November 4, 2013 Issue 82

WHAT’S INSIDE: 5 key things to Consider when Buying a Resale Home PAGE 2

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

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

PAGE 5

PAGE 8

November 4, 2013 - Vol 58a

Lest We Forget

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

GET YOUR

HOME SOLD CALL NOW!

905-575-7700

905-945-0188

Page 2

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

November 4, 2013

September Property Sales Close to Record

About Rob Golfi

R

ob’s career in real estate began in October 1997 and putting the needs of his clients first has always been a primary principle. Rob joined RE/MAX Escarpment January 1st 1999. As his career grew and with changing times in the marketplace, Rob realized that the team concept was the next step in order to maintain the same level of service that his clients had come to expect. Hence, “The Golfi Team” was formed, comprised of a select group of individuals who work well together and share Rob’s team philosophy. In 2003, the team received the prestigious honour of being in the top 100 Real Estate Teams for RE/MAX Canada*. And this status continues to date*. Rob has received every major award available at RE/MAX including the Diamond Club (2010-2012)*, 100% Club (1999-2001)*, Platinum Club (2002)*, Chairmans Club (2003-2009)*, Hall of Fame (Inducted in 2003)*, and the Lifetime Achievement Award (Inducted in 2006)*, Circle of Legends (2013).* Rob’s experience and aggressive negotiating skills are key in this business. Any agent can list your house, but Rob’s knowledge and ability to negotiate constructively gives his clients peace of mind in dealing with the single most important investment in their lives.

Rob has an extensive marketing background that compliments his real estate career. He has achieved an impressive visual identity in the market place. Rob also prides himself on his ability to stay current with in the industry and to remain competitive in the marketplace. His hard work and dedication has awarded him the honour of consistently ranked in the Top 5 of nearly 2500 sales agents in the Hamilton-Burlington and Niagara Area since (2003).** Currently (2013)* Rob is ranked Number 1 in transactions sales ends in the HamiltonBurlington and Niagara Area.

“Each client is always treated with First Class Service.” *Based on RE/MAX Ontario Atlantic Canada annual commission criteria **Based on The Real Estate Association of Hamilton-Burlington total transactions January 1, 2003 – March 31, 2013.

T

he REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) reported 1207 properties sold through the RAHB Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) system in September.

This represents a 32.9 per cent increase in the number of sales over September of last year and is only one sale shy of the September record of 1208 sales set in 2009.

The average sale price of $392,013 was an increase of 6.7 per cent over the previous September. There were 1953 properties listed in September, an increase of 5.8 per cent over September of last year. End-of-month listing inventory is 6.8 per cent lower than last year.

“Sales and listings for the month of September were both well above the 10year average for the month,” said RAHB CEO Ross Godsoe. “Even though there was an almost-six per cent increase in listings, inventory continues to be lower than last year at this same time.”

Seasonally adjusted* sales of residential properties were 21.4 per cent higher than the same month last year, with the average sale price up eight per cent for the month. Seasonally adjusted numbers of new listings were 1.4 per cent higher than the same month last year.

Actual overall residential sales were 31.1 per cent higher than the previous year at the same time. Residential freehold sales were 34.6 per cent higher than last year and the condominium market saw an increase of 16.7 per cent in sales.

The average sale price of freehold properties showed an increase of 10.1 per cent over the same month last year; the average sale price in the condominium market decreased seven per cent when compared to the same period last year.

The average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all residential

properties sold. Average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends, but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value.

The average days on market remained at 44 days in the freehold market and decreased from 50 days to 42 in the condominium market.

“This is the first time since the first quarter of the year that we saw a more balanced market,” added Godsoe.

“Whether it will continue that way is a good question – we’ll have to see what the next few months bring.”

Year to date, listings are up 1.3 per cent compared to the same period last year, while sales are 1.6 per cent higher.

The average sale price for the first three quarters of the year is 7.7 per cent higher than the same period last year.

If you would like a private consultation, please contact us at the Golfi Team 905-575-7700. *Seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal variations, enabling analysis of monthly changes and fundamental trends in the data.

REALTORS® Association of HamiltonBurlington

Crossword Solution

‘LIKE’ us on Facebook The Rob Golfi Team Remax

www. GolfiTeam .com

November 4, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

GET YOUR

HOME SOLD CALL NOW!

