Mar 18, 2013 Issue 67 by The Real Estate Market Watch

March 18, 2013 - Vol 49a

P R E S E N T E D

B Y

WHAT’S INSIDE: Senior Downsizing Can be Overwhelming R DOWNSIZ ING

R DOWNSIZING

DOWN SENIOR DO ING SENIOR NSIZ WN SIZING SEN SENIOR DOW IOR DOWN

PAGE 7

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

T H E

G O L F I

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara Listings PAGE 5

113 Mountain Park Avenue, Hamilton, ON See page 9 for details.

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

T E A M

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

Page 2

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

About Rob Golfi

March 18, 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

p Rumour O w o r G e ls a F le Kills House Sa

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.

Who Get s Family H om A Marriag e Breaks e When Down?

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

Read more on www.GolfiTeam.com

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TOUCH

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March 18, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY...

“

And of course I cannot close without mentioning your service as a realtor – selling our home in 3 Neil and I would like to express our gratitude for days after 3 unsuccessful months with a previous everything you have done for us in the sale and closing realtor was such a relief! Your professionalism, of our home on Fennell Avenue in Hamilton. knowledge, and drive were very much Far beyond getting it sold, given the situation of our appreciated. We would like to extend our thanks relocation to a distant city, and not being able to take to the entire Golfi Team that supports you. care of many of the small details a property seller We wish you well and much continued success would, your initiative and willingness to jump in and in your career! Very well deserved! take are of these details was above and beyond the –Sincerely, Stacey Pediny & Neil McCraig service we expected of our realtor. Dear Heather Reid and the Golfi Team,

Thank you for th flower s! - e beautiful Heather

Outstanding Team. Exceptional Results.

2 Waterdown Waterrdown

Dundas Dundaas

HAMILTON BURLINGTON & NIAGARA

Hamilton Hamillton

Ancaster Ancaste ter

Mount Mount nt Hope Hope e

Stoney Stone ey Creek Cree ek

Grimsby Grimsbyy

Lincoln Lincoln

Binbrook Binbrook

Niagara Niagaara on on nthe th the St.St. Lake Lake Catharines Catharines

Thorold Thorold Th

West WestLincoln Lincoln

Pelham Pelham m

Niagara Niagaraa Falls Falls

Welland Welland d Wainfleet Wainfleet

Port Port Colborne Colb borne

Awa ward war ard ar rd Awa ward war ard ar rd 100%

1998-2013

Chairman’s

2003-2012

Lifetime

Inducted 2006

RE/MAX TEAM WORLDWIDE

Platinum m

2002-2012

How The Golfi Team Did in 2012: ✓ Number Of Homes Sold in 2012: 313 ✓ List Price To Sold Price Ratio: 98% ✓ Average Days On Market: 39

Hall of Fame

Inducted 2003

Award Award Achievement

IN CANADA

C Club

Award Award Club

RE/MAX TEAM

Fort ForttErie Erie

40 C Club

Burlington Burlington

Freelton Freelton

Diamond

Club

2010-2012

Information based on recorded commissions paid between January and December 2012 from the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington. Rankings are compiled from figures submitted by regional and local offices.

Rob Golfi

Sales Representative

Sharon Stafford

Sales Representative

Heather Reid

Sales Representative

Hans Marcellissen Sales Representative

Wendy Murray-Nicholson

Sales Representative

Mike McNeil

Sales Representative

Kristina King

Sales Representative

John Hellicar

Sales Representative

Call Today 905-575-7700

Margaret Berlo

Sales Representative

Dan Golfi

Sales Representative

Lynn Page

Sales Representative

Page 4

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

March 18, 2013

False Grow op Rumour Kills House Sale

couple bailed out of a home purchase when they heard a rumour it had been used as a grow op. That cost them more than $12,000. If you learn that your home was once owned by a drug dealer, must you disclose that to a potential buyer when you sell? Donald and Jodi Dietrich bought a home in Winterbourne, Ont. in 2001. They were told by a neighbour several years later that an earlier owner was a drug dealer. In 2007, the Dietrichs contacted Waterloo Regional Police because they had heard that their property had been a grow house. The police told them there was no record of any grow op on the property. They sold their home on January 31, 2010 to Mark and Elizabeth Leech for $655,000, with a $10,000 deposit. The deal was scheduled to close on May 14, 2010. They did not say anything about the rumours, but before closing, the buyers also heard that a prior owner was a drug dealer. The Leechs also went to the Waterloo Regional Police who told them the property had been identified as having a “clandestine or secret lab”. On

