Sept 15, 2014 Issue 102

Page 1

WHAT’S INSIDE: You fell in love. Bought a house. Broke up. Can you force your partner to sell? PAGE 3

HOMES FOR SALE Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Niagara Listings PAGE 5

Waterfront | PAGE 3 Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook Listings PAGE 9

September 15, 2014 - Vol 68a

The perils of helping kids buy a home

Getting good legal advice before helping your kids buy a home can prevent a costly tug of war later.

W

ith the high price of real estate in the Toronto area, some parents are helping their children buy a first home. It’s always great to help your kids if you can, but you have to think carefully about what you’re doing. This will ensure everyone knows whether it’s a loan or a gift and their obligations going forward. If it’s a gift, there are no strings attached, but if it’s a loan, there will likely be a second mortgage registered on title to protect the parents. The bank will have to know about it and approve. In some cases, where the kids cannot meet bank debt-service thresholds because their income is too low, parents are offering to include their own income and then to guarantee the mortgage. This is one solution, but many lenders then want parents on title to the property and to sign the mortgage. This is even if they may hold as little as a 1 per cent interest in the property. They feel more secure if the parents are on title as opposed to just being a

guarantor, although most lawyers could not explain the difference. In both cases, they are on the hook if the kids default. No matter how small the ownership stake by parents, the deal must be carefully structured. How do the kids get that 1 per cent stake back, if that was what was intended? Steven Pearlstein, a lawyer from Minden Gross in Toronto, recently gave a seminar about this to several hundred lawyers. There were plenty of questions. For example, if the parents try to transfer the 1 per cent back to the kids without telling the lender, this will actually cause the mortgage to go into default. That’s because the standard terms of a mortgage typically state that the mortgage comes due at the option of the lender, if someone sells their interest. It is worth noting that even if the parents transfer their 1 per cent share, they are still responsible if the kids don’t make the mortgage payments, since they signed the mortgage originally. Alan Silverstein, another lawyer at the

same event, noted that if the person helping with the loan is perhaps an aunt or uncle, who is not moving into the home, then it could jeopardize the kids’ eligibility for the HST new home rebate, if it is a new home or condominium. This could cost a buyer up to $27,000 if investigated by the income tax authorities. The reason is that if everyone on title is not moving into the new home as their primary residence, or is a direct relation to the one moving in, like a parent-child relationship, then the buyer does not qualify for the rebate, even if they own 99 per cent of the property. An uncle, for example, is not considered a direct relation under the Income Tax Act. It was suggested that the parents leave their 1 per cent share to the kids by just doing an amendment to their will, so the kids would end up with it later. Without a will, problems could arise later if other beneficiaries do not wish to co-operate and want to sell the home to get their share of the estate. Another suggestion was for the par-

HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION Rob Golfi

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

Sales Representative

ents to state at the time of purchase that they held the 1 per cent in trust, so that it could later be transferred back to the kids with no tax consequences at all. The problem with this is that if the property value falls and the parents are sued by the lender to pay for any shortfall, the parents might later try to argue that if they never intended to take the title to the 1 per cent and the lender somehow knew about this, they were not responsible to pay any deficiency. Sometimes it may be necessary for the kids and parents to have a different lawyer advise them, as there may be conflicting interests. So it’s not that simple. The best thing is to make sure that, before parents offer to help kids purchase, they get legal advice to make sure that everyone is properly protected.

Mark Weisleder is a Toronto real estate lawyer.


Page 2

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

about Rob Golfi

September 15, 2014

Seniors Real Estate Specialist

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 Hamilton-Burlington and Niagara Area.

“Each client is always treated with First Class Service.”

is a designation for REALTORS® to address the needs of home buyers and sellers, age 50-plus.

where the future takes shape

If you are buying or selling a home,

contact Rob Golfi today.

Rob Golfi Sales Representative

905-575-7700

visit www.Golfiteam.com Check out our Blog for the latest information in Real estate

*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.

We SELL more... because we DO more! THE ULTIMATE SELLING TEAM SHARON STAFFORD

HANS  MARCELISSEN

WENDY MURRAYNICHOLSON

MIKE MCNEIL

DAN GOLFI

JEFF GOLFI

CHRISTINE SERAFINI

ERIC PINI, B.A.

LAURA BIELAK

JENNIFER DRAHO

ROB GOLFI SaleS RepReSentative

www.GolfiTeam.com | 905.575.7700 | 1.800.288.9184 www. GolfiTeam .com


September 15, 2014

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 3

Waterfront WATERFRONT

WATERFRONT

WATERFRONT

WATERFRONT

Docking Rights Available!

