May 2015 Issue 111

WHAT’S INSIDE:HOMES FOR SALE | PAGE 4Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Ancaster,Dundas & Glanbrook

LUXURY & WAtERFRONt | PAGE 8

HOMES FOR SALE | PAGE 6Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Niagara

Helping your kids buy ahome? Keep emotionsout of the mix.PAGE 9

May 2015 - Vol 76

NO COST • NO OBLIGATIONNO COST • NO OBLIGATIONHOME EVALUATIONHOME EVALUATION

905-575-7700 905-945-0188905-575-7700 905-945-0188

Hamilton’s smoking hot realestate market generated what isbelieved to be a record-setting sale inApril when an agent with the RobGolfi sales team sold the Stinsonneighbourhood house for $100,000over its $199,000 asking price.

That’s a 150 per cent jump overthe home’s list price. What makes thesale even more remarkable is the factthat the home – a typical two-and-a-half storey red brick located east ofdowntown – is not in a particularlyfashionable neighbourhood ofHamilton and it needs some work.While selling features included origi-nal hardwood, doors and trim, theGrant Avenue three-bedroom housesaw few improvements over its 100-plus years.

Still, that didn’t deter the nineinterested buyers who placed an offeron the house, which was on the mar-ket for six days.

“The Hamilton real estate marketis definitely one of the hottest in thecountry,” says Golfi, who leads a 15-member team of agents for RemaxEscarpment. “This sale was quite acoup. I’ve been in real estate for 16years and even I was shocked by it.”

Aiming for a price of $230,000,Golfi and listing agent Laura Bielakaggressively priced the house andheld back offers for a week. They

couldn’t believe their eyes when the$300,000 offer came in with no con-ditions. Golfi says the buyer waslikely tired of losing out on otherproperties and was determined not tolet it happen again.

The practice of holding backoffers is commonly used in brisk realestate markets. The seller sets theprice at or below market value in aneffort to generate significant interest.A time is typically set when the sell-er will accept bids on the property.The technique often results in bid-ding wars in which buyers pay more– sometimes incredibly so – than theasking price.

"We're seeing big leaps in biddingwars in central Hamilton now," hesays. "The market is heating up verynicely there.”

These inner-city neighbourhoodsare appealing to buyers thanks tolower prices, proximity to the GTAand public transit. Not only do homeowners want relief from Toronto realestate prices, but so do investorslooking to realize a higher return ontheir money.

“In certain markets it’s hard tofind a house you want because inven-tory is quite low,” Golfi says. “Often,when that happens, you’ll find you’recompeting with ten other buyers whoalso love the same house.”

$100,000over asking

The Hamilton real estate market is definitely one of the hottest in the country!

MarketWatch MAY 2015 04/05/15 12:09 PM Page 1

Call Today 905-945-0188

Page 2 The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch May 2015

www.GolfiTeam.comCheck out our redesigned website for all

the latest information in Real Estate!

COMinG FEBRUARY!

| Rob Golfi | 905-575-7700

where the future takes shape

Rob GolfiSALES REpRESEnTATivE

905-575-7700

If you are buying or selling

a home, contact

Seniors Real Estate Specialist is a designation for REALTORS® to address the needs of home

buyers and sellers, age 50-plus.

Recognized as the mark of accomplishment in luxury markets around the

world, the Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation

assures affluent buyers and sellers that the agents who have earned it have

the knowledge, experience, competence – and confidence –they require.

Real Estate Specialist

LUXURY PROPERTIESSaLES SPECIaLIST

Rob GolfiSales RepresentativeLuxuryLuxury


www.GolfiTeam.com

May 2015 The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch Page 3

MUST SELL• Estate Sales• Bank Foreclosures• Company-Owned Properties• Distress Sales

Free List with Pictures

www.HamiltonDistressSales.com

Fixer-upperHOMeS FOr SALe

These homes need work.Free list with pictures.

www.HamiltonFixerUpper.com

Homes For Sale

Call Us Today for information on Any of these Homes!

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

Bungalows & Raised Ranches Two Storeys • Semis & Town Homes

How to Sella Home ThatDidn’t SellHAMILTON/NIAGARA – If your home has justcome off the market and hasn’t sold, don’t be dis-couraged. The reason your home did not sell mayhave nothing to do with your home or the market.In reality, your home may have been one of themost desirable properties for sale.So Why Didn’t Your Home Sell?

Last year almost half of the homes listed for salenever sold at all, and many sellers found that therewas a tremendous amount a homeowner needed tobe educated on to sell their home for top dollar inthe shortest time period.

Don’t risk making the wrong choices and losingboth time and money on your investment. Beforeyou hire a realtor, know the right questions to askto save you time and money.