905-575-7700

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Freelton Fre reelt elton

Hamilton Burlington Niagara Burlington Burlington

Waterdown Waterdown

Dundas Dund das

Hamilton Hamilton

Ancaster Ancaster

Mount Mount Hope Hope

Stoney Stoney Creek Creek

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Award

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Club

1999-2001*

2002*

Award

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Club

2003-2009*

Niagara Niag garaa on onthe th he St.St. Lake Lake Catharines Catharines

Grimsby Grimsby

Lincoln Lincoln

Binbrook Binbrook

West WestLincoln Lincoln

Thorold Thorolld

Pelham Pelham

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Welland Welland d

Wainfleet Wainfleet Wai

11 RE/MAX TEAM IN CANADA

#

905-945-0188

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Fort FortErie Erie

40 RE/MAX TEAM WORLDWIDE

#

***

***

Award

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Inducted 2003*

Inducted 2006*

Award

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Club

2010-2012*

Award Circle

of Legends

2013*

* Based on RE/MAX Ontario Atlantic Canada annual commission criteria. **Information based on recorded total transactions, buying and selling ends, from the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington Jan. -Aug. 2013. ***Source: RE/MAX® Canada and RE/MAX® International 2012.

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

Outstanding Team. Exceptional Results Call Today 905-575-7700

Dan Golfi

Sales Representative

Jeff Golfi

Sales Representative

Page 4

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

November 4, 2013

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

E N O R HE T O N DA L SO GRIMSBY

$344,900

BEAMSVILLE

$291,900

DUNNVILLE

$289,900

37 Pleasant Grove Terrace

4080 Cassandra Dr. Unit #21

24 Maplewood Court

Updated 3+1 bedroom family home, all 4 levels finished, large living room/dining room combination with large eat in kitchen.

Corner gas fireplace in family room, 4th bedroom with beautifully updated bathrooms, great rec room area perfect for playroom, office or media area. Beautifully decorated.

3 storey 1900 sq.ft. end unit freehold townhome features 9ft. ceilings, 3 great size bedrooms, master with ensuite and walk-in closet, large eat in kitchen, rear yard backs onto park, double car garage and minutes to all amenities. To be built. Taxes are “not set”.

Located on a quiet cul de sac in Maplewood estates. Open concept with vaulted ceilings. Walkout from Master bedroom to hot tub and private deck. Finished lower level with bedroom and bathroom. Walk out to private yard, fully fenced with custom built shed with hydro.

$1378 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

GRIMSBY

$425,000

1086 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

GRIMSBY

$259,900

$1158 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

GRIMSBY

$269,900

25 Red Haven

10 Wentworth Drive, Unit 4

109 Sumner Cres.

Outstanding & immaculate bungalow – features gorgeous hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings, master bedrm with ensuite & walk in closet, main floor laundry, finished rec-rm in lower level, double garage with concrete driveway.

DESIRABLE COMMUNITY - Extremely well taken care of 2 bedroom unit in fabulous condition, features large spacious kitchen, full ensuite bathroom, professionally finished basement with large rec-room, and yard with great patio area. Very desirable adult community and close to all amenities.

TRENDY AND STYLISH! 1465 sq.ft Gorgeous kitchen with breakfast bar and SS appliances, showcase gas fireplace with mantel in living room and California shutters mostly thru-out.

Professionally painted plus bedroom level laundry room, roughed-in bath in basement, access to back yard through garage & fenced yard.

$1697 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$1038 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$1078 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

GET YOUR

HOME GRIMSBY

$168,900

49 Ontario Street, Unit #14 Stunning townhome! Quality finishes throughout incl. hardwd flring, kit with breakfast bar, oversized master BR, walk-in closet, & a main floor bath. Condo fees are $280.00/month & incl. C/Air, & exterior maintenance, building insururance, hydro, parking, & water. Shows to perfection! $675 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

SOLD CALL NOW!

905-945-0188

GRIMSBY

$329,900 46 Rosedale Street

Gorgeous 3 level side split in quiet neighborhood on 68' x 146' ft. lot with a beautiful private backyard retreat. Quick access to QEW and all amenities. Gorgeous original hardwood floors throughout (re-finished 10') Shingles 09'. $1318 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

E N RO E TH O N A LD O S SMItHVILLE

$359,000

BEAMSVILLE

$69,900

5 Farewell Crescent

4455 Timothy Lane

Fully renovated 3 bedroom, 1295sq.ft. home located in a quiet sought after subdivision features new flooring with porcelain tiles, engineered hardwood floors, new carpeting, new kitchen, bath, trim, doors, lighting, & updated appliances. Furnace, roof & electrical updated in the last 8 yrs.