FORT ERIE

$849,900

FORT ERIE

$799,900

GRIMSBY

$899,900

1645 Niagara Parkway

3723 Niagara River Parkway

1 11th Street

CuSTOM BuILT HOME facing the Niagara River, four large bedrooms, plus finished attic with roughed in bath for a fifth bedroom. Solid oak doors and trim throughout. unspoiled basement with walkout. New C/A, Furnace ‘01. Roof ‘05. Does not disappoint!

BREATHTAKING VIEWS on 2 acres! 4+1 bdrm home features Oak hardwds, main flr master suite, irrigation sprinkler system, aerobic septic bed, backup gas generator, furnace 6yrs, new, roof 3yrs, gardeners greenhouse & a nicely landscaped yard! Docking rights available!

BIGGER THAN IT LOOKS! 2200 sq ft completely rebuilt Waterfront retreat w/180-degree views of Lake feat. 3 bedrms & 2 baths in a . Large master suite w/ensuite, two main floor bedrms, 3pc powder rm, two-level living area, spacious dining rm, & over sized chefs gourmet kitch. Turn the key & leave w/this zero maintenance freehold property!

$3,194 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$3,395 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

GET YOUR

$949,900

1083 Beach Boulevard

$3,591 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

WATERFRONT

WATERFRONT

hAMIlTOn EAST

TRENDY BEACH BLVD – Spectacular & luxurious best describes this awesome beauty! Executive free hold townhome on waterfront trail with top quality finishes through-out, quartz, marble, porcelain, crown moulding, and oversized terraces, steps away to downtown Burlington & quick access to QEW

$3,794 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

WATERFRONT

HOME

SOLD CALL NOW!

905-575-7700

GRIMSBY

$1,669,900

GRIMSBY

$955,000

hAMIlTOn EAST

$949,900

188 North Service Road

143 Lake Street

1085 Beach Boulevard

ONE ACRE GATED LAKEFRONT ESTATE - Features 4 bedrm home, w/fully-finished basement, 180 ft of armour rock shoreline protection. Everything has been updated from top to bottom in this magnificent show piece. Separate building can be a boat house or studio. View pictures on line.

FABuLOuS FIND – Exclusive listing to the Golfi Team. Beautiful Waterfront lot sitting on 140 x 183 ft. lot on private cul-de-sac, build your dream home on the shores of lake Ontario, services include sewers, water and gas to lot line.

TRENDY BEACH BLVD – Spectacular & luxurious best describes this awesome beauty! Executive free hold townhome on waterfront trail with top quality finishes through-out, quartz, marble, porcelain, crown moulding, and oversized terraces, steps away to downtown Burlington & quick access to QEW

$6,665 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$3,814 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$3,794 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

You fell in love. Bought a house. Broke up. Can you force your partner to sell? Falling in love and buying a home together sounds great; but if things fall apart, it can be expensive. Pascale Vaudrin and her boyfriend Glenn Caron bought a house together in Clarence-Rockland, just east of Ottawa. They took title as joint tenants, meaning that if one died, the property would automatically go to the other. This January, it was their romance that died and the couple split up. Vaudrin moved out of the house and wanted to sell. Caron continued to live in the home and would not agree to the sale. Vaudrin hired a lawyer, went to court and brought an application for partition. The application asked the judge to order Caron out of the house and the home sold. That way Vaudrin would be repaid everything she had contributed to the purchase, her lawyer argued, including carrying costs. Caron represented himself in court. He wanted an adjournment to gather proof of his financial contribution to the house, but said he was not against selling. He also said he would need time to move out. Caron wanted to use the services of a local do-it-yourself real estate company called Grapevine to sell the home, while Vaudrin wanted to use a traditional Coldwell Banker realtor in Ottawa. In a decision released on August 19, Master Calum MacLeod of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ordered Caron to leave the home by November 30 and that the property be listed for $415,000 with Coldwell Banker, not Grapevine. He noted

that Grapevine was more of a “do it yourself service,” that would require greater involvement and co-operation between both parties. The judge said the listing should only last for up to 60 days. Once the property was sold, he ordered an accounting, a separate hearing where both parties bring proof of how much money they put into the property, so they could get back what they invested and split any profits. Clients ask me if there is anything they can do if they have taken title as joint tenants with their partner or spouse and are

now not getting along. The good news is that you can break a joint tenancy, without much expense, by registering a separate document on title. This is what Vaudrin did before going to court. Ask your lawyer for help. Clients also wonder what there options are if they want to sell their home but their partner or spouse is refusing. If it is a matrimonial home, it doesn’t matter if your spouse is on the title or not; they can still prevent you from selling. This is true even if they paid nothing towards the initial purchase of the house.

