October 2015 Issue 115

WHAT’S INSIDE: Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying an Old House PAGE 9

HOMES FOR SALE | PAGE 8 Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Niagara

HOMES FOR SALE | PAGE 4 Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook LUXURY & WATERFRONT | PAGE 3

October 2015 - Vol 80

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION 905-575-7700

905-945-0188

October 2015

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 2

MUST SELL • • • •

How to Sell a Home That Didn’t Sell

Estate Sales Bank Foreclosures Company-Owned Properties Distress Sales

HAMILTON/NIAGARA – If your home has just come off the market and hasn’t sold, don’t be discouraged. The reason your home did not sell may have nothing to do with your home or the market.

In reality, your home may have been one of the most desirable properties for sale.

So Why Didn’t Your Home Sell?

Last year almost half of the homes listed for sale never sold at all, and many sellers found that there was a tremendous amount a homeowner needed to be educated on to sell their home for top dollar in the shortest time period.

Don’t risk making the wrong choices and losing both time and money on your investment. Before you hire a realtor, know the right questions to ask to save you time and money.

Industry experts have prepared a free special report called “How to Sell a House that Didn’t Sell” which educates you on the issues involved.

Please visit www.CouldntSell.com

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Fixer-upper HOMeS FOr SALe These homes need work.

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11 Critical Home Inspection Traps To Be Aware Before Listing Your Home For Sale HAMILTON - According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale.

A new report has been prepared which identifies the eleven most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale.

Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair.

That’s why it’s critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you,

you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away altogether.

In most cases, you can make a reasonable preinspection yourself if you know what you’re looking for, and knowing what you’re looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and

unmanageable ones.

To help home sellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled “11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection” has been compiled which explains the issues involved.

To order your free copy of this report visit www.

HamiltonInspectionPitfalls.com

27 Quick & Easy Fix Ups to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar HAMILTON/NIAGARA – Because your home may well be your largest asset, selling it is probably one of the most important decisions you will make in your life.

And once you have made that decision, you’ll want to sell your home for the highest price in the shortest time possible without compromising your sanity.

Before you place your home on the market, here’s a way to help you to be as prepared as possible.

To assist homesellers, a new industry report has just been released called “27 Valuable Tips That You Should Know to Get Your Home Sold Fast and for Top Dollar.” It tackles the important issues you need to know to make your home competitive in today’s tough, aggressive marketplace.

Through these 27 tips, you will discover how to protect and capitalize on your most important investment, reduce stress, be in control of your situation, and make the most profit possible.

In this report you’ll discover how to avoid financial disappointment or worse, a financial disaster when selling your home.

Using a common-sense approach, you get the straight facts about what can make or break the sale of your home.

You owe it to yourself to learn how these important tips will give you the competitive edge to get your home sold fast and for the most amount of money.

How to order your free copy of this report, check us out online at

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October 2015

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying an Old House If you're thinking about buying an old home, read this first!

I

wanted to write this post as a community service to old house lovers and those people who are considering buying an old house. I’m going to talk real, and let you know what I wish someone told us before we bought an old house. I think if you’re like us, buying an old house is exciting because we love the character that old houses have, and we are the people to save them. All old homes need maintenance and up keep. Here’s the thing: I’ve chatted with people that don’t have an old house and they have many of the same issues. The items listed below are not specific to only old homes, but things I wish I would have looked out for. Some items are just old house problems.

I wouldn’t change buying our house for the world. But during your first year of home ownership you want to keep the surprises to a minimum and your pocket book in check.

1. Get two inspections This is the number one thing I wish we would have done. Our inspector caught a lot of important items, but also had a few big misses that added up to some serious dollars the first year we owned the home. I know when you are buying a home, spending another $600 or so on an inspection is not what your idea of well spent money, but trust me, it is very well spent. Inspectors are human beings, and can make mistakes. Also, if your inspection shows anything structural, get an engineer in there before you buy. This can have some serious dollars attached down the road, and it’s better to know up front. We used a traditional inspector, structural engineer and bug inspector.

2. Check for water filtration systems, especially if you are on well water Yeah, so us city slickers bought a house with well water. It smelled like the most horrible rotten eggs you ever did smell. It was sulfur in the water, and our area had high sulfur. We washed our dishes in it and us. The smell was so strong we could barely stand it. I would never in a million years have guests over, the smell was gag worthy.

