July 15, 2011 Issue 29

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

July 15, 2011 - Vol 29b

Rob GolfiSales Representative

Feature Home

Grimsby $1,150,000238 North Service RoadCustom built 2-storey waterfront property with stunningLakeviews! Gorgeous hardwood floors, master bedroom withwalk out to balcony & gas fireplace w/rich hotel style ensuite,soaring 10ft ceilings, large designer kitchen w/granite, greatbig windows. Shows like a dream.

WaterFrONt

MarketWatch July B_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 12/07/11 5:45 PM Page 1

Page 2 The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch July 15, 2011

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

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Maximum Exposure

Sells Your Home

Call the Golfi Team to get

your Home Sold

905-945-0188

www.golfiteam.comThe GOLFI TEAM is ranked in the Top 100 Re/Max Teams in Canada.

the Golfi team mails

65,000

copies of the MarketWatch monthly!

there is no better way to expose

your home to the market!

More Buyers…More Offers…

MOre MONeY $$$ask us How!

exposure to Gta &

Out of town Buyers!


Call Today 905-945-0188

July 15, 2011 The GOLFI TEAM Real Estate Market Watch Page 3

Grimsby $599,900

88 Lake StreetIncredible 2300 sqft home faces Nelles Beach &Lake Ontario. This updated home features a newmaple kitchen, granite, travertine tiles, hardwd &bamboo floors, updated bathrms w/designer tiles,family room with fireplace, shingles ‘05, neweaves & facia ’10, furnace & Central air ’07.

beamsville $339,900

4846 Northgate CrescentThis 2007 home offers 2050 sqft of Beauty.Features 3 lrg BRs, 2.5 baths, computer loft, oakstaircase, Master bedrm w/double walk in closets,luxury ensuite w/soaker tub & separate shower,california shutters throughout, great room w/hrdwdfloors & gas fireplace, & quick access to QEW.

Rob Golfi*

Grimsby, Lincoln & West Lincoln Area

Grimsby $1,490,000

143 Lake StreetFabulous waterfront property! Custom built3000 sq ft home with Lake views every room.Maple hardwood floors, granite counters, mastersuite with access to back deck, ensuite and walk-in shower. Handicap adaptable!

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.

Grimsby $219,900

24 Kenyon Cres., Unit 43BEAUTIFUL END UNIT! 2 bedroombungalow only 7yrs old. Hrdwd,ceramic flrs &backsplash in eat-in kitchen, laundry hook-up onmain level & professionally finished bsmt w/full2nd bthrm. Quiet sought after complex w/quickaccess to the QEW & new YMCA.

Grimsby $309,900

35 Victoria TerraceWaterfront with total privacy including pebblebeach. Lots of potential & character! Ideal forsomeone to renovate or tear down for new home.This home includes bright sunroom w/originaltall french doors, living room w/high ceilings &gas fireplace, & vacant lot ideal for an addition.

beamsville $319,900

5123 Crimson King WayFantastic value in this 4 bedrm 2 storey homelocated in quiet neighbourhood, featuresspacious eat in kitchen with island, dinette withsliding doors leading to private deck and fenceyard. Sunken family rm, partially finishedbasement. Maintenance free front yard.

Grimsby $234,900

111 Willow LaneEND UNIT TOWNHOUSE! 2 BR Losani builttownhouse w/ceramics & upgraded carpet. Thishome offers great views of the escarpment & anopen concept floor plan. Garage has inside entryinto basement & basement has walk out tobackyard.

WaterFrONt

Grimsby $749,900

2 Seventh StreetCustom built 5yrs new home, with 125 ft ofLedgerock shore protection and walkdown towaterfront. Beautiful kitchen with granitecounters and built-in stainless steel appliances,pine plank floors, 4 levels of decking, facing thelake. Fully finished basement. Truly a dream!