Call Today 905-575-7700

In most cases, if there is no agreement beforehand, it will take an expensive court proceeding to either remove someone from the home, or get an order forcing the sale to occur. It is best to consider having a contract with your partner signed at the time you buy a home that sets out clearly what will happen if the relationship breaks down. It could save you costly court proceedings later. Mark Weisleder is a Toronto real estate lawyer.


Page 4

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

How to Sell a Home That Didn’t Sell

MUST SELL • • • •

Estate Sales Bank Foreclosures Company-Owned Properties Distress Sales

Free List with Pictures www.HamiltonDistressSales.com

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

Fixer-upper HOMeS FOr SALe These homes need work. Free list with pictures. www.HamiltonFixerUpper.com

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

September 15, 2014

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

www.hamilton27tips.com

Homes For Sale Bungalows & Raised Ranches Two Storeys • Semis & Town Homes HamILTOn EaST

HamILTOn mTn

HamILTOn CTR

STOnEy CRk upR

STOnEy CRk LWR

GRImSBy

LInCOLn

Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $119,900 41 available

Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $174,900 65 available

Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $119,746 20 available

Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $319,900 9 available

Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $224,900 27 available

Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $284,000 20 available

Bungalows/ Raised Ranches Starting at $189,900 35 available

Two Storeys Starting at $183,500 14 available

Two Storeys Starting at $219,900 112 available

Two Storeys Starting at $69,900 115 available

Two Storeys Starting at $309,900 39 available

Two Storeys Starting at $324,900 55 available

Two Storeys Starting at $234,000 40 available

Two Storeys Starting at $309,900 41 available

Semis & Town Homes Starting at $149,900 28 available

Semis & Town Homes Starting at $129,900 44 available

Semis & Town Homes Starting at $94,555 19 available

Semis & Town Homes Starting at $259,900 15 available

Semis & Town Homes Starting at $198,900 29 available

Semis & Town Homes Starting at $169,900 15 available

Semis & Town Homes Starting at $79,900 33 available

Call Us today for information on any of these Homes!

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188 Call Today 905-945-0188


September 15, 2014

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

5.5 AcREs

SMIThvIllE

Page 5

$379,700

7 Wade Road OVERSIZED LOT that can possibly be severed for a corner building lot or build a garage. Buyer to verify zoning regulations. 4 level side split in a prime location on quiet dead end street. 3+2 bedrooms, in-ground pool, walk up from basement, large double garage & driveway. updated kitchen, windows, hardwood floors, and roof. .

5 AcREs

BEAMSvIllE

$989,900

P/L#23 Durham Road ZONED LIGHT INDuSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL with 5.5 acres and 602 feet of frontage on Durham Rd.

$3,954 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

PElhAM

$699,900

GRIMSBY

$479,900

571 Poth Street

180 Main Street West

5 ACRE PROPERTY w/ large 4 bedrm home & barn w/ stalls. Home feat liv/rm, dinrm, eat-in maple kitchen, main flr master suite & fin bsemnt. Outdoor feat large pond, barn w/ 5 stalls, run in shed, 2 paddocks & exercise ring

2 STOREY WITH IN-LAW. 4+2 bedrm, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, new kitchen, furnace & a/c, roof & back deck. Main floor home office, den & separate dining rm. In-law has separate entrance & driveway.

$2,795 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$1,917 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$1,516 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

BUILDING LOT

BEAMSvIllE

$399,900

Academy Street RM2 ZONING – ¾ acre land site centrally located 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.

FREE Home Evaluation Get your home sold Fast!

$1,597 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

WATERFRONT

GRIMSBY

$955,000

143 Lake Street FABuLOuS FIND – Exclusive listing to the Golfi Team. Beautiful Waterfront lot sitting on 140 x 183 ft. lot on private cul-de-sac, build your dream home on the shores of lake Ontario, services include sewers, water and gas to lot line.

BEAMSvIllE

2 Meadowood Lane BuILDING LOT RARE FIND - Fantastic opportunity to build your dream home on this 50.00 X 108.00 ft lot!, Sewer and water to lot line. Buyer pays town, regional charges and park dedication plus building permit, 4 lots available. Subject to severance in progress. HST may be applicable.