March 29, 1995 a large quantity of hash oil was seized at the property although police did not find any grow operation or meth lab. The Leechs wanted out of the deal. They argued that since the sellers must have known about this, they had a legal duty to disclose it and since they didn’t, the deal was off. The Dietrichs claimed they knew nothing about a grow operation or meth lab, but the deal didn’t close. The Leechs sued for the return of their $10,000 deposit and the Dietrichs sued for damages suffered in not being able to close the deal, which came to $12,237.68. In Small Claims Court, the Leechs submitted a March, 1995 newspaper article that suggested seven pounds of hash oil was seized, and a police report that said a room beneath the garage may have been at one time a hydroponic grow room. The police report suggested that charges were laid against several people as a result of that criminal investigation. Deputy Judge Sebastien Winny of the Kitchener Small Claims Court determined on October 17, 2012 that a prior owner of the property manufactured some hash oil in the garage as a clandestine or secret laboratory. No evidence was

Gianni Leonetti began his career

Gianni Leonetti Leonetti Consulting

in 1997 with RBC Insurance and is currently the president and founder of Leonetti Consulting for the past 10 years. He is an active member of Advocis, The Financial Advisors Association of Canada, and a past member of the MDRT Million Dollar Round Table, professional organizations. Gianni develops and consults on wealth building strategies and works closely with legal and accounting professionals. He incorporates tax efficient insurance structures such as insurance trusts, corporate planning and estate planning solutions in his practice, for the benefit of his clients and their families.

provided that those activities caused any damage to the property. There was no proof of there having been any marijuana grow operation or meth lab on the property. The judge also found that the sellers had no actual knowledge of anything related to the drug manufacturing except the rumour from the neighbour. The information the sellers received from the police suggested the rumour was false. There was no duty on the seller to disclose vague, unsubstantiated rumours. As such, the judge held that the buyers had no legal justification for refusing to close, so the sellers were given all damages that they proved as a result of the buyers not closing, including extra rental costs and lost wages in dealing with the matter. If the sellers did have actual knowledge about a grow house op or meth lab on the property, they would have been required to disclose this information. If you are thinking about buying a home that used to be a grow house operation, there may be damage caused by excess moisture. You will need to make sure the property has been remedied and certified by a company that provides these services. This could also require

Gianni is currently pursuing the CLU designation, Chartered Life Underwriter and the TEP designation, Tax and Estate Practitioner, which will further enhance his knowledge and skill set. Gianni serves on the board of directors of the Halton Women’s Place, CIBPA ( Canadian Italian Business Professionals Association of Hamilton Halton ) and the Advocis Hamilton chapter. Gianni lives with his wife Christine and their son Gianluca in Stoney Creek. He is a fitness enthusiast and an avid golfer that enjoys a great round of golf with friends and business associates. Contact Gianni at 905-690-5052, ext. 251 or email him at gianni@leonetticonsulting.com

having the electrical system inspected and cleared by the Electrical Safety Authority. This will be the minimum required by any insurance company. Mark Weisleder is a Toronto real estate lawyer. Contact him at mark@markweisleder.com

Crossword Solution

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

43 Practical Bathroom Organization Ideas

Brushed Aluminum Blinds with Chocolate Tapes from Budget Blinds in Grimsby

Check out the Before and After. universalconcepts.ca

www.golfiteam.com

"Open basement." What an amazing idea; instead of hiding your basement make it a reverse foyer. Stunning.

www. pinterest.com/ robgolfi

March 18, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

grimSby $349,900 40 Viking Drive

WeSt LiNCoLN $399,900 5798 Sixteen Road

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

St. CathariNeS $264,900 13 Leonard Drive

LAKESIDE COMMUNITY – 4 Level side split w/open & inviting floor plan, features large eat-in kitchen, cozy family room w/gas fireplace, updated shingles 2010, furnace 2012, updated vinyl windows, updated carpet, ceramics & porcelain tiles, rough-in central vacuum.

