Mar. 4, 2013 Issue 66

March 4, 2013 - Vol 49

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 12

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara Listings PAGE 5

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

253 Ridge Road, Grimsby See page 5 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

March 4, 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

ction: e p s In e m o H e Real Estat Buyer Beware

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.

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.

Home bu ild

by Canad ing sideswiped a’s cooling market housing

ALSO: The latest listings in Hamilton, Stoney Creek and Grimsby area

Read more on www.GolfiTeam.com

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March 4, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY...

“

Dear Rob, We interviewed several agents and picked Rob on his reputation plus high visibility in the market. This is why we choose Rob and the Golfi Team and this is exactly why we got results! We chose to list with you because we wanted market exposure and we got it and we could not have been happier with the result.When people are looking for homes, they automatically think of Rob Golfi. People looking to move into the area can watch his website and can see what’s available immediately.

Sincerely, Jonathan

81 Aspen

Drive, Grim

sby

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

Hall of Fame

Club

1998-2012

2003-2012

2003-2012

Lifetime

Achievement

2006-2012

Diamond

Club

2010-2012

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

OVER $500 MILLION IN REAL ESTATE SALES

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. *#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.

Call Today 905-575-7700

Page 4

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

March 4, 2013

Study shows Boomers may be Planning to Move, but NOT into Condos

B

aby boomers may well be on the move over the next five years, but don’t expect them to be downsizing to condos — they love their garages and their yards.

In fact, they love them so much that 40.6 per cent of 1,011 boomers surveyed for the study said they plan to move out of the family home to another house — some 25.9 per cent into one of a similar size and almost 18 per cent of them into something even bigger.

While 54 per cent of boomers surveyed said they do intend to downsize, less than a quarter (22.9 per cent) are looking to condominiums or apartments, the report notes.

That could mean lights out in more than a few of those glassand-steel units over the next

decade, given that Generation Y kids born between 1980 and 1994 were also part of the survey and made it clear they don’t plan to be living the high life in the bustling downtown forever.

Expect a rush to the suburbs over the next few years as they hit their child-bearing years: Almost 77 per cent of the Gen Ys surveyed said they will be looking for townhouses, bungalows or single family homes and less than 25 per cent of them close to downtown.

Like their parents, they dream of owning a lovely house in the suburbs, which provides value as well as access to parkland for children to play and the perception of greater family safety.

Less than 20 per cent of the boomers surveyed said they are looking to buy multi-storey homes.

Instead, almost half — about 40 per cent — are looking to buy a bungalow, a housing type that’s quickly headed for extinction because of escalating land values and intensification efforts that are driving houses up rather than out.

Relatively few boomers, it turns out, are being wooed by the call of the wild and the romance of living on a lake: Just 5.9 per cent say they plan to buy a cottage, ski chalet or other recreational property as their primary residence, the survey shows.

Most boomers simply can’t fathom downsizing yet — they need the space in their often mortgage-free homes for grown children trying to get on their feet, or aging parents too frail to live on their own.

Crossword Solution

Maximum Exposure Sells Your Home

The Next Generation Is Starting Early!

16 month old William Curry (left) searches carefully through the Market Watch with his proud grandparents, Denise & Jerry Oltean.

www.golfiteam.com

March 4, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

St. CathariNeS $264,900 13 Leonard Drive

Niagara-oN-the-Lake $259,900 104 Young Crescent

beamSviLLe $374,900 4406 Garden Gate Terrace

beamSviLLe $429,900 4359 Tamarac Avenue

Beautiful 2 storey family home features 3 BRs, 1.5 baths, solid maple hardwood floors, gas fireplace in LR, large DR, patio door to private large yard complete w/oversized shed & hot tub. New roof in 2011, Beam Central Vac., Custom Blinds, & California Shutters.

Beautifully decorated 3 bdrm, townhouse in desirable Niagara on the Green. Main floor offers HW floors, large living room with gas fireplace, open concept kitchen, dining room. Large 2 tiered deck off patio doors. Centrally located w/QEW access, close to Niagara Falls & Niagara College.