Mobile home in immaculate condition w/private yard backing onto vineyards in Golden Horseshoe Park. 2 bedrm, separate dining rm, laminate flring throughout, vaulted ceilings, dble parking. Home is on Leased Land $491.34/mth, fee includes property taxes, water, snow removal & garbage collection.

$1434 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$279 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

WESt LINCOLN

$659,900

5050 Canborough Rd Waterfront bungalow with loft! 2.2 acre property with all the bells and whistles. Granite, Jatoba Cherry hardwd, massive interlocking patio with hot tub, open concept layout, main floor office. Stunning views of the Welland River complete this one of a kind offering.

www.golfiteam.com

$2,636 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

November 4, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 5

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

St. ANNS

$539,900

WAINfLEEt

$389,900

GRIMSBY

$649,900

5476 Attema Crescent

40830 Forks Road

511 Main Street West

CUSTOM BUILT HOME –sitting on 1.11 acre lot in prestigious crt, family size kitchen with maple cabinets, granite counters & breakfast bar, gleaming hardwd flrs, showcase fireplace w/overhead space that can hold a 55” flat screen, 9 ft. ceilings, 40 pot lights, & water filtration system.

2.8 acres of country living with pond. Updated 2 storey country charmer. This home has it all, 4 bedroom, 2 full baths, large eatin kitchen, main floor office, laundry and mudroom. Outside features a lovely wrap-around porch and 4 car garage.

If quality is important, this house is for you! Custom built home in 2004 sitting on ½ acre features maple kitchen w/granite counters, cove ceilings w/pot lights, Brazilian cherry hardwd flrs, professionally finished basement w/fireplace, oversized dble car garage, concrete drive & back patio.

$2,156 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$1,557 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$2,596 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

Office building buyer loses lawsuit over ‘body buried here’ joke

A

lawsuit in Kitchener surrounding the sale of an office building was thrown out of court when the buyer who had complained about ghosts on the property could not provide any proof.

The lesson is that if the history of a property matters to you, whether it is murders, suicides or rumours of paranormal activity, include something in your agreement, or it will be hard to prove anything later.

Here is what happened: In 2010, the historic building on King St. East was sold by the K-W Labour Association to a numbered company controlled by Trajan Fisca for $650,000. The property had been valued at over $1 million by the municipal assessors.

In the interview with the KitchenerWaterloo Record, Labour Association vice president Stephen Kramer said the main reason the building sold for less than the assessed value was because it was only partly leased. He then added: “and because it’s haunted.” He later joked that people wondered whether Jimmy Hoffa was buried there, since it was an old union building.

Fisca was not amused and sued for $1 million just before the second anniversary of closing, claiming the property had a stigma which was not dis-

closed to him. In June, I wrote about a decision in New York State where a seller was held liable for not disclosing that his property sold was haunted, when he had earlier been paid for writing in Reader’s Digest that the same home was in fact haunted. In that case, the seller had to pay the buyer damages for not disclosing this information.

Before the Kitchener case could get to trial, the Labour Association tried to get the case thrown out of court. In August, 2013, Judge James W. Sloan agreed.

In documents entered as part of the plea, Kramer said he was only joking when he gave the interview and had no knowledge whatsoever of the property was haunted, beyond jokes heard at cocktail parties. The judge believed him.

“There is no evidence before me as to how the plaintiff (buyer) would prove the existence of a ghost,” the Judge said.

He also said there wasn’t any evidence someone had died in the building, whether by natural causes or some criminal act.

The judge cited a Small Claims court decision from Quebec, called Knight vs. Dionne, where the court decided that a suicide 10 years earlier did not have to be disclosed to the buyer.

Kitchener lawyer Sebastien Winny, who acted for the Labour Association, told me the buyer tried to use the New

GOLFI

York case noted above in support of their position. He tried to argue that the seller did have the duty to disclose his knowledge that the home might be haunted.

However, Judge Sloan ruled that while a haunted home could carry a stigma, there is no way to prove how it might affect the value of a commercial building. He did not mention any US case in his decision.

Winny also advised me that the buyer is appealing this decision.

This issue constantly resurfaces.

We are still awaiting a trial in

Call Today 905-945-0188

Bowmanville about whether a double murder 15 years ago needed to be disclosed to a buyer.

