INSIDE: FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS
HOMES&CONDOS T O D AY ’ S
NEW HOME BUYER’S GUIDE SERVING TORONTO & YORK REGION JANUARY 16 - 29
DISTRIBUTION: 337,500
BRADFORD
NEW RELEASE SEE PAGE 4 & 5 FOR DETAILS!
nationalhomes.com
Today’s Homes York • Thursday January 16 to Wednesday January 29, 2014 • 2
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THE CONDO LIFESTYLE AT A FABULOUS PRICE
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DOWNTOWN COMES UPTOWN WITH AN EXCITING NEW TWIST
Enjoy the carefree condo-lifestyle for thousands below city prices at Cardinal Point – Geranium’s Master Planned Ravine Community in Stouffville. Within walking distance of GO Transit, theatre, parks, art centre, shopping, dining and more, Uptownes has everything you love just steps from your door.
LOFT INSPIRED CONDO TOWNS
364
900
$ from
Two Bedroom Designs 1,401 to 1,639 sq. ft Private Roof-Top Terraces Up To 380 Sq.Ft. With Gas BBQ Hook Up Euro-Style Gourmet Kitchens Extra Tall Kitchen Cabinets Soaring 10’ Main Floor Ceilings
905-640-9999
geraniumhomes.com
SALES CENTRE
Main St
�� � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � �� � � � �� � � Prices are correct at press time and are subject to change without notice. Specific features are as per plan and series. Sq.ft. measurements are approximate. Map not to scale. See sales rep for details. The ENERGY STAR® mark is administered and promoted in Canada by Natural Resources Canada. Used with permission. E & O E.
9th Line
SITE LOCATION
Millard St Bakerhill Blv
Central Air Conditioning
Mon to Wed: 1 – 7pm Wknds & Hol: 11am – 6pm
404
Parking For Two Cars Ground Floor In-Floor Heating
John Davis Gate
Hwy 48
Fabulous Ground Floor Flex Space
Stouffville
3 • Today’s Homes York • Thursday January 16 to Wednesday January 29, 2014
UPTOWNES AT CARDINAL POINT DELIVERS
Today’s Homes York • Thursday January 16 to Wednesday January 29, 2014 • 4
COVER STORY
National opening Phase 2 in Bradford due to high demand “model homes, exclusively decorated in Pottery Barn® and West Elm® furnishings”
R
ecord sales and high demand at The Forest in Bradford have builder National Homes responding with a sooner-than-expected opening of their next Phase at this soughtafter community. Interested families should be at the Sales Office on Saturday, January 25th at 12pm sharp. At The Forest by National, you can choose from elegant detached homes on 36-ft and 40-ft lots with gracious elevations in stone, stucco and classic brick. This popular, all detached neighbourhood near Professor Day Dr. and Eighth Line is set by a natural woodlot, the perfect place to bring up a family. Visitors to The Forest are sure to be captivated by the three Model Homes, exclusively decorated in Pottery Barn® and West Elm® furnishings that epitomize elegance and ease in perfect balance. The success of The Forest comes as no surprise to National, who conduct focus groups as part of the company’s “You are the Blueprint” approach. “The needs of the customer are the driving force behind every home we build,” says National Marketing Director Deena Pantalone. “That’s why we start by learning what our buyers want and need in each community before we put pen to paper. We’ve asked our buyers what they want through focus groups and research and in Bradford, great value, double car garages and four bedroom designs topped buyers’ wish-list and these homes come
with the option of all three.” “It’s all part of National’s “You are the Blueprint positioning,” says Pantalone. It’s a different approach from most builders, but we believe that when a builder designs homes from the inside out rather than the outside in, they look a lot less like bricks and mortar and a lot more like the people who live in them.” Here, you will get much more home for your money than you would in many other neighbourhoods… especially when you look at the all the unique features you’ll find in these stylish designs, like dressing rooms, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, serveries and designs to over 3,000 sq. ft.! Amidst the rolling surrounding countryside, the historic town of Bradford is experiencing a renewal in interest by families wanting to move into its charming neighbourhoods for affordable home ownership near Newmarket, Aurora, and the GTA. A wealth of modern amenities are being opened to serve the growing population. Families at the Forest will be very close to the new library and state-of-the-art leisure centre as well as walking distance from the elementary and high schools. The fast-growing community offers all the amenities; shopping, banking, medical and a host of big box stores and restaurants. Residents will find transportation is easy with Union Station a short commute away on the GO Train, or you can take Hwy 400
and be in the GTA in 20 minutes. The Hwy 404 Extension is also coming soon. If the chance to move up to a beautiful detached home by a forest appeals to you, then you’ll want to be there when National
launches Phase 2. Visit the Sales Office at Professor Day and Breeze Drive in Bradford or visit www.nationalhomes.com or contact 416-689-7669.