Sulfer isn’t bad for you, but whoo-hoo, does it stink like all kinds of rotten. So, really good water filtration systems cost several thousands of dollars. You need one if you have well water, period. Ask what the yearly maintenance costs are when selecting a system.

3. Ask how long the house has been empty We had a lot of issues because the house sat empty.

The extreme sulfur smell, the bats in the attic (see item 4) and mold in the basement. I’m not saying these wouldn’t have happened if the house wasn’t empty, but I think it contributed in a big way to some of the issues we encountered. When a house is not used and systems just sit there, like no water circulation and no air circulation, and no human intervention for critters, problems start cropping up.

4. Rodent and bat infestations We had 200 bats in our attic and they had been calling Stony Ford their home for YEARS. Normally, we think oh, no big deal, just kick them out or kill them. Wrong, wrong, wrong. We talked to so many people who asked us that and if you have bats, you have a big problem.

They are an endangered species, so you can’t kill them.

And you can only kick them out two times a year when they can relocate and don’t have any young. So, if you’re like us and find out you have 200 bats in the attic in the middle of the summer, you have to live with them, until the end of the summer when they can be kicked out. Then we had to pay for the clean up of the bat poop, which if disturbed, is toxic. Men in white suits climbed into our attic to hepa vac the bat poop. This was missed during the inspections, and I was pretty upset about it. It costs us thousands to remediate. Look for bat poop, it looks like mouse poop, only a bit longer. If you see evidence of it, check carefully.

5. Lead paint Understand if you buy and old home you will probably be dealing with lead paint. If you have children this could, or couldn’t be a big deal. We have a lot of lead paint and have done a lot of research on remediation. It’s a long haul, and most of the work can be done by hardcore DIYers. You have to check your window casings and door frames carefully for chipping paint, or rubbing paint. I won’t go into a lot of detail, but if you see cracked paint or chipping flaking paint, ask some questions and have your inspector test it. I still buy a house if it had of lead paint, but I would want to know what kind of remediation project I’m getting into.

6. Mold I get really bad migraines around mold and I knew the basement had mold when we first looked at the house. I was down there for 5 minutes and had a mind blowing headache. Again, the house sitting empty and not having good circulation, this can happen in living quarters or basements and attics. Mold remediation can be very expensive, but technology has come a long way. We didn’t have the option to remove materials since the mold was all over the beams and pipes. We had the mold heat treated so the treatment would get in every nook and cranny, plus a new air exchanger and dehumidifier installed. I don’t mess with my health and this was a must as soon as we moved in. Again, thousands of dollars.

7. Roof leaks and the ‘M’ word So we had a roof leak and had to have a part of the roof replaced. Get two opinions if you have roof issues. Every person who looks at our roof has a different opinion. Then there is the ‘M’ word. Moisture. If you see signs of moisture, or mold: run. Ask questions, and the inspector should have a handy gadget he can use to test for the M word. Also if you have plaster walls and you see evidence of staining or moisture, ask where the source is located. I

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Rob Golfi*

didn’t know it at the time but moisture, will make some paint peel, and we have this one area of the house where we’ve had gutter problems and leaking inside. If we had looked closely at the walls, we could have known to ask a lot more questions about the drainage and how much to repair it. The M word can lead to the other M word, mold, which again is expensive to remediate.

8. Storm windows and screens One area we were really fortunate is our windows. We have all the original windows, and the couple that lived here before us made screens and storm windows. We’re adding weather stripping to those storm windows, and wow, what a great thing. I can’t imagine having a winter with out them. If the house you’re looking at doesn’t have these, get a cost for having them made. It’s expensive but so worth it. Some people asked us why not just get new windows. Cause our windows are beautiful and historic!

I’d never take the character out of our house and change the windows! About 90% of our windows have the original wavy glass that’s really old!

9. Overall insulation So heating a big old house is expensive. When we lived in Manhattan, and you told me the price of a martini was $22, I’d shrug. The rest of America would ask what’s wrong with me! My mind was programmed to look at the world through Manhattan prices. When I found out how much oil costs to heat a house I said WHAT?!?!?!? HOW MUCH?!?! I seriously couldn’t get over how much oil is cause I lived in an apartment and never had to pay an oil bill. Our house has no insulation, like none. After the bats in the attic, all the insulation had to be removed cause it was covered with bat poop. True story. If you have no insulation and live in a colder climate, plan on spending your life savings on it, cause you’ll love yourself later.