FAMILY FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD–Beautiful 2 storey, 3 bedroom home built by Mountainview homes, features gorgeous hardwood floors, oak staircase, maple kitchen with breakfast island, upper floor family room, bedroom level laundry, close to schools, parks and quick access to QEW.

QUIET COURT LOCATION – This 4 bedrm 2 storey home has everything you’re looking for, open concept, gorgeous hardwood floors in living/ dining room & family room, gas fireplace, 3 tier patio deck in landscaped back yard, new shingles in 2011, updated vinyl windows, & oversized lot.

$1058.05 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1038.08 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1497.41 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1717.09 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

beamSviLLe $779,900 5109 Leonard Crescent

WeSt LiNCoLN $599,900 8729 Twenty Road

grimSby $334,000 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.

CUSTOM BUILT–Backs onto Twenty Mile Creek. Kitchen w/granite & large island, HW floors, pot lights, living room with cathedral ceilings & stone fireplace, large master bdrm with hotel style ensuite. Thousands of dollars spent on exterior landscaping. Truly a dream come true.

RARE FIND! Beautiful 2+1 BR on a 50x207 ft. lot, in family neighbourhood. Updates: roof ‘11, soffits & eaves, patio, gas bbq hook up, 2 baths redone, kitchen, & freshly painted. Fin. basement with new rec room, 3rd bdrm/games room. Laundry, large workshop & detached 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.

$2396.10 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 $379,900 8530 Silver Street

St. CathariNeS $424,900 8 Westport Avenue

grimSby $799,900 2 Shoreline Crescent

grimSby $649,900 643 Ridge Road West

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.

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.

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.

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.

$1517.38 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1697.12 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$3194.93 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

$649,900

grimSby $459,900 23 Tunbridge Crescent

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.

viNeLaNd $254,900 3927 Durban Lane

SmithviLLe $349,900 114 Golden Acres Drive

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.

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

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.

$2595.81 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1018.11 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

1836.92 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1317.67 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

253 Ridge Rd

SOLD beamSviLLe $599,000 4130 St. George’s Drive

grimSby

ONE R E H ANOT

$429,900 81 Aspen Drive

beamSviLLe $454,900 4024 Bush Crescent

jordaN $547,000 2869 Prince William Street 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.

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.

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.

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.

$2392.50 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1717.09 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1816.94 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

Call Today 905-945-0188

$2184.81 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

March 4, 2013

What a Great Day! On Saturday, February 16th the Superstore in Grimsby hosted a BBQ & Bake Sale Fundraiser to help raise money for "The Golfi Playroom of Dreams." A campaign headed by Rob Golfi Re/Max and Golfi Concrete & Drain Limited to build an indoor playroom on the 3rd floor of McMaster Children's Hospital (Hamilton) for patients 12 and under. It was a great success raising $8,400 that day from BBQ, bake goods and raffle sales.

Rob Golfi of Re/Max and John and Sabrina Melo of Golfi Concrete & Drain Limited would like to give a big thank you to Jamie Moffat manager of Superstore for donating all the food, beverages, space and the 50" television that was raffled off. To the following Superstore employees who went the extra mile, Anna Bifano organizer of the fundraiser, Elvira Tristaino who assisted and brought this to the store's attention, Frances Nicolaides who made all the posters and promoted the

THANK YOU from Rob Golfi Re/Max and Golfi Concrete & Drain Ltd. event, Antoinette Angelopoulos who collected donations for the raffle, Mary Spagnuolo for the delicious chili and all Superstore employees who took time out of their day to volunteer at the Bake Sale.

A big thank you to all the people who baked the delicious bake goods. There had been so many! We could not go with out mentioning the many volunteers, you had all been so wonderful.

Especially Don Green who dressed up as our lady bug and parade around the store selling bake goods. Special mention to Starbucks area manager Tina Bozzo for the coffee and to the many customer's who really showed that the town of Grimsby has a HEART.

www.golfiteam.com

March 4, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

Senior Living

M

emory loss, confusion and dementia are NOT a normal part of aging. Although we often hear people joke that they have “Old-Timer’s Disease”, it can be a very serious condition. Dementia is a general term that refers to the progressive loss of cognitive and social brain function. It is an umbrella term that refers to a group of illnesses that involve behaviour, memory, communication and learning. Dementia

often starts slowly and progresses gradually.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. The disease was first diagnosed by Alois Alzheimer in 1906. The disease is gradual in onset and the signs and symptoms can vary from person to person.