WaterFrONt

WaterFrONt

WaterVIeW

Grimsby $749,900

177 Ridge Road 5.19 acres nestled onto the Niagara Escarpment,completely redone top to bottom, inside and out,slate & hardwd flring, new designer kitchen withstylish appliances, in flr heating in bathrm, 70 potlights, patterned concrete porch w/exteriorfireplace.

smithville $349,900

22 Cherry Ave4+1 Bedroom 2008 home, 2.5 baths with anincredible floor plan & boasts pride ofownership, great room w/showcase fireplace &cathederal ceilings, large country kitchen withlots of cupboards & counter space, & a beautifulfamily neighbourhood. Well worth seeing!

Grimsby $269,900

446 Main Street WestFabulous ½ acre property backs onto greenspace. 4 bedrm home & 25x35' oversizedgarage/workshop, affordable enough to buildnew or renovate. This home offers new shingles& furnace ‘03, beautiful cast iron fireplace, lotsof parking space, and easy access to QEW.

beamsville $236,000

5126 Conner Drive 2 storey freehold town home 1386 sq ft. Similarto be built. 90 day closing avail. Incl. great sizedBedrooms w/3pc ensuite & walk in closet offmaster, kit w/breakfast area overlooking famrm,attached to neighbouring unit at garage w/accessfrom garage to rear yard, & min to all amenities.

West lincoln $265,000

1786 Victoria Ave.Country living at its best sitting on over an acreof private treed lot in fantastic location. Featurescathedral ceilings, oversized family room withfireplace, country-style kitchen with plenty ofcupboards, fully finished basement.

Grimsby $249,900

95 Sumner Crescent3 bedroom home beautifully maintained &decorated! Features maple kitchen cabinetsw/breakfast bar, hardwood floors, masterbedroom with upgraded ensuite, access tobackyard through garage, roughed in bath inbasement and bedroom level laundry.

Grimsby $319,900

14 Marlow AvenueCustom-built 3 bedrm bungalow, open & invitingfloor plan w/gorgeous hardwood, spaciouskitchen w/breakfast bar and sliding doors leadingout private fenced back yard, large master bedrmw/ensuite and double garage with 4-car drive.Near schools, parks and quick access to QEW.

Grimsby $1,150,000

238 North Service RoadCustom built 2-storey waterfront property withstunning Lakeviews! Gorgeous hardwood floors,master bedroom with walk out to balcony & gasfireplace w/rich hotel style ensuite, soaring 10ftceilings, large designer kitchen w/granite, greatbig windows. Shows like a dream.

beamsville $649,900

5225 GreenlaneHobby farm, 3.27 accre immaculate apple farmcould earn $30-$45,000 per year. Close to allconveniences. Home features oak trim, 2fireplaces, underground sprinkler system, 2large coolers, sandy soil, close to QEW. Greatopportunity!

beamsville $399,900

5158 King Street WestBeautiful century home w/original woodwork,large sun filled porch, country style kitchen, in-law apartment in basement, finished loftw/bathroom, mostly updated vinyl windows,furnace ’05, private landscaped backyard, &oversized 2 car garage, plus more.

beamsville $241,900

5120 Conner 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.

WaterFrONt eSCarPMeNt

BUNGaLOW


stoney creek $424,900

739 Ridge Rd.Extraordinary bungalow sitting on large lotw/incredible view of the city. Features oakkitchen cabinets w/bay window, sunken livingrm w/fp, din rm w/hrdwd flring leading to resortstyle back yrd w/panoramic view, beautifullandscaping & newer shingles (’05).

Call Today 905-945-0188


SOLD tO OUr CaSH BUYer

Your house will get noticedFIRST when listed by the Guywho gets noticed the MOST!

Call Rob Golfi Today!

*#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.

hamilton $299,900

77 Ward AvenueFabulous investment property with an easywalking distance to Mac! Features 6 bedrooms, 2full bathrooms, and 2 kitchens. Appliances areincluded, and students pay for the utilities. Homeis in fantastic condition and has been freshlypainted and cleaned. 3 students returning.

Grimsby $219,900

22 Pleasant GroveBeautifully kept 2 storey freehold town housewith open concept main floor, finished basement,newer flooring, 3 bedrooms with lots of closetspace and 2 bathrooms. New carpet and recentlyredone 2nd bathroom. Large deck with 8 personhot tub and private back yard. shingles 2005,central air and central vacuum.