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

Please visit www.CouldntSell.com

HAMILTON - According toindustry experts, there areover 33 physical problemsthat will come under scrutinyduring a home inspectionwhen your home is for sale.A new report has been pre-pared which identifies theeleven most common ofthese problems, and whatyou should know about thembefore you list your home forsale.

Whether you own an oldhome or a brand new one,there are a number of thingsthat can fall short of require-ments during a home inspec-tion. If not dealt with, any ofthese 11 items could cost youdearly in terms of repair.That’s why it’s critical thatyou read this report beforeyou list your home. If youwait until the building inspec-tor flags these issues for you,

you will almost certainlyexperience costly delays inthe close of your home saleor, worse, turn prospectivebuyers away altogether.

In most cases, you canmake a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if youknow what you’re lookingfor, and knowing what you’relooking for can help you pre-vent little problems fromgrowing into costly and

unmanageable ones.

To help home sellers deal

with this issue before their

homes are listed, a free report

entitled “11 Things You Need

to Know to Pass Your Home

Inspection” has been com-

piled which explains the

issues involved.

To order your free copy

of this report visit www.

HamiltonInspectionPitfalls.com

27 Quick &Easy Fix Ups toSell Your HomeFast and forTop DollarHAMILTON/NIAGARA – Because your

home may well be your largest asset, sell-

ing it is probably one of the most impor-

tant decisions you will make in your life.

And once you have made that decision,

you’ll want to sell your home for the high-

est price in the shortest time possible with-

out compromising your sanity. Before you

place your home on the market, here’s a

way to help you to be as prepared as pos-

sible.

To assist homesellers, a new industry

report has just been released called “27

Valuable Tips That You Should Know to

Get Your Home Sold Fast and for Top

Dollar.” It tackles the important issues you

need to know to make your home compet-

itive in today’s tough, aggressive market-

place.

Through these 27 tips, you will discov-

er how to protect and capitalize on your

most important investment, reduce stress,

be in control of your situation, and make

the most profit possible.

In this report you’ll discover how to

avoid financial disappointment or worse, a

financial disaster when selling your home.

Using a common-sense approach, you get

the straight facts about what can make or

break the sale of your home.

You owe it to yourself to learn how

these important tips will give you the com-

petitive edge to get your home sold fast

and for the most amount of money.

How to order your free copy of this

report, check us out online at

www.hamilton27tips.com

11 Critical Home Inspection Traps To Be

Aware Before Listing Your Home For Sale

Hamilton EaSt

Bungalows/Raised Ranches

Starting at $105,000

33 Available

two Storeys


19 Available

Semis & townHomes


16 Available

Hamilton mtn



51 Available

two Storeys


93 Available

Semis & townHomes


32 Available

Hamilton CtR


Starting at $64,900

18 Available

two Storeys


80 Available

Semis & townHomes

Starting at $84,900

28 Available

StonEy CRk upR



5 Available

two Storeys


28 Available

Semis & townHomes


13 Available

StonEy CRk lWR



23 Available

two Storeys


71 Available

Semis & townHomes


30 Available

GRimSBy



22 Available

two Storeys


39 Available

Semis & townHomes


11 Available

linColn



21 Available

two Storeys


35 Available

Semis & townHomes


23 Available


Hamilton, Stoney CreekAncaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

Rob Golfi*

Call Today 905-575-7700


Quiet lakeside neighbourhood condoImmaculate 1200 sqft., 2 BR unit in fantastic condition hasopen & inviting flr plan w/vaulted ceilings. Features oversizedgreat rm w/gas fireplace & lrg windows looking out to gorgeousLake Ontario, sliding door leading to balcony. Avail. for immed.occupancy.515 North Service Road, Unit #58, Stoney Creek | $399,900

Bright Warm and Inviting Great Stoney Creek core family friendly home in greatneighbourhood near schools, parks and shopping. Featuresgorgeous hardwood floors on main floor, showcase fireplace insunken family room with sliding doors leading to large fencedbackyard, and finished rec-room. Updates include bathroom,furnace.14 Ellington Avenue, Stoney Creek | $369,900

Opportunity is knocking!Use attached APS and schedules B, C. No offers til April 26,2015. 3 business days irrevocable please. Property being sold“AS IS” “WHERE IS.” Do not turn water on, all room sizesapproximate205 – 7.5 Madison Avenue, Hamilton | $89,900

Spectacular – Must See!Immaculate 4 bedroom, 2 storey home on quiet street,hardwood and ceramic on main floor, main floor laundry, sep.dining, fully finished basement with 2 piece bath, rec room, andgames room, Beautifully landscaped front, side and rear yard.46 Springbreeze Heights, Stoney Creek | $549,900

