May 1, 2013 Issue 70

WHAT’S INSIDE: Adult Lifestyle in Vineland PAGE 6

HOMES FOR SALE Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Niagara Listings PAGE 4

HOMES FOR SALE Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook Listings PAGE 8

May 1, 2013 - Vol 51a

THE REAL ESTATE

Market Watch PRESENTED BY THE GOLFI TEAM

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

55 Chiara Drive, Stoney Creek, ON See page 8 for details.

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

Page 2

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

About Rob Golfi

May 1, 2013

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

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

Rob and Sue Golfi

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

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.

om Fuels Sales o B te ta s E la e R ppliances A e m o H ll a m S Of

Pinnacle P la Residentia ns To Build The Tall est l Tower In C a n a d Toronto’s Lakeshore a On

ALSO: The latest listings in Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby & Niagara area Read more on www.GolfiTeam.com

Real Estate: Two-bedroom versus Three-bedroom Homes HGTV's Scott McGillivray explains why a two-bedroom house could be better than a three-bedroom house and vice versa.

Does a three-bedroom house sell faster than a two-bedroom? A real estate agent will likely tell you that it does.

While this may be true, there are exceptions. If you’re planning a reno and wondering whether you should downsize the number of bedrooms in your home, here are some things to consider.

Lifestyle choices Before you make the decision to remove a bedroom, it’s important to really think about how you live in the space.

If the kids have moved out and the third bedroom has become nothing but a storage area, do you really need it? On the

other hand, if you’re a young family with one child and planning on having another, you’ll need the extra space eventually.

Converting a three-bedroom home to a two-bedroom can work, but it has to suit not only your current lifestyle but your future one as well.

Open options I know a family that bought a great three-bedroom fixer-upper in a terrific neighbourhood. When they renovated, they decided to make the third bedroom into the biggest bathroom I’ve ever seen.

It has everything you could imagine: a huge soaker tub, a glassed-in shower, heated floors and more. Sounds great, right? Sure, but now they have two growing boys who want their own rooms and there aren’t enough to go around.

Weighing the pros and cons is an important step before you change the configu-

ration of your house. Just imagine five or 10 years down the road: Will you still be happy with your decision?

Resale potential According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, three bedrooms and two bathrooms is the most saleable configuration for a home as it appeals to the largest segment of the market: families with one or two children living at home. But keep in mind that families are not the only buyers looking for the perfect space; for people who are single or downsizing, a two-bedroom house might be just what they’re after. If you’re hoping to resell your home in the near future, you should take the cost of the renovation versus the value of the home into consideration – your remodel has to make sense for your bottom line.

www. GolfiTeam .com

Investment potential Investors naturally want the most bang for their buck when they buy a home. In the past, that “bang” has been about how many bedrooms there are, but that’s changing. As a landlord, I’m always aware of how much more I can charge for a home with an extra bedroom, but more and more renters are looking for luxury. A steam room, a beautiful bathroom or a large master with a walk-in closet could be the lure, and snag just as much rent as a third bedroom would. I’ve renovated enough properties to know that renters have different needs, and an upscale two-bedroom property could be the ideal space for lots of people, so don’t let the myth of the third bedroom stand in your way.

By Scott McGillivray

May 1, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY...

“

When we started our journey we could never be prepared for the bumps that laid ahead.

When Rob Golfi introduced us to Wendy Murray-Nicholson things started out easy, and in truth everything was, thanks to her. When things got tough Wendy was always there for us.

She always knew what to say and do to ease us though the hard times. We never saw Wendy as our realtor but more as our friend comforting us when things went wrong, and sharing the laughs when things went right. Wendy never made it look like it was a job to her, but that she was more of a friend from the beginning to the end. Now that the journey is over we appreciate all the hard work and effort Wendy put into our family looking for a new home. The Golfi team is very lucky to have Wendy Murray-Nicholson as a member of their team. Thank you Wendy for all your hard work, and being there when we needed you, we hope to remain friends.

-The Tavares Family Ps. Come over anytime. BRING THE WINE.

”

Wendy M urray-N

icholson

Outstanding Team. Exceptional Results.