SOLD FOr 99% OF LISt


2-618 Barton StreetImmaculate home shows like a dream! Beautifuldecor, hrdwd & ceramics throughout, bright kitw/ceramic backsplash, in-law suite down stairsw/full bath & mini kit, master suite w/walk incloset & ensuite, updated windows & shingles.


131 Memorial AvenueUpdated 3 bedroom home in desirable location.Updates in last 3 yrs include kitchen,furnace/A/C, basement, pool liner, breakers,lighting, flooring (laminate, some carpet) garagedoor & more. Enjoy the pool in the backyard w/a covered patio.


beamsville $329,900

4052 Hixon Street3+1 bedroom bungalow with oversized doublecar garage. Hardwood floors, cathedral ceilingsin living/dining room, large bright kitchenoverlooking landscaped backyard, beautifullyfinished basement with full bathroom, bedroom,den and rec-rm with gas fireplace.

Grimsby $319,900

22 Farrell DriveCharming 3+1 family home in Grimsby.Spacious family room, hardwood floors, finishedbasement w/plenty of storage, hobby room, mainfloor laundry, central vac, garage door opener,newer roof, updated bathrooms, & alarm system$20 a month. Close to amenities.

smithville $249,900

30 Anderson CrescentQuiet location. Fantastic 1 storey home awaitsyou. Step inside to a 3 bed home with updatedceramic flooring, roof, lighting, kitchencountertop. Lower level is an entertainer’s dreamw/ games room and rec room. All appliances areincluded and quick closing available.

beamsville $289,900

5065 Silverbirch LaneBeautiful 3+2 raised ranch! Open conceptkitchen, dining and living room. Kitchen withgranite counters, fully finished basement with in-law set up, large deck with a fully fenced yardand interlock patio. A Must see!


SOLD IN 37 DaYS

SOLD IN 28 DaYS

SOLD FOr 98% OF LISt IN 34 DaYS


Grimsby $269,900

17-163 Livingston AvenueBeautiful 7 yrs new well kept end unit shows likea dream! Features gorgeous hardwd floors inliving room w/3-sided gas fireplace, gourmetkitchen w/maple cabinetry & breakfast bar.Master bedrm w/ensuite, finished rec-rm w/2 pcbath, fenced yard, close to amenities.

3 Over $50 Million in Sales Annually**

3 #1 Real Estate Office in Hamilton-Burlington Region*

3 Top Re/Max® Sales Representative in Ontario*

3 Golfi Team ranked Top 50 in Canada for Re/Max**

3 Golfi Team ranked Top 100 in the world for Re/Max**

Facts About GOLFI…

OVER $400 MILLION IN REAL ESTATE SALES

2003 2006 201020031998

LOOK WHat We'Ve SOLD!

SOLD - MULtIPLe OFFerS

SOLD IN 13 DaYS


Call Today 905-575-7700


Rob Golfi*

Hamilton & Stoney Creek

east hamilton $474,900

24 Hildegard DriveBuilt on a quiet street w/open & inviting floorplan. Backs onto escarpment. Brazilian cherryhrdwd flrs, porcelain tiles, gas fireplace,oversized rooms, freshly painted, in-law set-upw/2nd kitchen & bath, mostly updated vinylwindows & doors, & upper level balcony.

east hamilton $279,900

85 Bow ValleyImmaculate 3 bedroom with fully finishedbasement. Spacious living room & dining room.Eat-in kitchen has been updated and boastsample counter space & cupboards. Updated vinylwindows, concrete drive & patio in fenced yard.

hamilton mountain $299,900

746 Limeridge Road EastWell kept, all brick home features 3 bedrooms,2-1/2 baths, large master bedroom with ensuiteand walk in closet. New roof (’11), most windows(’10), washroom in (’11), skylight (’04) & more.Close to schools, parks, shopping & Linc. Fin.basement, ceramic floors, large fenced backyard.

hamilton mountain $239,900

22 Kenwood Crescent3+1 bedroom all brick bungalow located nearHuntington park area. Features include updatedkitchen, bath, laminates and ceramicsthroughout, newer windows & doors, furnace’10, eaves, sofit & facia ‘08, and a fully finishedbasement.