Escarpment location, opportunityknock!Beautifully updated 1.5 storey with built-ins and a fabulouskitchen with breakfast bar, private rear yard w/a large deck.Main floor bedroom and 4 piece bath. Basement has 3 piecebath and two bedrooms. Garage w/hydro.283 Province Street, South, Hamilton | $289,900

Rare find duplex! This property is located in East Hamilton close to all amenities.Features separate hydro meters, 25 year shingles (2011),furnace & A/C (2012), basement windows (2003), main floorand 2nd level windows (2000). In-law suite. Upper unitcurrently rented for $700/mth. Can rent for more, vacantpossession is no problem. 29 Beland Avenue, South, Hamilton | $299,900

Dream hobby farm for horse lovers! Scenic 37+ acre property w/lrg home, barn (4 'soft mat’stables), & run-in. Close to HWY access & city conveniences.Beautiful eat-in kitch, living rm w/wood stove, lrg foyer, 3 BRs& many extras.2832 Glancaster Road, Ancaster | $824,900

Cute bungalow, ready to move in Previously a 3 BR can easily be converted back. Roof & eaves‘14, York high efficiency furnace, most wdws updated, recentdeck & fence, upscale bath, new weeping tiles outside & insideon 2 walls, updated circuit breaker panel, parking in back withgate for 2 cars. Walking distance to the new Go station.85 Elgin Street, Hamilton | $249,900

Trendy Stinson area Turn this 2.5 storey back to a single family home and addcharacter to it. Has a finished loft. Furnace approximately 6years old. Appointments Apr 25 and 26th from 10-12am, 2-4pm, 6-7pm and Apr 27th and 28th from 11-3pm, 5-7pm.Offers Apr 29th 12:30pm. Being sold “as is”, “where is” nomeasurements due to tenants denying access129 Grant Avenue, Hamilton | $249,900

Newly renovated top to bottom, inside &out! Two story home steps to mountain brow, 4 BRs, 3 full & 1 halfbaths, oversized fully fenced yard w/party deck, new maplekitch w/granite & island, sep. dining rm, main flr ldry. New roof,windows, doors, flooring, electrical…& more.65 Sunning Hill Avenue, Hamilton | $689,900

Just amazing in every respect THIS CONDO UNIT is a stunning ground floor 2 bedroombungalow, offers $60,000 in luxury finishes, custom kitchenwith granite counters, gas fireplace, professionally finishedbasement, ensuite bath with glass shower and air jet tub,closet organizer. 515 North Service Road, Unit #57, Stoney Creek | $449,900

Attention downsizers, first time buyersand investors! Handy Downtown bungalow, 2 bedroom, furnace in 2011,windows in 2011 and roof in 2000. Close to buses,entertainment and shopping. Being sold "as-is, where-is.”213 Rebecca Street, Hamilton | $169,900


Hamilton, Stoney CreekAncaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

Rob Golfi*

www.GolfiTeam.com

Prime Rosedale locationAmazing lot. Home features large rooms, French doors,separate dining room, 2 baths, gas fireplace, attached garageand concrete drive. Updates include updated kitchen, furnace2005, central air 2013, windows, roof (2009), freshly painted.Won’t last! 131 Rosedale Avenue, Hamilton | $299,900


A slice of heavenPicturesque 3/4 acre country corner lot bungalow surroundedby pure nature. This home features pride of ownership with anopen and inviting floor plan and sun filled rooms, finishedbasement, main floor laundry, updated shingles and furnace.3226 Indian Trail, Ancaster | $484,900

FREE Home Evaluation

Get your home sold Fast!

905.945.0188

Waterfront gem!Romantic waterfront home, this custom built gem in privatecul-de-sac features, no lawn maintenance w/private pool &balcony something you see in a travel magazine. Open andinviting floor plan, with large sunny bright window, riparianrights and shore protection in place.8 Trillium Avenue, Stoney Creek | $1,100,000

Build any size home you want.FABULOUS FIND - Prestigious 3 acre lot with a 230 ft.frontage and 550 ft. deep. Existing home upgrades includewindows, roof, furnace, air conditioning, siding drilled well andelectrical all within the past 10 yrs. Property also has cisternbut not used at the present time.764 Fiddler’s Green Road, Ancaster | $569,900

Live on the beach!! 135 feet of unobstructed view. All season sunroom w/Lakeviews. Gorgeous second floor deck overlooking Lake Ontario.Many updates include flooring, kitchen, windows, fencing anddriveway. Private parking off Dexter, last driveway on theNorth side.7 Woodland Avenue, Hamilton | $599,900