2 Waterdown Waterdown Wa

Dundas Du undas

HAMILTON BURLINGTON & NIAGARA

Hamilton Hamililton

Ancaster Ancaster

Mount Mo ount Hope Ho ope e

Stoney Stoney Creek Creek eek

Grimsby Grimsby

Lincoln Lincoln

Binbrook Bin inbrookk

Niagara Niagaaraa Niaga on onthe the St.St Lake St. Lake Catharines Cath Ca a rines atha

Thorold Thorold

West WestLincoln Lincoln

Pelham Pelham

Niagara Niagara Falls Falls

Welland Welland Wainfleet Wa Wainfleet

Port Port Colborne Colborne

Award Award 100%

1998-2013

Chairman’s

2003-2012

Lifetime

Inducted 2006

RE/MAX TEAM WORLDWIDE

Platinum

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

Club

Award Award Club

RE/MAX TEAM

Fort FortErie Erie

40 Club

20

Burlington Burlington

Freelton Free eel elton ton

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

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

BeAmSville

$989,900

May 1, 2013

GRimSBY

$399,900

GRimSBY

$209,900

GRimSBY

$279,900

4895 Lister Road

2 Vidal Court

91 Livingston Ave., Unit #1

49 Cline Mountain Rd. S.

WATERFRONT ON 1 ACRE: This 3450 sqft. custom built raised ranch features a self-contained in-law with separate entrance, all brick construction, large 22x22 patio deck, finished basement with walk out & extra bedrms and baths, and workshop. Shore protection in place.

MAGNIFICENT HOME ON QUIET COURT w/wrap around veranda, cathedral ceilng & gas FP in great room, separate DR, exquisite Kit w/top-of-the-line appliances, Mbed w/ens & W/I closet, ceramic flrs, mn flr laundry w/washer & dryer, C/Air, lrg fenced yard w/escarp. view.

Freshly painted end unit in the heart of Grimsby features three bedrooms, large, bright living room with gas fireplace, large dining room and kitchen. Well cared for complex.

Beautiful grounds. Short walk to all conveniences.

Terrrific family home w/4 bedrms, lg livingrm and sep.diningrm, nicely finished rec rm, hdwd floors under carpet. Some updates include: most windows, 2pc bath and main bath w/whirlpool tub. Beautiful backyard w/14' x 39' inground pool, lg covered deck that can be enclosed.

$3743.66 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1512.37 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$793.81 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1058.54 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

viNelAND

$229,900

St. CAthARiNeS

$264,900

viNelAND

$264,900

GRimSBY

$289,900

3956 Durban Lane

55 Longfellow Avenue

3506 Rittenhouse Rd

16 Glenwood Street

Adult Lifestyle custom built home backing onto greenspace.

Open concept, hardwd & fireplace in living room. Walk-out to multi-level deck, custom, extra deep garage with backyard access. Home is on leased land

Great Location! Features updated kitchen with backsplash, ceramic floors & walk-out to multi-level deck & children’s play center. Main floor complete w/5 pc bath, powder room and 9ft. ceilings. Basement has ample storage, rec room with option for additional bedroom and rough-in for bath.

Updated 3+1 bed bungalow with large living room, eat-in kitchen with 3 new appl. New roof 2012, newer furnace, CA, windows, exterior doors & maintenane-free facia, soffits & eaves. Basement re-done with large rec room & additionall bedroom.

Spacious 3 Level Backsplit in the heart of Grimsby!

Features original hardwood floors on bedroom level, updated eat in kitchen, most windows have been replaced, roof approx. ‘06, newer fencing, entry doors and more.

Large rear yard with plenty of privacy.

$869.45 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1001.81 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1001.81 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1096.36 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

SOLD GRimSBY

$219,900

BeAmSville

$235,000

ONE R E H ANOT

GRimSBY

$379,900

viNelAND

$248,900

24 Kenyon Crescent Unit#38

4993 King Street

15 Tamarak Crt

3927 Durban Lane

ORIGINAL OWNER - Two BR bungalow condominium in superb condition in quiet neighbourhood features kitch w/patio doors leading to cozy backyard patio, lrg oversized living rm w/berber carpets, main floor ldry & prof. finished basement w/rec room & 3pc bathrm. Quick access to QEW.