And so will your oil bill.

10. Condition of walls and floors This is where I get the ‘idiot’ stamp. Our house ‘looked’ nice when we walked through, a new coat of paint and it was livable, unlike other serious renovation projects we looked at. That’s until we saw the wall paper.

Under the paint. Yes, that’s right. Painted over wall paper, sometimes two layers. We started painting a room that should have taken us two days and it took us two months cause we had to remove the wall paper and then skim coat all the walls. Oh yes, it took forever. And the whole house is like this. So it’s not a matter of throwing up a simple coat of paint. Same thing with the floors, they all need refinishing. Look at these things when you walk through the house. We are serious DIYers, but I even feel like I’m in over my head with this one.

If you’re an experienced old home owner, leave additional items in the comments so people will see them later! It’s great to have as a resource.

Written by: Susan Brinson

Page 4

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

October 2015

Hamilton, Stoney Creek Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

Rob Golfi*

In-Law Suite!

Convenient Central Hamilton Location!

Location Rocks!

Immaculate 4+1 bedroom, 2 storey, open concept, 3.5 baths, cathedral ceilings, hardwood, finished basement with in-law, large principal rooms, loft area on second floor perfect for home office, fenced yard, and double car garage.

84 Windwood Drive, Binbrook | $499,900

This 3 Bedroom 1.5 Storey home has neutral décor, vinyl windows, recently updated shingles, fenced yard with side drive. Move in condition! Close to all shopping, schools, entertainment and great HWY access.

55 Rosemont Avenue, Hamilton | $189,900

Fabulous 5 level end unit with many updates. Windows, furnace/AC, breaker panel & pigtails. Desirable location in complex! Fantastic Linc access to 403 & near amenities. Great layout w/neutral decor. Large light filled family room, and rec room in finished basement.

500 Stone Church Road West, Unit D1, Hamilton | $189,900

Prime lot with scenic views

Outstanding & Immaculate

Gorgeous 2 Storey Family Home!

3 bedroom home! This home features an open and inviting floor plan with grand foyer, kitchen has maple cabinets with granite counters tops, dinette with walk out to fenced yard and patterned concrete patio with hot tub, ensuite bath with separate shower and soaker tub, and rough in plumbing in basement for 3rd bathroom.

31 Bates Avenue, Hannon | $449,000

Features hand-scraped oak chestnut hardwood flooring throughout main floor and 2nd level. Upgraded oak staircase, large second level family room/loft with bedroom level laundry.

Beautiful Quartz counter tops and extended cabinets in kitchen. 9 foot ceilings, upgraded pot lighting! Views of 270 acre Karst Conservation area!

87 Boulder Crescent, Hannon | $529,000

Dream hobby farm for horse lovers!

Immaculate Bungalow

Gorgeous Court Location!

Scenic 37+ acre property with large home, barn (4 ‘soft mat’ stables), and run-in. Close to highway access and city (Hamilton and Ancaster) conveniences. Live in the country, work in the city. Home has beautiful eat-in kitchen, living room with cozy wood stove, large foyer, 3 bedrooms and many extras.

2832 Glancaster Road, Ancaster | $819,900

Open concept, 2+1 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, separate side entrance, vaulted ceilings on main floor, granite in kitchen, marble in bathrooms, basement bath has Jacuzzi tub and separate shower, fully fin. basement has in-law potential.

Shingles (2015), in-ground sprinklers, garage, dbl drive. Close to amenities, easy access to LINC and Red Hill. 170 Assisi Street, Hamilton | $449,900

Big family! No problem! Sunroom addition was built by the builder. Large principle rooms, updated bathrooms and maple kitchen. Main floor family room with gas fireplace. Most windows updated. Furnace and central air updated. Gas line for natural gas BBQ at the deck and on ground pool sold “AS IS”. Quick close available.

47 Rama Court, Hamilton | $429,900

Great Neighbourhood!

Gorgeous Oversized Classic!

Fabulous Location!

Great family home on an up and coming street in a great neighbourhood. Close to Gage Park and shopping. Some newer windows, freshly painted with new flooring on main floor and 4 bedrooms. Private fenced in backyard. Rental furnace/air conditioning - 2014.