Immaculate. Open concept. Custom. Need we say more?4 bedroom custom built Maple Crest home in Ancaster,approx. 3000 sq. feet, ceramics and oak hardwood on main fl.Dream kitchen, gorgeous in-ground heated salt water pool, &landscaping. No disappointments!4 Pickard Avenue, Ancaster | $774,900

Custom Built 2 Bedroom all brick home Sitting on one acre with 3 car garage, home features largeliving room, kitchen with granite counters, large island, highend stainless steel appliances, main floor laundry, large masterbedroom, and second kitchen. Hard wood flooring throughout.1489 1/2 – Highway #8, Stoney Creek | $549,900

Fulfill your waterfront dream!Lakefront! 3000 sq ft 3 bedrm, 2 storey. Updates includekitchen with granite, marble floors, windows, ensuite. Centrehall plan with separate dining room, main floor laundry, mainfloor family room. Stunning 79 ft frontage on private road.24 Lakeshore Drive, Stoney Creek | $949,900

The word “Plateau” is in its namesake. Custom home built on half acre lot. Fully finished basementw/second kitchen, 2 cold cellars & walk out, oversized Barzottikitch w/sliding drs leading to pool sized fenced lot, sunkenfamily room, dining rm large enough for any size family.36 Hilts Drive, Stoney Creek | $749,900

Modern minimalist design! 3300 sq ft lakefront home. Modern minimalist design with 3bedrooms, open concept principle rms, balconies on 2 levelsacross the back of the home, tons of windows to maximizelight. Breakwall extra high construction. 51 Windemere Road, Stoney Creek | $989,900

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Over 1 acre


Grimsby, LincolnWest Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

Call Today 905-945-0188


49 Acre hobby farm, 30 acres are bushThis property features a 35x55 ft. galvanized steel barn, largeparking or truck yard with stone and asphalt grindings on top,large 42 ft. drilled well plus Cistern, 3 level side split with largefamily room addition built in 1968, and high basement. Needsa little bit of work to get it looking lived in again. Available forimmediate occupancy. 7683 Young Street, West Lincoln | $579,900

Beautifully updated family homeUpdated 3 bedrm family home in great location of Grimsby.Large eat in kitch, living room/dining room combinationw/wood burning FP, & patio doors to large back yard. Updatesinclude furnace 2007, C/A aprx 2010, front windows less than5 years old, hardwd & carpeting, updated main bath & more.13 Bayview Drive, Grimsby | $359,000

Escarpment views!Lovely 3 storey townhome with escarpment view, neutraldecor, open concept LR/DR and Kitch. Includes 5 appliances.2 bedrooms+den, 1.5 baths and bedroom level laundry.Conveniently located close to schools, quick access to QEWand downtown. Condo road fee: $70/mthUnit #75, 6 Chestnut Drive, Grimsby | $259,900

Stunning new 2 storey loaded withupgrades4 bedrm, 3 bath. Hand scraped hardwood flooring throughout,ceramic in foyer, kitchen and bathrms...no carpet! Upgradedoak staircase to match hardwood. Gorgeous kitchen with S/Sappliances, open concept to dining room & great room. Greatlocation, close to schools, the QEW & downtown.4306 Dennis Avenue, Beamsville | $479,900

To be built, make it your own!2 storey executive four bedroom home, 2800 sq. feet features9 ft. ceilings, 2 car garage, main floor laundry, large eat inkitchen, ensuite bath with walk in-closet, ceramics, &hardwood floors. Similar “To Be Built,” “taxes “NOT SET.”52 Kenmir Avenue, Lot #46, St. David’s | $749,900

Vineyard Valley with escarpment viewsBeautifully finished 3+1 bedrm Vineyard Valley home finishedtop to bottom w/balcony view of Niagara Escarpment. 9 ftceilings, hardwd throughout main floor & loft, oak staircase, potlighting, 2.5 bath, ensuite bath, lrg walk-in closet, gas fireplace& dble car driveway w/quick access to QEW & steps fromYMCA.41 Vinifera Drive, Grimsby | $419,900

Brick VIctorian on 99.39 acres of veryproductive farm land70 acres workable & 30 acres of bush, large 2.5 storey 4 bedrm brick Victorian farm house with large barn &workshop. New cistern 3yrs, new septic 1 yr, shingles &furnace 4 yrs. Possible 4 acre severance available call fordetails.489 Kemp Road West, Grimsby | $869,900

Quiet community neighbourhood!Bungalow features 2+1 bedroom, open concept design,master bed suite walk-in closet & ensuite, hardwood, backyarddeck w/awning. Basement fin with rec room, bedroom & 2 pcbathroom. Double car garage. 31 Book Road, Unit 25, Grimsby | $349,900