My advice is that if you know about psychological defects in a property, disclose them and avoid unnecessary proceedings later. If as a buyer you are concerned, include a clause in your contract that the seller has no knowledge that the property is haunted and that no murders or suicides ever occurred on the property.

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

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Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

November 4, 2013

The $50-million home, once a Castle in the Air experiencing similar levels of interest.

“My business is exploding,” says Joyce Rey, executive director of Coldwell Banker Previews International in Beverly Hills, Calif.

Rey has some of the country’s most expensive residential listings, like the $125-million Fleur de Lys and the $75million Hummingbird Nest Ranch. Rey recently put $37-million in escrow for three properties in one week. There seems to be no sign of things slowing down. While many high cost homes may take months or years to sell, because they’re listed for unrealistic asking prices, there’s a shortage of new mansions in the Los Angeles area because builders haven’t added inventory for years. According to Rey, “We need more of them, there’s a very strong demand for the product once it’s ready.”

J

onathan Miller, chief executive of New York real estate appraisal firm, Miller Samuel Inc., shares “The trophy property has become a new market category that does not follow the rules and dynamics of the overall marketplace. One stratospheric price record is being set after another, and it is not only the list prices that are defining these record sales; the rarity of location, expanse of the views, quality of amenities, and the sheer size of these unique homes have all played an important part in attracting the interest of buyers.”

The $50-million home, once a castle in the air, is now becoming less shocking to prospective buyers. Mr. Miller says, “I’m at the point where I’m calling this a new category of housing.”

No search category for $50-million and above could be found on any drop down menu on major real estate websites. So what exactly turns a home into a $50million prized possession? All of the property elements must come together, but above everything else, the old real estate motto of: location, location, location is still the leading factor. Many of these trophy properties share the same zip codes: New York, Beverly Hills and Miami, among them.

The driving force Whatever the asking price, these exclusive homes can’t solely be defined by money alone. Mr. Miller says that these “are unique properties that attract global interest.” As the rich get richer so does the likelihood of more record

Rob Golfi

Sales Representative

Sharon Stafford Sales Representative

breaking real estate sales. Mr. Miller suggests the driving force might be long term investment, “while the sale of trophy properties early on in this three year phenomenon may have helped start the trend, the key driver is the search for capital preservation by the world’s wealthy”.

Apartment shopping on a mega level The NYC real estate listing service, Street Easy, has 24 properties available in Manhattan ranging from $50- to $130-million, eighteen of those are condos ranging from $6,000 to $13,000 per square foot. Collectively, they have been on the market an average of 95 days. Some are palatial homes with well over 10,000 square feet with amenities like home theatres, ballrooms that can fit over 200 guests, and regulation sized basketball courts and bowling alleys. Of course that’s not to ignore the private elevators and mouth gaping views of Central Park and the New York City skyline. Not to mention the penthouse spreads with private elevators and terraces that can hold over 300 people.

Denise Rich’s duplex penthouse at 785 Fifth Avenue at East 60th Street was listed and sold in 2012 which in general was an inferior year for real estate values, although a peak time for mega property sales. The property was listed at $65-million and sold to David Geffen for $54-million. The co-op apartment encompasses the entire 17th and 18th floors and boasts 12,000 square feet. That includes seven bed-

Heather Reid

Sales Representative

Hans Marcellissen Sales Representative

Wendy Murray-Nicholson Sales Representative

rooms and eleven full baths, plus 5,000 square feet of terraces and roof decks, as well as your very own recording studio.

According to The Real Deal, New York’s Real Estate news source, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich is in contract to purchase three unconnected co-ops at 828 Fifth Avenue that were listed as a package by the Ronson family for $75-million. It’s rumoured that ultimately, he’d like to acquire the other two apartments in the building and restore the building to a single family mansion which includes a ballroom with 17-foot-high Louis XV ceilings.

Why not?

Canadians are also getting in on the New York action as Canadian billionaire and fashion mogul behind the Michael Kors brand, Lawrence Stroll and his Hong Kong business partner Silas Chou, each bought full floor $50million apartments at One57. This 90 story tower designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winning architect Christian De Portzamparc will boast walls of glass and 360 degree helicopter views of NYC and beyond.

Hollywood royalty can’t be left out of the fray. Actress Jessica Alba is looking at a $50-million penthouse at Trump Soho. Alba and her husband, producer Cash Warren, were found entering the hotel on Spring Street to check out the 10,000-square-foot duplex.