229 Grosvenor Avenue North, Hamilton | $204,900

2-Storey home sitting on a Spectacular pie shaped lot in prestigious waterfront community! 4 sun filled bedrooms, 2 ensuite baths plus a Jack and Jill bathroom, 2nd floor media room, master bedroom with walk in closet and 5 piece ensuite, large kitchen with SS appliances, 9 foot ceilings, upgraded fixtures, hardwood throughout, professionally landscaped.

82 Falcon Road, Stoney Creek | $649,900

Walk to parks, recreation centre, schools, and Centre mall.

Family friendly with easy highway access! This home features huge garage/workshop, dining room, walkout to yard from kitchen, rec room, big front porch, hardwood floors, nice backyard, updated bath in `08, shingles in `15, and Central air in `11.

31 Ellis Avenue, Hamilton | $259,900

STATELY CHARACTER HOME Circa 1918, set on ½ acre lot w/mature trees & views overlooking city & bay. 4500 sq.ft. of luxury living, 4 BRs, hardwd & plank flrs, family rm addition w/FP, priv. hot-tub rm, & in-law suite. Close to Juravinski Hospital & downtown, detached double garage.

180 Concession Street, Hamilton | $1,098,000

Call Today 905-575-7700

October 2015

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Hamilton, Stoney Creek Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

Page 5

Rob Golfi*

WATERFRONT

Million Dollar View!

3+1 Bedroom Backsplit

Large Well Cared for Home!

MILLION DOLLOR VIEW- Steps to the Newport Marina!

Grand foyer w/travertine tile looking into open floor plan, stylish kitch w/granite counters, hand scraped oak hardwd flrs throughout, updated bath w/glass shower & in floor heating.

Travertine patio with spa/hot tub built into deck w/waters edge patio. Lakefront freehold shows like a dream!

39 Edgewater Drive, Stoney Creek | $869,900

Beautiful family home in desirable area. Hardwood floors, ceramic, granite counter top, fully finished lower level with fireplace and full bath plus separate side entrance. Separate dining room with sliding doors, updated bathrooms, large double driveway. Most windows last year, roof apprx. 3yrs old.

1081 Upper Sherman Avenue, Hamilton | $349,900

Finished bsmt with rec room and gas fireplace, bdrm and bathroom. Main flr 2 bdrms with recent hardwood. Eat-in kitchen and bathroom. 2nd floor bathroom with two bdrms or bdrm/family room. Big drive w/detached garage. Most windows replaced. Shingles 2013, furnace 7yrs, A/C 2 years. Nice location minutes to Red Hill, walk to schools and park.

7 Craigroyston Road, Hamilton | $299,900

Fantastic Opportunity!

Beautiful Century Home

Investment Opportunity!

2 bedroom bungalow with almost a 100 ft. frontage. Home can use some TLC. Garage has no value, but there is value in the land. Presently rented on a month to month basis. Tenant pays $920.00 per month plus utilities. Currently zoned M3 many possibilities for the new buyer.

1217 Barton Street, Stoney Creek | $299,900

Beautiful 4463 sq.ft. home on oversized lot, circa 1893. New roof ‘15, laundry 2014, 2nd flr bathroom ‘14, glazed tubs ‘14, attic bathroom 2014. Features HW floors and 10ft ceilings.

Updated plumbing. 57 new windows ‘07, updated kitchen ‘07, new solid oak Scarlet Ohara staircase ‘07, in-law suite, dry ubnspoiled basement, parking for 6. $12,000 imported boiler.

168 Holton Avenue South, Hamilton | $669,900

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! Well kept 2.5 storey. 1st floor is vacant. Was paying $825.00+80% of utilities. 3rd floor tenant pays $600.00 utilities included. Nicely done with a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom. Month to month.

37 Gibson Avenue, Hamilton | $189,900

Surge in Canadian home prices among fastest in the world The word “Plateau” is in its namesake Custom home built on half acre lot. Fully finished basement w/second kitchen, 2 cold cellars & walk out, oversized Barzotti kitch w/sliding drs leading to pool sized fenced lot, sunken family room, dining rm large enough for any size family.

36 Hilts Drive, Stoney Creek | $739,900

Perfect for Large Family Immaculate custom built home in lower Stoney Creek. 3300 sq.ft. Perfect home for lrg family. Features 4+2 BRs, 4 baths, lrg eat in kitch w/walk-out, ceramics & hardwd throughout, sep dining rm, sunken family rm, den, in-law suite in bsmt w/ sep entrance, dble garage, oversized lot.

