Feb. 20, 2012 Issue 42

P R E S E N T E D B Y T H E G O L F I T E A M

February 20, 2012 - Vol 36a

Rob GolfiSales Representative


HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

MarketWatch February B 2012_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 16/02/12 3:11 PM

The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch February 20, 2012

www.GolfiTeam.com

Since the inception ofhis career in 1997,Rob Golfi has

recognized that understandinghis clients’ needs is essential toproviding excellent service.

As business grew, Robassembled the Golfi Team in aneffort to maintain the samelevel of professionalism clientshave come to expect. Shortlythereafter in 2003, the teamreceived the prestigious honourof being among the top 100Real Estate Teams forRE/MAX Canada, and thisstatus continues to date.

Rob’s experience andaggressive negotiating skillshave earned him every majorhonour awarded by RE/MAX,including President’s Club,100% Club, Platinum Club,Chairman’s Club, Hall of Famein 2003, the Lifetime Achieve -ment Award in 2006, hisSRES® designation in 2009 andthe Diamond Club Award in2010. Having worked with

many of the industry’sprofessionals over the years, hehas the necessary edge to bestnegotiate the sale of your home.

Any agent can list yourhouse, but Rob’s knowledge,extensive marketingbackground and dedicationgives clients peace of mindwhen dealing with the singlemost important investment intheir lives. With years ofcombined experience, the GolfiTeam can provide your homewith a level of exposure thatmost agents cannot. Utilizing ateam approach also means thatthey will likely find a purchaserto buy your home sooner, ratherthan waiting for other agents toapproach you with potentialbuyers.

Ranked in the top 5 of nearly2,000 sales agents in theHamilton-Burlington and Niagaraareas, listing with Rob and theGolfi Team is the right choicewhen choosing someone torepresent your best interest. -Å

About Rob Golfi

The Solution

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.

4 7 16

5 4

6 7 1 4

2 8 9 7

1 8 65

3 4 89

2 5

7 8 36

SUDOKUSUDOKU

423751 896

851642 973

679235 184

268594 731

517369 428

394186 257

132478 569

946827 31

785913 642

5

Crossword Puzzle(Solution on Page 6)

Across

1. 1 Disconcert (4)

2. 3 Vital pre-mobile

communications facility? (5,3)

3. 9 Suited to polite society (7)

4. 10 Strong drink (5)

5. 11 Cove (5)

6. 12 Jaundiced — yolk (6)

7. 14 Powerful mainframe hardware

(13)

8. 17 Merged (6)

9. 19 Clean —finish off (3,2)

10.22 Rejoice greatly (5)

11.23 Defamation (7)

12.24 Capital of Hawaii (8)

13.25 Network (4)

Down

1. 1 Most unclear (8)

2. 2 Of a region (5)

3. 4 LA's natural amphitheatre (9,4)

4. 5 Maritime (5)

5. 6 Upright support found in

sleeping chamber (7)

6. 7 Internal "photo" (1-3)

7. 8 Quarter — subdivision (6)

8. 13 Hit crypt (anag) — painting (8)

9. 15 King or emperor? (7)

10.16 Spot (6)

11.18 Everything added together (5)

12.20 Vexation (5)

13.21 Absolutely! (4)

“This home practically pays for itself. It’s locatedon a very windy street, next to an ATM machine!”

MarketWatch February B 2012_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 16/02/12 3:11 PM Page 2

Call Today 905-575-7700

February 20, 2012 The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch

GET YOUR HOME

SOLD TODAY!

905-575-7700

*#1 Brokerage in the Realtors Association of Hamilton Burlington MLS from 1994 to 2010 consecutively. **Year End Standings for 2010, based on residential commissions paid. Rankings are compiled from figures submitted by regional offices.

3 Over $60 Million in Sales Annually**

3 #1 Real Estate Office in Hamilton-Burlington*

3 Amongst the Top Sales Reps in Ontario**

3 Ranked Top 50 Teams in Canada for **

3 Ranked Top 100 Teams world wide**

Facts About the GOLFI TEAM…

2003 2006 201020031998

LOOK WHAT WE'VE SOLD!


OVER $460 MILLION IN REAL ESTATE SALES

haMilton $149,900

101 Cope StreetBIG 1.5 STORY on a great street in the East end ofHamilton. Old world charm, big front porch, wide driveway,good size garage and backyard, mud room in the back forstorage or play area. Walk to school and major bus line,shopping nearby. Hardwood under carpet in big living anddining room. Basemt laundry and storage. Quick closing.