On the west coast, in the land of celebrity and really big swimming pools, the $50-million plus market is

Mike McNeil

Sales Representative

Kristina King

Sales Representative

John Hellicar

Sales Representative

www.golfiteam.com

A new global currency The barriers of accessibility are down with the advent of technology and in turn, the visibility of trophy properties has clearly perpetuated our desire for more luxury. Mr. Miller explains,” Luxury real estate has morphed into a new world currency that provides investors with both a tangible asset and a cachet that cannot be found within the financial markets. Think of the houses as the world’s most expensive safety deposit boxes.”

Real estate, when created by coveted high end architects can make it as one of a kind as a piece of fine art or a couture dress.

“Unique hard assets like real estate, vintage cars, watches, art, etc, are part of this trend,” Mr. Miller says. ”Volatility of the financial markets, rising tax burdens and new regulatory overlay continue to drive this trend and will likely continue to drive it since these issues aren’t likely to be resolved soon … ” “In response to global economic turmoil, where wealthy individuals are looking for ways to invest, ultra-highend real estate seems to be the asset of choice.”

With the international credit crisis and volatile political tone of the world these days, Mr. Miller concludes these are factors that are going to “remain unchanged over the next few years and the U.S. luxury housing market is expected to remain a safe haven for investors for quite some time.”

With all this optimism, the jury is still out on how realistic some of these asking prices are. The $50-million and up market is active throughout the U.S., but it does seem that overzealous sellers are attempting to seize the moment as inventory in this market segment continues to grow. True trophy properties will continue to sell.

Mark Kennedy is a licensed associate real estate broker at Douglas Elliman, New York's largest real estate company. He is a Certified International Property Specialist.

Dan Golfi

Sales Representative

Jeff Golfi

Sales Representative

November 4, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

What are you doing with your money???

by Gianni Leonetti, Leonetti Consulting

I

am greatly concerned about the state of the economy, the debt situation in the USA especially and the safety and return of investment products. I’m a great believer in guaranteed structures such as Segregated Funds and would like to highlight a few key important features.

1. They offer a 100% maturity guarantee, provided the funds are held in contract for 10 years, as well as 100% guarantee at the death of the contract holder. The 10years sounds lengthy but if they are increasing in value you would not sell or if they were decreasing, as the guarantee is protecting you. Upon the decease of the holder, the greater of the death benefit guarantee and the market value of the investment is paid out immediately, just like an insurance policy.

2. The guarantee of the investment can be reset to the higher value in some cases 3 times a year and

the death benefit can be guaranteed to the higher value up to 2 times a year. Additional Funds can be deposited at anytime into the contract and receive 100% death benefit guarantee.

3. The funds that may be selected are similar in content and performance to funds such as Fidelity, CI, Dynamic or Templeton Funds, etc., being balanced funds, Canadian Equity, US Dividends, etc.

4. The MER or management expense ratio ranges from 1% for bonds to 2.55% for US Dividend Funds and 1.14% Money Market Funds, 1.15%Short Term Bond Fund and 1.88% in the Canadian Bond Fund.

5. The 3-5 Year performance ranges from 7.2% for the monthly income fund to 9.15 for the Global Dividend Fund. Funds can be cashed at any time similar to mutual funds.

CRoSSWoRD PuzzlE (Solution on Page 2)

6. Statements are given at the end of each year for tax and capitol gain situations to simplify tax reporting. All taxable income (including any capitol gains or losses are a result of withdrawals or dispositions) is reported on one T3 slip. The company tracks all taxable information including adjusted cost base.

7. The potential for creditor protection is there, as these funds are generally not available to creditors.

8. Estate planning is simplified as the funds do NOT form part of an estate but go directly and immediately to the beneficiaries.

Funds are NOT subject to probate fees stipulated by the province, executor fees and other costs as well.

9. Confidentiality is an advantage, as unlike estate assets under a will the funds are confidential and the only person who knows

of the benefit given is the recipient.

10. The owner of the funds can stipulate when and how much a beneficiary is to receive money and can spread the gift over years through the purchase of an annuity, knowing the gift can not be upset by a application to the courts.

In conclusion, the segregated fund investment takes much of the worry and stress away from the problems in the economy, the mismanagement of government both in Canada and around the world, stock market deviations from day to day and lastly allows an investor to plan thoughtfully and successfully for retirement and welfare of his or her family or beneficiary. You owe it to yourself to explore this option, please give us a call or email for a second opinion.

Contact Leonetti Consulting at 905-690-5052 or visit our website at www.leonetticonsulting.com.

