Jan. 20, 2013 Issue 63

January 20, 2013 - Vol 47a

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

Rob Rob Golfi Golfi Sales Sales Representative Representative

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

G O L F I

T E A M

Page 2

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

About Rob Golfi

S

ince the inception of his career in 1997, Rob Golfi has recognized that understanding his clients’ needs is essential to providing excellent service.

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

Rob’s experience and aggressive negotiating skills have earned him every major honour awarded by RE/MAX, including President’s Club, 100% Club, Platinum Club, Chairman’s Club, Hall of Fame in 2003, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, his SRES® designation in 2009 and the Diamond Club Award in 2010, 2011, and 2012. Having worked

with many of the industry’s professionals over the years, he has the necessary edge to best negotiate the sale of your home.

Any agent can list your house, but Rob’s knowledge, extensive marketing background and dedication gives clients peace of mind when dealing with the single most important investment in their lives. With years of combined experience, the Golfi Team can provide your home with a level of exposure that most agents cannot.

Utilizing a team approach also means that they will likely find a purchaser to buy your home sooner, rather than waiting for other agents to approach you with potential buyers.

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

SUDOKU 8

6 1

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The Solution Fill in the grid above, so that each row of 9 squares, each column of nine and each section of nine (three squares by three) contains the numbers 1 through 9 in any order. There is only one solution for the puzzle and the numbers shown can NOT be changed.

January 20, 2013

December 2012 Housing Starts in Canada

O

TTAWA, January 9, 2013 — Housing starts in Canada were trending at 212,282 units in December, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six-month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of housing starts. The standalone monthly SAAR was 197,976 units in December, down slightly from 201,376 in November.

The actual housing starts for 2012 are being verified and will be reported in the January edition of Monthly Housing Statistics, which will be available before the end of the month.

“As expected, housing starts remained below their recent trend in Canada. The decrease recorded in December was due to a decline in rural starts, while urban starts remained stable. Housing starts were below their trends in all regions except Ontario,” said Mathieu Laberge, Deputy Chief Economist at CMHC. CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and obtain a more complete picture of the state of the housing market. In some situations, analyzing only SAAR data can be misleading in some markets, as they are largely driven by the multiples

segment of the markets, which can be quite variable from one month to the next.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts remained relatively stable in December (-0.1 per cent), reaching 178,870 units. Single urban starts rose by 8.6 per cent to 67,419 units, while multiple urban starts fell by 4.7 per cent to 111,451 units.

December’s seasonally adjusted annual rates of urban starts decreased in the Prairies (-23.9 per cent), Quebec (-11.8 per cent) and British Columbia (8.2 per cent). Urban starts remained relatively unchanged in Atlantic Canada (-1.6 per cent) and increased in Ontario (+33.4 per cent).

Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 19,106 units in December.

As Canada's national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 65 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of high quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable housing solutions. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making informed decisions.

Charles Sauriol, CMHC

Call the Golfi Team for a FREE Market Evaluation

Your home could be worth more than you think!

905-575-7700

www. GolfiTeam .com

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9 1 8 6 7 4 2 5 3

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5 9 1 7 4 8 3 6 2

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2 7 3 5 9 6 8 4 1

January 20, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

Facts About the GOLFI TEAM‌ 3 Over $65 Million in Sales Annually** 3 #1 Real Estate Office in Hamilton-Burlington* 3 Amongst the Top Sales Reps in Ontario** 3 Ranked Top 50 Teams in Canada for ** 3 Ranked Top 100 Teams world wide**

1998

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

2003

2003

2006

2010-2012

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

Rob Golfi

Sales Representative

Sharon Stafford Sales Representative

Kristina King

Sales Representative

Heather Reid

Sales Representative

Margaret Berlo Sales Representative

Hans Marcellissen Sales Representative

John Hellicar

Sales Representative

Wendy Murray-Nicholson Sales Representative

Rosemarie Fournier Listing Co-ordinator

Melissa Davidson Office Manager

Together Delivering More...