1204-500 Green Road Waterfront luxury unit, 3 BR condo withincredible views of Lake Ontario, approx 1400sqft. 2 baths, insuite laundry, beautiful oakkitchen cabinets with ceramic floors, newfurnace 2002, new carpeting, fabulousamenities.


Windemere RoadThe property is private with a Muskoka feel!Park-like grounds. Substantial breakwall, multi-level decking and tremendous unobstructedwaterfront views. Every season a postcard,check it out today and start packing!

WaterFrONt LOt WaterFrONt CONDO


35 Riviera Ridge4+1 bdrm in prestigious loc’n! Fresh paint &crown mouldings. Plus porcelain tile, kulmhrdwd, main flr. den, lrg eat-in kit, livin rm, sep.dining rm & main flr. laun. New shingles (08) &undergrnd sprinkler system.


78-485 Green Road3 bedroom, 2 storey townhome features spaciousmaster bedroom with ensuite & walk-in closet,hardwood floors in living room & dining room &gas fireplace. Property backs onto complex parkwith quick access to QEW. Available forimmediate possession! Act now!


136 Green RoadIncredible home sitting on a beautiful treed lot,most updates in 2002, great big sunny bedroomswith master bedroom on main floor with ensuite,country style kitchen overlookd back yard,finished high & dry basement with 3pc bath, newfurnace, concrete drive, Close to all amenities.

hamilton mtn $229,900

#1, 1809 Upper Wentworth St.WOW! Fantastic 2 storey condo townhouse.Open concept main floor living with hardwood.Bedroom level has large master suite w/dblecloset, ensuite bath and 2 add'tl bedrms. Lowerlevel has beautifully finished recrm & laundryroom.

hamilton $136,900

277 Balmoral Avenue NorthAll brick home features many updates includingwindows, shingles, soffits, facia & exterior doorsupdated in the last 5 yrs, country-style pinekitchen with breakfast bar, landscaped fencedyard. 3 bedroom home can easily be convertedback to 2. Fantastic value close to all amenities.


101 Bridgenorth CrescentOutstanding Lakepointe 4 bedrm home shows toperfection! Features incredible floor plan w/3270sqft., gorgeous hardwd flrs, grand foyer w/oakstair case & wrought iron spindles, classic stylekitchen w/breakfast bar, & lots of pot lights.Shows like a dream!

binbrook $434,900

108 Valiant CircleAmazing 4 bedroom Losani “WoodhavenTraditional’ family home. Large premium lot.Loads of upgrades including kitchen, windows,wider garage, front door, cabinets, fire place,rounded corners, patio door to rear yard.


174 Highland Road WestWell maintained! This 3+1 bdrm, 4 levelbacksplit is located in a great familyneighbourhood. Features all new carpets, frenchdoors, upgraded light fixtures, oak kitchencabinets, furnace ’07, fenced & landscapedbackyard. Close to schools, shopping & Red Hill.


1323 Baseline RoadBeautiful 3 BR brick bungalow! Oak kitchencabinets, open concept kit. overlooking LR &DR, circular oak staircase, Mbed w/4 pc ensuite& walkout, spacious bedrms, concrete walkways& patio, fully fenced private yard, rough-incentral vac & close to Fifty Point Conservation.


179 First Road West3 Bedrm with updates! Beautiful hardwood infamily rm with gas fireplace, central vacuum,gorgeous oak staircase, finished rec-rm inbasement, 3 large bedrms, beautifully landscapedyard, patterned concrete drive, new shingles &furnace & C/A '09, & new windows 2011.

binbrook, on $289,900

266 Fall Fair Way3 bedroom Branthaven townhome on premiumcorner lot in Binbrook Fairgrounds. Eat-inkitchen w/ceramics, hrdwd in LR/DR w/walkoutto deck, beautifully landscaped yard, finishedbasemt w/soundproofed theatre room completelywired for enhanced surround sound. Just move in!