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Call Today 905-575-7700

9

1 Artificial waterway (5) 2 Former prince of Monaco (7) 3 Common sense (4) 4 Nevada city famed for casinos (3,5) 5 ie (2,3) 6 Empty within (6) 11 Offspring (8) 12 Short-sighted (6) 13 African country, formerly Basutoland (7) 15 Card game (5) 17 Exhibited (5) 18 Morse code symbol (4)

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1 Woodwind instrument (3,7) 7 Collectable old objects (8) 8 College, collar or crop (4) 9 Meat from the lower back (4) 10 Rich in resources (7) 12 Sweet — pink-flowering plant (11) 14 Put together (7) 16 Requests (4) 19 Boot (4) 20 Response (8) 21 Brass instrument (6,4)

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Page 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

November 4, 2013

Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

Rob Golfi*

HAMILtON CtR

$169,900

StONEY CREEk

$268,900

HAMILtON EASt

$134,900

116 Chestnut Ave.

53 Marina Point Cr.

761 Burgess Ave.

Will not last! 2 storey open concept 3 bedroom renovated home with 1.5 bathrooms including a main floor bedroom and powder room. Updated windows, roof, siding, double front drive, landscaping, decks, & partially finished basement. Nothing to do!

AFORDABLE ADORABLE – Freehold townhome 4yrs new on quiet cul-de-sac, features open & inviting floor plan w/9ft ceiling, bedrm level ldry, lrg master bedrm w/ensuite bath, rich ceramic flrs, & quick access to QEW, $82.00/mth road fee.

LOCATION, LOCATION!! One floor plan with lots of updates, plumbing and bathroom, electrical 100 amps on breakers, furnace 2009, interior waterproofing w/sump pump, shingles 10 years, kitchen cabinets and counters. Close to Red hill and QEW, walk to beach and Globe park.

$679 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

StONEY CREEk

$329,900

$1074 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

HAMILtON CtR

$169,900

$539 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

StONEY CREEk

$324,900

81 Irene Ave.

62 Frederick Ave.

134 Benziger Lane

Amazing space in this fabulous bungalow! Features beautiful original hardwood floors, mostly updated vinyl windows, professionally finished basement with in-law set up, oversized single car garage, shingles 5 years new, fenced yard, fantastic size lot, close to all amenities.

Beautiful 2 bedroom 1.5 bath bungalow with everything done!

Open concept kitchen with breakfast bar, new flooring throughout, newer furnace, central air and windows, large family room for extra living space. Basement has high ceilings with an extra bedroom, bath and rec room. Quality workmanship! Must be seen!

Freehold end unit townhouse in Winona, open concept main floor with 9ft ceilings. Brick & stone exterior, dbl garage w/inside entry. Master bdrm has generous walk-in closet and 4pc ensuite bathroom, laundry room is located on bdrm level for convenient access. Basement is unspoiled and configured to maximize space.

$1318 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$679 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$1298 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

NE O R E TH O N A LD O S DUNNVILLE

$289,900

StONEY CREEk

$274,900

$419,900

295 Nashville Circle

24 Maplewood Court

366 Celtic Dr.

Located on a quiet cul de sac in Maplewood estates. Open concept with vaulted ceilings. Walkout from Master bedroom to hot tub and private deck. Finished lower level with bedroom and bathroom. Walk out to private yard, fully fenced with custom built shed with hydro.

PRIME STONEY CREEK LOCATION!! Beautiful 2 storey home features hardwood flooring, new carpet on stairs and bedrooms, sunken great room with fireplace and big windows overlooking private yard, spacious bedrooms, updated main bath and updated double concrete drive. Close to Mohawk College.

$1158 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

HAMILtON EASt

STUNNING FULLY FINISHED TOP TO BOTTOM!!!! Move in and enjoy the rec-room with gorgeous oak wet bar. Loft outside bedroom area and office/den on second floor. Hardwood floors on main level with gas fireplace, walkout to generous backyard w/patio. Great location with easy HWY access. $1677 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$1098 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

E N RO E TH O N A LD O S HAMILtON CtR

$139,900

HAMILtON EASt

$127,900

213 Rebecca Street

95 Hope Avenue

Cute and Cozy Doll House! – This 2 bedrm bungalow located near the downtown core, features new windows 2011, new furnace 2011, shingles 2000, private fenced back yard, located near busses and shopping.