Large principal roomsAffordable 2+1 bedroom 1990 sq.ft., 2 storey home w/a largefloor plan to make this a country dream home! BONUSseparate 1 bedroom professionally finished bungaloft w/fullkitchen, 3 pc bath, gas fireplace and separate patio w/greatincome potential to cut your mortgage in HALF!4058 Fly Road, Beamsville | $ 319,900

Short walk to town and local Tim’s! 3 bedroom, 1-1/2 bath condo with updated bathrooms,basement flooring and furnace/C/A. Small 24 unit complexshort walk to town and local Tim’s. Finished rec room inbasement with inside entry to garage. Perfect for first timebuyer or investor. Unit # 8 – 149 St. Catharines Street, Smithville | $144,900

Unique space, completely renovatedThis former church has been completely renovated to include3 possibly 4 bedrooms, open concept living room/ kitchen.Master bedrm creatively situated in one of two loft areascomplete w/bathroom ensuite. Possibilities to work at homew/large family room area perfect for multiple uses!10 Page Street, Port Colborne | $209,900

Freehold townhome - to be built3 storey 1800 sq.ft. freehold townhome features 9ft. ceilings, 3great size bedrooms, master with ensuite and walk-in closet,large eat in kitchen, rear yard backs onto pond, double cargarage and minutes to all amenities. To be built. Taxes are“not set”. Unit # 11, 5072 Cassandra Drive, Beamsville | $309,900


Lakefront with 16 acres of vines alreadyplanted!Approx 21 acres property. Build your dream on lakefront parcelor create your own winery. Can be purchased with adjoiningLakeside Dr property. Great Opportunity!4921 Sann Road, Beamsville | $1,900,000

Own your own vineyard!Approximately 28 Acres Parcel with 24 acres of vineyardplanted. 6 Acres-Sauv Blanc, 6 Acres-Gamay, 5 Acres-CabSauv, 5 Acres-Merlot, 1 Acre-Chardonnay, 1 Acre-SauvCoronation. Home has had some interior updates & new 3500gallon cistern. 4266 Greenlane, Beamsville | $1,399,900

8 acres of Merlot currently planted withWater Views!Water Views! Approx 19 acre parcel with fantastic views of thewater. Farmhouse currently rented. Great opportunities! Canbe purchased with adjoining Sann Road property. GreatOpportunity! 4558 Lakeside Drive, Beamsville | $1,899,900

Grimsby, LincolnWest Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

www.GolfiTeam.com


Rare find - this Exclusive waterfront lotin private enclave.Looking for the right neighbor to build a luxury dream home on140 x 183 ft. lot. Exclusive listing to the Golfi Team. BeautifulWaterfront lot sitting on 140 x 183 ft. lot on private cul-de-sacon the shores of lake Ontario, services include sewers, waterand gas to lot line. 143 Lake Street, Grimsby | $955,000

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Business Opportunity - RM2 Zoning¾ acre site centrally located in the downtown area, permitteduses; apartment dwelling, boarding or lodging dwelling, homefor the aged, nursing home, group home, private homedaycare. Call for details on permitted uses.Lot #201 Academy Street, Beamsville | $369,900

BUilDiNG lOT

Turn of the century character home!Beautifully finished with rich trim, crown mould, warmhardwoods, French doors, character front porch. Granitekitchen counter, added on family room with kitchenette &office. Carriage house perfect for the live/work environment.3869 Victoria Avenue, Vineland | $374,900

Vacant Commerical Lot – NEW PRICE!VACANT COMMERCIAL LOT 40x140 ft. located walkingdistance to downtown Beamsville and QEW. Services are onthe road. Call Rob Golfi today at 905-945-0188 for a privateviewing. Thank you for visiting my website and I look forwardto hearing from you. 4946 Maple Avenue, Beamsville, $79,000

vacaNT cOmmercial lOT

The Muskoka house – If you like livingon the water with no yard maintenance BIGGER THAN IT LOOKS! 2200 sq ft completely rebuiltWaterfront retreat w/180-degree views of Lake feat. 3 bedrms& 2 baths. Large master w/ensuite, two main floor bedrms, 3pcpowder rm, two-level living area, spacious dining rm, & oversized chefs gourmet kitch. You will love this freehold property!1-11th Street, Grimsby, $899,900

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Dorchester Estates sweet spot!Spectacular custom built home backing onto the escarpmentoffering in-ground salt water pool, hot tub, on a prestigiouscourt. Features granite kitch counters, porcelain tiles, stainlesssteel appliances, main flr LR/DR, den or office, bonus great rm,hardwd flrs, lrg master suite. 28 Heathcote Court, Grimsby | $789,900