hamilton central $169,900

12 Arthur Avenue SouthFully renovated, 3+1 bedroom home or 2+1w/extra main floor room for potential homeoffice/daycare. 2 new bathrms, huge kitchen,updated shingles ('11), windows ('11), furnace &central air (under 5 yrs), 100 amp breakers,double rear drive, and fenced yard.

hamilton central $212,900

29 Barnesdale Ave. SouthBeautiful large family home. Excellent possibleincome w/3rd floor, apartment ($550 Inc.)Complete w/steel fire escape & separateentrance. Quality vinyl windows, originalhardwood, cement side drive for 3 cars. TLCwill make this beauty shine!

hamilton mtn $176,900

606 Fennell Ave. East4 bedroom, 1-1/2 storey home with hardwoodfloors. Oversized single car garage. Needs someTLC. Great price, great location. Close to allamenities. Immediate possession available. Callus today at 905-575-7700.


Call Today 905-575-7700


Your house will get noticed FIRST when listedby the Guy who gets noticed the MOST!

Call Rob Golfi Today!

YTD Comparison Listed Expired Sold Average Selling Average Days Selling % ofAREA June 2011 / June 2010 YTD YTD YTD Price on Market List Price

GRIMSBY LWR 2011 278 40 196 $306,785 60 98%

(DISTRICT 54) 2010 318 55 206 $319,962 45 98%

GRIMSBY MTN 2011 33 4 21 $478,674 89 95%

(DISTRICT 55) 2010 31 5 18 $379,944 50 97%

STONEY CRK MTN 2011 181 17 135 $300,248 48 98%

(DISTRICT 50) 2010 214 21 143 $289,677 44 98%

STONEY CRK LWR 2011 514 76 337 $291,479 59 97%

(DISTRICT 51) 2010 578 98 373 $285,552 54 97%

EAST HAMILTON 2011 584 92 416 $185,051 48 96%

(DIST. 23,24,27,28,29) 2010 595 86 395 $179,228 42 97%

HAMILTON MTN 2011 1345 161 949 $249,891 46 97%

(DIST. 15,16,17,18,25,26) 2010 1426 131 1075 $248,450 42 98%

HAMILTON CTRL. 2011 861 200 559 $150,882 54 96%

(DIST. 13,14,20,21,22) 2010 1030 181 610 $149,638 43 96%

BURLINGTON 2011 2322 166 1845 $411,311 35 98%

(DIST. 30 to 36 & 38) 2010 2578 210 1912 $385,220 32 98%

LINCOLN 2011 178 38 99 $272,098 82 97%

(DISTRICT 94) 2010 222 43 138 $271,025 55 97%

SMITHVILLE 2011 63 17 43 $244,278 75 98%

(DISTRICT 57) 2010 124 26 61 $259,480 82 97%

W. LINCOLN 2011 56 14 35 $315,109 88 96%

(DISTRICT 56,58) 2010 40 10 20 $338,040 68 99%

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

Year-to-Date StatisticsBased on sales data from June 2010 to June 2011,

REALTORS Association of Hamilton-Burlington

You're finally taking thehousehold on a well-deserved vacation. You've

arranged to board the dog, and AuntMartha will babysit the bird.

There's one more precaution to take---safeguarding your home. Fortunately,many of the steps required (absentinstalling an alarm system) only requireelbow grease and a bit of forethoughtbefore you hit the road.

Here's a suggested checklist to fol-low:1. Stop mail and newspaper delivery.

Nothing screams "no one is home"louder than a stack of newspapers onthe front porch. If there's a likelihoodthat packages could ar-rive whileyou're away, notify delivery serviceslike UPS, Fed Ex, to hold them sothat your front door won't be markedwith delivery slips. And, under nocircumstance, post "take all deliver-ies to our next-door neighbor" onyour door!

2. If shrubs, trees or bushes block theview of any windows or doors, trimthem back. Homes that are set back a

distance from the street and/or haveheavy, concealing foli-age are morelikely to be a burglar's welcome tar-get.