BeaMSville $219,900

5455 King StreetWill Not Last. Exciting opportunity with this 3bed bungalow. New carpet in living room,dining room, hallway and bedrooms. Homefeatures a generous living room and eat-inkitchen. Let the kids run in the oversizedbackyard.

SOLD IN 16 DAYS

SOLD IN 29 DAYS

Stoney Creek $389,900

181 Montreal CircleGorgeous, all brick, 2250 SqFt classic 2 storey.Features quality upgrades & includes 9ftceilings, family sized great rm, big formaldining rm, stylish kitchen w/lots of cupboards &granite, gleaming hardwd flrs, extra deep lot allfenced in, & a roughed-in bath in basement.


34 Regis CourtGreat location on quiet court. This charming,fenced 4 lvl back split sitting on 150 ft deep lot.Large country size kitchen overlooking familyroom with gas fireplace, beautiful hardwd inliving & dining room, Master with ensuite, newshingles ’05, close to shopping, schools & buses.

St. CatharineS $249,900

61 Croydon DriveCharming home takes you by surprise! Updatedbirch kitchen w/granite counters, hardwdthroughout main flr, mostly updated vinylwindows, new shingles 08, new furnace & C/air05, finished rec-rm w/new Berber carpeting &showcase gas FP, updated bathrm in basement.


121 King Street EastBring your tool belt and make this your dreamhome! Fantastic opportunity on large L-shaped77.83 x 142.60 foot lot! 1.5 Storey all brickhome with partially finished basement. Close toall amenities and walking distance to downtownStoney Creek. Make an offer!

haMilton Mtn $299,900

65 Princeton DriveThis all brick, oversized 4 level backsplit inSherwood heights neighborhood is available forimmediate possession! Features updated vinylwindows, updated shingles, beautiful hardwood& ceramic floors, second kitchen in lower level,great in-law potential, sun-room, & fence yard.

Caledonia $249,500

21 Orkney Street West2 Sty, 3 BR home in a mature neighbourhood.Features lrg DR, LR w/gas FP, lrg eat in kit,Hardwd flrs, 3 good sized BRs & 4pc bathrm,lrg deck. Upgrades incl. a new 14x30 detachedgarage, new fencing, new driveway, roof ‘07,C/A ‘07, & most windows replaced.

SMithville $274,900

122 Golden Acres DriveImmaculate, oversized 1350 sq.ft. backsplit!Fin. basement, beautiful hardwood floors, brightkitchen with oak cabinets leads to side yard with2 tiered deck, spacious family room with fp,master bedroom w/French doors to balcony,fenced yard w/gorgeous perennial gardens.

SOLD FOR 99.5% OF LIST

SOLD IN 7 DAYS

SOLD TO TORONTO BUYER

SOLD IN 19 DAYS

SOLD TO OUT CASH BUYER

SOLD FOR 98% OF LIST IN 30 DAYS

SOLD FOR FULL PRICE

Stoney Creek Mtn $279,000

129 Slinger AvenueCharming raised ranch. Beautifully landscaped,ideal for growing family. Features new stylishkitchen with pantry & breakfast bar, hardwd flrsin front room & hallway. Enjoy lounging in thefully finished basment w/bedroom & bathroom.Close to amenities & schools.Call 905-575-7700.

SOLD TO MY CASH BUYER


Call Today 905-575-7700


The Golfi Team has Maximum Internet Exposure to Get Your Home SOLD!

Call today! 905-575-7700

Rob Golfi*

Hamilton, Stoney Creek,Ancaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

haMilton eaSt $189,900

34 Barons Avenue3 or 4 bedroom home w/highway access, schools& shopping nearby. Loads of updates, somenewer windows, roof 2011, furnace & tank 1998,main bath remodelled & new bath in basement.Fully fenced yard w/gate at driveway. Rear patio& big shed.


326 Jones RoadLarge duplex on 100 x 150 ft lot. Two 3 bdrmunits plus professionally finished 1 bdrm in-lawsuite in basement. 1.5 car garage & parking forup to 10 cars with multiple street access. Hugeprivate fenced backyard. Great investmentopportunity! Incredible income potential!


194 Millen RoadOld world charm w/modern conveniences.Beautifully renovated 2-storey with maplehardwood & ceramics on main flr. Family-sizedmaple kitchen w/tumbled marble backsplash &pot lighting. Large Master w/rich hotel styleensuite & W/I closet. Fresh paint, vinyl windows.

haMilton eaSt $92,400

399 Fairfield AvenueSpacious 1 BR bungalow! Incl updated kitchenw/lots of counter space, fenced yard, new roofshingles & high efficiency furnace (gas on equalbilling $66.00 month!), 100amp on breakers, big reardeck w/awning, A/C, big bathrm & lots of storagein bsmt. Can be 2 BR if needed. Shows great!