Bragging rights for owning a piece ofperfection! Executive 2-storey home backs onto green-space! 1-1/2 yearold home 3+1 bedrm with main floor master suite, stylishkitchen, butler’s walk-in pantry, separate dining room, finishedbasement, office, games rm, rec rm & walk-out. 154 Forest Ridge Court, Welland | $659,900

Nearly 30 acres on Twenty Mile CreekNewly built 2 storey home, with in-law sitting on nearly 30acres. 3 bedrm home w/ open concept living, 1 bedrm in-laww/ basement rec rm. Original barn, 43x24 ft garage/workshop& office. Property borders Twenty Mile Creek, beautifullypicturesque.4429 #69 Regional Road, St. Anns | $849,900

Incredible home. Incredible location. Start typing your offers! 1400 sq.ft UPGRADED town home ,hardwd flrs, custom tile, SS appliances, marble bathrmcounters, antique white kitchen & island with soft closedrawers. custom ensuite bath w lake views $55./mth condoRd.515 Winston Road, Unit #43, Grimsby | $324,900

WaTerFrONT


Call Today 905-575-7700


Luxury Homes & Waterfront Properties

Rob Golfi*

Romantic Waterfront Gem! This custom waterfront home built on a private cul-de-sacfeatures, no lawn maintenance w/private pool & balconysomething you see in a travel magazine. Open and invitingfloor plan, with large sunny bright window, riparian rights andshore protection in place.8 Trillium Avenue, Stoney Creek | $1,100,000

Modern minimalist design! 3300 sq ft lakefront home. Modern minimalist design with 3bedrooms, open concept principle rms, balconies on 2 levelsacross the back of the home, tons of windows to maximizelight. Breakwall extra high construction. 51 Windemere Road, Stoney Creek | $989,900

Stunning Lakefront! Lakefront! 3000 sq ft 3 bedrm, 2 storey. Updates includekitchen w/granite, marble floors, windows, ensuite. Centre hallplan with separate dining rm, main flr laundry, main flr familyrm. Stunning 79 ft frontage on private road.24 Lakeshore Drive, Stoney Creek | $949,900

Nearly 30 acres along Twenty Mile Creek! Newly built 2 storey home, with in-law sitting on nearly 30 acres. 3 bedrm home w/ open concept living, 1 bedrm in-law w/ basement rec rm. Original barn, 43x24 ftgarage/workshop & office. Property borders Twenty MileCreek, beautifully picturesque.4426 #6 Regional Road, St. Anns | $849,900

37+Acres for Horse lovers! Dream hobby farm for horse lovers! Scenic 37+ acre propertyw/lrg home, barn (4 'soft mat’ stables), & run-in. Close to HWYaccess & city conveniences. Beautiful eat-in kitch, living rmw/wood stove, lrg foyer, 3 BRs & many extras.2832 Glancaster Road, Ancaster | $824,900

Rob Golfi*

The Muskoka house – If you like livingon the water with no yard maintenance BIGGER THAN IT LOOKS! 2200 sq ft completely rebuiltWaterfront retreat w/180-degree views of Lake feat. 3 bedrms& 2 baths. Large master w/ensuite, two main floor bedrms, 3pcpowder rm, two-level living area, spacious dining rm, & oversized chefs gourmet kitch. You will love this freehold property!1-11th Street, Grimsby | $899,900

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30 acreS 37+ acreS

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Views of the Canadian and US shores 5 bedroom home on the most prestigious street in NiagaraFalls includes in-law w/nanny suite, in-ground pool, sunroomw/built in hot tub, landscaped yard w/sprinkler system, eat inkitch, family room w/wood fireplace. Updates: roof ‘12,Furnace ‘13, AC in in-law suite, Water pump 14, interior &exterior painted in ‘12.10185 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls | $819,000

Dorchester estates sweet spot!Spectacular Custom built home backing onto the escarpmentoffering in-ground salt water pool, hot tub, all on a prestigiouscourt. Features granite kitch counters, porcelain tiles, stainlesssteel appliances, main flr LR/DR, den or office, bonus great rm,hardwd flrs, lrg master suite. 28 Heathcote Court, Grimsby | $789,900

Waterfront lot! Fabulous find!Exclusive listing to the Golfi Team! Beautiful Waterfront lotsitting on 140 x 183 ft. on a private cul-de-sac, build yourdream home on the shores of Lake Ontario, services includesewers, water and gas to lot line. 143 Lake Street, Stoney Creek | $955,000

Circa 1864 Manor!Beautifully restored country manor with addition on 21.3 acresbordering Beamer Falls and the Bruce Trail. This classic redbrick home is located 5 minutes from Grimsby’s town centre.Call for details.140 Ridge Road, Stoney Creek | $1,289,900

WaTerFrONT Congratulations to Dara mcleod!