5 • Today’s Homes York • Thursday January 16 to Wednesday January 29, 2014
BRADFORD
NEW RELEASE SAT. JAN. 25TH 12 NOON SHARP!
Three Model Homes Furnished by Pottery Barn®
BRADFORD
Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 1- 8 pm Sat., Sun. & Hol. 11- 6 pm
NEW RELEASE - BRADFORD - The Forest by National
Due to record sales & high demand we are releasing our next phase ahead of schedule. Brand new 36’- 40’ lots up to 3,400 sq. ft. with 2-car garages, in an all detached forest community near schools & shopping.
Detached Homes from the upper $400’s* *Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. E.&O.E. Pottery Barn is a registered trademark of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Pottery Barn is not a sponsor of this promotion, and is not affiliated with National Homes.
nationalhomes.com
Today’s Homes York • Thursday January 16 to Wednesday January 29, 2014 • 6
The Arbors Aurora coming soon from Brookfield residential Registrations are pouring in for The Arbors in Aurora, Brookfield Residential’s breathtaking new home community coming this spring. Discover luxury and value in this fresh collection of detached homes on 30’, 36’ and 43’ homesites priced from the $500s. Master-planned with remarkable beauty and prestige to make the most of its beautiful and protected woodlot surroundings, The Arbors is situated on Leslie Street, north of Wellington Street, in the heart of Aurora. Perched at the end of a secluded forest path, the home collection will grace picturesque streetscapes, and residents will enjoy having several parks and a trail system right in the neighbourhood. All of this is only minutes to a wealth of local amenities including grocery stores, banks, daycare, retail shopping, schools and restaurants to satisfy a variety of tastes. For commuters, Highway 404 and the GO Train are just down the road. Those who purchase
in the first phase will find many home choices that back onto protected woodlot land, with an existing tree line providing privacy. Travel along a secluded forest path and emerge into this vibrant community of homes on picturesque streetscapes. Brookfield’s home designs feature stunning combinations of brick and stone facades, peaked gables, carriage-inspired garage doors and sheltered porches. Fine features and finishes create awe-inspiring interiors and enhance the contemporary, open-concept layouts designed with busy families in mind. Buyers will also enjoy peace-of-mind, with Brookfield at the helm of their new home community. Brookfield Residential has built more than 25,000 homes in Ontario since 1956. The company’s ongoing commitment to quality and customer service has resulted in several highly coveted industry recognitions including the J.D. Power and Associates Award for Highest in Customer Satisfaction
and Ontario Builder of the Year from OHBA and Tarion. To find out more about The Arbors in Aurora, visit BrookfieldHomes.ca or search for Brookfield Homes Ontario on Facebook. You can see renderings of both the interiors
and exteriors of these elegant homes. Register NOW for priority information, community updates and to receive your invitation to the exciting Grand Opening. That’s Brookfieldhomes.ca.