Call Today 905-575-7700

Mike McNeil

Sales Representative

Page 4

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

January 20, 2013

Should Home Seller Disclose if Someone Died in the House?

Buying a home: Dealing with the death house stigma

I

n November the Toronto Star reportedthat a Bowmanville couple is suing their real estate agent and the people from whom they bought their house for not disclosing that there had been a double murder there 15 years earlier — including that of a 6-year-old girl.

Two years ago in Orangeville, a homebuyer was able to get out of his deal after learning that the house was owned by a nurse who had been murdered nearby.

These cases, and others like it, raise interesting legal issues about what should or shouldn’t be disclosed when a house is sold. Should sellers be required to say that there has been a murder or suicide in the house? If yes, how far back should you go? One year, five years, 10 years? About half of American states require disclosure if the death happened within three years.

In Canada, there are no laws governing these situations.

For buyers and sellers, the question is whether disclosing this information will affect the value of the property.

Toronto real estate agent and appraiser Barry Lebow believes it does.

Lebow, who has 45 years in the business including giving expert evidence on property stigmas, says a “death house” carries a stigma that will almost always negatively affect its value. In many cases, the home has to be demolished and the address changed. In other cases, even if it does not bother a current buyer, it will bother a future buyer when they try and sell it later.

In 1974, Hungarian-born real estate developer Peter Demeter was convicted of arranging the murder of his wife at their Mississauga home. He later couldn’t sell the home so he arranged for someone to burn it down in 1983. He was later convicted of arson. Not a good plan.

The home on Bayview Ave. in St. Catharines that Paul Bernardo used to commit his sexual assaults and tortures was later demolished. The new home built there was given a different street address, to further distance it from what had occurred in the past.

In Lebow’s opinion if you live near a murder house, the stigma will typically not affect the value of neighbouring properties. But even so, what goes on next door can be an issue.

In a 1998 case from Kelowna, BC, Ron and Marlene Allen made an offer to buy a beachfront house. They asked the sellers, Ken and Dorothy Summach about the empty lot next door. The Summachs said it was a public beach, neglecting to say it was a nude beach.

The Allens refused to close. Now some might think a nude beach would add value to the home, but the Allens didn’t. Five years later, the B.C. Court of Appeal decided the Summach’s did not need to disclose that fact, as the ‘defect’ was not occurring on their property.

A little closer to the GTA, a couple with two young children bought a home in Bracebridge. The sellers did not dis-

The Mississauga house where Peter Demeter killed his wife - and which he was later convicted of having burned down.

close that the house across the street was owned by a man convicted of possessing child pornography. The buyers sued and the sellers brought a motion to have the case thrown out. They argued they weren’t under an obligation to disclose the fact.

In a decision dated March 3, 2010, Judge Alexandra Hoy let the suit go ahead. She said: “The buyers’ claim is novel. And it raises policy issues, including the protection of children and whether, if successful, the claim will have the effect of making the re-integration of persons convicted of certain crimes into society more difficult.”

The buyers never moved in. They subsequently resold the home at a loss and settled the case out of court with the sellers. So we will not learn what the final decision might have been.

In Ontario, real estate agents must disclose any material fact that they are aware of under the rules of their Code of Ethics. In my opinion this includes

whether a murder or suicide had occurred on the property and could also include certain neighbourhood conditions.

Buyers can always Google the property address which will likely turn up articles about prior violent crimes.

Before you buy, you can always tour the neighbourhood, speak to people and ask questions about the home. In addition, put a clause in your offer where the seller states that they are not aware of any murder or suicide ever being committed on the property in the past.

If sellers are asked, they must respond truthfully.

It is time for government to give guidance on what stigmas need to be disclosed, so that buyers, sellers and real estate agents are better prepared for this very difficult issue when buying or selling a home.

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

Performance Mercedes-Benz Dealer of the Year 2012

371 Ontario Street, St. Catharines 905-685-3838 | 1-800-567-1101 performancemercedes.ca

FREE HoME EvaluaTion No Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi Today!