3. Don't let your answering machinetell the world you're gone. A genericmessage like "we can't come to thephone right now" sends feweradverse signals than "we're nothome" or "we're on vacation in theBahamas". (Remember “HomeAlone”)

4. Move small valuables to a safedeposit box as well as any creditcards you won't be using. If possible,move larger valuables (like silver,stereo systems, etc.) to a friend orrelative's home for safekeeping.Many police departments have prop-erty protection programs that etchvaluables with your driver's licensenumber. If you can video tape yourpossessions and place the tape inyour safe deposit box, you'll haveadditional documentation in case oftheft or fire. (It's also a great way toprove value for contest-ing insurance

company settlements).

5. Use timers on several lights through-out the house. If possible, place atleast one outside light on a timer aswell. Leave draperies open a bit,especially on upper-level floors thataren't easily visible.

6. Check all windows (especially on theground-level floor) to make surethere are no broken panes or looselatches. Deadbolts on exterior doorsdo deter burglars, as do "Beware ofDog" signs. If you have an extra doorkey hidden under an outside mat orrock, move it. If it's easy for you toget to, it's equally easy for a thief. Ifyour car will be visible on the prop-erty, make sure to remove yourgarage door opener from it.

7. Amazing as it seems, entire house-holds of furniture have been loadedin moving vans and driven away dur-ing a homeowner's absence. Notifyat least one neighbor of your tripand/or a representative from"Neighborhood Watch" (if applica-ble) in your area. Provide a way to

contact you in case of emergency,either by phone or by loca-tions onyour itinerary. Additionally, ask theneighbor to query anyone approach-ing the house while you're gone.

8. Check with your local police depart-ment. They may have a program todrive by homes, test locks, and walkinto back yards.

9. Have a trusted neighbor hold a sparekey. In one case, an unoccupiedhome had a leak which allowed thou-sands of gallons of water to accumu-late. Had someone simply gone intothe house before the owners returnedextensive damage could have beenavoided.

10. Prepay bills -- it won't do much forhousehold safety but it will allowyou to enjoy your vacation morefully.

For just a few dollars and severalhours of your time, you'll have greaterpeace of mind that your home and posses-sions will be safe, sound, and less likelyto catch the attention of a burglar.

Vacation Checklist: What To Do When Your Home's Alone


www.GolfiTeam.com


Home Staging is the new way to sellyour home fast! Here are tried and truehome staging tips to help you sell yourhome faster.1. Grimy bathroom walls are a major

red flag to buyers. An easy way toget rid of surface mold: Mix a spraybottle with one part water and onepart bleach. Just spray it on the walland watch the mold disappear. Giveit a fresh coat of paint and yourgrimy bathroom will go from red-flag to red-hot.

2. Don’t replace a dirty shower door —just scour it.

A grimy glass shower door can real-ly wash out your sale. Instead ofreplacing it, clean it with a mixtureof one part muriatic acid and about10 parts water. Scrub with steelwool.

3. Avoid dated tile by painting.Bathrooms sell houses, but dated tilein a bathroom doesn’t.

A low-cost alternative to replacingthe tile is to use paint. First coat thetiles with a high-adhesion primer.Next, brush on a special ceramicepoxy covering. For a fraction of thecost of new tile, you will have an up-to-date bathroom that brings in bigbucks.

4. Pedestal sinks are a big hit with buy-ers. They show off square footage insmall bathrooms beautifully. First,your old vanity has to go. Next, justhook up your new sink and yourbathroom will have dramatic appealthat brings in big bucks. Plus, buyerswill see how much floor space yourbathroom has.

5. A master bedroom should appeal toboth sexes.

When you are selling, your masterbedroom should appeal to buyers ofboth sexes. Get rid of features thatseem too gender-specific. Paint thewalls a neutral color and choose bed-ding that matches. Then accessorizewith items that complement theoverall color scheme.

6. Do you have an overpowering brickfireplace that sticks out like a sorethumb?

Here’s an easy way to tone it downwith paint. Use a rag or brush to ruba light coat of paint on the bricks,one at a time. This will give them anew tone without covering themcompletely. And, if you use a paintcolor that matches the walls, yourfireplace will go from sticking out tostanding out.