Cute one floor plan, and same owners for 24 years!! Front concrete drive, nice fenced in backyard w/sliding doors from kitchen, new windows and doors. Great location, close to new Centre Mall and parks.

$558 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$511 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

StONEY CREEk

$309,900

788 Barton Street WORKSHOP, GARAGE, IN-LAW, LOT, VIEWS, INCOME!!!

This house has it all! Great location, loads of parking for your boats & R/V. High basement one bedroom rented month to month.

Main/second floor 3-4 bedroom rented on month to month. One bedroom cottage rented month to month. All currently rented.

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$1238 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

November 4, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 9

5 key things to Consider when Buying a Resale Home

T

he decision to buy a house is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. Here are five key things to keep in mind: 1. What is the seller telling you about the house?

Sellers used to provide disclosure statements, telling buyers about the condition of the home and disclosing problems. These days, lawyers advise against this, because of the potential for lawsuits.

Some sellers are doing home inspections before they list the property for sale and giving a copy of the report to any buyer.

This helps sellers because they can correct problems noted by the inspector and so they do not have to negotiate with

the buyer later. Some sellers are also providing history reports, which can be obtained from homeverified.com or Iverify.com which indicate whether the home has been the subject of an insurance claim for water, fire, flood or sewage backup, and if the home was ever listed as a grow house or meth lab.

The more information a buyer has in advance, the more informed the purchase decision. Still, even with this information, you should do your own home inspection before committing to any purchase.

2. Ask hard questions Ask the sellers or their agent if they have had basement flooding problems,

mould or roof leaks, even if the leaks have been repaired. Also ask whether there was a suicide or murder in the home, or if there’s a halfway house down the street. Watch how they answer.

Sellers are required to respond truthfully to direct questions. If the seller refuses to answer or acts suspiciously, then you need to discuss this with your home inspector and your real estate agent and either adjust your purchase offer or walk away.

3. Talk to the neighbours During your inspection, or before you put in an offer, walk around and ask people about the house you are interested in and the neighbourhood. Sellers may still try to hide things they think will lower their property value. Ask neighbours if they noticed any major repairs at the home over the past year. Also ask whether there are neighbourhood issues, such as the “neighbour from hell”. You may also want to know if there are many basement apartments on the street and whether this complies with local bylaws.

Search the property address online to see if anything negative comes up.

4. Put everything in writing Make sure everything you expect on closing is included in your offer. This includes mirrors, closet organizers, window coverings and TV brackets. Ask for two complete sets of keys. Make sure the seller understands they cannot replace any item before closing. Also add that the

property must be left in a clean and broom swept condition, so that you do not have to pay to remove the seller’s junk.

Consider paying two deposits, the first upon acceptance of the offer and the second once you waive your home inspection condition. Some sellers have been refusing to release a buyer’s deposit when a buyer has cancelled a deal as a result of a home inspection report.

5. Make sure you can afford it Talk to a mortgage broker or your bank so that you know how much you can safely borrow. Make sure your lender will complete their appraisal of the property before you waive any financing condition. Be careful about getting caught up in a bidding war, because if your lender thinks you paid too much, they will not lend you what you may be expecting.

By following these tips, you should be better protected the next time you buy a home.

Mark Weisleder is a lawyer, author and speaker to the real estate industry. You can contact Mark at mark@markweisleder.com

5 Easy and Economical Ways to Stage your Home to Sell!

1. De-personalize De-personalize the space.

Packing away personal items is one of the simplest -- and cheapest -things you can do to sell your house or condo quickly. All you need is packing tape and some boxes and you are ready to start de-personalizing your property. Pack away anything that is smaller than your fist.

Pack away family photos. Although your family photos are very important and beautiful, you don’t want potential buyers stopping to look at them and talking about them while walking through your home. You want their conversation to be around what your home has to offer. You want them to visualize themselves living in the space so removing any distractions that will prevent them from doing this is advantageous.

2. Declutter De-cluttering your property is another economical way to get your home ready for a sale. Store your boxes neatly in your garage.

Alternatively, you may need a storage unit or consider storing things with family and friends if they have the extra space. It is difficult to detach yourself from all of the personal items that have made your house a home but it is time to move on. It may not seem like clutter to you because they are all of your valuable and memorable pieces;however, to others it will appearuntidy and messy. It will not assist in getting

buyers to create a long lasting impression on your home. De-cluttering your home will help potential buyers focus on the unique characteristics of your home that is going to establish an emotional connection to it, therefore putting them in the mood to buy and therefore getting your house sold.