905-575-7700 / 905-945-0188 www.golfiteam.com

Crossword Solution

January 20, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

grimsby $649,900 253 Ridge Road West

VinELAnd $254,900 3927 Durban Lane

grimsby $459,900 23 Tunbridge Crescent

grimsby $669,900 643 Ridge Road West

Spectacular stately home sitting on 1.26 acres & minutes to downtown Grimsby! Features 3+2 bedrm, 3 bathrms, triple garage, gorgeous updated designer kitchen, all season sunroom, professionally finished basement, & total privacy in back yard. 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. Land lease 2013 /mth $372.84 and maintenance fee $164 or $107 /mth.

9 year old One Floor Beauty. Open concept home features hardwood, ceramic & carpeted bedrooms. Main floor family room w/walkout to fenced in backyard w/spacious deck. Basement is professionally finished w/oversized recroom, bathroom, bedrooms & office space.

Country living at its best! 1.3 acres and features beautiful hardwd flrs, oak staircase, professionally finished basement, master bedrm with large ensuite, double garage with direct access to basement, updated vinyl windows, furnace 2010, shingles 2006, 9000 gal Cistern under garage

$2595.81 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1018.11 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$459,900 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$2675.69 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

grimsby $329,900 39 Mountain Street

smithViLLE $349,900 114 Golden Acres Drive

LEGAL DUPLEX – In the core of Grimsby! Rare find, this beautifully maintained 2 self-contained: 2 BR & 3 BR units, sitting on 84x106 ft. lot, 2 new furnace & c/air 2006, all updated vinyl windows 2010, new shingles 2001, & a professionally finished basement.

A MUST SEE! 2 storey, 3 bedroom, former model home in immaculate condition. Features hardwood and ceramic floors on main floor. Stunning eat-in kitchen, with garden doors to lovely back yard. Double car garage and covered front porch.

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.

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.

1317.67 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

1317.67 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1717.09 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$2595.81 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

grimsby

$429,900 81 Aspen Drive

VinELAnd $649,900 3274 King Street

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

bEAmsViLLE $454,900 4024 Bush Crescent

grimsby $314,900 8 Stanley Avenue

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.

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.

Fantastic 2+2 bedrm home w/open concept main floor, custom maple kitchen w/breakfast bar, new vinyl windows, flooring, trim & shingles. Master bdrm w/walk-in closet, prof. fin. basement, above ground pool on huge lot.

$2392.50 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1816.94 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1257.76 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

WAinfLEEt $899,900 40625 Feeder Road East

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

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. $3594.35 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

VinELAnd $249,950 3380 Tallman Drive

grimsby $309,900 683 Ridge Road West

Fantastic 4+1 bedroom family home features eat-in kitchen, spa bathroom, single attached garage, a large private fenced in backyard, easy highway access and walking distance to amenities. Updates incl: Tankless hot water heater, new flooring, roof aprx. 6yrs new, newer furnace & A/C.

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.

PICKET FENCE CHARM! Completely re-done 1300 sq.ft. bungalow w/new addition. Features hand scraped teak hardwd flrs, porcelain & ceramic tiles, maple kitch w/granite counters, great rm w/cathedral ceilings, new septic system, 2500 gallon cistern, & a single 25x12.5 ft. garage.

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.

$1247.93 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1237.79 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1078.02 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$738.92 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

SOLD

WEst LinCOLn $269,900 2024 Port Davidson West

VinELAnd $185,000 3933 Durban Lane

ONE R E H ANOT

WEst LinCOLn $619,900 8729 Twenty Road

bEAmsViLLE $379,900 4495 Frances Crescent

jOrdAn $547,000 2869 Prince William Street

grimsby $849,900 2 Shoreline Crescent

CUSTOM BUILT home backing onto Twenty Mile Creek. Kitchen with granite and large island, hardwood floors, pot lights, living room with cathedral ceilings and stone fireplace, large master bedroom with hotel style ensuite. Thousands of dollars spent on exterior landscaping. This home is truly a dream come true.