$639 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

WATERFRONT

Docking Rights Available!

905.945.0188

FORT ERIE

BREATHTAKING VIEWS ON 2 ACRES! 4+1 BR home features Oak hardwds, main flr master suite, irrigation sprinkler system, aerobic septic bed, backup gas generator, furnace 6yrs, roof 3yrs, gardeners greenhouse & a nicely landscaped yard! Docking rights available!

$3,194 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

WATERFRONT

$209,900

WATERFRONT

GRIMSBY

$899,900

4340 Central Avenue

1 11th Street

WHAT A DOLL HOuSE! Clean & beautifully kept home in fantastic condition features shingles 6 years new, all thermal vinyl windows, gorgeous hardwd flrs under all broadlm, long concrete drive w/fenced yard & personal greenhouse backing onto church park, & close to all amenities. Shows like a dream!

BIGGER THAN IT LOOKS! 2200 sq ft completely rebuilt Waterfront retreat w/180-degree views of Lake feat. 3 bedrms & 2 baths in a . Large master suite w/ensuite, two main floor bedrms, 3pc powder rm, two-level living area, spacious dining rm, & over sized chefs gourmet kitch. Turn the key & leave w/this zero maintenance freehold property!

$870 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

37 AcREs

GRIMSBY

$959,900

CuSTOM BuILT home on 37 acres. Features nanny's quarters or 2 bedroom in-law suite, 2 fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, ceramics, vaulted ceilings, in-ground pool, 3 car gar. Barn w/13 stalls, 4 paddocks & a 60x140 arena. Minutes from town!

$3,834 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

FORT ERIE

GRIMSBY

$849,900

ST. CAThARInES

$252,900

1645 Niagara Parkway

15 Lakeside Drive, Unit 39

CuSTOM BuILT HOME facing the Niagara River, four large bedrooms, plus finished attic with roughed in bath for a fifth bedroom. Solid oak doors and trim throughout. unspoiled basement with walkout. New C/A, Furnace ‘01. Roof ‘05. Does not disappoint!

3 BEDROOM TOWNHOuSe with amazing views of the lake! Resort style living. Large eat in kitchen, living room with corner gas fireplace, updated flooring, freshly painted. In-ground pool, large courtyard, private deck off patio doors, lower level finished.

$1,010 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$3,395 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$3,591 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

2.8 AcREs

WATERFRONT

342 Kemp Road West

$799,900

3723 Niagara River Parkway

$3,814 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

BEAMSvIllE

$159,900

$1,669,900

188 North Service Road ONE ACRE GATED LAKEFRONT ESTATE - Features 4 bedrm home, w/fully-finished basement, 180 ft of armour rock shoreline protection. Everything has been updated from top to bottom in this magnificent show piece. Separate building can be a boat house or studio. View pictures on line.

$6,665 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

WAInFlEET

$389,900

WAInFlEET

$499,900

40830 Forks Road

40830A Forks Road

2.8 ACRES OF COuNTRY LIVING with pond. updated 2 storey country charmer. This home has it all, 4 bedroom, 2 full baths, large eat-in kitchen, main floor office, laundry and mudroom. Outside features a lovely wrap-around porch and 4 car garage.

WORK/LIVE 6 yr old, 60x225’ industrial workshop. 6” concrete flr, steel roof/siding, insul ceiling, clear span, scissor trusses, 4 roll-up doors, 2 hoists, 16 ft ceiling in centre, tube htg, 200 amp service. SQ ft 13,500.

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

Call www.golfiteam.com Today 905-945-0188

$1,997 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.


Page 6

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Strong summer market continued through August