7. Updating an old fireplace screen is a

cheap (and quick) fix.

After removing the screen and wip-

ing it down to get rid of the dust,

mask off the windows so you won’t

get paint on them. Then, using a can

of heat-resistant spray paint, give the

screen a facelift. Hold the can about

18 inches away, and use long, even

strokes. For less than $5, you will

have a fireplace screen that’ll keep

your sale from going up in smoke.

8. Turn an unattractive fireplace into a

selling feature.

Need to turn an unattractive fireplace

into a selling feature? First, that

dated brass screen has got to go.

Next, give the fireplace a good

cleaning, scrubbing it with soap and

water. Then, using a stone color-

enhancer, polish the bricks to make

them shine. In no time you will have

a fireplace that will turn your house

into the hottest property on the

block.

9. Stain dated kitchen cabinets instead

of replacing them.

Dated kitchen cabinets can be a big

turnoff to potential buyers. Instead of

paying big bucks to replace them,

just stain them. First, apply the stain

in even strokes, going with the grain

of the wood. Add some stylish new

hardware, and your kitchen will have

the up-to-date look that buyers love,

for less than $200.

10. Stainless-steel appliances are defi-

nitely in with buyers.

Instead of buying a new dishwasher,

here is a low-cost way to reface an

old one: First, remove the front pan-

els and clean them. Next, apply a

stainless-steel stick-on covering, and

cut it to size.

Home Staging is the best investment

you’ll make when looking to sell your

home.

Sheri Gamble and Gwen Kennedy

are Home Stagers and Event Planners

with Details Event Coordination. They

can be reached at 905.632.2602 or via

email at [email protected] or

[email protected]. Visit their

website at www.detailseventco.com

Sell your HomeFAST!by: Sheri Gamble

Details Event Coordination Inc.

Good Neighbour…Bad Neighbour

Apparently, some people haveno idea how to be good neigh-bors. In fact, some people are

very bad neighbors and have no clue how tolive next to others successfully at all. Beloware the Top 10 ways to be a good neighbor,the Ten Commandments of the Cul-de-Sac,as it were.

1. Mow your lawnSeriously. It's not a "wilderness area".

You want to save the planet, great, but drop-ping my property value in half because youcan't roll off the couch long enough to fol-low your mower around just isn't workingfor the rest of us. Hire a neighborhood kidif you're comfortable with your bodyweight, but get that wild growth cut down.Rent a goat and tie it to a stake. I don't real-ly care. But you're making the whole streetlook bad.

2. For Pete’s sake, shut that dog upI swear I wish the Mob offered hitdog

services sometimes. There is nothing worsethan trying desperately to get some sleepand having to listen to someone's dog allnight. I mean, if I thought that a dog wasactually barking at a burglar, I'd be fine withthat. Most of the time it's just barking atsome dumb cat, or it's barking at some othermouthy mutt. The doggy network around aneighborhood can really get tuned up; theyall get in on it and the barks start comingfrom literally everywhere. Really. So shutyour pooch's pie-hole before I let the Mafiain on my awesome hitdog idea. BringRover inside if you're one of those peoplewho "don't hear him when he barks." Lethim sleep with you since you love him somuch. I know none of your neighbors do.

3. Park in front of your own houseI get "having company." No problem.

You have a big party and people park infront of my house... no problem, I get it.That's why I am such a great neighbor tohave. However, don't park your twenty-twoyear old Toyota Turdmobile outside myfront door just because you have nowhereelse for it to go. Get rid of it if you don'tdrive it anymore. Give it to charity. And ifyour kid is driving it, well... See, unbeliev-able as this might sound, I like to have com-pany over to my house too, and they gettired of having to walk four miles to visit usbecause you and your sixty-four kids havefilled up the entire street parking all yourcars. Tell that enormous herd you spawnedto park their cars somewhere else besidesright in front of me. (Yes, I know it's a pub-lic street, but as you may recall, this top 10list is about common courtesy. What islegal is not always the same as what isright.)