19th CENTURY CHARM -sitting on 1.11 acres, great rm addition w/cathedral ceilings & gas fireplace, remodelled kitch, Original pinewood & oak floors, 40x40 work shop w/800 sq.ft. mezzanine, newer shingles ‘10 & new furnace, & mostly updated vinyl windows.

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.

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.

$1323.27 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1512.37 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$982.91 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1001.81 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

beamSviLLe $429,900 4359 Tamarac Avenue

beamSviLLe $779,900 5109 Leonard Crescent

grimSby $324,900 5 Hazelwood Avenue

grimSby $309,900 683 Ridge Road West

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.

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. 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.

$1625.82 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$2949.47 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1228.73 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1172.00 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

FREE MARkET EvAluATIoN WeSt LiNCoLN $379,900 8530 Silver Street 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.

Your home could be worth more than you think!

905-945-0188

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.

$1436.73 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

grimSby $799,900 2 Shoreline Crescent

St. CathariNeS $409,900 8 Westport Avenue

$1550.18 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

grimSby $649,900 643 Ridge Road West

grimSby

$649,900 253 Ridge Rd

viNeLaNd $254,900 3927 Durban Lane

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.

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.

$3025.11 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$2457.83 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$964.00 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

grimSby $459,900 23 Tunbridge Crescent

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

beamSviLLe $454,900 4024 Bush Crescent

jordaN $547,000 2869 Prince William Street

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

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.

$1739.28 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$2265.33 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1720.37 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.

Call Today 905-945-0188

$2068.68 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

March 18, 2013

Municipal Year-to-Date Statistics Feb. 2012 vs Feb. 2013 P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

T E A M

YTD Comparison Feb. 2013 / 2012

AREA

Based on sales data on all home sales from october 2011 vs october 2012, ReaLtoRS association of Hamilton-Burlington

Listed YTD

Expired YTD

Sold YTD

Average Selling Price

Average Days on Market

Selling % of List Price

ANCASTER (DISTRICT 42)

2013 2012

145 121

28 33

61 67

$442,785 $448,284

67 60

98% 98%

BURLINGTON (DIST. 30 to 36 & 38)

2013 2012

642 668

71 36

372 440

$453,392 $454,316

37 35

98% 98%

DUNDAS (DISTRICT 41)

2013 2012

70 65

3 10

47 57

$379,353 $353,578

45 79

99% 97%

GLANBROOK (DISTRICT 53)

2013 2012

103 95

15 16

41 48

$315,857 $348,419

57 61

97% 98%

GRIMSBY (DISTRICT 54,55)

2013 2012

77 87

11 19

45 56

$388,144 $332,012

62 60

97% 97%

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

2013 2012

144 165

17 28

109 124

$207,021 $188,669

51 58

96% 97%

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

2013 2012

317 341

37 57

225 256

$272,518 $260,815

50 53

97% 975

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

2013 2012

235 252

48 67

167 166

$168,225 $148,119

54 51

96% 97%

BEAMSVILLE (DISTRICT 981)

2013 2012

43 32

4 12

24 25

$261,637 $272,891

42 59

97% 97%

WEST LINCOLN (DISTRICT 56,58)

2013 2012

18 16

2 3

6 10

$346,917 $340,880

79 57

96% 97%

SMITHVILLE (DISTRICT 57)

2013 2012

11 16

1 6

7 8

$212,714 $273,112

67 64

95% 98%

STONEY CREEK (DISTRICT 50,51,52)

