

Fantastic family home in a mature E. Mountain Brow area. For Sale or Lease $1,750 + Utilities. Open concept living space w/lrg principle rooms, gourmet kitchen w/top of the line upgrades, lots of living space, a library (w/walk-out), family room, LR, rec room, hrdwd & ceramic flrs, & a 60ft park like yard.

LOCATION, LOCATION! Walk to Juravinski, steps to mountain brow and shopping. Loads of character and perfect for a young couple! This property features beamed ceilings, private back yard, front and back porch, updated 100 amp panel, and kitchen. Great rental location!

RAVINE LOCATION. All brick home with in-law setup features hardwood floors on main lvl w/separate dining and family room w/fireplace, updated windows, shingles and furnace, double garage w/inside entry, California shutters and three full baths.

$1129.95 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$1457.47 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$638.67 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$1397.56 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

stoney creeK $259,900 485 Green Road Unit#68

hAmiLton $227,900 398 Crocket Street

hAmiLton $274,999 109 Royal Avenue

stoney creeK $348,900 92 Greenstem Crescent

BEAUTIFUL TOWNHOME! Steps from the Lake & Waterfront trail, features bright & sunny foyer, hardwood floors on main level plus oak open tread stair case, maple kitchen, master bedroom with ensuite & walk in closet, 9 feet ceilings in basement w/2 piece roughed in bath, bedroom level laundry.

Updated bungalow w/large lot & garage! Amazing kitch w/granite counters, SS appliances (Mar ‘11), & newer HW flrs (‘12) the main floor. Updated furnace (‘07), windows (‘08), natural gas BBQ hookup, deck (16x10), double drive & pkg for 6 cars! Unfin. basement perfect summer project!

Very close to McMaster University. Features 10’ ceilings on main level, full height basement. Bus stop located at the end of the street. All amenities in close proximity. Currently used as a student residence for Ω12 months expires April 30th, 2013. 24hr notice required for showings.

3 BR Desantis “Lakeshores” model in Lakepointe Community.

Main floor has 9 ft. ceilings, open concept Living Rm w/gas FP, hdwd flrs, sep dining room, eat-in kitchen with bkfst bar, & fenced yard. BR level laundry, master w/walk in closet & ensuite. Framed in & prewired basement.

$1038.08 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$910.27 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$1098.39 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$1393.56 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

hAmiLton $469,900 1 Mountain Avenue

hAmiLton $309,900 723 Templemead Drive

Awesome duplex – Circa 1903 with thousands spent on new maple kitchen with ceramic backsplash, sparkling updated bathroom, new & refinished hardwood floors, furnace, C/air, shingles, fascia, eaves & vinyl windows 2012, 4 car parking, separate hydro meters, steps from trendy Lock St. $1876.86 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

CHARM WITH A CAPITAL “SEE”! 2 storey home with fully finished basement in fantastic condition, hardwood and new carpeting on stair case and upper level, large kitchen, separate dining room, most windows updated 2011, shingles 6 years new, fenced yard, and close to all amenities.

hAmiLton $129,900 157 Province Street North

hAmiLton West $299,900 163 Caroline Street South

SUPER BUY STARTER HOME! 3 bedrm home located close to schools, major shopping & bus routes. Open concept kitchen w/breakfast bar, cozy sep. dining rm, updated laminate flooring, fin. basement w/3 pc bath, fenced yard w/covered back porch. Home needs paint brush & elbow grease.

$1237.79 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

First time on the market, ever!!! Very unique layout featuring an updated kitchen, boiler, roof, wiring, flooring, electrical panel, windows, doors, bathroom, main floor laundry & beautiful den/sun room with updated skylights overlooking private yard!! Bonus double width driveway.

$518.84 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$1197.85 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

hAmiLton $289,900 673 King St. East

stoney creeK $549,900 39 Sasha Court

stoney creeK $339,900 39 Kilbourn Avenue

hAmiLton ctr $159,900 35 Stirton Street

LOCATION LOCATION! This incredibly maintained 2200 sq.ft. corner property with commercial frontage and 2 add’tl apts features fantastic income, close to Cathedral high school, new roof 4yrs new, 14 ft ceilings, hardwd flrs, full basement with newer wiring & parking space in the back.

TRENDY AND STYLISH! This move in ready 6 yrs. new, 2 storey, 4 bedroom home boasts maple kitchen with granite counters & breakfast bar, 9ft ceilings, hardwood floors, show case fireplace in family room, fully landscaped with coloured concrete drive. Shows like a dream.

OUTSTANDING IMMACULATE HOME! Completely redone top to bottom gorgeous new kitchen w/granite counters & tumble marble backsplash, updated bathrooms, new trim, pot lights, new gleaming hardwood floors, updated vinyl windows, fin. basement w/new Berber carpet.

UPDATES GALORE! SHOWS 10++ with loads of room for a big family. New kitchen & bathrooms. Owner is downsizing, house is very clean. 3rd floor can be play area or family room or 2 more bedrooms. Private rear yard with a fabulous deck, and a big front porch. Appliances included.

$1157.91 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$2196.39 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$1357.62 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

$638.67 per/mth P&i / o.A.c.