202 Winston PlaceWalk to Mac!! All brick 3+3 bedroom home!Newer shingles, new windows, Hi eff furnace &C/Air (07), oversized water heater (05), newerplumbing & water line. Bsmt waterproofed, smokedetectors handwired, Ethernet/cable in all rooms!$2100 income per month tenants pay utilities.


35 Ivybridge Drive2400 sq ft. home overflowing w/upgrades incl. 9 ftceilings, hardwood flrs, loaded kitchen w/granite countertops, formal dining rm, slate floors, crown moulding,spiral staircase, showcase gas fireplace, 4 large sunnybedrms, rich hotel style ensuite bath, main floor den,bedrm level laundry, backing onto green space with pond.

haMilton Ctr $104,500

18 Francis StreetBig home w/loads of updates, great private yardw/concrete patio, big fully fenced garden withshed, room for a big RV & 3 car parking. Homeshows great. Close to General hospital. 100 ampbreakers, new shingles in 2009 (stripped), newwindows, siding, furnace and central air in 2008.

haMilton WeSt $339,900

260 Bay Street S., Unit 2Gorgeous Durand area condo! Only 3 units inthis building, part of 86 Herkimer conversion.Separate garage, locker in bsmt. Access to rooftop terrace in 86 Herkimer. Shows 10++w/upgraded fixtures, cabinets, counters,lighting, window treatments, & appliances.


132 Millen RoadAWESOME BEAUTY. Completely updated,hardwd flrs, kitchen w/maple cabinets, granitecounters, bathrms updated, crown moulding,spiral staircase, exterior has all new eaves facia& soffits, new shingles, new siding with stoneskirt, fenced yard, undergrd sprinkler system.

haMilton $114,900

294 Emerald Street NorthLive mortgage free! With the upstairs apartmentrental of $625/mth your mortgage is paid.Freshly painted w/shingles 4 yrs old. Separateentrance to all floors. Parking for up to 6 cars inthe back. Owner occupies main floor, withboarder in the basement.

haMilton $299,900

292 Delancey BoulevardBeautiful 4 BR, 2 stry home. Features family rmw/sliding door to yard, separate DR, ceramics inkit, 2.5 baths, master BR w/ensuite, laminatedflrs, unspoiled bsmnt, & dble garage & drive for4 cars. Updates incl. windows & shingles in ‘10.Close to amenities.


956 Stone Church Road EastWell maintained home, clean as a whistle andupdates galore. Immaculate backsplit, could beused as in-law w/entrance to lower level fromgarage and side door. Skylight in kitchen,neutral colors throughout. Huge lot. Concretedeck and walkways with interlock driveway.

haMilton Mtn $1,700/Month

87 Mountain Park AvenueLease property. Prime Location on MountainBrow over looking the city with amazing views.Close to hospitals, public transit, highways andall amenities. Credit Check, Rental applicationrequired for all offers, tenants pay all utilities.One year lease required. Easy to show.


23 Vineberg DriveOver 2000 sq ft., 4 level backsplit! Family roomw/fireplace, big kitchen w/oak cabinets &island, vaulted ceilings in LR/DR, open fromkitchen to family rm, big rooms & walkout tocovered patio w/3 year old hot tub. Turner park,shopping, & YMCA all within walking distance.

haMilton Ctr $134,900

86 Rosemont AvenueClean, bright & immaculate 3 bedrm all brick2.5 storey home avail for immed possession.Features updated kit. cabinets, spacious living &dinning rm w/neutral colour ceramics, 2 pc bathin basement with 2nd kitch, private side drive,fenced in yard, close to busses & shopping

haMilton $196,900

37 Ferrie Street WestPride of Ownership in this 3 bedroom 2 storeyfamily home. This home offers a large LR &separate DR, newer carpeting & a private backdeck. Updates incl. renovated kitchen ('09),Windows ('08), flooring on main level ('09), roof('10), & updated electrical w/100 amp service.


518-500 Green RoadBeautifully maintained and upgraded suite withbreathtaking views from windows and balcony.Features new furnace & c/air system, new 800series doors, freshly painted, amenities includepool, gym, sauna, library, work shop, squashcourts, locker #14, and a parking spot.