Sometimes a person may become withdrawn from family and friends as a way of ‘hiding’ their memory loss.

The first step is to see your family doctor to discuss your symptoms so that he or she can rule out any other causes.

Urinary tract infections; alcohol use; fluid and electrolyte imbalances; medications; low blood sugar; low oxygen levels; lack of sleep are only some of the causes of confusion or memory loss. A thorough assessment and blood work by your doctor will be the first step in the assessment process.

Top 10 signs of dementia Changes in behaviour and personality can also indicate the beginnings of the disease. Recognizing these signs is important for getting a diagnosis and to make the most of the available support and treatments: • Memory loss - forgetting recent events or difficulty retaining new information • Difficulty performing familiar tasks - preparing a meal or shopping • Language problems - finding the right words or using inappropriate words • Disorientation - getting lost or being confused about the time of day • Poor or decreased judgment neglecting personal hygiene or safety issues such as leaving the stove on; improper food handling

• Problems with abstract thinking difficulty balancing a cheque book • Misplacing things - putting things in odd places • Behavioural changes - mood swings, from calm to tears to depression that are hard to explain • Personality changes - becoming unusually withdrawn, suspicious or anxious • Loss of initiative - withdrawing from friends and family and losing interest in activities Often, a change in a person’s hygiene and household management is affected and noticed by family and friends. The loss of cognitive function can affect all dimensions of a person’s life.

If you're concerned about dementia for yourself or someone you care about, there are many people who can help you, including your family, friends and your family doctor. Your local Alzheimer Society offers free support and counseling and many other services to help you live well with dementia now and throughout its progression.

By Joanne De Rubeis RN BScN Owner, Director of Care Gold Cross Home Care Inc. www.goldcrosshomecare.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

March 4, 2013

Scam cost Moncton Homeowners a Bundle A house sale in Moncton goes sour after buyer’s cheque bounces

N

aomi and Jordan Bannister put their home up for sale in Moncton, N.B. this spring and in late April a woman made an offer for the $229,000 asking price and agreed to pay separately for the appliances. She gave the Bannisters her lawyer’s name and the name of the company that would be financing the deal, adding that she needed to move into the house within a couple of days.

According to an article in the Moncton Times & Transcript two weeks ago, here's what happened next: The Bannisters agreed to vacate and rent the house to the buyers for a month to allow the purchase details to be finalized. They also made arrangements to move to Ontario where they stayed with Naomi's parents pending Jordan's new job in Tennessee.

When the Bannisters tried to cash the rent cheque, it bounced. The Bannisters then learned the couple didn’t have the financing to buy the house and the lawyer who was supposed to be handling the deal had not been retained.

They made immediate efforts to get

the people out of their house, but the couple resisted, saying they had the right to stay there. Then Naomi’s father-inlaw visited the home with an RCMP officer and the couple was warned that if they took possession using fraudulent means, they could be charged.

After a lot of anguish, a threat that utilities would be cut off and an eviction notice, the couple finally moved out, the newspaper reported.

The Bannisters lost thousands, related to moving expenses, the storage of their belongings and lost wages.

Because of that, Naomi told the paper they plan to file criminal charges against the couple.

The Bannisters were fortunate to get the tenants evicted so quickly. In Ontario, landlords do not have the right to cut off utilities and the police will usually not get involved. That leaves the landlord with no alternative but to go to the provincial Landlord and Tenant Board to evict the tenants, which can take months.

Whenever you are selling or renting a home, do not give the keys to the buyer

or seller before you have the purchase money in your hands. If it is not a money order or certified funds, do not give out the keys until the cheque clears.

Be very careful to properly qualify any buyer or tenant in advance. Here the Bannisters should have called the lawyer given to them by the buyer immediately, before doing anything further.

To avoid this ever happening to you, remember the following: Never guarantee a loan or add your name to a mortgage unless you fully intend to purchase the property.