4 Hewitson Road, Stoney Creek | $739,900

GLOBE & MAIL Canadian home prices are rising at a rapid-fire pace that is among the fastest in the world.

A quarterly look by Bank of Nova Scotia’s Adrienne Warren shows prices in Canada rose 8.2 per cent in the second quarter of 2015, compared to a year earlier.

Ireland topped the list, at 13.3 per cent, followed

by Sweden, at 10.5 per cent. Australia was just a shade above Canada, at 8.3 per cent.

“Canadian home sales and pricing are proving resilient in the face of a more challenging economic environment, buoyed by ultra-low borrowing costs and favourable homebuying demographics,” Ms. Warren said in her recent report.

She also warned, however, that “among the more robust housing markets globally, including Canada, Australia, the U.K. and Ireland, stretched affordability could pose an increasing challenge.”

The Canadian cities of Vancouver and Toronto, of course, are well known for high housing costs and fast-rising prices, so much so that the former is seen by some to be suffering an affordability crisis.

“Foreign demand, especially for luxury properties in top-tier cities, will likely remain high, as investors seek geographical and asset diversification,” Ms. Warren said.

“Traditionally popular markets for foreign buyers include the U.S., the U.K., Australia and Canada,” she added.

“Foreign exchange considerations are taking on a bigger role, increasing the attractiveness of properties in countries whose currencies have weakened at the expensive of relatively stronger currency markets in the U.S. and U.K.”

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The pickup in the second quarter in Canada compared to a first-quarter annual pace of 6 per cent.

WOW set to launch An Icelandic low-cost carrier is out to create some turbulence in the Canadian market with plans to offer deep-discount fares on transatlantic flights out of Toronto and Montreal, The Globe and Mail’s Bertrand Marotte reports.

WOW air, founded by entrepreneur Skuli Mogensen, is launching two new routes from Montreal and Toronto to the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik, starting at $99 one-way.

The upstart airline is the latest European-based company to offer low-cost fares on long-haul routes across the Atlantic as the continent’s budget carriers extend their territory outside home base.

Underlying Trend Federal elections tend to have little effect on the “underlying trend” in currency movements, Bank of Nova Scotia says, and this one may be no different.

“Our own work suggests that while there has been a fair degree of currency market volatility around the election itself, it is very hard to distinguish moves related to domestic politics from the general trend in the markets,” Scotiabank foreign exchange strategists Shaun Osborne and Eric Theoret said in a recent report. In terms of the immediate aftermath, the loonie rose in the three weeks after the 2004 Liberal victory and the 2011 win by the Conservatives.

“But these moves reflect the trend in place well before the vote itself,” they said.

“Frequently, a trend in motion before the election stays in motion after it. Prospects for something similar this time around appear strong, we think.”

Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

October 2015

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The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

MIKE MCNEIL

DAN GOLFI

JEFF GOLFI

LAURA BIELAK

JENNIFER DRAHO

HANK BALFOORt

ASHLEY SIDLER

ALLISON PARK

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Page 7

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Page 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

October 2015

Rob Golfi*

Modern Living

Simply Stunning!

Close to Lake

Fabulous 3 storey townhome in sought after location.

Features hardwood on the main level, stairway and hallway, main level laundry, walkout to balcony from dining room, walkout from den to patio, inside entry to garage. Luxurious space in master bedroom. Great views from all levels.

515 Winston Road, Unit 11, Grimsby | $314,900

This 2+1 bedroom home features hardwood & ceramics on main flr with main floor laundry, living & dining room, and oversized kitchen with walk-out to upper deck. Main floor master suite has walk-in closet & 4 pc ensuite. Basement with backyard walk-out, workshop, bedroom & bathroom. Backs onto private greenspace, fenced in with hot tub & tiered deck.

4967 Kennedy Street, Beamsville | $499,900

Beautiful 2 bedroom Condo close to the lake includes new laminate flooring throughout. Also, newly painted rooms and well cared for building. All appliances included. This one will go fast!

6 Westlake Lane, Unit 308, St. Catharines | $140,000

3.91 ACRES

Located in the Heart of Grimsby

A Real Winner!

In-Law Suite!

3 bedroom, 2 storey townhouse. Walk to shopping, schools and easy highway access. Features large living room with patio doors to deck. Good sized kitchen with a dinette area.