Prime location in downtown core. Storefront w/lrg window, front & back entrances can suit 1 or 2 businesses. Parking spaces in rear & municipal parking. New furnace & 2pc bath.

600 sq.ft. of business space w/GC zoning, + 800 sq.ft. 2 BR apartment on upper lvl. Tenant pays hydro. All sizes approx.

IMMACULATE, OUTSTANDING HOME WITH ESCARPMENT VIEWS! Features 2000 sqft. of beauty, spacious kitchen w/patio doors leading to landscaped & private fenced yard, family rm w/hardwd flrs, large sun filled master suite w/walk-in closet and ensuite bath.

This beautiful home is in the gated community of Cherry Hill Estates. Open concept bungalow features hardwood &ceramics on main floor, oak staircase, California shutters, garden doors to large deck & a sunny main floor den.

$831.63 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$888.74 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1436.73 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$941.31 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

ONE R E OTH N A D SOL Smithville

$474,900

BeAmSville

$449,900

St CAthARiNeS

$217,900

WeSt liNCOlN

$374,900

6 Patricia Court

4024 Bush Crescent

9B David Street

8530 Silver Street

ENTERTAINERS DREAM HOME! Designer kitchen with built-in appliances, granite, walk-in pantry, 5x5' island, built- in china cabinet, master walk-out to encl. hot tub, and 2 tiered deck to 21x42' heated salt water pool. Home is completely finished.

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.

Bi-level semi-detached home only 6 yrs new with open concept kitchen, spacious living/dining room with 5 bedrooms with large windows, 2 large bedrooms on the main floor and bathroom with soaker tub & separate shower, a fully-finished basement with rec-rm.

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.

$1796.01 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1701.46 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$824.07 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1436.73 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

SOLD GRimSBY

$399,900

GRimSBY

ONE R E H ANOT $334,900

SOLD NiAGARA-ON-the-lAke $259,900

viNelAND

ONE R E H ANOT $279,900

77 Plum Tree Lane

40 Viking Drive

104 Young Crescent

3925 Durban Lane

FABULOUS FIND! All brick, 3 bedrm home, features 9 ft ceilings & upper flr family rm w/gas fireplace, gorgeous hardwd flrs, large family-size maple kitchen w/breakfast bar, fenced yard with patterned concrete patio, master bedrm with walk-in closet and ensuite, fin. basement with large rec-rm.

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.

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.

Stunning home was originally the model home in the gated community of Cherry Hill Estates. Many upgrades. Open concept living room, kitchen and dining room with vaulted ceiling. Hardwood and ceramics on the main level, basement is partially finished with additional bedroom

$1512.37 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1266.55 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$982.91 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1058.54 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

www.golfiteam.com

May 1, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

SOLD BeAmSville

Page 5

$429,900

4359 Tamarac Avenue

BeAmSville

$779,900

ONE R E H ANOT

GRimSBY

$324,900

SOLD viNelAND

ONE R E H ANOT $185,000

5109 Leonard Crescent

5 Hazelwood Avenue

3933 Durban Lane

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.

Get inside to see this lovely home in the gated community of Cherry Hill Estates.! Generous foyer opens to the comfortable living room. Eat-in kitchen w/sliding doors to large deck.

$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.

St. CAthARiNeS

$409,900

GRimSBY

$799,900

GRimSBY

$649,900

$699.64 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

BeAmSville

$599,000

8 Westport Avenue

2 Shoreline Crescent

643 Ridge Road West

4130 St. George’s Drive

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.

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.

$1550.18 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$3025.11 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$2457.83 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$2265.33 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

FREE MARkET EVALuATION 905-945-0188 Even in a Real Estate Slump, Canadians lured into Bidding Wars

P

eople still willing to jump into real estate bidding wars might want to ask themselves why they want to be part of such a buying frenzy in this softening market.

It always costs you, if you are buying. But apparently some Canadians are still willing to do the bidding of organized real estate and go to war over price.

A new survey from Bank of Montreal finds 72% of buyers are unwilling to get into a bidding war. Among first-time buyers, 37% are willing to go “over budget,” BMO said in a news

release.

Taken the other way, there are still 28% of people ready to play this shell game and it’s even higher among the novices who might not be expected to know better.