Winner of our

FROZENCONTEST!

Dara Macleod of Smithville is the winner of ourFROZEN Contest Gift Basket. Dara had her picturetaken with Elsa and Anna from FROZEN at theHome Show. Standing with Dara is her mother, sis-ter and Rob Golfi.

WaTerFrONT 21.3 acreS



www.GolfiTeam.com

www.Golfiteam.com | 905.575.7700 |1.800.288.9184

SHARON

StAFFORD

HANS

MARCELISSEN

LAURA

BIELAK

wENDY

MURRAY-

NICHOLSON

CAtHERINE

wELLMAN

MIKE

MCNEIL

DAN

GOLFI

JENNIFER

DRAHO

LISA

BOtELHO

MICHELLE

HORVAt

SEAN

HARtLEY

HANK

BALFOORtBROKER OF RECORD

ASHLEY

SIDLER

ALLISON

PARK

JEFF

GOLFI

THE ULTIMATE SELLING TEAM

RoB GolFiSALES REpRESEnTATivE

One of the biggest ways parents help kids, iswith a down payment for a house or condo. The trick is keeping emotions out of the mix.

When parents lend money to kids it can tie fam-ilies up in knots, creating jealousies and trig-gering feuds that may never be resolved.

That’s because the situation is fraught with emotion,becoming as much tied up in the familial relationship asit is about the business arrangement at hand. That’s whymixing feelings with finance is such a difficult thing.

One of the biggest ways parents help kids is with thepurchase of a first house. For many, it is a way to pass ongood fortune and give young adults a leg up. Anyonewho bought a home in the GTA in the past 25 years agohas done very well. Paying it forward is rewarding.

A study sponsored by the Bank of Montreal showshow the trend is accelerating. For first-time homebuyers,the Bank of Mom and Dad is the go-to lender for a downpayment.

Pollara Strategic Insights found that 42 per cent offirst-timers are depending on some family help, up 12percentage points in a year. That support is equal to 12per cent of the cost of a home, or an average $37,500 ayear.

A study by the Canadian Association of AccreditedMortgage Professionals (CAAMP) last fall reported thesame trend, though less pronounced. CAAMP found that18 per cent of first timers are relying on family help,with 11 per cent getting the money as a gift and 7 percent as a loan.

If family financing is in your home-buying cards,here are some things to consider:

Gift or loan? If it’s a gift, then there are no stringsattached. If it’s a gift against a future inheritance, it’sworth making that clear and recording it, so everyoneknow, says real estate lawyer and Star contributor MarkWeisleder.

“The main thing is to get it in writing,” he says.Secure the loan: A loan will mean some form of

security, likely a second mortgage registered on title.The bank will have to know about the family loan andapprove.

Parents may also ask for a promissory note as proofof the loan and secure the loan against title. The loan,plus interest, could be repaid in full later, or never, but atleast it’s on record. Weisleder says a promissory notegives parents protection if things later break down.Maybe the couple splits up, or lose jobs in a downturnand the house has to be sold.

Joint ownership: In some cases, where the children,or couple’s income is too low to meet bank financingrequirements, parents are guaranteeing the mortgageoffering their own income as security.

In this case, the bank may want the parents on the titleto the property and to sign the mortgage indicating theirshare of ownership. It may be as little as 1 per cent, butthis still leaves them on the hook to carry everything ifthe kids default.

Getting the money back: It can get complicatedwhen parents want out. They can sell their interest to thekids, or give it back, but they would have to tell the bankand do it properly. Otherwise they could be in default ofthe mortgage, Weisleder says. Another option is to leavethe stake to the kids in a will.

There’s nothing more rewarding than helping yourkids, especially as a way to pay forward the same helpyou might have received all those years ago.

The trick is to leave emotions at the door. Discuss theimplications and do it in the open to avoid bad feelinglater. Above all, get the legal help you need.

Where 1st-time buyers get down payments

Savings: 40%

Bank loans: 27%

RRSPs: 12%

Gifts from parents: 11%

Loans from parents: 7%

Loans from employers: 1%

Other: 2%

Source: CAAMP, Nov. 2014

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Jacqueline Paradisi

Paul Lewis SettimiBarrister, Solicitor and Notary Public

8 Main Street East, Suite 303Hamilton, Ontario L8N 1E8Bus: 905-527-0808Fax: 905-527-0774

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Bus: 289-235-7500Fax: 905-527-0774

Real Estate Lawyer

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Laura BielakSales Representative, The Golfi Team 905-575-7700

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Market Watch, contact

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Crossword Solution

if you’d like to learn how Bni(www.bnigh.com) works and what it cando for your business, call or email me [email protected].

i can arrange for you to visit a chaptermeeting close to you so you can see howBni helps members develop referralbusiness relationships.