Upstairs master bedroom with 4pc bathroom and 2 more bedrooms. The basement is finished with a two piece bathroom and a nice rec room area. Nice small complex.

20 Niagara Street, Unit 6, Grimsby | $214,900

This Century Home begs for family get together in the large principal rooms. Large dining and living rooms and cozy family room with spectacular views. Century old barn relocated to the property (52x30 main barn, 55x30 addition), providing a multitude of opportunities for home-based business or the hobbyist who needs space. On-ground pool.

1383 Effingham Street, Pelham | $589,900

Immaculate 4+1 bedroom, 2 storey, open concept, 3.5 baths, cathedral ceilings, hardwood, finished basement with in-law, large principal rooms, loft area on second floor perfect for home office, fenced yard, and double car garage.

84 Windwood Drive, Binbrook | $499,900

Welcome to Victoria Shores

Bulding Lot Rare Find

Great investment opportunity!

This beautifully finished 2+1 bedroom raised ranch. Features a large living room and dining room, main floor master with ensuite. Spacious eat-in kitchen w/deck walout. Backyard has 18 x 33’ heated pool. Prof. finished hardscape. Fin. basement with large rec room, games room, bedroom and a full bath. Dbl garage. Easy access to hiway, waterfront, walking trails.

3364 South Shore Boulevard, Vineland | $624,900

Fantastic opportunity to build your dream home on this 65.62 x 111.32 ft. lot! fully serviced with sewer and water to lot line.

Buyer pays town, regional charges plus building permit. Quick access to QEW beautiful views of Niagara Escarpment.

5 Muscat Drive, Grimsby | $249,900

Fantastic 3 + 4 bedroom home with many updates including fresh neutral decor, shingles and furnace 2 years new. Siding, eaves and facia 2 years new. Close to schools, parks and all amenities.

11 Tara Crescent, Thorold | $224,900

2.2 ACRES

5.5 ACRES

Country Living

Seconds from Brock!

602 ft Frontage

5 minutes to everything! Fantastic home on 2.2 acres of picturesque land minutes from new hospital & shopping. 2+3 bedroom home with 4 full bathrooms, large all-season sunroom, 2 kitchens, 2 living rooms and 2 dining rooms. Inground pool and multi-level deck. Circular drive with double garage with separate workshop. Lots of opportunities!

3985 15th Street, Jordon Station | $599,900

2 storey home features 3 large bedrooms on upper level with 4 piece bath. Main floor kitchen, dining room and large living room. Finished basement with 3 piece bath. Updated shingles, AC, fence (2015) basement bathroom and enlarged basement window within past 3 years. Very close to all bus routes and quick access to 406.

3 Romy Crescent, Thorold | $219,900

Zoned light industrial and commercial with 5.5 acres and 602 feet of frontage on Durham Rd. 23 Durham Road, Beamsville | $989,900

Call Today 905-945-0188

October 2015

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara 21.3 ACRES

Great Opportunity for Country Living

Circa 1864 Manor!

Country home on an acre lot w/a waterfall pond & gazebo in backyard. 2 sheds, double garage with 9 car parking & stamped concrete. Main flr master BR w/his & her closets & ensuite w/new shower. Custom kitch, ceramic flrs & hrdwd.

2nd flr w/loft & 3 bedrooms. Fin. bsmnt w/theater/games rm/gym & bath.

2281 Silverdale Road, West Lincoln | $499,900

Beautifully restored country manor with addition on 21.3 acres bordering Beamer Falls and the Bruce Trail. This classic red brick home is located 5 minutes from Grimsby’s town centre.

Call for details.

140 Ridge Road, Grimsby | $1,289,900

BUILDING LOT

Page 9

Rob Golfi*

99.39 ACRES

Brick Victorian on 99.39 acres of very productive farm land 70 acres workable & 30 acres of bush, large 2.5 storey 4 bedrm brick Victorian farm house with large barn & workshop. New cistern 3yrs, new septic 1 yr, shingles & furnace 4 yrs. Possible 4 acre severance available call for details.

489 Kemp Road West, Grimsby | $725,000

29 ACRES

Business Opportunity - RM2 Zoning

¾ acre site centrally located in the downtown area, permitted uses; apartment dwelling, boarding or lodging dwelling, home for the aged, nursing home, group home, private home daycare. Call for details on permitted uses.

Lot #201 Academy Street, Beamsville | $369,900

WATERFRONT

Own your own vineyard!