2013 2012

191 204

31 32

119 132

$322,177 $301,457

48 58

98% 98%

Provincial Year-to-Date Statistics January 2012 vs January 2013 P R E S E N T E D

B Y

T H E

G O L F I

T E A M

Avg $ Province Jan 2013 Canada $354,754 British Columbia $514,134 Alberta $361,524 Saskatchewan $274,253 Manitoba $240,115 Ontario $372,330 Quebec $265,806 New Brunswick $153,368 Nova Scotia $224,322 Prince Edward Island $149,218 Newfoundland & Labrador $284,028 Yukon $328,425

Avg $ Jan 2012 $347,732 $528,646 $342,572 $260,726 $227,807 $357,766 $259,497 $149,479 $211,421 $146,214 $274,070 $376,286

Y/Y % Change 2.00% -2.70% 5.50% 5.20% 5.40% 4.10% 2.40% 2.60% 6.10% 2.10% 3.60% -12.70%

Northwest Territories

$429,429

-5.60%

$405,483

outstanding Team. Exceptional Results. Call 905-575-7700 today! www.golfiteam.com

March 18, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

Senior Downsizing can be overwhelming

ownsizing one's home can be very demanding physically, mentally and emotionally. This is the case especially for seniors as it involves a lot of planning, packing and letting go of emotional ties to the home. There are several reasons why seniors downsize. Most seniors want to move to a smaller home because they feel that their house is too big. When their kids move out and it becomes an empty nest, it becomes tougher and tougher to maintain a big house as they age. While some sell their house to move to a retirement community or other senior care facilities, there are other seniors that prefer to move to a smaller house or apartment. The decision to downsize is not an easy one. Moving to a new place is always hard to deal with especially with all the memories shared in the home over the years. However, the most challenging aspect when seniors downsize is still packing, as most seniors would agree. It will be very tough to decide on which things to bring and which things to throw away, leave or sell. One has to accept that the new home will be smaller, therefore, it is impossible to bring all the things that have been accumulate over the years.

Senior Downsizing tips to Make Downsizing For Seniors Less Stressful and easier: 1. Check the Layout of the new Place To help seniors downsize, it will be good to find out the layout for the new place in advance so you know how much space the senior will have. This will help you and your senior loved one decide on what will fit and things you can bring. 2. Sort Wisely When a senior decides to downsize, help

the senior avoid clutter. Be sure to help your senior loved one sort out his or her belongings. Separate the things that the senior uses and things that your senior loved one barely uses or does not need at all. 3. one Room at a time When packing, start with rooms that the senior uses the least, as it will have less emotional attachments like attic, garage, bathroom, etc. 4. Keep a List Dowsizing can be very overwhelming as there are tons of things to do. In order to stay organize it is important to keep a list so you do not forget anything. 5. Determine the things to: • Keep • Give to family and friends • Sell/Donate • Throw away 6. organize a Family Get together When a senior decides to downsize, it will be nice to organize a family get-together so the senior can distribute his or her things among family members. Remind your senior loved one to share his or her memories before giving out the item so your friend or family member would know and understand its importance. This will make family and friends appreciate the senior's generosity even more. 7. take pictures It's a good idea to take pictures of important things the senior will leave behind. This might make the "letting go" process much easier for seniors. 8. Where is the new Place? If you will be moving to an assisted living facility, cooking utensils and dinner plates will no longer be needed. Donating it to social services or other charitable organizations will be a good idea.

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

905-575-7700 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.