September 15, 2014

Peak into your home security for peace of mind

the RealtORS® association of Hamilton-Burlington (RaHB) reported 1219 property sales processed through the RaHB Multiple listing Service® (MlS®) system in august. this represents a 1.9 per cent increase in sales compared to august of last year. There were 1556 properties listed in August, a decrease of 5.5 per cent from the same month last year. End-of-month listing inventory was 10.1 per cent lower than last year at the same time. “Overall, sales are up a bit for the month of August, compared to August of last year,” said RAHB CEO Ross Godsoe. “Compared to the results for the month of August over the last ten years, however, sales are six per cent higher than average. We have certainly seen a strong market this summer.” Seasonally adjusted* sales of residential properties were 3.7 per cent higher than the same month last year, with the average sale price up 5.3 per cent for the month. Seasonally adjusted numbers of new listings were 1.1 per cent lower than the same month last year. Actual overall residential sales were 1.7 per cent higher than the previous year at the same time. Residential freehold sales were less than one per cent lower than last year while the condominium market saw an increase of 12.6 per cent in sales. The average price of freehold properties showed an increase of 6.8 per cent compared to the same month last year; the average sale price in the condominium market increased 2.7 per cent when compared to the same period last year. “There was some relief for buyers of residential units in August as sale prices eased a bit compared to the previous few months,” said Godsoe. “It’s hard to say at this point if this is a trend that will continue into the fall.” The average sale price is based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold in the RAHB market area. 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 the market decreased from 45 to 41 days in the freehold market and from 45 to 39 days in the condominium market when compared to the same month last year. Year to date, listings are 1.8 per cent higher than the same January-to-August period a year ago. Sales are 6.4 per cent higher and the average sale price is 5.4 per cent higher for the period. “The seller’s market has persisted throughout 2014,” added Godsoe, “and with the continued low listing inventory and continued low interest rates, there’s no indication it will end anytime soon.”

new interactive image sensor service popular with parents (NC) – Home security today is an interactive experience and it's now more important than ever to get an instant visual connection to your home and family especially with the onset of the back to school and work routines. According to Patrice De Luca, V.P. of Marketing and Customer Care for Reliance Protectron Security Services, the latest fully interactive monitored wireless security systems can help make this transition an easier and safer one for the whole family. For example, the breakthrough image sensor service from Reliance Protectron lets you see what's going on at home even while you're away. The image sensor service combines a wireless passive infrared motion detector, an integrated still camera, completely wireless communication, and the myProtectron.com interactive service. The integrated camera with inferred LED light captures images during the day or even at night. When the sensor is activated a photo is taken and sent via email or text in real time; this visual confirmation offers a greater sense of security and peace of mind. As a result you can create a powerful, yet affordable visual verification system. You can access myprotectron.com's web portal to set up schedules that automatically take pictures during specific time periods such as when your children are expected home from school or when the dog walker is due to arrive. Additionally get on-demand access to your property via the “peak-in” feature which allows you to request snapshots from the system at any time. Request an image from the kitchen while the baby sitter is at the house so you know everyone is safe at home. For added convenience all uploaded images are viewable on the myprotectron.com portal or through the mobile app. All photos are archived and stored in the image gallery for instant access. The battery powered image sensor is easy to set-up and to use and can be placed anywhere in the home with no broadband connection or in-wall power source required. More information on home security is available at www.protectron.com.

CHECK OUT THE TOP REAL ESTATE SITE FOR HAMILTON HALTON NIAGARA!

www. GolfiTeam .com Call Today 905-575-7700


September 15, 2014

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Page 7

Common Mistakes Homeowners Make when Preparing their Properties for Sale I cannot stress enough the importance of properly preparing your home for sale. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when preparing their properties for sale: 1. Not doing anything and listing asis. Most people think their homes can sell as is, and by going that route often means months of frustration and disappointment. Recently I received several calls from people whose homes were not selling; the reason why not was because they had listed without doing any preparation. I have not yet seen a house which is read to list ‘as-is’ – that includes several new builds I’ve recently viewed and even my own! 2. Thinking that cleaning and decluttering will do the trick. Even if you properly clean and declutter your house, it is often not enough. Let’s face it, the Real Estate market has changed and buyers are a lot more demanding than they were a few years back. The high popularity of home improvement TV shows such as Love it or list it and Buying and Selling with Property Brothers, added to the fact that buyers are becoming more educated accounts for some of these changes. On the one hand, home sellers want to sell their homes in the shortest amount of time – and

for the best possible price! On the other hand, buyers want to buy move-in-ready homes that don’t require immediate attention. A Certified Home Stager will advise you on what needs to be done in order to get the best possible return on your biggest investment. 3. Deciding on the home improvement projects on your own. You are at risk to do less important projects and may choose wrong finishes. The most common mistake is to paint your house with the colors that won’t appeal to most people. Often it is a lot less costly to consult a professional first. Certified Home Stagers are qualified to give you advice on what home improvements you should do and can help you choose the right finishes. 4. Doing your own staging. Most of us are emotionally attached to our belongings and as such are not able to properly edit them. As home owners we attach sentiment to certain home décor items and want to keep them on display. A good Home Stager will be able to assess your