First of all, people need to understand that the whole idea of a so-called asking price is nothing more than an artificial construct. It’s meaningless, many times just a marketing game to draw people into the home.

There was a case two years ago where an agent purposely listed a home for $1 in Toronto to attract interest. That would be a heck of a market crash.

Real estate sellers have the option of listing something for sale at a certain price with zero obligation to sell it at that price. I’d love to see a retailer try that trick.

In the $1 sale, no buyer made an offer for what the seller really wanted and no sale took place — at least based on that marketing trick.

“All that really matters is the actual sale price,” says noted housing bear Dave Madani, an economist with Capital Economics who has called for a 25% reduction in Canadian home prices.

The problem for would-be buyers is

an auction process that leaves them blind to what the other guy is bidding.

It’s not a guy with a gavel yelling out “do I hear” this much for the house. It’s an agent telling you you are not the only bidder and you should come in with your “best price” or potentially lose the property.

You could have a home listed for $500,000, you bid $525,000 because there is one other offer and never find out that the other offer was for $480,000.

The multiple offer game creates an inflationary environment that these days the real estate market just might need.

The latest statistics from the Canadian Real Estate Association show average prices in Canada up 2.2% from a year ago. March sales were off 15.3% from a year ago and active listings are still climbing in many markets.

Of course, real estate is a very local game. And many of you just want that property on the part of the street that is in the school district you crave.

“In a housing boom, when you’ve got multiple people bidding, the buy side becomes crowded. Prices can lose touch with fundamentals. Bidding wars are part of the housing bubble narrative,” said Mr. Madani.

Call Today 905-945-0188

Laura Parsons, a mortgage expert at Bank of Montreal, said there are number of variables that produce a bidding war and that includes a shortage of listings.

It’s called the winner’s curse.

“If there is not a lot to choose from, that creates an anxiety in buyers,” said Ms. Parsons. “You can have variables like the time of year, your need to get your kids in school.”

The online survey was conducted among 2,000 Canadians 18 and older between Feb. 25 and March 3 and is considered accurate to within 2.2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20 based on most studies of that size. “[Buyers] can be very anxious. You know when you see a sale on in the mall at Christmas, everybody wants it and they come and say after ‘why did I buy this’,” says Ms. Parsons.

There is something called game theory in economics which Mr. Madani says causes people to bid on something just for the sake of winning. “It’s called the winner’s curse,” he says.

If you’re part of a bidding war, maybe you need to ask if you’ve put a hex on yourself based on today’s real estate market.

Garry Marr, The Financial Post

Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

May 1, 2013

Unrivaled Lifestyle For 55 and Better– Cherry Hill in Vineland, Ontario W

hen it comes time to consider a move, lifestyle greatly figures into the equasion. The experienced, more mature buyer: the empty nester, takes stock and considers what was then, and, what is now.

By admission, the ‘Adult Lifestyle’ invites more time for leisure activities, social networking plus well earned enjoyment and relaxation. Many empty nesters realize the amount of time spent maintaining a large home, both inside and out, is time that could be better enjoyed, yet they still yearn for the same single family dwelling accommodation they are used to.

Cherry Hill at Vineland, an Adult Lifestyle community, is a buyer’s perfect marriage of wants and needs. The concept this 55 and better community offers, is quite likely the ideal retirement living scenario. Pet friendly neighbourhoods, a clubhouse with organized social activities and planned outings, special interest clubs, a calendar of events offered daily, weekly and special occasion happenings - there’s always something to keep residents busy, and a true sense of community is the result. A new resident need never worry; camaraderie comes naturally with those who share similar interests, hobbies and values at the same stage of life - a new neighbour will soon be your new friend!

Space smart and stylish, Cherry Hills’ quality built brick homes, with basements and garage, will ease downsizing anxiety. Homeownership with a residential land lease, as opposed to freehold or condominium ownership, can translate into significantly less property taxes and other savings. A safe and secure surrounding within this gated community ensures peace of mind. General maintenance services like grass cutting and snow shoveling can be provided; one step closer to instant curb appeal. With so many ways to enjoy the Vineland area and all it has to offer, the decision couldn’t be easier.