RENTAL


BeaMSville $339,900

4034 Barry Drive Trendy, stylish raised ranch! This cozy 1100sqft. features 9-ft ceilings w/bright big windows,hardwd flrs, kit. w/walk out to patio, renovatedbathrm, sun filled basement w/family rm, gas FP& spare BR w/full bathrm. Fantastic escarpmentneighbourhood w/an extra deep lot

vineland $310,000

3380 Dustan StreetLakefront community living in comfort and style.This 2 bedroom bungalow features relaxing frontporch, 9ft ceilings, 2 full bathrooms, central airconditioning, spacious deck off of kitchen, mainfloor laundry. Homeowner Assoc. fee $30/mo foruse of waterfront clubhouse and beach.

BeaMSville $267,900

5103 Connor Drive2 Storey freehold townhome, backing onto park!Home features $20,000 in upgrades, 3pc ensuite,walk in closet, maple cupboards, Californiashutters, C/Air, C/Vacuum, Alarm, access fromgarage to rear, yard, minutes to all amenities.

BeaMSville $249,900

5120 Connor DriveFabulous end unit freehold Bungalow 1,110 sqft!90 day closing avail. Come & visit our modelhome & be wowed on this Energy Guide &Tested Home. Incl great size bedroomss w/3 pcensuite off master, kitchen area overlookingfamily rm, attached to next unit only at garage.

BeaMSville $339,900

4092 Mountain StreetWant quality, this house is for you! This one flrplan incl. $20,000 in extras, California knockdown ceilings, rounded corners, 120 sq.ft. ofhrdwd flrs, upgraded trim package, maple kit,asphalt drv & much more! Approx 1445 sq.ft.similar to be built.

BeaMSville $249,900

5143 Connor DriveFabulous end unit freehold Bungalow 1110 sqftavail. for 60-90 day closing. Come & visit ourmodel home & wowed on this Energy Guide &Tested home. Incl. great size BRs w/4pc ensuiteoff master, kitchen area overlooking family rm,attached to neighbouring unit at the garage only.

GriMSBy $324,900

24 Red Haven DriveBright and Airy. Lovely one floor semi in astylish neighbourhood. This home features alovely eat-in kitchen, spacious living rm/diningrm w/ open staircase to finished basementcomplete w/ large fin recroom and extra bedrm

GriMSBy $249,900

41 Kenyon CrescentFabulous freehold end unit townhouse! Openconcept main flr w/kitchen, dinette & living rm.Patio door overlooks fenced yard & a 2-tieredwooden deck. Lrg master w/full wall closet, plus2 extra large bedrooms & a 4pc bath. FinishedRec rm w/2pc bath & area for a home office/bar.

St CatharineS $384,000

40 Glenridge AvenueStylish Old Glenridge Living. This stunning 1-1/2 storey beauty provides the classic beautyof its age and the updates you would expect.This 3 bedroom home oozes character from themoment your drive up!

BeaMSville $236,900

5137 Connor Drive2 Storey freehold town home 1386 sq.ft. Similarto be built. Features includes great sized BRsw/3pc ensuite & walk in closet off master, kitw/breakfast area overlooking family room,available for 60 day possession, access fromgarage to rear yard, & min to all amenities.

GriMSBy $172,900

#31-125 Livingston AvenueGreat Value in this lovely 3 bedroom end unittownhome! Amazing escarpment views fromyour patio door. Freshly painted, hardwood flrson upper & main levels. Corner gas fireplace inthe living room. Plenty of parking, close toamenities and go station.

www.GolfiTeam.com

Rob Golfi*

Grimsby, Lincoln West Lincoln & Niagara

GriMSBy $356,900

519 Ridge Road East1.37 acres on escarpment ravine near BruceTrail! Features geothermal system Jan ’10,insulated roof, newer windows, amazing lowenergy costs, large 2.5 car garage, large deckw/above ground solar heated pool, and charmingcedar-sided home with large eat-in kitchen.

GriMSBy $255,000

15 Adelaide StreetFantastic Investment Opportunity, Duplex withinthe downtown core. 2 bedrm unit on main level& 1 bedroom unit on upper level. Gross incomeof $1885/mth. Includes large double car garage,shingles approx 4 yrs new, and new furnace2011. Please allow 24 Hrs for showings.

St. CatharineS $147,900

45 McGhieMove Right in! This 2 bedroom home is in agreat location w/easy access to the QEW. Lots ofhardwood floors, newer windows, furnace ‘03,updated panel and wiring, covered front porch,and a nice backyard.

GriMSBy $549,900

34 Golf Woods DriveGorgeous 2+2 bedroom bungalow with main flrlaundry, in desirable neighbourhood. In-law setupon lower level with private walk-out. Beautifulhardwood floors with cathedral ceilings and gasfireplace. Master bedroom has luxury ensuite andwalk-in closet. Shows like a dream!