Brookfield’s contemporary layouts are designed with families in mind
Value-packed condo living at Uptownes At Uptownes at The Neighbourhoods of Cardinal Point community, Geranium Homes offers an exciting and affordable alternative to condo apartment ownership. To help showcase the variety of options for living in these homes, the award-winning builder collaborated with Los Angelesbased Designer, Jo-Ann Capelaci, to create furnished floorplans and illustrations that are brimming with ideas for these urbanstyle townhomes in Stouffville. Prices start from the $360s and every three-storey Uptownes home includes a spacious rooftop terrace. Buyers can choose from the Chicago Series of back-to-back and The Gooderham Series of stacked units. Uptownes has the living areas that buyers most value in a home. Plans range in size from 1,401 up to 1,639 square feet and include a ground floor bonus recreation room that Capelaci shows can
easily be a home office, an exercise or games monthly maintenance fees are just $89. room. “Jo-Ann is a talented designer with Visit the Uptownes Cardinal Point Sales a particular knack for space-planning. New Centre to view a miniature scale model home buyers are finding her illustrations that illustrates the phenomenal living areas extremely helpful in understanding the many lifestyle opportunities they can enjoy in an Uptownes home,” explains Geranium’s marketing director Sue Webb Smith. Second floor main living spaces are configured in a wide open Great Room, kitchen and dining area that will be lightfilled from oversized windows and grand 10-foot ceiling heights. A powder room is included on this floor. Two generously-sized bedrooms are on the third floor along with the buyer’s choice of either two standard bathrooms or one luxury bathroom. A large rooftop terrace, which range in size from 279 up to 380 square feet, provides a top floor outdoor oasis. Every home has a single car garage plus driveway parking. Low Illustrations bring the Uptownes to life.
of these exciting urban-style homes. The Centre is on Millard Street, east off Highway 48 and north of Stouffville Road. Call 905640-9999 or visit GeraniumHomes.com.
Heathwood introduces exclusive first time buyers program at Hampshire Mews
T
he opportunity to own a home at Hampshire Mews in Richmond Hill is more exciting than ever before, now that Heathwood Homes has introduced the “First Time Buyers Program.” Purchase before the end of February, and you can save thousands at this very special community of three-bedroom Urban Towns and Luxury Towns on Yonge Street north of Elgin Mills Road. Qualified first-time buyers who take advantage of the new program can come “Home at Last®” for less. Start with just 5 per cent down – then Heathwood will contribute 20 per cent of the maximum single RRSP contribution toward your purchase, which amounts to $5,000! Heathwood is also including a Land Transfer Tax rebate of $2,000 and two full years of FREE
maintenance (a $2,800 value). Even better, Heathwood will work with you to maximize your RRSP tax savings – which will save you thousands more (to qualified buyers - see a sales representative for details). Heathwood’s “Inspired Designs for Modern Living” offer beautiful spacemaximizing layouts that can accommodate a range of homeowner needs and include granite kitchen countertops, central air conditioning, five appliances and an upgraded stainless steel range hood. In addition receive professional moving services provided by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® - a $1,500 value! All of this can be yours in a wellestablished, transit-friendly neighborhood close to shops, parks, schools, recreation centers, Regional transit, VIVA, GO Transit
and major highways. The homes range from 1,037 to 1475 sq. ft. and are priced from the mid $400’s – remarkable value for this coveted area. Remember, the First Time Buyers Program is available only until
February 28, 2014. Act now to come “Home at Last®” for less! Visit Heathwood’s Sales Centre at Yonge Street and 19th Avenue/Gamble Road. www.heathwood.com.
The Urban Towns at Hampshire Mews feature bright, open-concept living spaces
D
iscover dream homes galore in the prestigious Village of King City, where Great Gulf offers a collection of million-dollar estate residences at King Oaks, a community situated partially on the breathtaking Oak Ridges Moraine. Named the Ontario Home Builders’ Association’s 2013 “Community of the Year - Low-rise” Prestige Award winner, King Oaks is also home to Great Gulf’s 6,050 square-foot Ascot (Elevation A) design, which was named OHBA’s “Most Outstanding Home (Two storeys 2,501 square feet and over).” Appointed by the renowned Gluckstein Design, this five-bedroom model was designed with an upscale family with children in mind and showcases the community’s livable luxury at its finest. From its transitional elevation and lush landscaping to interior details such as millwork built-ins, 8-foot doors, wall paneling and full-size basement spa, this model is truly sensational.