Regardless of where ‘home’ as been, Vineland is ready to accommodate, and Cherry Hill is suited to adapt to the needs it’s residents require. It’s minutes from the QEW and an easy commute to larger centers like Grimsby, Stoney Creek, Hamilton and St Catharines. Walking distance to the public library, grocery store and a hardware store that’s been referred to as ‘the ultimate man-cave’!

Cherry Hill’s Utopian location will delight. Living amongst the scenic orchards and vineyards in the heart of wine route, fresh air, tranquil surroundings...picture your retirement with a lifestyle at Cherry Hill - your new friends are waiting!

Pet friendly neighbourhoods, a clubhouse with organized social activities and planned outings, special interest clubs, a calendar of events offered daily, weekly and special occasion happenings – there’s always something to keep residents busy, and a true sense of community is the result.

Contact the Golfi Team at 905-945-0188 for more information.

www.golfiteam.com

May 1, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

Up in smoke: Survey finds Smoking in the Home Sharply Reduces Real Estate Value

H

omeowners risk coughing up big bucks if they’re also smokers, according a survey of Ontario real estate agents and brokers.

The survey found that smoking in the home can reduce the value of the property on resale by up to 29 per cent.

The study was sponsored by Pfizer Canada, a pharmaceutical company whose products include a smoking cessation medication.

It estimates a potential loss of up to $107,000 on an home in Ontario,

where the average price is currently around $369,000.

The study found that an overwhelming majority of 401 real estate agents and brokers in the survey agreed that it is more difficult to sell a home where owners have smoked.

More than half of respondents — 56 per cent — said most buyers are less likely to purchase a home where people have smoked, and 27 per cent said most buyers are actually unwilling to buy a home where people have smoked.

In Canada, an estimated 15 per

cent of homes have at least one regular smoker.

The study found that almost half, or 44 per cent of respondents said smoking in the home affects resale value.

Of these, one-in-three said smoking in the home may lower the value by 10 to 19 per cent and a further onein-three said it may lower the value by 20-29 per cent.

“Smoking has a profound impact on how appealing a home is to a prospective buyer,” says David Visentin, a real estate agent and co-

host of the W Network’s “Love it or List it” program.

“It stains walls and carpets, and leaves a smell that can be hard to eliminate. Many prospective buyers are really put off by homes that have been smoked in and they can be very challenging to sell.”

The survey was conducted between Jan 31 and Feb. 6 and is considered by the pollsters to accurate 19 times out of 20 within a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.

Hugh McKenna, The Canadian Press

Bank of Canada signals Rates to remain on Hold even longer

T

he Bank of Canada kept its key policy rate at 1 per cent on April 17th 2013. It has been unchanged at this level for more than two and a half years.

In its April policy rate announcement, the Bank lowered its forecast for Canadian economic growth to 1.5 per cent this year. Its previous forecast published in January predicted growth of 2 per cent in 2013.

The Bank’s new forecast is in line with the recently downgraded outlook issued by the International Monetary Fund and is slightly more pessimistic than the consensus forecast by private sector economic forecasts.

The Bank still expects growth to pick up later this year, but pushed the improvement further out into the second half of 2013. For 2014, the Bank is forecasting growth of 2.8 per cent, up slightly from the previous forecast of 2.7 per cent, with similar growth of 2.7 per cent in 2015.

The Bank also lowered its forecast for inflation, and extended how long it expects it to remain below the inflation target of 2 per cent (i.e. mid-2015). This represents a considerable shifting of the goalposts; only three months earlier, the Bank projected that this would happen sometime in the second half of 2014.

Much of the rest of the Bank’s April

policy rate announcement reiterated its views communicated in its previous statement in March. Notably, the Bank is more comfortable about trends for household debt and the housing sector, describing developments in the latter as “constructive”.

The bottom remains that interest rates this year are going nowhere fast.

What’s new is that they’re not likely to be going to be going anywhere fast throughout all of 2014 either, particularly given that inflation expectations remain extremely well anchored.

The Bank does not want to be seen as changing its tune too dramatically, or fuelling expectations that it might even

be forced to cut rates. For that reason, the Bank indicated that its next move will likely be to raise interest rates, albeit not for some time. That said, that’s now so far into the future that the Bank is really saying is “we’re not going to raise interest rates.”