HomeevaluationNo Cost or Obligation

Call the Golfiteam today!

905-945-0188BUNGALOWBUNGALOW

SMithville $399,900

146 Rock StreetOutstanding & immaculate Custom built 2350sq.ft. Facing park, loaded w/upgrades, featuresmaple kitchen with antique finish and granitecounters, gleaming hardwood flrs, porceline tile,California shutters, luxury ensuite master bedrmwith French doors leading to 16x24 covered patio.

BeaMSville $239,900

4181 Fly RoadCharacter home circa 1800’s gracefully set inscenic village of Campden. This 3/4 acre lot isjust minutes away from wineries, & features 3great big bedrms, lrg country size kitchen, mainflr laundry, gorgeous plank flooring, tripledetached 24 x 24 ft. garage/workshop.

GriMSBy $179,900

49 Ontario Street, Unit#14Stunning townhome! Quality finishesthroughout incl. hardwd flring, kit w/breakfastbar, oversized master BR, walk-in closet, & amain floor bath. Condo fees are $290.00/month& incl. C/Air, & exterior maintenance, buildinginsururance, hydro, parking, & water.

GriMSBy $1,499,900

143 Lake StreetFabulous waterfront property! Custom built,3000 sq ft home with lake views from everyroom. Maple hardwood floors, granite counters,master suite with access to back deck, ensuiteand walk-in shower. Handicap adaptable!

WATERFRONTIN-LAW SETUP



www.golfiteam.com

BONDSEAL CANADAThe Waterproofing Specialists

Specializing in Concrete Crack Repairs:Dry, Seeping or Gushing

All MethodsInterExterior

John [email protected]

MaximumExposure Sells

Your Homewww.golfiteam.com

The Golfi Team is ranked in the

Top 100 Re/max Teams in Canada.

MenusOnly.com is an online restaurant menu guide connecting

you with great restaurants in the Hamilton and Burlington areas.

Browse through restaurant menus, view pictures of restaurant

dining areas, patios, and menu items, and print local restaurant

coupons all in one place. MenusOnly.com – a perfect dining expe-

rience starts here.

Acity’sh e r -i t a g e

should be asense ofpride. It hon-ours the past,while allow-ing the futureto evolve.But manypeople com-plain that a

heritage designation lowers a proper-ty’s value because it limits what anew owner can do with it.

I believe that’s a myth and here’swhy.Ontario’s Heritage Act guidesmunicipalities in supporting heritageefforts.

Most city heritage staff work witha committee of citizens and localpoliticians who advise city counciland act as a resource on heritageissues. The city clerk keeps a registerof all heritage properties.

About 4,500 homes in Torontoand 280 in Mississauga are designat-ed heritage properties while there aremany others that are “listed.” Listedmeans the property appears in thecity’s heritage register, but it has notyet been fully researched or docu-mented so it is not yet protected bythe Heritage Act.

Here is what the heritage commit-tee looks for in deciding whether aproperty should be designated:

• It has significant architecturalvalue.

• It relates to a significant personor event in the history of a city orhelps us understand the character ofour community or area.

• It displays a high degree ofcraftsmanship, artistic merit or scien-tific or technical achievement.

• It is a landmark.• It does not have to be old. Roy

Thomson Hall and the CN Tower are

parts of our modern heritage and aresymbols that define Toronto to theworld.

• It preserves the valuable legacyof the past.

As an example, the AdamsonEstate on Enola Ave. in Mississaugawas built in 1920. Mabel Cawthra andAgar Adamson commissioned theFlemish gabled mansion, inspired bytheir World War I experience inBelgium and the Toronto firm Sproattand Rolph designed it. The Cawthrafamily, one of the oldest in modernMississauga, traces their roots backalmost 500 years to Yorkshire,England.

The main criticism of a heritagedesignation is the myth that it willreduce the value of a property. Hereare some of the benefits:

• Studies have shown that her-itage properties increase in value atthe same rate as non-designated prop-erties. The Flatiron building locatedwhere Front, Wellington and Churchstreets meet in Toronto can charge thesame rent as Triple A buildings near-by. It is also cool to be there.

• You may have access to heritagegrant programs to improve your prop-erty.

• Heritage staff can help withadvice on renovations.

• There may be rebates on proper-ty taxes.

• There is an increased sense ofpride of ownership and civic respon-sibility.

There are also points to remem-ber whether you’re buying or sellinga heritage home. If you’re selling one,be sure to market the heritage desig-nation as a positive feature.