Call Today 905-575-7700

Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

February 19, 2013

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

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

Jeff Green Certified Arborist

real estate Lawyer

Paul Lewis settimi

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

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

paul.settimi@cogeco.net

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

FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION

905-309-0909 Truly Beautiful • Blinds • Drapery • Shutters

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

www.budgetblinds.com/Grimsby

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

Margaret Whorwood Agent Lic. No. M11000188

Mortgage Planner fala português

Clutter Removal & Organizing WE GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS Pamela Culp Blanchard Cell: 905-971-9568 www.beclutterfree.ca

651 Fennell Avenue East Hamilton, ON L8V 1T9 T 905.574.9200 x 218 C 905.523.9893 F 905.574.2920 E margaret.whorwood@mtgarc.ca www.mtgarc.ca/margaretwhorwood

Hardwood Floor Refinishing Jacqueline Paradisi The Quick, No-Sanding Solution for Beautiful Hardwood Floors

www.MrSandless.com

HOME STAGING

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

Senior Downsizing WE GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS Pamela Culp Blanchard Cell: 905-971-9568 www.seniordownsizing.ca

www.golfiteam.com

February 19, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

How to choose a moving company Keep these tips in mind when choosing a moving company to make your move as stress-free as possible.

Moving is a stressful experience at the best of times. Add to that the leap of faith involved in trusting all your worldly goods to a moving company—and the horror stories we’ve all heard, or worse, experienced firsthand—and it’s easy to feel nervous about finding the right mover. However, there’s a lot you can do to make the experience relatively worryfree, and even pleasant. The secret to a stress-free moving day is to do your homework in advance, so that by moving day there are (virtually!) no surprises.

Look for recommendations The best place to start is to ask friends or your real estate agent for recommendations. You can also check out professional association websites like the Canadian Movers Association (www.mover.net). Many larger companies have their own websites as well, giving not only the main details about the company and its services, but helpful moving tips as well.

Once you’ve narrowed down three or four companies you want to check out, make appointments to have a rep from each one come out and give you a written estimate. It’s essential that the company see your stuff before they can give you an accurate estimate; rule out a company that tries to give you a quote over the phone, or tells you that seeing your possessions in advance isn’t necessary.

Questions to ask and tips for an easy move Over the phone, ask if the company and its employees are bonded, licensed and insured (long-distance movers require a different license than local-only companies), and what their insurance covers, especially if you pack yourself.

Are the movers who will do the job employees, or contractors or day labourers? (Full-time employees tend to be more honest, experienced and conscientious than casual workers.) How long have they been in business? If possible, visit the company’s offices and check out its facilities. Are the trucks in good condition and marked with the company

name? What about storage facilities? Is the office clean and professional-looking? Finally, ask for (and check out) references.

Identify items to be moved When the rep arrives, take him/her through your house and list exactly what will be moved, pointing out special items like mirrors, fragile antiques, a piano (if you’re not having it moved by a specialty piano mover, which is highly recommended) or a pool table. Spell out what you want the movers to handle and what you will do yourself, such as packing or dismantling beds. Know the exact address of the new home, and any obstacles such as stairs or narrow hallways, and if any items will be put into storage.

Within a day or two, the company should furnish you with a detailed written estimate, listing everything you discussed: date and time of move, old and new addresses, estimated number of boxes, size and value of items, special needs, cost of packing (if you are not doing it yourself), and an estimate of how much time and how many movers will be

FREE Market Evaluation

needed. Be wary of a company that offers to waive the GST/HST if you pay cash; not only is it illegal, but it could void your insurance and leave you without recourse if there is a problem. And shun any company that asks for all or a large part of the cost up-front; the industry norm is to pay in full, or all but a token deposit, upon completion of the move.

Advertise Here

Your home could be worth more than you think!

for information on advertising in the market Watch, contact

905-575-7700

Rose Magro

email: rose@golfiteam.com cell: 905-745-0122

Crossword Puzzle (Solution on Page 4)

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9 2 6

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Down 2 Gunners of North London (7) 3 A.A. Milne's lover of hunny (sic) (4) 4 Ultimate purpose or justification (3-3) 5 Restore confidence (in) (8) 6 Wharf (5) 7 Fake or satirical broadcast — monetary muck (anag) (12) 8 Murderous (12) 13 Unintentionally come across (4,4) 16 Fiasco (7) 17 Sprain — difficult parting (6) 19 Digital message (5) 21 Legless creature — grovelling type (4)

7

Across 1 Red preserve (9,3) 9 Cow-catching rope? (5) 10 Severe (7) 11 Sow's sound (4) 12 It's said to a sneezer (5,3) 14 Ancient rabbinic writings on Jewish law and tradition (6) 15 Feeling of resentment (6) 18 Bungling (8) 20 Notice of one's passing (4) 22 Longest Irish river (7) 23 Mr Wilde — film award (5) 24 Common European bunting (12)

Call Today 905-945-0188

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.

Executive Freehold Towns 90 DAYG N I S O L C

e l l i v s m a e B Stylish 2-Storey 1,460 sq. ft. Towns with 9 ft. ceilings, nestled within a brand new community park!

Stadelbauer Dr.

King St.

Connor Dr. Sales Office

18

South Service Rd.

King St.

246,900

$

Mountain St.

South Service Rd.

QEW

Ontario St.

QEW

Starting at

6 UNITS LEFT!

Cassandra Dr. Hillside Dr.

Sales Office Hours: Tues & Thurs 1-5pm, Sat & Sun 1-4pm Monday, Wednesday & Friday by appointment

NOW N! OPE

Pre-register now for Phase 2 Brownstones!

Visit www.homesbycambridge.ca

www.GolfiTeam.com | 905-945-0188