Approximately 28 Acres Parcel with 24 acres of vineyard planted. 6 Acres-Sauv Blanc, 6 Acres-Gamay, 5 Acres-Cab Sauv, 5 Acres-Merlot, 1 Acre-Chardonnay, 1 Acre-Sauv Coronation. Home has had some interior updates & new 3500 gallon cistern.

4266 Greenlane, Beamsville | $1,199,900

LEASE

8 acres of Merlot currently planted with Water Views!

Water Views! Approx 19 acre parcel with fantastic views of the water. Farmhouse currently rented. Great opportunities! Can be purchased with adjoining Sann Road property. Great Opportunity! 4558 Lakeside Drive, Beamsville | $1,199,900

LEASE

21 Acres - 16 acres vines planted!

Commercial Lease

1 Bedroom Apartment

Approx 21 acres property with 16 acres of vines planted. Build your dream on lakefront parcel or create your own winery. Can be purchased with adjoining Lakeside Dr property. Great Opportunity!

4921 Sann Road, Beamsville | $1,499,900

Excellent bright office space most recently occupied by music teacher, set in well maintained building. Excellent exposure.

Base Rent ($1200) + Utilities ($150), 4 offices approx. 650 sq.ft. Unique opportunity for a lawyer, accountant, realtor.

2-166 Main Street East, Grimsby | $1200/mo + Utilities

This ready to go, sunny & quiet 1200 sq.ft. top floor studio is in a fantastic area, waiting just for you! Boasting closets, sep. kitch w/appliances, plenty of space for a queen size bed, furniture, dining set & more. Rent+utilities. Min. 1yr. lease, no smoking.

3-166 Main Street East, Grimsby | $1275/mo + Utilities

WATERFRONT

Views of the Canadian and US shores 5 bedroom home on the most prestigious street in Niagara Falls includes in-law w/nanny suite, in-ground pool, sunroom w/built in hot tub, landscaped yard w/sprinkler system, eat in kitch, family room w/wood fireplace. Updates: roof ‘12, Furnace ‘13, AC in in-law suite, Water pump 14, interior & exterior painted in ‘12.

10185 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls | $799,900

www. GolfiTeam .com

Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

October 2015

Marketplace 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

HOME STAGING

paul.settimi@cogeco.net

OUR SERVICES: • • • • •

home evaluation and color consultations home staging redesign real estate photography and advertising personal shopping for home dÊcor and decorating • Feng Shui consultations

!

NEW Real Estate package special:

Sandra Bahoric

Certified home staging and redesign professional, Member of RESA

905.912.8781

homesmartsstaging.ca

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

• home evaluation consultation with color consultation • HD Real Estate photography and aerial photography

Call Home Smarts now for a free intro consultation!

Are you selling your home?

Does the interior or exterior need some work to get it into selling condition? ,I VR FRQWDFW XV

289-442-7388

Free Estimate! www.tjsullivanrenovations.ca tomsullivan123@bell.net

No Job Too Big or Too Small

)XOO\ /LFHQVHG ‡ )XOO\ ,QVXUHG ‡ )XOO\ 4XDOLILHG

CM Drafting Design inC. Residential and Commercial Architectural Drafting and Design

www.cmdraftingdesigninc.com

OveR 50 yeARs expeRienCe specializing in Custom Home Design single Family Homes Townhouses and Multi-Family Developments Lease Hold improvements small Commercial Building and more‌

CALL Us AT 905-945-9999 530 north service Rd., Unit 2, Grimsby, On  L3M 4e8

“Changing The Way The World Does Business™â€?

if you’d like to learn how Bni (www.bnigh.com) works and what it can do for your business, call or email me at laura@golfiteam.com. i can arrange for you to visit a chapter meeting close to you so you can see how Bni helps members develop referral business relationships. two Bni chapters in the Gta recently reported referral business totaling $1m for the past year!

Laura Bielak

905-575-7700

Sales Representative, The Golfi Team

Buying a home through us? provides “Peace of Mind�

Crossword Solution

Call www.

Today GolfiTeam 905-575-7700 .com

October 2015

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 11

3 Tips for Single Female Home Buyers

M

any single women like Lorenzo are buying their own homes. In fact, it is much more common for single women than single men to purchase a home. Here are three financial tips for prospective home buyers.

1. Know what you can afford Affordability is a huge issue. That means not only affording the mortgage but also the taxes, the maintenance, the insurance and having money set aside for emergencies.