Crossword puzzle (Solution on Page 9)

home décor items, use existing ones in the best possible way and advise you on whether or not you need to rent, or purchase, some more appealing ones. 5. Not paying attention to the front and back yard and forgetting to address home ‘curb appeal’. Your front yard is the first thing people see. If it’s not properly taken care of, it may stop some buyers from entering your house. 6. Taking your own real estate photos. unless you are trained in both photography and staging, it is not advisable. A skilled Real Estate Photographer will take photos from the right angle and under optimal lighting. 7. Not taking advantage of the new technologies, such as aerial machines that take bird’s eye view photography of your property and surrounding areas. Aerial photography of your property is advisable especially if you have a property with acreage or live in an area with a lot of green spaces or water features.

Sandra Bahoric, certified home staging and redesign professional HOME SMARTS, home staging, redesign, consultations Cell: 905-912-8781 www.homesmartsstaging.ca

SUDOKU 6 1 7 8 9 3 2 5 4 4 8 5 2 1 6 9 3 7 2 3 9 5 4 7 1 8 6 8 4 3 9 7 1 5 6 2 1 7 2 6 3 5 4 9 8 9 5 6 4 2 8 7 1 3 3 6 4 1 5 2 8 7 9 5 2 8 7 6 9 3 4 1 7 9 1 3 8 4 6 2 5 The Solution 9 2 6

3

5

9

7

1

4

8

3

2

8

4

1

6

1 8 4 6 2 3 9 5 7

3 7 1 4

8 6 5 2 3

6

7

9 5 2 8

4 1 9

4 9 2 8 5 1 7 6 3

6 3 8 7 4 5 1 9 2

5

2

1

4 7 1 9 6 8 3 5

9 3 8 2 6 7 4

www. GolfiTeam .com

5

Down 1 morally corrupt (8) 2 Intermittently (2,3,3) 4 Watch without getting involved (4,2) 5 Central London thoroughfare (10) 6 make a loud noise (4) 7 Rind (4) 10 Completely motionless (5-5) 12 Balkan capital (8) 13 plausible but false (8) 16 Game bird — beef (6) 18 Excess body fat (4) 19 Incandescence (4)

7

Across 1 arab boat (4) 3 Balderdash (8) 8 Theatrical production (4) 9 private meeting (to elect a pope?) (8) 11 Extra (10) 14 Obliterate (6) 15 Surrender (4,2) 17 maker of horoscopes (10) 20 Land visited by Gulliver (8) 21 mafia chief? (4) 22 perplex (8) 23 Where soldiers may eat (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 8

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

September 15, 2014

23 Household Hints and Tips Nontoxic Cleaning, General Hints and Tips, Auto Tips, Bathroom Hints and Tips, Kitchen Tips, Laundry Tips, Helpful Hints and Tips for kids and pets. Welcome to Best Household Hints and tips. nowadays with the cost of everything getting higher and the need to protect our earth. We began searching for natural, easy, money saving ways to meet our needs.We know you will enjoy these Household hints and tips and find them very helpful.thanks for browsing Best Household Hints and tips. Be sure to check back by Best Household Hints and tips to see what great new Household Hints and tips we've added for you.

General Hints & Tips 1. To restore finished wood furniture, steep two tea bags in hot water for 10 minutes. Let cool, then dampen a clean soft cloth with tea and wipe over wood furniture. It will bring out the woods natural color and shine.

5. Spray wd40 on a cloth and wipe over leather shoes or leather boots , then buff with a soft clean cloth to shine and make them waterproof. 6. To make nail polish stay on nails longer first coat fingernails with white vinegar using a cotton ball. Let dry then apply nail polish. To quickly dry nail polish dip fingers into a bowl of cold water. Then shake access water from hands and allow hands to air dry. 7. Shaving your legs with hair conditioner instead of soap makes them soft and smooth. Just apply, shave, and rinse.

10. Baby shampoo is not only gentle for babies hair, but can also be used by adults for soft shiny hair. 11. To clean oil based paint off of your hands, use vegetable oil. Then wash hands with warm soapy water. 12. Before storing clothes that have been dry cleaned, remove them from the plastic bag, as the bag may cause clothes to yellow.

both sides with a soft brush in warm soapy water(an old toothbrush works well).Then rinse thoroughly and dry, before putting back in dryer. This will also help your heating element last longer. Repeat as necessary. 19. Keep a bottle of Dawn original blue dish detergent on hand, it's a great degreaser as well as a spot remover.