PRESTIGIOUS 2 STOREY – Only 4 yrs new, features grand foyer, oak stair case, gleaming hardwd flrs in family rm w/showcase fireplace, maple kitch w/breakfast bar island, transom windows on main level, professionally finished basement, beautifully landscaped yard w/fenced yard.

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.

$2475.98 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1517.38 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

Beautifully restored c.1908 craftsman home once was a post office, general store & train station. Currently used as 2 family home, & is a legal triplex. Exterior was refurbished in last 10 yrs incl. furnace, roofs, hot water heater, all plumbing & electrical. New sewer & water lines in 2012. Antique heartwood pine plane flooring thru main level w/master suite offering a field stone wood-burning fireplace.

$2184.81 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

Call Today 905-945-0188

$3394.64 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

January 20, 2013

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www.golfiteam.com

January 20, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

History Chart • 1955-2012 Residential & Condominium, Farm, Vacant Land, & Business, Hamilton, Burlington & Surrounding Area Year 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Number of Homes Listed 6,412 8,606 8,755 9,694 9,296 9,114 10,230 10,205 8,582 8,531 8,671 9,322 10,143 11,094 11,578 12,603 12,072 11,918 11,070 13,511 16,382 18,712 20,355 20,986 19,676 21,376 20,515 20,798 20,792 21,760 20,983 20,675 25,571 26,785 28,318 36,238 36,187 32,767 29,835 27,716 25,887 22,999 21,518 21,273 19,135 22,550 21,366 17,811 18,518 19,089 18,695 19,283 19,570 19,699 17,998 20,279 20,195 20,309

Number of Homes Sold 2,552 3,790 3,773 3,426 3,403 3,037 3,063 3,100 3,330 3,759 4,599 5,114 5,522 5,665 5,326 4,304 5,229 5,821 6,210 5,941 7,841 6,251 6,769 6,424 6,834 6,699 7,126 6,466 8,844 9,131 11,396 12,286 11,392 13,810 12,439 7,745 8,350 9,049 8,199 8,817 8,185 10,784 10,612 10,654 11,206 10,941 11,896 13,154 13,478 13,817 13,955 13,640 14,411 12,445 13,160 13,440 14,407 13,569

Total Dollar Volume $25,933,747 $40,769,888 $43,928,799 $41,636,856 $43,067,075 $39,304,822 $39,166,153 $39,720,500 $44,306,337 $53,532,765 $69,589,274 $86,964,089 $107,322,067 $123,308,631 $124,461,396 $104,857,879 $129,458,870 $159,695,737 $208,752,098 $252,660,101 $356,962,723 $313,942,966 $349,660,825 $348,288,666 $385,131,691 $398,041,113 $445,511,231 $404,899,847 $588,979,771 $620,175,677 $886,362,255 $1,136,344,284 $1,331,338,599 $1,900,870,640 $2,095,459,068 $1,299,341,482 $1,356,979,854 $1,370,502,738 $1,185,126,368 $1,302,315,456 $1,173,098,098 $1,554,507,479 $1,648,968,336 $1,662,251,354 $1,785,365,893 $1,805,188,967 $2,055,999,217 $2,422,547,269 $2,707,081,423 $3,011,698,424 $3,297,817,699 $3,441,982,496 $3,932,171,748 $3,577,212,595 $3,872,206,935 $4,226,894,801 $4,853,013,142 $4,957,329,737

Call Today 905-575-7700

Average Selling Price $10,162 $10,757 $11,643 $12,153 $12,656 $12,942 $12,787 $12,813 $13,305 $14,241 $15,131 $17,005 $19,435 $21,767 $23,369 $24,363 $24,758 $27,434 $33,615 $42,528 $45,525 $50,223 $51,656 $54,217 $56,355 $59,418 $62,519 $62,619 $66,597 $67,920 $77,778 $92,490 $116,866 $137,644 $168,458 $167,765 $162,512 $151,453 $144,545 $147,705 $143,322 $144,149 $155,387 $156,021 $159,322 $164,993 $172,831 $184,168 $200,851 $217,970 $236,318 $252,345 $272,859 $287,440 $294,241 $314,501 $336,851 $365,342