“enhanced with rich accents of natural wood and quarried stone” A walk through the model illustrates exactly why the Ascot won the Prestige award – and later this month, Great Gulf offers the perfect opportunity to experience luxury estate-style living with a cosy family feel. On Saturday and Sunday, January 25 and 26 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., Gluckstein Design will present free seminars on “Decorating for Large Spaces” to make them feel intimate and cosy. The seminars will be held in the stunning Ascot model, where you can see firsthand the sumptuous level of appointments that discriminating purchasers can expect, as well as the effect of furniture placement, accessories, fabrics and finishes in creating warm, family-oriented spaces. Registration is required, and spaces will fill up quickly. To reserve your spot, visit greatgulf.com/largespaces. Situated in the rolling hills of King Township, Great Gulf’s magnificent residences at King Oaks are surrounded by some of the GTA’s most exclusive estate homes, as well as the beauty of pristine nature. This neighbourhood is also conveniently located close to excellent schools, a community centre, arena, parks and the King City GO Station. The area offers golf courses, hiking trails, fishing, horseback riding and year-round wildlife viewing – the perfect balance between recreation and relaxation. Each of Great Gulf’s homes in King Oaks is enhanced with rich accents of natural wood and quarried stone, 10’ main floor ceilings, 9’ second floor and basement ceilings, oak main floor staircases, fixtures from Blanco and Hansgrohe, a high-performance engineered flooring system, plus hardwood and porcelain flooring choices.
Great Gulf’s gracious estate residences on 70’ extra-deep lots at King Oaks are available in sizes from 2,885 to 6,050 sq. ft., and are priced from $1.25 million. Now celebrating 35 years of homeowner satisfaction, more than 40,000 families call a Great Gulf neighbourhood home. The Great Gulf Presentation Centre is located at 55 Richard Serra Court – on the east side of Keele Street, south of King Road, across from the King City GO Station. For hours and more information, call 905-833-6413 or visit www.greatgulf.com.
GREAT GULF HOMES PRESENTS
DECORATING FOR
LARGE SPACES 2 FREE EVENTS FEATURING
Great Gulf Homes has teamed up with internationally acclaimed Gluckstein Design, Canada’s pre-eminent Home Design and Decorating firm to help you: • Bring a cozy family feel to large space rooms. • Personalize your large spaces through the use and placement of furniture, moulding, flooring, colour, fabrics, accessories and do it yourself art projects.
JANUARY 25 & 26 2:00 — 3:30 PM The Ascot Home King Oaks 55 Richard Serra Court King City (905) 833-6413
REGISTER NOW The Ascot Home, King Oaks 55 Richard Serra Court King City
at greatgulf.com/
largespaces
for one of these FREE Events! Spaces will fill up very quickly!