R DOWNS IZING

OWN SENIOR D G SENIOR D IN IZ S N O W D N SIZING S G SENIOR ENIOR DO R DOWNSIZIN WNS

9. is a Senior Mover necessary? If you're helping a senior loved one downsize, you will be able to help decide whether or not a senior mover is needed. Seniors who downsize usually hire senior movers if they want to bring their furniture and other heavy things to te new place. Senior moving companies specialize in senior moving needs. They will help make the downsizing and the transi-

tion easier as most of these senior moving companies help in organizing and sorting the possessions of the senior. Check the Internet or Yellow Pages for listings of Senior Movers. 10. Relax. Everything is done! You can now relax with your senior love one. Assure your elderly loved one that he or she made the right choice to downsize.

top ten Mortgage tips for 2013 1) the smart money is on non-traditional lenders. Another wave of mortgage lending rules has many Canadians looking at non-traditional lenders: those not federally regulated. As trained, accredited mortgage brokers, we’re always scouting out the best options, so we can help more Canadians achieve their homeownership dreams. 2) avoid rollovers. That’s when your mortgage comes up for renewal and you just roll it over with your current lender. If you are auto-renewed at posted versus discounted rates, the difference can be hundreds of dollars a month. At renewal, you have a moment of opportunity to shop around, and make every last dollar count. Contact us for the best range of options. 3) Polish your credit. A low credit score can prevent you from getting the lowest mortgage rate. That’s why it’s so important to have good credit behaviours, like paying your bills on time. Don’t let your credit accounts exceed 30% of the credit available. Before you cancel any credit card, get advice. And don’t apply for a store card just to save on your purchase that day! 4) Consolidate to drive down debt. If you are carrying a large amount of highinterest debt outside your mortgage, this may be the time to roll that debt into a lowrate mortgage while you can. This one, smart strategy could save you thousands in interest payments and boost your monthly cash flow. We can analyze your situation to see if you can benefit. 5) Get Rate Watch. Many people are sitting on-edge, waiting for a rise in rates that could trigger a wave of activity. Subscribe to our rate updates so you can stay on top of any shifts in the market – and respond quickly.

Call Today 905-575-7700

6) Get ready now for higher rates. No one can predict when rates will start to rise. If you are buying or renewing now, consider what rates and your morgage payment might be when you renew. If you can, set your payment up to that higher amount, you’ll avoid payment shock down the road, and pay your mortgage off faster! 7) Speed up your mortgage paydown. Take every opportunity to beat down your mortgage principal. Build a plan to take advantage of your lender’s prepayment privileges! Consider changing from monthly payments to weekly or biweekly payments, and take some or all of your tax refund and put it against your mortgage principal. 8) Reno & roll. The right renovation might be all it takes to turn the house you’re in, into the home of your dreams. It is almost always less expensive to renovate than to relocate – if an upgrade to your lifestyle is what you’re after! We can show you how you can roll large renovation costs into your mortgage, and use your prepayment privileges to pay it off faster. 9) Get flexibility with a re-advanceable mortgage. This is a brilliant mortgage concept for those who want to pay down their mortgage – but still have flexibility in case it’s needed later. With readvanceable mortgages, you can access your equity without a fuss should an emergency expense crop up, or an unexpected investment opportunity. 10) Get your annual mortgage checkup. That’s right. Make an appointment so we can check under the hood of your mortgage – to make sure everything is working as it should. A few tweaks now could pay big dividends in the year ahead. by Leanne McKinney, Mortgage Agent, Mortgage Intelligence, email leanne.mckinney@migroup.ca.

Page 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Rob Golfi*

March 18, 2013

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

StoNey Creek $379,900 167 Montreal Circle

burLiNgtoN $424,900 2413 Emerson Drive

hamiLtoN

$269,900 8 Hale Street

hamiLtoN eaSt $350,000 867 Beach Blvd.

MORE THAN YOU’D EXPECT – This all brick home with open & inviting flr plan, features maple kitch w/breakfast island, beautiful hardwd flrs through-out, oak staircase, coffered 9 ft. ceilings w/pot lights, California shutters, insulated garage, 3 pc rough-in in basement.

Bronte Woods linked home in The Orchards. Open concept main level features an eat-in kitch, spacious foyer, & hardwd flooring, lrg master w/ensuite bathrm & walk-in closet, fully fenced yard & stone patio area w/access to garage. Close to all amenities, schools, & parks.

BEAUTIFUL FREEHOLD. Was the Model home. Upgraded trim, crown mouldings, pot lights, hardwood, granite counters, oak stairs throughout, balcony off kitchen, fully fenced yard and island in kitchen w/dishwasher. Shows great, quick poss. available. Great location. Close to HWY.