Although there are added steps todemolish or alter a heritage home, ifyou work with city heritage staff andunderstand how to make your appli-cation, it should not take much moretime than a regular building permit.

Interiors of the home are usually notincluded in the designation, so youcan do almost any interior renovation,similar to a non-designated home.

Remember that you are sellingsomething special — a piece of ourhistory.

If you are making an applicationto change or renovate a heritagehome, be sure to tell the story of yourhome, with detailed photographs ofwhat it looks like today and what itwill look like.

Use the committee members foradvice and guidance before you makeyour application, whether it is aboutbuilding materials, style or even landelevations. The committee membersmay include architects and historians,who can give valuable input based ontheir own years of experience. This islikely to assist you in increasing thevalue of your heritage home.

Would you change the shape of

the piece of sculpture on your man-tle? How about painting a differentcolour on that original piece of artyou own? Think of the external archi-tecture of a heritage home the sameway and increase your sense of pridewith your own home ownership.

by Mark Weisleder

The Hidden Value in Heritage Properties

The Adamson Estate in Mississauga.

Crossword Solution


Call Today 905-575-7700



Ashley SidlerSales Representative

Mike McNeilSales Representative

Rosemarie FournierListing Co-ordinator

Jaclyn RossOffice Manager

Together… Delivering More!

Home evaluationNo Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today!

905-575-7700 / 905-945-0188

Sharon StaffordSales Representative

Heather ReidSales Representative

Hans MarcellissenSales Representative

Wendy Murray-NicholsonSales Representative

Housing markets are expect-ed to remain steady in 2012and 2013, according to

Canada Mortgage and HousingCorporation’s (CMHC) first quarter2012.

“With the Canadian economy set toexpand at a moderate pace and mort-gage rates expected to remain low,activity levels in 2012 in both newhome construction and sales of existinghomes will stay close to levels seen in2011,” said Mathieu Laberge, DeputyChief Economist for CMHC.

Housing starts will be in the rangeof 164,000 to 212,700 units in 2012,with a point forecast of 190,000 units.In 2013, housing starts will be in therange of 168,900 to 219,300 units, witha point forecast of 193,800 units.

Existing home sales will be in therange of 406,000 to 504,500 units in2012, with a point forecast of 457,300units. In 2013, MLS® sales are expect-ed to move up in the range of 417,600

to 517,400 units, with a point forecastof 468,200 units.

The average MLS® price is fore-cast to be between $330,000 and$410,000 in 2012 and between$335,000 and $430,000 in 2013.CMHC’s point forecast for the averageMLS® price is $368,900 for 2012 and$379,000 for 2013. The moderateincreases in the average MLS® priceare consistent with the balanced marketconditions that occurred in 2011, andthat are expected to continue in 2012and 2013.

As Canada's national housingagency, CMHC draws on more than 65years of experience to help Canadiansaccess a variety of quality, environmen-tally sustainable and affordable hous-ing solutions. CMHC also providesreliable, impartial and up-to-date hous-ing market reports, analysis and knowl-edge to support and assist consumersand the housing industry in makinginformed decisions.

Canadian Housing Market to Remain Steady 5 Tips for Childproofing

Your HomeHow to safeguard toddlers in the most serious problem areas

1. Cabinets are the most important areas to secure, as they areoften used to store cleaning products and other hazardousmaterials. Secure these by attaching latches to the doors andframes.

2. A bookcase can tip over, so use an anchor harness to secure itto the wall. Attach one end of the harness to a wall stud with ascrew, and then cinch up the adjustable strap to snug thebookcase to the wall.

3. Secure refrigerator doors shut with an appliance latch. Thelatch mounts to the fridge with adhesive tabs. Clean the areawhere it will attach before sticking it in place.

4. Insert plastic protectors into all sockets that are within reach ofyoung ones.

5. For keeping toddlers away from anything they shouldn't beexposed to, a baby gate is a must. To install, hold the gate inplace where you want it and mark points on wall for mounting.The gate should be mounted to studs. If you can't find studs,use plastic anchors.



Call Today 905-575-7700

Not all lenders are created equal,says lending advisor DaliaBarsoum, although, as she

explains, there are several common rea-sons why you may be declined for financ-ing.

You found the investment opportu-nity you have been looking for...

Your offer has now been acceptedand you are eager to waive the financingcondition. You have submitted a financ-ing application through your lendingadvisor or directly to the lender and areanxiously waiting to hear back.

Declined is the answer! Not whatyou were hoping to hear.