Always know who you are doing business with, if you are buying, selling or renting a home. Conduct proper background checks in advance.

Never sign anything until you know

exactly what you are signing.

Find out who actually owns any property you are thinking about buying or renting. You either can go to the government registry offices to do a search for a fee, or you can ask a real estate agent or lawyer to assist you, as they have access to the government Teranet computerized search system. If any deposit is required, make sure the funds are paid to the actual owners.

Never give out keys until the cheque clears.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is.

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

GOLFI

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March 4, 2013

Rob Golfi*

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 9

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

StoNey Creek $517,900 177 Silverlace Circle

hamiLtoN Ctr $94,900 2607-150 Charlton Avenue East

StoNey Creek $369,900 20 Blue Mountain Drive

hamiLtoN mtN $517,900 447 DiCenzo Drive

BEAUTY, WARMTH & VALUE – All brick, w/top quality finishes, maple kitchen cabinets w/granite counters & breakfast bar, hardwd flrs, fin. basement great for in-law, master bedrm suite w/additional rm - great for dressing rm, den, TV rm or nursery, & grand foyer w/spiral maple staircase.

Cozy 1 BR condo w/escarp.views. Updates incl. toilet & soaker tub & all flooring. Amenities incl. indoor salt-water pool, games rm, exercise rm, ldry facility w/14 washers & dryers (updated w/swipe card payment equipment), steam sauna & party rm. Underground parking avail. $40/mth.

JUST AMAZING! Prev. model home, features stylish kitch w/granitecounters,HWflrs,oakplankstairswithwroughtiron spindles, showcase fireplace w/built-in TV screen, master bedrm w/ensuite, speaker system through-out, underground sprinkler system, & a professionally finished basement.

TRENDY, STYLISH & LUXURIOUS! Maple kit. cabinets, island & granite counters, HW flrs, oak staircase w/wrght iron spindles, family rm w/showcase fireplace, 6” baseboards, crown moulding, 62 pot lights, surr. sound system, energy star windows, & finished basement w/custom cabinet bar.

$2068.58 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$379.05 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1477.44 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$2068.58 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

hamiLtoN WeSt $274,999 109 Royal Avenue

StoNey Creek $459,900 20 Spartan Court

hamiLtoN eaSt $169,900 117 Fairfield Avenue

hamiLtoN Ctr $269,900 107 Garfield Avenue South

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.

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.

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.

$1098.39 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1836.92 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$678.61 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1078.02 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

hamiLtoN mtN $159,900 36 Poplar Avenue

hamiLtoN Ctr $282,900 262 Ottawa Street South

StoNey Creek $348,900 92 Greenstem Crescent

StoNey Creek $259,900 485 Green Road Unit#68

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!

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.

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.

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.

$638.67 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1129.95 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1393.56 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1038.08 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

hamiLtoN Ctr $129,900 157 Province Street North

hamiLtoN $227,900 398 Crocket Street

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.

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.

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!

$1237.79 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$518.84 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$910.27 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

hamiLtoN WeSt $469,900 1 Mountain Avenue

hamiLtoN mtN $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.

SOLD

ONE R E H ANOT

hamiLtoN WeSt $274,900 163 Caroline Street South

StoNey Creek $339,900 39 Kilbourn Avenue

hamiLtoN Ctr $289,900 673 King St. East

StoNey Creek $549,900 39 Sasha Court

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.

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.

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.

$1098.00 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1357.62 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1157.91 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$2196.39 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

Call Today 905-575-7700

Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

March 4, 2013

Marketplace real estate Lawyer

Paul Lewis Settimi

Barrister, Solicitor and Notary Public Competitive Pricing & Free Estimates

GATEWAY YARD MAINTENANCE

289-273-2951

gateway.yard@gmail.com

Proudly serving grimsby and surrounding areas

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

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

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

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

Jeff Green Certified Arborist

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

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

www.golfiteam.com

March 4, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

Real estate home inspection: Buyer beware Home defects: Even if problem is hidden, like a stain under the bed, you may fail if you sue. The answer is a careful inspection. uyers must be very careful to check for minor defects in a home by themselves, as they may not be protected if they find out about it later.