GREATGULF.COM
7 • Today’s Homes York • Thursday January 16 to Wednesday January 29, 2014
Spectacular model of luxury living at Great Gulf’s multi-award-winning King Oaks community
Today’s Homes York • Thursday January 16 to Wednesday January 29, 2014 • 8
1ST TIME HOME BUYER
Make your first home choice a new one
I
n looking back over my life thus far, I can honestly say that buying our first home decades ago was one of the best moves my husband and I ever made. Over the years, we built enough equity to move up to a larger home and add substantially to our retirement portfolio. We have borrowed against the equity to finance other major purchases, and it even helped when we were putting kids through college and university. In other words, owning our home has given us financial options when the expected – and unexpected – happened. If you are considering buying a new home, welcome to Today’s Homes & Condominiums! We enjoy providing our readers with information about the choices in York Region and beyond. In this issue, we take a look at first-time homeownership and offer advice for those of you thinking about taking this major life step. We are grateful to industry icon Hugh Heron for offering his unique viewpoint on why now is a great time to get into the real estate market. The reasons for buying new are many and varied, from Tarion warranty coverage to better energy efficiency than ever before. Today’s home designs are works of art when it comes to space maximization. First-time buyers are typically on a strict budget as to what they can afford, and the good news is that even more compact new homes and condominiums “live” larger than their square footage. In fact, when you are home shopping, pay as much attention to layout as to square footage. It can make all the difference in how well the design will
Dorothea Helms Connects people and ideas, and can be reached at writer@wsws.ca
accommodate your needs and preferences. Speaking of preferences, if you buy a new home during the pre-construction phase, you have the fun of selecting the colours, features and finishes that will personalize your surroundings. Nowadays, you have spectacular choices. Even the standard features are phenomenal, and in many cases, are former upgrades. First-time buyers often find they don’t need to upgrade to achieve amazing beauty and functionality. So, enjoy the hunt for your perfect first home, and be sure to go about it as an educated consumer. Read what you can online, visit sales offices, tour model homes and suites when you can, and ask questions. Check out all the avenues that are open to you as a first-time buyer, such as using some of your RRSP’s toward the down payment. Find out whether the builder is offering special financial programs as well. Find yourself a good lawyer who is well versed in real estate law, and sign documents only when you fully understand them. Look into the reputations of the builders you are considering. Be realistic about location; try your work commute from the new home you are considering during rush hour. If you don’t own a vehicle, is there public transportation easily accessible? As exciting as it is to buy your first home, take some time to consider all factors so that you make the best decision for you. Again, congratulations on investing in your financial and lifestyle futures with a new home!
The real story on real estate
Hugh Heron
Principal and Partner in the Heron Group of Companies and President of Heathwood Homes
H
umour writer Will Rogers once said, “Buy land. They ain’t making any more of the stuff.” This statement is funny, because it’s true. One of the largest and best financial investments you will ever make is real estate. Beyond a collection of numbers on paper like stocks and bonds, land and a home are tangible assets that will most likely increase in value over time. Historically, that is what has happened for homeowners across the Greater Toronto Area. Imagine how people feel who purchased homes years ago and are selling them now. They built equity that is enabling them to move up, down or whatever fits their life circumstances at the moment. That’s what homeownership means – possibilities. Owning a home is the dream of most Canadians for other reasons as well. Having a place of your own provides you with a true
sense of putting down roots and belonging. There is something psychologically pleasing about this major step. If you choose to buy a new home, all the better. Today’s communities are planned to make the most of the land and local amenities for a higher quality of life. You also benefit from Tarion Warranty Corporation coverage for years, which can save you a lot of money and headaches over having to renovate a resale home. New homes are also built to the latest and greatest techniques, materials and quality, with Ontario Building Code being amended every few years to demand stricter criteria. Homes nowadays are more energy efficient than ever before, which saves you money in energy costs – something that is important to first-time buyers on a limited budget. When you buy new during the pre-construction phase, you get to choose your features and finishes to personalize
your space and make it feel like “home” to you. In addition, buying early means you have more time to save for your down payment. Just picture how great it will be to walk into your new home as the very first owner, when everything is fresh and clean! The advantages of buying new for your first home purchase are great – and even better, you have a lot of wonderful choices out there. Remember to take this important step carefully. Find out as much as you can ahead of time before you sign on the bottom line. Avoid going into your new home shopping with preconceived ideas about what you can afford. With all the help out there for first-time buyers in Canada, you may be surprised. Check the websites of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), Ontario and Canada Home Builders’ Associations, banks,
etc. Ask your mortgage provider, parents and anyone else you know who can offer advice. Buy sooner rather than later, as our tremendously low mortgage rates won’t last forever. In the long run, a lower rate will save you thousands and thousands over the course of your amortization. Remember what Will Rogers said. Our source of land is limited, especially for low-rise communities in the GTA. Buy now, while you still can! Hugh Heron is Principal and Partner in the Heron Group of Companies and President of Heathwood Homes, as well as a former Member of the Board of Directors of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and a Past President of the Toronto Home Builders’ Association and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association.
•
PHASE 2
• NOW OPEN • STARTING PRICE $ 433,900 * UP TO 2,503 SQ.FT.