As of April 17th, 2013, the advertised five-year lending rate stood at 5.14 per cent, down 0.1 percentage points from the previous Bank rate announcement on March 6th. The five-year rate had previously remained at 5.24 per cent since the beginning of June 2012.

FREE MARkET EVALuATION Your home could be wor th more than you think!

905-575-7700

www. pinterest.com/ robgolfi Crossword Solution

Call Today 905-575-7700

Page 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Rob Golfi*

WAteRDOWN

May 1, 2013

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

$389,900

hAmiltON eASt

$184,900

StONeY CReek

$499,900

hAmiltON mtN

$265,900

6 Sunnycroft Court

40 Eaton Place

55 Chiara Drive

149 Wise Court

Modern executive home features open concept layout, kitchen with granite counters & breakfast bar, great room w/gas fireplace & hardwood floors. Fully finished basement w/oversized windows, a rec room, wet bar & 3pc bath.

Elevated deck, retractable awning, fully fenced yard & shed.

FAMILY FRIENDLY! Amazing value in this 3 bedroom home w/a finished bsmt & extra bath. Loads of updates, furnace & C/A 3yrs, shingles 8yrs & bath updated. Lot is approx. 60 feet wide(20 feet from an old ally) has been used as part of property for over 25 yrs.

SPECTACULAR 4+1 BEDRM - Shows like a dream, features oak kitch w/granite counters & back splash, hardwd flrs w/oak staircase, master bedrm w/2 walk in closets & spa style ensuite, professionally finished basement, & landscaped yard w/35x18 ft. 2 tier deck.

Well-built 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home on a quiet court, offers hardwood floors, large living/dining room combination; eat in kitchen, new rec room with pot lighting, updated windows, fencing, insulation, large backyard, new decking, detached single garage w/parking for 4 plus cars and more.

$1474.55 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$699.27 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1890.55 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1005.60 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

ONE R E OTH N A D SOL hAmiltON mtN

$159,900

BuRliNGtON

$419,900

ONE R E OTH N A D SOL hAmiltON mtN

$169,900

StONeY CReek

$359,900

7-912 Rymal Road East

5255 Lakeshore Rd. Unit#42

71 East 24th Street

7 Loring Crescent

LOCATION! VALUE! FIRST TIME BUYERS! Awesome layout, easy to maintain, close to LINC, REDHILL, SHOPPING & BUS. Appliances included, one parking spot #7, stacking washer/dryer, shows very nice, two small balconies. Easy to heat and lots of visitor parking.

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.

Fantastic opportunity for a young family to live on the Mountain for $199,900 in a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home.

Updates include: most windows, front door (’10), some updated wiring, main roof, siding (’06) and insulation. All appliances included!!! Rear Parking.

Desirable Lower Stoney Creek! Close to schools, parks and shopping, This incredible family home is clean and meticulously maintained and landscaped. Spacious rooms with modern decor! Updates include, windows and doors in 2010, roof (50yr shingles) in Oct 2012, A/C in 2010.

$604.72 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1588.00 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$642.54 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1361.09 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

SOLD StONeY CReek

$309,900

hAmiltON mtN

$259,900

ONE R E H ANOT

hAmiltON mtN

$204,900

hAmiltON eASt

$350,000

44 Olive Crescent

421 Concession Street

843 Queensdale Ave. East

867 Beach Blvd.

Flowing 4 level layout nestled quaintly on a crescent South of King in the Escarpment locale. 3 bedroom upstairs, 1 on 2nd level with separate 3pc bath. Furnace 2013.

Desirable location near Juravinski Hospital. 2 Parking spaces. Basement apartment. Possible 2nd one bedrm apartment on 2nd floor. Current use of main floor is retail space. Good income generator or owner occupied business space. For sale building only. Buyer to verify use.

FIRST TIME BUYERS ON THE MOUNTAIN! Well kept one floor plan with eat-in kitchen & walkout to side yard/ deck, fully fenced and side drive and a prof. finished rec room w/a gas fireplace. Updates include doors, flooring, shingles, windows & wood burning fireplace in living room.

WATERFRONT LOT 42.50X149.00 ft.! Build your dream home in trendy Beach Blvd backing onto the Waterfront Trail, fully serviced vacant lot with sewers, water & gas to lot line.