What happened? Here are the topcommon reasons for why a lender maydecline financing. It is important to rec-ognize that not all lenders are equal.Lenders differ in terms of:

1) The geographic focus of wherethey lend. Some lenders are not willing tolend in cities or towns where propertyvalue fluctuates or the local economicfundamentals are weak (i.e. lack of jobgrowth, infrastructure expansion).

2) The property types they lendagainst. Some lenders for example shyaway from lending towardsstudent/rooming houses or rental proper-ties altogether.

3) The number of rental properties

one can own. Some lenders will finance amaximum of two rental properties perindividual/entity. Others are willing to gowith five, while some may not have alimit.

4) The criteria they use to evaluatethe strength of a particular application.Each lender has its own qualificationratios for evaluating applications. Somelenders accept higher investor debt loadrelative to overall income levels than oth-ers and some will consider the strength ofthe property over the applicant’s.

5) Product offering. Lenders differ inthe client segments they focus on. Forexample, some have good products forself-employed or clients with challengedcredit, while others don’t. They also dif-fer in terms of the extent of support doc-umentation required from the client toclose the deal.

6) How they factor in rental income.Lenders differ in how they look at rentalincome and how much of it will be fac-tored in the evaluation of your applica-tion. It would be nice to factor 100% ofthe rental income on your application.The reality is that lenders factor in only apercentage (typically between 50% -80%). Some would consider it extraincome, while others look at rental as away to offset rental expenses.

7) The structure under which theyfinance the deal. Some lenders won’tfinance deals that are set up under a cor-porate structure. Simply because theyperceive it as a higher risk deal due to theeffort/costs associated with dealing withmultiple parties if a foreclosure has totake place.

It is so important to send your appli-cation to the “right” lender not just theone offering the lowest interest rate. The“right” lender is one who’s lending phi-losophy (encompassing all of the abovefactors) is in line with your specific situ-

ation and needs. Sending your applicationto the wrong lender could result in adecline.

Did your application forfinancing get declined? Lending advisor Dalia Barsoum explainswhat you can and should now do.

The worst thing you can do when itcomes to financing is to follow what wecall “A trick or treat” approach to shop-ping for a loan.

What we mean by that is knockingon various lenders’ doors by submittingyour application to several simultaneous-ly or one after the other if it gets declined.

While shopping around is veryimportant, doing it in the mannerdescribed above will not only hurt yourcredit, if each of those lenders pull a cred-it report on you, but will also waste timeif you are not 100% sure that you are sub-mitting to the right lender.

There are better ways to shop thedeal and increase your chances of gettingapproved.

If you have been declined by the lenderAsk for the reasons behind the

decline and discuss any misunderstand-ing that may have occurred and con-tributed to the decline and if there is any-thing to do about it. It is worth it to takethis step first before taking your applica-tion somewhere else.

Before you submit/resubmit yourapplication

Before you submit or resubmit yourapplication after a decline to the nextlender, you need to speak with a lendingadvisor that specializes in financingrental properties and who has access tomultiple lenders in that area. Discussyour story with the advisor, includingyour financial situation, investment strat-

egy and provide him/her with informa-

tion about the deal at hand and the rea-

sons your deal was declined ( if any).

Your advisor will be able to package

your deal and with her/his understanding

of the various lenders’ policies, areas of

strength/weakness and your investment

goals, he/she will be able to submit your

application to the right lender and

increase your chances of approval.

Relationships Matter

Do not underestimate the power of

relationships to the success of your

investment career.

Selecting the right lending partner

early in your investment plan is key to

getting approved and continuing to get

approved.

Look for a track record and special-

ization in financing real estate invest-

ments as well as access to various lenders

and/or products that are tailored to your

specific situation and investment strategy.

Take the time to educate your partner

about your goals and investment plan

from the get go and discuss with him/her

the financing plan for any deals that come

your way early on and before committing

to an offer.

Your lending partner acts as your

sounding board, reduces the hassles asso-

ciated with shopping around for a loan

and can direct and educate you on how

and what to do with your application.

With their understanding of the

various lending products out there, their

lender relationships and market

knowledge they will know what works or

doesn't early on in the process and before

submitting your application.