Stouffville Rd.
SALES CENTRE
9th Line
SITE
9th Line
SINGLES
Markham Rd.
36' & 40'
Bethesda Rd.
HWY 404
TOWNHOMES
Bloomington Rd.
York-Durham Line
F R E E HO L D
Main St.
HWY 407
SALES CENTRE HOURS: Monday - Thursday: 1pm - 8pm • Friday: Closed • Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 11am - 6pm
starlanehomes.com /starlanehomes
/starlanehomes
*Limited quantities available in some price ranges to qualified purchasers. Prices & information correct at press time. Map not to scale. Some lots may have premiums. E.O.& E. Conditions may apply.
9 • Today’s Homes York • Thursday January 16 to Wednesday January 29, 2014
STOUFFVILLE
Today’s Homes York • Thursday January 16 to Wednesday January 29, 2014 • 10
mattamyhomes.com
Today Find New Home Designs Backing Onto Greenspace In St. John's Forest. St. John’s Forest is a new community with features such as playgrounds, walking/biking trails and homes with front porches to sit and watch the day go by. We are happy to announce we have just released new Townhome, 30' and 36' home designs in our latest release, many backing onto greenspace. Townhomes in St. John’s Forest are always in great demand and this new collection is no exception. With all these new home designs we’re sure you’ll find a home that perfectly suits your family’s wants and needs. Come visit us today and start enjoying life in prestigious Aurora. To
view all the floor plans in St. John’s Forest visit: www.mattamyhomes.com Sales Centre St. John’s Sideroad
36' Home, The Vanessa, Elev. ‘G’, 2,448 Sq.Ft., $654,990
Hwy 404
30' Home, The Bayfield, Elev. ‘F’, 1,469 Sq.Ft., $529,990
Hwy 404
Leslie St.
Bayview Ave. Wellington St.
404
Aurora Rd.
Townhomes From $429,990 • Detached Homes From $519,990
St.John’s FORE ST AU RO R A
Follow us: All illustrations are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.
Presentation Centre Hours: Monday to Thursday 1pm-8pm; Friday 1pm-6pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am-6pm
11 • Today’s Homes York • Thursday January 16 to Wednesday January 29, 2014
9560 Markham Road 905.554.5015 Monday - Friday 12 - 6pm Weekends & Holidays 12 - 5pm
t hema rkcon dos .ca
THE VALUE STACKS UP! • Your floor. Your suite. One incredible price.* • Up to $15,000 cash back.** • 2 year free maintenance on all suites.**
/ TheMarkCondos
@TheMarkCondos
Value priced from the mid $200’s.
*Limited time offer on all available suites in individual stacks from floors 2 through 17. **Limited time offer, see sales representative for details. Prices, sizes and specifications subject to change without notice. Exclusive listing brokerage: TFN Realty Inc. Brokers Protected. E. & O. E. Illustration is artist’s impression.
SAVE THOUSANDS
WITH HEATHWOOD’S EXCLUSIVE NEW
Here’s what you get…but ONLY if you buy before the end of February!
*
*
Heathwood gives 20% of the maximum RRSP contribution towards your down payment.*
Heathwood will match the provincial Land Transfer Tax rebate with an additional $2,000.
* For two full years -a $2,800 value*
and ONLY 5% total down payment.*
PLUS save $THOUSANDS$ more using the RRSP Home Buyer Plan*
Urban Towns Heathwood.com
Starting from
$449,900 RICHMOND HILL
Sales Office Hours Mon. to Thurs.: 9am – 8pm, Friday: Closed, Sat., Sun. & Hol.: 11am – 6pm
416-637-3520 *Available to qualified buyers only - See sales representative for details. Available until February 28th, 2014 Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E. & O. E. ENERGY STAR® mark is administered by Natural Resources Canada. Renderings is artist’s concept.
SALES OFFICE
YORKLAND ST.
Today’s Homes York • Thursday January 16 to Wednesday January 29, 2014 • 12
BUY BEFORE FEBRUARY 28TH &
SILVERWOOD AVE.