$1172.00 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$982.91 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$755.99 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

SOLD

$1323.65 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

ONE R E H ANOT

hAmiltON CeNtRAl

$162,900

GlANBROOk

$373,900

StONeY CReek

$174,900

StONeY CReek

$517,900

67 Kensington Ave. North

1635 Glancaster Rd.

108-150 Gateshead Crescent

177 Silverlace Circle

2-1/2 storey, 4 bedroom, 3 full bathrooms, all brick home in great location, close to buses and schools and shopping.

Bring your paint brush and tool belt and make this great find your own! Ask us about mortgage home improvement program.

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.

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.

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.

$616.07 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$1414.04 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$661.45 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$2068.58 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

StONeY CReek

$459,900

hAmiltON eASt

$169,900

hAmiltON mtN

$159,900

hAmiltON CtR

$289,900

20 Spartan Court

117 Fairfield Avenue

36 Poplar Avenue

673 King St. East

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.

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!

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.

$1836.92 per/mth P&i / O.A.C.

$678.61 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.

www.golfiteam.com

May 1, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 9

As Cottage Lakes Recede who Owns the Extra Beach?

O

ne of the great benefits of owning a cottage is your access to the lake and the view. But what happens if the water drops and your dock is high and dry? Who owns the extra real estate?

Cottage boundaries are affected by a lot of things. The deed may be hundreds of years old and may include all the land to the water’s edge, or only include land

to the high water mark, which is typically farther up the bank, where the first vegetation appears.

When Ontario’s cottage country lakes were surveyed in the late 1800s, surveyors allocated a 66 foot wide strip at the lake shore for a road. The purpose was for logging and to allow public access to the water. The road allowances

Why Don’t Women have Enough Life Insurance??

by Gianni Leonetti, Leonetti Consulting

T

raditionally, life insurance companies solicited men as the main breadwinners in a family to ensure, that they had adequate life insurance coverage.

Now, times have changed, but statistics on women show that great percentage of American and Canadian women carry no life insurance. And those that do have a policy, carry about half as much coverage as men do.

Most modern Canadian households are dual-income households. If you were married, especially if you have children, would your husband be able to afford the family style of living if you were to pass away? The loss of either parent would have extremely serious implications. Parents depend on each other in all sorts of ways that go beyond earning an income and paying the bills. In many cases, the surviving parent would have to leave their full-time job in order to care for the kids. Or if they choose to continue to work, the extra childcare needed would become very expensive.

If you are single, who would assume the burden of paying for your final costs if you were to pass away?

This may fall to your parents, who are also likely to be living on a fixed income. Many single women, especially those with children, may be on a tight budget and feel they can't afford life insurance. However, they may be

surprised to know that a 30 year old healthy woman can purchase a $250,000 10-year term life insurance policy for $12 a month.

If you are a healthy 50 year old, that does not mean it is too late to buy affordable life insurance; your cost for the same policy as above would only be about $30 a month. If you have children, it is especially important to make sure they will be taken care of if anything were to happen to you.

Studies show that nearly six out of ten women in Canada are living on their own by the time they are 85. In addition, women generally outlive men by an average of six years. If you have adequate life insurance coverage, dependents will be able to continue their lives and standard of living. That way they only have to deal with the grief of your passing, instead of any financial burdens incurred by it.

Women need life insurance protection to ensure that whoever survives them will be provided with available capital. Term life insurance has always been one of the most costeffective ways for both men and women to protect their loved ones.

Compare term life or permanent insurance rates today and see how affordable peace of mind can really be.

Contact Gianni at 905-690-5052, ext. 251 or email him at gianni@leonetticonsulting.com

GOLFI

Dale Brazao / When a lake recedes it can sometimes be tough to figure out who owns the extra shoreline. This file photo was taken near Honey Harbour on Georgian Bay.

were eventually transferred to the local townships, but in most cases no actual road was ever built along these allowances. Some cottagers have since built on this land, but don’t actually own it.

The Great Lakes have been receding due to climate change and water use, so beachfront has been expanding in some cases. The question is: who owns the land when the water retreats?

In many cases, there’s a rush by cottagers to secure the land for themselves.