13. If you have weeds growing in the cracks of your patio, deck,or driveway. Kill them by spraying them with a solution of 1/4 cup of salt added to 1 gallon of water. 14. To keep weeds from returning to the cracks of your patio, deck, or driveway keep salt in the cracks. 15. Remove onion smell from your hands by first washing them with soap and water. Then while hands are still wet rub them over the faucet spout. "No more smelly hands". 16. Cosmetology schools are great money savers for haircuts and hair coloring. Some even offer nails and pedicures. Students do the work and are supervised by certified teachers ,to insure that the work is done correctly.

2. use kitty litter mixed with baking soda in a pan to neutralize musty or bad odors. 3. If the tip of your shoe lace becomes frayed snip off the frayed end.Then paint or dip the end of the shoe lace into clear nail polish and let it dry. Good as new. 4. If your new shoes are to tight put the nozzle of your blow dryer into shoe and turn on low. When shoe gets warm, stuff with paper or socks to stretch it.

8. A little olive oil and enough sugar to make a paste make a nice facial scrub. Gently massage onto face avoiding eye area then rinse with warm water. This can also be used on hands. 9. Witch Hazel is a great facial cleanser and toner.

17. If you drop a can of soda or it gets shaken up, to keep it from exploding when you pop the top, use your thumb and middle finger to thump up and down the side of the can as you rotate it for about 20 seconds.Then you can pop the top and enjoy. 18. If your dryer seems to take longer to dry the clothes then it used too, remove the screen filter and scrub

20. To remove the smell of smoke place bowls of white vinegar around the house to absorb the odor. 21. 1/2 lemon sprinkled with table salt can be used safely to clean or remove stains from granite. For stains leave lemon and salt on stain to soak, then rinse with clean water and dry. 22. Dampen a cloth with white vinegar then sprinkle cream of tartar on the cloth to clean porcelain. 23. Salt and lemon juice mixed together remove mildew stains.

Call Today 905-575-7700


September 15, 2014

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

Hamilton, Stoney Creek Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

Rob Golfi*

hAMIlTOn

Page 9

$169,900

hAMIlTOn

$299,900

hAMIlTOn

$108,500

STOnEY CREEk

$198,900

74 Tuxedo Avenue North

7 Sunning Hill Avenue

179 Britannia Avenue

511 #8 Highway, Unit #208

PERFECT BuNGALOW! This house will appeal to most Buyers, first time, downsize, upsize & investors. Well taken care of w/loads of updates, super clean and neat ready to be moved into. Finished basement, side drive, lovely garden, and back sun room w/windows that open.

Located in gorgeous sought after Sunning Hill area, shows beautifully! Many updates: roof in August of 2014 with a 50 year warranty, furnace in 2007, CAC in 2004, Kitchen in 2008, Main bath in 2011, 2 tiered deck in 2012, In-ground sprinkler system in May of 2013, & parking for 4 cars. Hurry this WILL NOT LAST!!!

EXTRA LARGE HOME !! Big front porch. big rooms, front yard parking, great location, walk out from the main floor kitch to back deck. Big shed, stairway from second floor. Close to all amenities. No showings, can view only to satisfy any conditions

GORGEOuS 2 bedrm terrace condo in prime Stoney Creek neighbourhood. The balcony can be accessed from both main floor & master bedroom. Hardwood floors in living room, bedroom level laundry, eat-in kitchen, well located in a small 21 unit complex. Close to Hwy access, bus, school, parks and all amenities. All appliances included.

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

$433 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$1,198 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

RENTAL

WATERFRONT

hAMIlTOn EAST

$794 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$949,900

1085 Beach Boulevard TRENDY BEACH BLVD – Spectacular & luxurious best describes this awesome beauty! Executive free hold townhome on waterfront trail with top quality finishes through-out, quartz, marble, porcelain, crown moulding, and oversized terraces, steps away to downtown Burlington & quick access to QEW

$3,794 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

hAMIlTOn

$199,900

$479,900

STOnEY CREEk

113 Cameron Avenue North

35 Chianti Crescent

PRIME HAMILTON EAST LOCATION!! Hamilton`s newest hot location, used as two family, some recent updates furnace/C/A 2012, shingles, baths 2006. Rear three car parking with easy access from street. Two bedrooms on main floor & one bedroom with living room (vacant) were getting 750.00/month w/utilities included.