Waterfront lot 42.5ft x 149ft. Build your dreamhome! All services to the lot line. Enjoy the beach community with jogging and cycling path, and entertain in your sandy beach back yard. Beautiful view of Toronto sky line. Call for more details.

$1436.73 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1606.91 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1020.72 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1323.65 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

burLiNgtoN $424,900 2413 Emerson Drive

hamiLtoN WeSt $259,900 163 Caroline Street South

StoNey Creek $179,900 108-150 Gateshead Crescent

hamiLtoN Ctr $147,000 120 Duke Street, Unit #601

LARGER THAN IT LOOKS! 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 ($20/year).

CHARMING END UNIT – In Gateshead townhouse community! Immaculate home features updated kitchen with granite counters, prof. finished basement with 2 pc bath, enclosed patio, freshly painted, many updates done recently from condo corp, plenty of visitor parking.

Spacious 2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom condo close to the go station, university and hospital. Building amenities: Indoor salt water pool, fitness room, hot tub, sauna, party room, underground parking for owners & visitors!

$1606.91 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$982.91 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$680.36 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$555.93 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

hamiLtoN Ctr $159,900 168 Oak Avenue

hamiLtoN mtN $224,900 96 East 39th Street

hamiLtoN mtN $692,900 113 Mountain Park Avenue

burLiNgtoN $429,900 5255 Lakeshore Rd. Unit#42

VERY UNIQUE! “Country Living” home located on a very pretty street with fenced yard & patio area situated on a 40’x141’ lot with detached garage. Updated windows, furnace (09’), basement (’12), bathrooms and kitchen! Cathedral ceilings lead to loft bedroom & office area.

REMARKABLE, MOVE IN READY! Main floor bedroom currently used as dining room, updated windows, furnace, central air, shingles & remodelled kitchen. House is immaculate, hardwood floors beautifully restored, large backyard, unspoiled basement, close to buses, schools, and shopping.

SPECTACULAR VIEWS! Custom rebuild, large foyer, rich hardwood, gourmet kitchen w/granite island & S/S appl. 4 bedrms, two 6 piece baths, covered deck w/ view of city, Toronto & Lake. Great rm & dining rm both w/limestone FP. Balcony off Master Bedrm. Short walk to Juravinski hospital.

Charming 2 storey townhouse "NEWPORT Village", just steps from the Lake, parks & shopping. Features updated kitchen, hardwd flrs, crown moulding throughout, spacious priv. rear patio (20 x 11'). Master BR w/ensuite bath & walkin closet, finished basement. Furnace & A/C updated Nov ’09.

$604.72 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$850.54 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$2620.45 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$1625.82 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

StoNey Creek $274,900 356 Celtic Drive

StoNey Creek $517,900 177 Silverlace Circle

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

StoNey Creek $369,900 20 Blue Mountain Drive

NEAR SCHOOLS, BUS & SHOPPING! 3 bedroom home in a desirable neighbourhood, features sunken family rm with cathedral ceiling & gas fireplace, professionally finished basement w/gas fireplace, master bedrm w/ensuite & walkin closet, new furnace & c/air 2011, new shingles 2007.

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.

$1039.63 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$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.

hamiLtoN mtN $517,900 447 DiCenzo Drive

hamiLtoN WeSt $274,999 109 Royal Avenue

StoNey Creek $459,900 20 Spartan Court

hamiLtoN eaSt $169,900 117 Fairfield Avenue

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.

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.

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

$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.

www.golfiteam.com

March 18, 2013

Rob Golfi*

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 9

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

hamiLtoN Ctr $269,900 107 Garfield Avenue South

hamiLtoN mtN $159,900 36 Poplar Avenue

hamiLtoN WeSt $469,900 1 Mountain Avenue

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.

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!

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.

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

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

$1876.86 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

$299,900 hamiLtoN mtN 723 Templemead Drive 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. $1237.79 per/mth P&i / o.a.C.