One reader complained that after closing, they learned that one of the mirrored closet doors was cracked. When they had first inspected the home, the closet doors were open, such that the cracked one was behind one that was not cracked. The buyer says that they were fooled by the seller.

Another reader complained that they did not want to disturb anything on the kitchen counter when they visited the home, only to find after closing a crack in the countertop under the spot where the coffeemaker was sitting.

This highlights the legal subject of patent or obvious defects. The general principal is that a seller does not have the obligation to disclose defects that are visible to any buyer. However, a seller can-

B

not try to conceal obvious defects either.

The following case demonstrates that this is not always easy to figure out: Randall and Catharine Reiss bought a home from Dr. Emil and Maria Grigore in West Lorne, Ontario in January 2005. The sellers had been in the home 14 years.

The buyers had two opportunities to visit the home before making the offer.

The second visit took at least two hours.

As Mr. Reiss was an electrician, he did not bother with a home inspection. He had asked the sellers whether they had experienced problems with the air conditioning, furnace or plumbing systems and the answer was no.

He asked whether all the windows opened and the answer was yes. He only tested one of the windows himself. He also checked under many of the rugs in the home.

After closing the buyers discovered numerous problems with the home and sued. Some of the complaints were as follows: There was soapy water and dishes in the kitchen sink at the time of the visits.

After closing the buyers noticed that the

entire sink was rusted and had to be replaced.

Some of the window cranks did not work so the windows would not open.

There was a large stain under the bed in the master bedroom, which resulted in the buyer having to replace the entire bedroom broadloom.

There were 50 cracked tiles around the bathtub and on the bathroom floor that were concealed by a combination of a rug on the floor, a vase and a stack of towels.

According to the buyers, even though these were minor defects, they were actively concealed by the sellers.

According to the sellers, they did not say anything untruthful and did not conceal anything. They permitted the buyers as long as they needed to inspect their home before putting in an offer. They did not have a dishwasher so it was not unusual for dishes to be piled up in the sink.

The dog slept under the bed and must have had some accidents that they were not aware of. They tried to remove the stain when they moved out and noticed it for the first time but were not able to get

FREE Market Evaluation

the stain out.

The case was decided on June 30, 2010. Justice Lynne Leitch noted that the sellers were long-standing members of the community, who had family in the area and were not trying to move away and unload a home with problems. She accepted the sellers’ explanations and denied the buyers any damages.

As to the readers who discovered the cracks in the mirrored closet door or under the coffee machine on the kitchen counter, in my opinion they would probably lose their cases as well.

The lesson is that buyers must be very careful to do their own due diligence when visiting a property, before making any offer. This includes testing all windows, looking behind pictures, under rugs and lifting anything off the counters.

Test the appliances, electrical outlets and faucets as well. Being prepared before you make an offer will prevent unwanted surprises after closing.

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

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)

SUDOKU 8

9

7 1

2 9

8

5 2 9 3

6

3

4 7

8

1

4 3 9 9

5 7

2

6

The Solution 5 1

9

4

2

6

8

3

1

2

7

8

5

7

6

9

4

7 8 6 5 4 9 1 3 2

9 6 7 1 5 3 4 2 8

4 3 1 7 2 8 6 9 5

2 5 8 4 9 6 7 1 3

8 2 5 3 6 1 9 4 7

6 4 3 9 7 5 2 8 1

1 7 9 2 8 4 3 5

Down 1 Deeds (4) 2 Liverpool racecourse (7) 3 Something that happens — part of a programme? (5) 4 Usher to the House of Lords (5,3) 5 Very small (11) 6 Bright (11) 10 Mild epilepsy — metal tip (anag) (5,3) 12 Bloom (7) 15 Frighten (5) 17 Move back and forth (4)

3 5

3

Across 5 Italian political philosopher, proponent of unscrupulous government, d. 1527 (11) 7 Experts (in their field) (4) 8 Doggedness (8) 9 Sources of opium (7) 11 Boring tool (5) 13 Extremely intense (5) 14 Popular pantomime (7) 16 Move away without warning (2,6) 17 Look for (4) 18 Psychic (11)

1

6

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.

Page 12

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

March 4, 2013

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