Page 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

January 20, 2013

Year-to-Date Statistics P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

T E A M

Based on sales data on all home sales from December 2011 vs December 2012, REALTORS Association of Hamilton-Burlington

AREA

YTD Comparison Dec. 2012 / Dec. 2011

Listed YTD

Expired YTD

Sold YTD

Average Selling Price

Average Days on Market

Selling % of List Price

ANCASTER (DISTRICT 42)

2012 2011

951 771

217 2902

550 545

$462,579 $432,817

48 59

97% 97%

BURLINGTON (DIST. 30 to 36 & 38)

2012 2011

4171 3739

443 476

3118 285

$453,880 $413,432

32 36

98% 98%

DUNDAS (DISTRICT 41)

2012 2011

424 410

4 74

353 324

$355,891 $338,039

46 52

98% 98%

GLANBROOK (DISTRICT 53)

2012 2011

572 507

114 119

359 381

$342,216 $318,975

61 57

98% 97%

GRIMSBY (DISTRICT 54,55)

2012 2011

576 534

116 120

403 390

$348,694 $328,972

52 60

98% 97%

HAMILTON EAST (DIST. 23,24,27,28,29)

2012 2011

1068 1037

186 220

821 790

$198,977 $187,660

44 50

97% 96%

HAMILTON MTN (DIST. 15,16,17,18,25,26)

2012 2011

2342 2306

333 418

1804 1863

$264,550 $253,849

41 49

98% 97%

HAMILTON CTRL (DIST. 13,14,20,21,22)

2012 2011

1499 1325

311 267

1052 919

$161,799 $161,444

44 44

97% 97%

LINCOLN (DISTRICT 980,981)

2012 2011

265 N/A

74

176

$347,560

63

98%

WEST LINCOLN (DISTRICT 56)

2012 2011

64 52

16 25

37 27

$361,943 $364,645

66 73

95% 96%

SMITHVILLE (DISTRICT 57)

2012 2011

105 109

32 37

71 81

$263,152 $248,162

59 69

97% 97%

STONEY CRK (DISTRICT 50,51,52)

2012 2011

1294 1247

252 317

942 920

$313,166 $293,736

49 59

98% 97%

Call the Golfi Team for a FREE Market Evaluation Your home could be worth more than you think!

905-575-7700

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

905-575-7700 Seniors Real Estate Specialist is a designation for REALTORS速 to address the needs of home buyers and sellers, age 50-plus. If you are buying or selling a home, contact Rob Golfi today.

www.golfiteam.com

January 20, 2013

Rob Golfi*

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 9

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

hAmiLtOn WEst $419,900 39 Melbourne Street

hAmiLtOn $399,900 69 South Oval

hAmiLtOn $249,900 8-644 Upper Paradise Road

hAmiLtOn $129,900 157 Province Street North

West Hamilton Gem! Steps from Locke St., walking distance to schools. Shingles, soffit, facia, windows, furnace, A/C, wiring/panel, plumbing, prof. brick restore on entire house, flring, kitch, baths - 2012. Open concept kitch w/granite counter tops. 9 ft. ceilings w/California knock down.

Investment! 7 bedrooms grossing at $3000/month. Updates include kitchen ('07), back flow valve ('10), Boiler ('12), some windows, roof & electrical, basement bedroom ('12).

Show & Sell!!

Rarely available! Exclusive self-managed complex with only 20 units. Attached at garage only. 3+1 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Gorgeous park-like common element. Updates include: roof, eaves, soffits (‘08), windows (’09), insul garage dr (‘10), driveway (’11), walk-way (’12). A hidden gem!

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.

$1677.15 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1597.27 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$998.14 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$518.84 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

ONE R E OTH N A D SOL hAmiLtOn Ctr $159,900 35 Stirton Street

hAmiLtOn WEst $299,900 163 Caroline Street South

hAmiLtOn $159,900 91 Armstrong Avenue

hAmiLtOn $289,900 673 King St. East

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.