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WE GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS


MortgageAmount

MonthlyPayment

Bi-weeklyPayment

200,000 671.89 309.96 220,000 739.08 340.95 240,000 806.27 371.95 260,000 873.46 402.95 280,000 940.65 433.94 300,000 1,007.84 464.94 320,000 1,075.03 495.93 340,000 1,142.21 526.93360,000 1,209.40 557.92

As of May 2015 OAC

2.05%

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Crossword puzzle

Across1 moved unsteadily (7)8 Gain with effort (7)9 intoxicated (7)10 piano keys (slang) (7)11 Dog-like african carnivore (5)13 kind of three-dimensional

images (9)15 place of entertainment (9)18 Encouraged (5)21 Roll of hair worn at the back

of the head (7)22 Queen of the Fairies (7)23 take for oneself (7)24 Stealing (7)

Down1 Broadness (5)2 Cruel person (5)3,5 (moving) very easily and without

resistance (4,1,3,5,7,6)4 He did time in a den of lions (6)5 See 36 light-sensitive eyeball tissue (6)7 Fine animals (6)12 legendary Himalayan creature (4)14 partner (4)15 Sin etc (anag) (6)16 Fretted musical instrument (6)17 Supporting beam over a doorway

(6)19 literary style (5)20 personal journal (5)

the Solution

1 5 8 3 92 4 6

9 3 4 6 7 51 8 2

6 2 8 5 4 39 1 7

4 9 7 2 8 13 6 5

3 6 1 9 5 47 2 8

8 5 2 1 6 74 9 3

5 1 6 7 9 28 3 4

2 8 3 4 1 65 7 9

7 4 9 3 2 86 5 1

SUDOKUSUDOKU

175839 246

934675 182

628543 917

497281 365

361954 728

852167 493

516792 834

283416 57

749328 651

9

7

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.

(Solution on Page 10)

How to Prepare GardenSoil for Planting

The Essentials of Garden SoilThe biggest mistake beginning gar-

deners make is using lousy or too-thinsoil. Before planting anything in youryard, prepare your garden beds by dig-ging to loosen the soil and adding organ-ic material! This prep work can save youuntold disappointment and, perhaps morethan any other factor, assure a bountifuland delicious harvest.

If you're working with a brand-newgarden (or one that fell fallow and you'rebringing it back to life), you can stake itand get it ready the autumn before youplan to plant. This act gives the soil andthe amendments you've added time tosettle and meld. It also means you haveless work to do next spring.

If a fall start isn't possible or practical,go ahead and prepare the ground inspring — but don't start too early. If theground is still semi-frozen or soggy, dig-ging in the soil can compact it and harmits structure. How do you tell whether it'sready to be worked in? Grab a handfuland squeeze — it should fall apart, notform a mud ball.

Follow these steps when preparingyour soil:

Dig deep.Most plants are content with 6 to 8

inches of good ground for their roots togrow in.

If you're planning to grow substantial

root crops (potatoes, say, or carrots), go

deeper still — up to a foot or more (yes,

you can use a technique called hilling,

where you mound up good soil around

crops like potatoes, but this method does-

n't excuse your making a shallow veg-

etable garden).

fill 'er up.

Add lots and lots of organic matter!

Try using compost, dehydrated cow

manure, shredded leaves, well-rotted

horse manure (call nearby stables), or a

mixture. If your yard happens to be

blessed with fertile soil, adding organic

matter is less crucial, but most soils can

stand the improvement. Mix it with the

native soil, 50-50, or even more liberally.

Maybe your area's soil is notoriously

acidic, or very sandy, or quite obviously

lousy for plant growth. The good news is

that organic matter can be like a magic

bullet in that it helps improve whatever

you add it to. You have to replenish the

organic matter at the start of every grow-

ing season or maybe even more often. (If

the soil stubbornly resists improvement,

resort to setting raised beds atop it and

filling these bottomless boxes with excel-

lent, organically rich soil.)


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Ancaster Branch1100 Wilson Street West | 905-304-6838

Centre on Barton Branch1187 Barton Street East | 905-547-6202

Rymal Road Branch2176 Rymal Road East | 905-692-3597

Hamilton Commercial & Small Business Banking Centre2 King Street West | 905-528-6391

Binbrook Marketplace Branch2537 Regional Road 56 | 905-692-8359

Jackson Square Branch2 King Street West | 905-528-6391

Stoney Creek Branch(Opening Fall 2014)259 Queenston Road


May 2015 Issue 111

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