ONE R E OTH N A D SOL hamiLtoN Ctr $129,900 157 Province Street North

hamiLtoN Ctr $289,900 673 King St. East

StoNey Creek $348,900 92 Greenstem Crescent

StoNey Creek $549,900 39 Sasha Court

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

March 18, 2013

Marketplace real estate Lawyer

Paul Lewis Settimi

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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

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

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

www.golfiteam.com

March 18, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

Who gets the Family Home when a Marriage Breaks Down? When families break up there, there are plenty of issues, including who gets the matrimonial home.

ithout a marriage contract, most assets accumulated by a couple will be divided 50-50 on separation. But in order to minimize the impact of divorce on a family, in many cases one spouse stays in the house with the children while the other spouse leaves. This is a tricky question. Although you can appraise a home and a business and put values on them, the tax treatment for each is very different. For example, let’s say you have a home and business and each are appraised at $500,000. They were each purchased for $100,000. When you sell a business, you will have to pay tax on any gain that you made. Yet when you sell your home, which is your principal residence, no tax will be payable. Therefore, in most cases, a home that is appraised the same as a business is actually worth more than the business. This

must be taken into account when negotiating any division of property. Can one spouse be forced to move out? Each married spouse has the equal right to live in the family home. Let’s say the house is registered in the wife’s name alone. They decide to separate. The wife cannot demand that her husband leave. If this cannot be worked out amicably, then the couple will likely have to go to court to get an order as to whether one spouse leaves, or whether the home is sold and the money divided. Does it matter who stays in the house? In many cases, upon separation, one spouse will move out of the family home. It will still require the permission of both spouses to either mortgage or sell the home, even if they are not on title. However, while the spouse who lives in

the home will not be paying any rent, the spouse who moves out will have to pay rent in another location, and will likely still be responsible for 50 per cent of the mortgage and other expenses in the matrimonial home. Can the spouse who stays put a mortgage on the home and keep the money? The answer is no. Even if you leave the home, and even if the property is registered solely in the spouse’s name who stays, you cannot mortgage a family home without the permission of both married spouses. Do common law spouses have the same rights? The answer is no. Common law spouses have no entitlement to a share in a family home, unless their name is on title, or if they can prove that they have

FREE Market Evaluation

Crossword Puzzle (Solution on Page 4)

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

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contributed financially to the purchase of the home. If you are buying a home with your common law partner, you must get your name on title to protect yourself. Family lawyer Elliot Birnboim of Toronto also tells me that when one spouse gets possession of the family home, this will also affect child and spousal support calculations. The lesson here is to obtain expert family law advice before you make any decision about what to do with your family home if you decide to separate. The goal should be to balance what will be best for all members of the family, while also ensuring that any property is divided fairly.

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Tel: 289-808-4102 Email: danny.benjamin@migroup.ca Web: www.MortgageMeToday.com

SUDOKU 5 8 7

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Down 1 Film of spilled oil (5) 2 US state, home to the Grand Canyon (7) 3 Moonlight escape? (4) 4 Terse saying (8) 5 Small, delicate, mischievous and attractive (5) 6 Follow-up film, book etc (6) 11 Cause to function without direct human control (8) 12 Portugal and Spain, together (6) 13 Huge achievement — highest climb (7) 15 Strauss's dance (5) 17 Place in the right relationship (5) 18 Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar (4)

Across 1 Product used for washing clothes (4,6) 7 Lessen (8) 8 Run off (4) 9 Small sandpiper — fastening device (4) 10 Part of the skull (7) 12 Expressed briefly (2,1,8) 14 Giant California conifer (7) 16 Very — very large (4) 19 Aromatic herb (4) 20 Scholar — of no practical relevance (8) 21 Central Asian country, capital Tashkent (10)

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Fill in the grid above, so that each row of 9 squares, each column of nine and each section of nine (three squares by three) contains the numbers 1 through 9 in any order. There is only one solution for the puzzle and the numbers shown can NoT be changed.

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