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.

Lovely & large 3 bedroom, brick home w/ double width drive. Spacious living rm w/ hardwood floors, bright eat-in kitchen, main floor bedroom & bathoorm, partially finished high basement. Updates include: c/a (’07), front window (’10), shingles (’04), electrical on breakers.

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.

$638.67 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1197.85 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$638.67 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1157.91 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

hAmiLtOn $229,900 89 Nugent Drive

gLAnbrOOK $385,900 1635 Glancaster Road

stOnEy CrEEK $549,900 39 Sasha Court

stOnEy CrEEK $350,000 39 Kilbourn Avenue

NEAR SCHOOLS, BUSSES & SHOPPING! This 1 storey home is in a fantastic east end location and features great size living room, cozy kitchen, finished basement with 2 additional bedrooms, new furnace 2007, new shingles 2005, some new vinyl windows, and a large fenced yard.

Renovated country bungalow on 75x576 ft. lot minutes to the city, custom maple kitchen with granite, Brazilian flooring, 20x20” tiles, new windows, shingles (’06). If you love the country & want to feel like you are living in a new home than this place is for you.

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.

$925.00 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1541.35 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$2196.39 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1397.96 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

SOLD hAmiLtOn mtn $429,900 84 Onyx Drive Incredible 2600 sq.ft. 2-storey, 4 bedroom home with gorgeous hardwood floors, maple kitchen with granite counter tops and breakfast island. Spa-like ensuite off master bedroom and large walk-in closet. Fantastic size dining room with showcase fireplace in family room. $1717.09 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

SOLD

hAmiLtOn mtn $164,900 36 Poplar Avenue LOCATION, LOCATION! Walk to Juravinski, steps to mountain brow & 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! Don’t miss out!

stOnEy CrEEK mtn $385,000 21 Summerfield Avenue

hAmiLtOn EAst $189,900 161 Glennie Ave

Great Stoney Creek mountain location! 3+1 bedrooms w/spacious rooms, master with ensuite and walk-in closet, updated hardwood flooring in living & dining room, and eatin kitchen with oak cabinets. Beautifully landscaped lot with 15 x 29 in-ground pool and large deck great for entertaining.

5 BEDROOMS AND LOCATION ROCKS! Quiet court, walk to school & shopping. Big renovated eat-in kitchen (appl. included) with walkout to huge deck and pool. 200 amp, updated windows, doors, siding, furnace and A/C, bathroom and foundation waterproofed from the outside.

$1537.75 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$758.49 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$658.64 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

ONE R E H ANOT

ONE R E H ANOT

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

stOnEy CrEEK $254,900 4-346 Highland Road West

grimsby $649,900 253 Ridge Road West

hAmiLtOn mtn $339,900 95 Rolston Drive

stOnEy CrEEK $349,900 1364 Highway #8

LOCATION AND SHOWS 10+!! Treetop village end unit in upper Stoney Creek, well maintained and many updates.

Minutes to LINC/QEW/REDHILL. Low Condo fees for insurance and landscaping.

Spectacular stately home sitting on 1.26 acres & minutes to downtown Grimsby! Features 3+2 bedrm, 3 bathrms, triple garage, gorgeous updated designer kitchen, all season sunroom, professionally finished basement, & total privacy in back yard. Nothing has been spared, a must see!

SCENIC VIEW! Fabulous home w/lots of extras, roll up shutters on some windows and sliding doors, huge family room with walkout, dining area walkout to balcony, irrigation system, dbl garage, loads of closet space & storage.

Updates: kitchen, windows, shingles, furnace/CA & more.

CHARMING BUNGALOW TAKES YOU BY SURPRISE – this 2100 sq.ft. home sitting on park like setting country lot 85x187 ft. backing onto wooded green space, features gorgeous oak kitchen cabinets w/granite counters tops, beautiful hardwood floors, and close to all amenities.