3. Refresh & Renew A very easy and economical way to change up a room is to rearrange the furniture it. Spend some time moving pieces in and out of a room until you have found the best placement of furniture that is going to really highlight the size of the space.

Make sure that each room has a function and purpose that is clear to buyers. Also, a fresh coat of paint is going to give you a big return on your investment. Focus on the rooms that need it most. The cost of paint and materials is not going to “break the bank”. Instead it will create a new and fresh feeling that potential buyers will definitely notice and appreciate.

4. Clean A clean house smells good as soon as you walk through the front doors. This fresh clean feeling is going to give prospective buyers a positive reason to want to walk through the rest of the home.

Instantly they are going to create anencouraging first impression. You don’t get a second chance at making

a first impression.

Some helpful tips in making your home smell fresh and clean is to: use an air freshener everytime there is a viewing, bake cookies to create that delicious aroma, and have fresh flowers on the kitchen table. Make sure the house is spotless – especially those places that we seem to forget the most: garage, basement, window sills, ceiling fans, etc. Of course you can do this yourself or you can invest in hiring a cleaning service to get to those hard places.

5. Fix It Your budget may not allow you to repair the roof or change all the windows, but you can focus on those small easy and quick renovations that won’t cost you a lot. Simple maintenance of the home will make it clear to prospective buyers that you have kept the home in good condition. Make sure all the light switches work and that you have functioning light bulbs in your chandeliers and light fixtures. Fix any leaking faucets, make sure the hinges on the doors don’t squeak, and tighten any loose door handles or knobs. Buyers

Call Today 905-945-0188

might wonder what other maintenance has been neglected if these simple easy to fix it jobs have not been taken care of. So spend an afternoon investing in caring for repairs such as these to help get your home ready for a sale.

Bringing Absolute Simplicity to any space!

Home Staging - Interior Decorating Luisa Giaitzis (ISRP, IDDP) 905-515-0341 absolutesimplicitysd@gmail.com www.absolutesimplicity.ca

Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

November 4, 2013

Marketplace Clutter Removal & Organizing

Senior Downsizing

We Guide You Through The Entire Process

WE GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS

Pamela Culp Blanchard Cell: 905-971-9568 www.beclutterfree.ca

Pamela Culp Blanchard Cell: 905-971-9568 www.seniordownsizing.ca

Real Estate Lawyer

Paul Lewis Settimi

Barrister, Solicitor and Notary Public

Jacqueline Paradisi

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

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

paul.settimi@cogeco.net

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November 4, 2013

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

Homes For Sale AncAster

HAMILtOn Mtn

stOney crk upr

LIncOLn

Bungalows/raised ranches Starting at $347,500 31 Available

Bungalows/raised ranches Starting at $139,900 72 Available

Bungalows/raised ranches Starting at $329,900 5 Available

Bungalows/raised ranches Starting at $176,900 38 Available

two storeys Starting at $305,000 90 Available

two storeys Starting at $219,000 133 Available

two storeys Starting at $284,000 33 Available

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semis and town Homes Starting at $269,900 20 Available

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semis and town Homes Starting at $214,800 9 Available

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DunDAs

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stOney crk LWr

West LIncOLn

Bungalows/raised ranches Starting at $269,900 11 Available

Bungalows/raised ranches Starting at $199,900 16 Available

Bungalows/raised ranches Starting at $185,900 26 Available

Bungalows/raised ranches Starting at $165,000 19 Available

two storeys Starting at $279,900 22 Available

two storeys Starting at $169,997 33 Available

two storeys Starting at $274,900 66 Available

two storeys Starting at $169,900 12 Available

semis and town Homes Starting at $220,000 12 Available

semis and town Homes Starting at $139,900 6 Available

semis and town Homes Starting at $195,000 25 Available

semis and town Homes Starting at $0,00 0 Available

HAMILtOn eAst

HAMILtOn ctr

GrIMsBy

GLAnBrOOk

Bungalows/raised ranches Starting at $110,300 43 Available

Bungalows/raised ranches Starting at $85,860 30 Available

Bungalows/raised ranches Starting at $194,900 31 Available

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two storeys Starting at $179,900 15 Available

two storeys Starting at $64,900 131 Available

two storeys Starting at $219,900 51 Available

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semis and town Homes Starting at $137,900 25 Available

semis and town Homes Starting at $79,900 25 Available

semis and town Homes Starting at $168,900 13 Available

semis and town Homes Starting at $229,900 22 Available

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