But it is often hard to figure out how to set the new boundaries, as it is not often a straight line.

Here’s a case in point: Douglas and Jacqueline Andriet owned land in Grandview Bay on Cooking Lake, near Edmonton. Like many shallow prairie lakes, the Cooking Lake shoreline had receded in the past century. By 2008, the shoreline was about 1,000 feet less than the 1902 survey.

The Andriets, their neighbours, the County of Strathcona and the Alberta Government all got into a fight over who owned this large section of so-called accreted land. If the province owned it then the Andriets and other cottagers would have no right to access the water.

A trial judge decided that since the original deeds were to a fixed point, no one except the province could make a claim for the land. But a Court of Appeal decision dated January 25, 2008, decided the land should be equitably divided between the cottagers and the local coun-

ty. The result was that a new survey w a s commissioned to permit each owner whose land touched the water to have some part of it.

The only way to figure out where your boundary lines are is to get a survey.

I believe every lakefront cottage purchase should be conditional upon the buyer being satisfied with the results of a new survey.

In some cases, you can buy the shore road allowance from the local municipality for between $5,000 and $10,000. First you need a bylaw to close the road allowance and then a motion to sell it to you. An advantage in owning this land is that it will increase your lot size, allowing you to build a cottage addition.

Another reason for an up to date survey is to figure out whether you have proper access to your cottage. In some cases, it has turned out that where the road is located may not be where title says that your access actually is. If it is not a municipal road, then it may not be maintained in the winter.

Know your rights before you jump into a waterfront cottage.

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

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Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

May 1, 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

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FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION

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

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

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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

Senior Downsizing

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

May 1, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

Healthy Lawn – When to Water Proper watering techniques will not only help your lawn, they'll allow you to easily comply with many watering restrictions put in place by your municipality these days. Wise water use is something everyone can benefit from.

Having healthy grass is the first step to a beautiful yard. GATEWAY YARD MAINTENANCE offers a wide variety of services for the exterior of your home to keep your yard that way, from weekly grass cutting to Spring clean ups, leaf blowing, gutter cleaning, weeding, edg-

ing and maintenance of garden beds, pruning trees/bushes, Fall clean-ups and general rubbish removal.

At GATEWAY YARD MAINTENANCE, estimates are free and pricing for weekly grass cutting is affordable.

Contact GATEWAY YARD MAINTENANCE for a complete list of services available. “Just ask and we might do it.”

Call: 289-273-2951 E-mail: gateway.yard@gmail.com Also find us on Facebook and Linked In

Mike (MJ) Gatenby, Gateway Yard Maintenance

W

ith the warm weather upon us, many people are starting to ask how often should I water my lawn, and for how long? There are many theories on proper watering. Some people do it every day, others once a week, or even "whenever I get around to it."

Many experts state that your lawn needs about an inch of water a week, be it from rain or your sprinkler. That can be accomplished with one good, thorough soaking instead of daily watering for a few minutes at a time. It's fairly easy to determine how long your sprinkler needs to run to provide an inch. Next time you water, place a couple of small containers in the path of the sprinkler. Note how long it takes to get one inch of water in the containers.

The best time of day to water is during the early morning hours. The water will have a chance to soak down into the ground before evaporating, thus providing the most benefit for the lawn. Any water left on the lawn will be evaporated away in a timely manner when daylight arrives.

Mid-afternoon watering is probably the worst time to water. It will evaporate away before it has a chance to soak down. You'll be using a lot of water, but won't be doing your lawn all that much good. Even though it may be very tempting to turn on the sprinkler during one of those scorching days, hold off on it.

Early evening is the next best time.

Water may linger on the lawn for a while, but soaking the grass is far better than doing nothing.

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.

CROSSWORD PuzzLE (Solution on Page 7)

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1 Christian symbol (5) 2 Man on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (4) 3 False attacks on someone's good name (6) 4 Paternal (8) 5 Precious stone (7) 6 On the level (5,5) 9 Soft Italian cheese (10) 12 Grounded (anag) (8) 14 William Tell composer (7) 16 Country formerly part of Yugoslavia (6) 19 Cite (5) 20 Building block (4)

8

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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.

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www.GolfiTeam.com | 905-945-0188