3 BEDROOM, 2 STOREY HOME. Open concept living with hardwood and granite floors, vaulted ceiling, crown moulding. Basement with games room, wet bar and 4 pc bathroom. Patterned concrete, gazebo w/ fireplace & covered patio.

$1,917 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$798 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

STOnEY CREEk

$1900 / MTh

43 Riviera Ridge FOR LEASE! Large 1.5 storey home finished top to bottom. Main floor bdrm w/ensuite, updated kitch, vaulted ceilings & gas fireplce in living rm. Fully finished bsmnt, fenced yard w/lrg deck w/retractable awning. Seconds from QEW. Credit Check, references & letter of employment required. Tenant to have contents & liability insurance.

WATERFRONT

hAMIlTOn

$269,900

187 Sanford Avenue North GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTuNITY! Currently set up as a 3 unit home. updates include furnace, water heater, and roof (2011). Potential rental income: Basement unit $750, Main unit $950, upper unit $1200.

$1,078 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

hAMIlTOn

$299,900

hAMIlTOn

$274,900

116 Hoover Crescent

78 Lorraine Drive

SECRET GARDEN PARADISE!! Well established in a prime mountain location! Bungalow with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, carport with storage shed. Partial finished basement (walls studded), new windows, granite counters and ceramic flooring in kitchen and shingles in 2012. Side entrance could accommodate in-law.

Great mountain location! This 3 bedrm, 2 bathrm bungalow is great for potential rental income. Interlock driveway and walkway w/great landscaping, fully finished basement w/side entrance including gas fireplace, full eat in kitch connecting to fabulous 4 season sun rm & hardwd flrs throughout.

$1,198 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

$1,098 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

hAMIlTOn EAST

$949,900

1087 Beach Boulevard TRENDY BEACH BLVD – Spectacular & luxurious best describes this awesome beauty! Executive free hold townhome on waterfront trail with top quality finishes through-out, quartz, marble, porcelain, crown moulding, and oversized terraces, steps away to downtown Burlington & quick access to QEW

$3,794 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

WATERFRONT

hAMIlTOn EAST

$249,900

532 Beach Blvd An exciting opportunity for a small business to locate on Beach Blvd. Would suit many types of uses. Very nice space with double front door entry. Has 200 Amp, 2pc bath and poured concrete floor. Flat roof done 2007.

$998 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

hAMIlTOn EAST

$949,900

BRAnTFORD

$129,900

1089 Beach Boulevard

342 Dalhousie Street

TRENDY BEACH BLVD – Spectacular & luxurious best describes this awesome beauty! Executive free hold townhome on waterfront trail with top quality finishes through-out, quartz, marble, porcelain, crown moulding, and oversized terraces, steps away to downtown Burlington & quick access to QEW

Location Rocks!! Short bus ride to Wilfrid Laurier Campus. Convenient Location for Tenants. Both units occupied on month to month. Side parking and huge backyard. $475 + hydro/water upstairs and $650 + hydro/water downstairs. Seller pays gas and water heater rental.

$3,794 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

STOnEY CREEk

723 Ridge Road BEAuTIFuL ESCARPMENT VIEWS! Prime location on Ridge Road, close to all amenities. This property has a home suitable for renting or building your dream home. Buyer to satisfy themselves with building permits & costs.

$519 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

FREE Home Evaluation

$399,900

$1,597 per/mth P&I / O.A.C.

Crossword Solution

Get your home sold Fast!

905.575.7700 Call Today 905-575-7700


Page 10

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

September 15, 2014

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

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

paul.settimi@cogeco.net

OUR SERVICES: • • • • •

home evaluation and color consultations home staging redesign real estate photography and advertising personal shopping for home décor 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

Home Inspection

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

Call Home Smarts now for a free intro consultation!

WINNER

HouseMaster is proud to be the oldest and most experienced name in home inspections. The HouseMaster Franchise System has over 35 years of home inspection experience. HouseMaster offices have collectively performed over 2 million inspections, continuing a long tradition of quality and integrity. HouseMaster provides home buyers and sellers an independent, third-party, professional evaluation of the condition of the major elements of a home and serves the Burlington, Hamilton and surrounding areas. We are number one in North America for Open customer satisfaction for a reason seven let us show you why! days a week.

Call 905-689-4663 today

7

for more information about our services, or to book your inspection.

Buying a home through us?

Senior Downsizing

provides “Peace of Mind”

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

www. GolfiTeam .com



www.GolfiTeam.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.