Top 7 Reasons Why Lenders Decline anApplication and How to Turn it Around


YTD Comparison Listed Expired Sold Average Selling Average Days Selling % ofAREA Jan 2012 / Jan 2011 YTD YTD YTD Price on Market List Price

ANCASTER 2012 58 24 27 $427,806 49 97%

(DISTRICT 42) 2011 85 15 28 $489,711 67 97%

BURLINGTON 2012 305 25 181 $435,162 40 98%

(DIST. 30 to 36 & 38) 2011 321 30 167 $392,221 55 98%

DUNDAS 2012 29 6 27 $335,642 56 97%

(DISTRICT 41) 2011 29 6 12 $323,475 82 98%

GLANBROOK 2012 42 9 23 $333,778 76 98%

(DISTRICT 53) 2011 47 9 21 $342,019 78 97%

GRIMSBY LWR 2012 37 9 23 $309,087 68 96%

(DISTRICT 54) 2011 39 7 11 $270,148 66 97%

GRIMSBY MTN 2012 5 0 2 $343,750 36 95%

(DISTRICT 55) 2011 2 1 1 $580,000 31 97%

HAMILTON EAST 2012 70 14 64 $195,683 67 97%

(DIST. 23,24,27,28,29) 2011 81 14 41 $168,467 71 96%

HAMILTON MTN 2012 158 39 106 $256,077 56 97%

(DIST. 15,16,17,18,25,26) 2011 189 34 100 $231,177 60 97%

HAMILTON CTRL. 2012 110 20 68 $155,381 50 97%

(DIST. 13,14,20,21,22) 2011 136 36 53 $145,375 69 96%

LINCOLN 2012 19 7 8 $259,435 59 97%

(DISTRICT 980,981) 2011 24 4 8 $236,363 105 96%

WEST LINCOLN 2012 10 3 7 $351,900 59 97%

(DISTRICT 56, 982) 2011 11 2 3 $280,167 76 94%

SMITHVILLE 2012 6 2 2 $303,500 88 98%

(DISTRICT 57) 2011 8 4 2 $195,000 140 99%

STONEY CRK MTN 2012 25 7 15 $281,467 48 97%

(DISTRICT 50) 2011 28 4 10 $307,120 63 98%

STONEY CRK LWR 2012 76 13 38 $305,616 66 97%

(DISTRICT 51) 2011 63 12 40 $277,795 76 96%


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Are you thinking about buy-ing a home in the GreaterHamilton, Burlington or

outlying areas? 2012 should be a goodyear for making a purchase as large asa house. How do we know?Economists tell us that low interestrates, relatively low unemployment,good employment prospects and busi-ness growth are good signs for thehousing market, and they are all pres-ent for our local market. TheHamilton-Burlington real estate mar-ket will see modest growth supportedby the expectation of continued goodeconomic conditions.

First and foremost, interest ratesare low. They are expected to remainlow for this year and perhaps into theearly part of next year. With five-yearfixed mortgage rates available atunder five per cent and six-month tofour-year rates ranging well belowthat, the time seems right to be taking

advantage of those low rates to buy ahome.

Unemployment figures for theHamilton and Burlington areas showour rate is about one per cent lowerthan the national average and compareeven better to the Ontario average.Our unemployment rate is down half-a-percentage point from last year. Wehave seen new employers bringingsuccessful and active business to thisarea recently and we are seeing localjobs maintained as well. Employmentstability will increase consumer confi-dence in our local economy and moreconfidence in the housing market.

Our area is the only area inSouthern Ontario expected to showeconomic growth through 2012. Intheir Housing Outlook Conference inNovember of last year, the CanadaMortgage and Housing Corporation(CMHC) cited strong jobs growth inour area as one of the reasons we

could expect to see growth. The

Hamilton area also scored well with

the Real Estate Investment Network

(REIN), which named Hamilton as the

best place in Ontario and the third best

in Canada in which to invest in real

estate. By taking into account popula-

tion growth, major employers, infra-

structure and pending major trans-

portation improvements, the REIN

found Hamilton to be a good bet.

And it is not just our economy

that makes 2012 a good time to pur-

chase a home in our area.

First time buyers taking advan-

tage of low interest rates will find

additional incentives to purchase a

home through the land transfer tax

rebate for first time buyers and the

Home Buyer’s Plan, which allows

first-time buyers to withdraw up to

$25,000 from their RRSPs to buy or

build a home.

Affordability is always an issue,and in the Greater Hamilton,Burlington and outlying areas, wehave a wide range of prices, propertiesand options for home buyers. Theaverage house price in our market areaat the end of 2011 was $313,430 – thatis just the average. There are homesavailable for under $100,000 inHamilton and $1 million homes aswell. We have mansions to cottages,historic neighbourhoods to brand newsubdivisions, acreages to leaseholds.There really is something for every-one in our area.

Our area provides the stabilityhome buyers should be looking forwhen they are purchasing a home, anda wide range of housing options andopportunities. This could very well bethe right year to buy a home in this area.

by Cameron Nolan President

2012… A Good Year to Buy a Home



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Feb. 20, 2012 Issue 42

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Transcript of Feb. 20, 2012 Issue 42