The conventional wisdom for a down payment has not changed. Expect to put down 20 per cent for the mortgage. At the same time, have an emergency fund to cover at least six months of expenses, experts say.

Even if you are purchasing a new property, you will need a reserve to cover repairs. Remember that you have to pay property taxes, too. A good way to make sure that you can is to divide the tax bill by 12 and set the money aside each month.

A spreadsheet can help you figure out all the costs of owning the property. Use an online housing calculator to figure out what you can afford.

2. Protect your assets When you are buying a property alone it becomes even more important that you have adequate insurance coverage. That includes life, disability as well as healthcare insurance.

You might also want to look into setting up a trust so that the proceeds from your insurance policies go to your independent beneficiary if something happens to you.

If you get married or live commonlaw, you can also look into shielding your home in the event of a divorce with a prenuptial agreement or a co-habitation agreement.

3. Consult experts and take your time Since buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make, it is a good idea to work with a real estate agent and consult with a financial adviser. Do your research and take your time.

Crossword puzzle (Solution on Page 10)

Mortgage Amount

$200,000 $220,000 $240,000 $260,000 $280,000 $300,000 $320,000 $340,000 $360,000 $380,000 $400,000

Monthly Payment

Bi-weekly Payment

$651.55 $716.70 $781.86 $847.01 $912.17 $977.32 $1,042.48 $1,107.63 $1,172.79 $1,237.94 $1,303.09

$300.59 $330.65 $360.70 $390.76 $420.82 $450.88 $480.94 $511.00 1.85% $541.06 $571.11 $601.17 Purchase Financing available OAC

As of October 2015 OAC

�

Thanks Expert Mortgage!

C.S.

PURCHASE FINANCING AVAILABLE OAC

SUDOKU 8

4 3

1

3 4

2

7

6

6

2 7

5

3

1

9

4

9

8

1

3 6

the Solution 6 1 9 5 7 2 4 3 8

8 5 2 4 6 3 9 7 1

7 4 3 8 9 1 2 5 6

1 2 4 3 5 9 6 8 7

3 9 8 7 2 6 5 1 4

5 7 6 1 8 4 3 9 2

Lead a dull and inactive life (8) Shade of blue (6) Extol (4) The classroom (anag) (12) Reinforced (12) Pompous person (7,5) Costa del Sol resort (12) Prior (8) One who is obliged to do menial work (6) 18 Small case for sewing accessories (4)

www. GolfiTeam .com

9 3 1 2 4 8 7 6 5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 12 15

Singers (9) Skimpy undergarment (5) Cosmetic applied to the cheeks (7) Predicted (8) Ripped (4) Antagonism (6) Punctual (6) Mood of sullen aloofness (4) Deep fissure (8) Caught fire (7) Excessively fat (5) Irritability (9)

5 1

4 6 5 9 1 7 8 2 3

Down

1 8 9 10 11 13 14 16 17 19 20 21

3

2 8 7 6 3 5 1 4 9

Across

3

8 4

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

Page 12

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

October 2015

Golfi Team Feature Home Rob Golfi* WATERFRONT

39 Edgewater Drive, Stoney Creek • $869,900

M

ILLION DOLLAR VIEW IS FREE - Steps to the Newport Marina! Lakefront freehold shows like a dream! This home features gorgeous front doors opening into grand foyer with Travertine tile looking into open and inviting floor plan with sun filled rooms.

Stylish kitchen with granite counters tops, duel fuel gas stove with double ovens, built-in microwave oven, stainless steel appliances and under mount lighting. Travertine floors in foyer, main bath and patio. Beautiful hand scraped oak hardwood floors throughout with oak staircase, updated bathroom with glass shower and in floor heating. Large master suite with large walk in closet and hotel style ensuite. 8ft. sliding doors leading to Travertine patio with spa/hot tub built into deck. Professionally landscaped backyard with water’s edge patio overlooking Lake Ontario Features: Waterfront • Automatic garage door opener • Bedroom level laundry • Central vacuum • Eat-in kitchen • Ensuite bathroom • Hardwood floor • No carpeting • Sauna • Separate dining room • Walk-in closet • Gas & electric fireplace • Full, unfinished basement • Central air conditioning • Attached double garage w/inside entry & double drive

Call www.

Today GolfiTeam 905-575-7700 .com