4. Invite me to your party, or at leastgive fair warning first

If you're going to fill up the street withcars and have that DJ blasting his incrediblewit out into the universe through speakersbigger than a cow, then at least give me a bitof warning first. Let me know so thatmaybe I can plan to be out of town. Or atleast go check into a hotel. Or even better,invite me. If you're going to deprive me ofsleep until who knows what A.M., the leastyou could do is offer to entertain me whileI am forced to be awake. Feed me. Let medrink your beer. Something. Just showsome courtesy.

5. Deal drugs somewhere elseOk, I admit I've never had this problem,

but I hear it all the time. People sellingdrugs, sometimes right off of their frontlawn. Dude, I get that drug culture existsand all that. Fine. However, is there anychance you could just, you know, take thatsomewhere else? Or at the very least inside?I know you're all scary and stuff, but you dorealize that, fear of reprisals and all, at somepoint I'm still going to turn you in, right?(Woops, big word up there, my bad. I'll helpyou out. Ree-prize-all: it's what you guys dowhen someone ‘snitches', yo.) So, yeah, goaway. Your neighbors will thank you.

6. Turn your music down

That great stereo you bought rocks. Sodoes your sweet surround-sound. It's awe-some. It's so awesome that it shakes theglasses off my shelf. It's even worse if welive in an apartment complex too. It's soloud, I can't read. I can't sleep. I can't evenwatch TV if my speakers aren't as big asyours. So stop. Don't be responsible for theannihilation of our world. That's totally un-neighborly.

7. Turn your music up

If you make so much noise when youare having, umm, some form of "romance"that you wake me up, then you are allowedto ignore rule number 6 above. I don't carehow good a lover you are or how muchyour partner really likes to yell. Whatever itis, nobody wants to hear it. (Hey, no fakingeither, we're not going to buy it if you try touse that as an excuse for skipping number 6all the time. Nobody has that much energy.We will know if you try to lie.)

8. Take your garbage out

Pretty simple, really. The dead animalstench coming from your rotting garbagemakes everyone want to puke, particularlythose of us down wind. Same goes for thethree foot layer of dog feces you haven'tbothered to scoop up off of your back lawn.Take Fido for a walk or something. What'swrong with you?

9. Slow down - You drive too fast

I realize you may not have kids.Maybe you do, and you just don't like themvery much. Who knows? But the thing is,the rest of us like our kids pretty well. Heck,some of us might even like your kids too.The thing with kids is, especially the littleones, well, they're just not all that smart.They do dumb stuff like run out unexpect-edly from between cars, or maybe ride theirbicycles in the street. I know, I hear ya, pret-ty annoying, true; but, well, it's just a reali-ty of life. Good parents keep an eye on theirkids, I understand, but, the fact is that goodparenting is kind of like the drug enforce-ment thing I mentioned up above: probablynot going to happen. So, in the meantime, ifyou could ease off the gas while you'rerocketing through the neighborhood, that'dbe great. Thanks.

10. Fix the Fence

This is my pet peeve. I swear if I haveto fix our fence alone one more time I'mgoing to shoot myself with the staple gun.We have tremendous winds here some-times and fences are always blowing down.If you are my neighbor and our fence blowsdown, get your ass out here and help me putthat thing back up. Ok, look, I get thatmaybe fence building isn't your thing, oryou might not even be able to do that kindof work. I seriously have no problem withthat. But you know what you can do? Youcan fork over some money for the materialsand any equipment that WE have to rent.Yeah, that's right, stuff that WE, me andyou, need to build OUR fence back up,even if I'm doing all the work. Wood, con-crete, nails, maybe a posthole digger andother kinds of tools - they don't comecheap. Don't make me pay for them ANDdo all the labour too. That's just wrong.

Summation

So there you go. 10 easy-to-followrules that will help make your neighbor-hood a better place. I'm sure there are otheritems that you can think of that might takethe place of one or another of these on mylist, but in my experience, these are the bigones that just keep coming up. Living bythese might seem a matter of simple cour-tesy for some of us, but apparently manypeople live in a bubble or else they justdon't give a hoot. But, well, maybe this willhelp them see the error of their ways. Iknow I'm holding my breath. How aboutyou?



July 15, 2011 Issue 29

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