$1018.11 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$2595.81per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1354.02 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1397.56 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

Call Today 905-575-7700

Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

November 15, 2012

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

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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

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

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Canadian Head Offices: Aurora, Ontario

Craig Budd Ins Agcy Ltd Craig Budd, Agent 4289 Hixon Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B7 Bus: 905-563-3453 Toll Free: 866-252-0035

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WE GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS Pamela Culp Blanchard 905-971-9568

www.golfiteam.com

January 20, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

Whistler Real Estate: a Bargain?

C

ould it be that Whistler has become more than a ski and party destination, and is now a place to hang your hat year round?

While the drive time has shortened with the improved highway, the dropoff in property prices also makes Whistler a draw.

Years ago, Whistler was the playground for west-side skiers who kept a second home there for winter weekends. Now, the ski resort town’s realtors are hoping that with easier access and some additional draws – such as developer-philanthropist Michael Audain’s up-and-coming art museum – Lower Mainland residents will start to view Whistler as an extension of Vancouver.

People already commute between

Vancouver and Squamish, either solo or in van pools. Whistler as a commuter town is the natural next step. Whistler real estate prices are better than prices in the Lower Mainland, which, despite doom-and-gloom forecasts, have held steady compared with the rest of the country. The benchmark price for all Vancouver properties last year was $590,800, according to a new report by the Real Estate Association of Greater Vancouver. Whistler, by comparison, had a benchmark of $457,500.

“Whistler is good value right now,” says Pat Kelly, president of Whistler Real Estate Co. Mr. Kelly has been a Whistler realtor for 30 years. “It’s the reverse of Vancouver. And in light of some of the new developments, it’s not only a good investment from a buyer’s point of view, but it’s also reasonable to

Crossword Puzzle

live here full time. The new highway changed the drive.

“You can get pretty good housing for $1-million or less that’s only a relaxing one-hour, 20-minute drive away.”

If Whistler is a relatively good deal these days, it’s in large part because it’s been dependent on the U.S. economy.

Many of the Americans who once fuelled the condo-hotel market in Whistler have pulled out, what with the financial crisis and the rise of the Canadian dollar. Now that the average American is in penny-pinching mode, the luxury of having an occasional vacation getaway that they own outright simply doesn’t make sense. As well, the American who purchased a decade ago will do well on the sale of their property now, even if the price has fallen 20 per cent.

“The Americans were a real driver of real estate transactions here in Whistler, but they have gone from being buyers to sellers, and in some cases, I don’t think they have tried to hold on for the top price,” says Mr. Kelly. “If they wanted to sell, they sold.

“There are almost 5,000 units in that condo-hotel style in the Whistler area, and there probably aren’t as many buyers for that today as there are for lifestyle product,” he says, referring to homes to be lived in, as opposed to investment properties.

“Our buyer now comes mostly from the Lower Mainland, and that unit

was aimed at somebody, for instance, from Toronto, flying in for a week. You just don’t do as many transactions in that category. And combined with performance problems due to the financial crisis, lack of discretionary income, and lack of credit – you can’t borrow on those units as easily – it has all led to that market being hit.”

He estimates that more than 80 per cent of all homes in Whistler are less than $1-million. The market dropped around mid-2009, and mostly stayed down throughout 2011 and 2012.

Landcor Data Corp. data shows the current median price of a Whistler condo at around $358,500, at the same level as 2001 prices. Overall, volume of sales has plummeted in the last couple of years, with a minor spike in 2010, during the Olympics.

Landcor president Rudy Nielsen, the largest owner of recreational property in B.C., believes Whistler will hold its own in terms of desirable property.

If he were to purchase in the next few months, he’d choose Whistler over the Lower Mainland, he says.

He thinks the improved highway and the faster commute may even be responsible for slowing the recreational property market in Whistler.

“I think that might have some of the effect on why houses haven’t been selling like in the past, because people know they don’t need a second house.

They can drive there for the day.”

Kerry Bold, The Globe & Mail

(Solution on Page 4)

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Advertise Here for information on advertising in the market Watch, contact

Rose Magro

email: rosaliemagro@yahoo.ca cell: 905-745-0122

Call Today 905-945-0188

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