Jan. 23, 2012 Issue 40

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

January 23, 2012 - Vol 35a

Rob GolfiSales Representative


HOME EVALUATION NO COST • NO OBLIGATION

905-575-7700 • 905-945-0188

MarketWatch January B 2012_MarketWatch_Transfer.qxd 19/01/12 4:22 PM Page 1

Page 2 The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch January 23, 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.

2 7

6 9 5 3

43 6

9 8 5 7

2 1

3 92 5

1 2 8

8 4 16

4 3

SUDOKUSUDOKU

239648 157

674982 531

851724 396

985216 743

362597 418

417369 825

123875 964

598431 67

746153 289

2

Across

1 Ethiopian capital (5,5)

7 Levy on cars etc (4,3)

8 Loose-fitting shirt or cloak (5)

10 Destiny (4)

11 Side playing at their own ground

(4,4)

13 Process of arrival (6)

15 Seafood item (6)

17 Envious emotion (8)

18 Contract (a muscle) (4)

21 Digger for gold or coal, say (5)

22 Thick soft porous cake — attrac-

tive person (7)

23 Clumsy person — heavy shoe

(10)

Down

1 Separate(d) (5)

2 Shorter signals in the Morse code

(4)

3 Church bell-ringer or grave-digger

(6)

4 Flatter (6,2)

5 Barmy (7)

6 Bottleneck on wheels (7,3)

9 Intricacy (10)

12 (Of gossip) in circulation (8)

14 Face cloth (7)

16 Hitchcock classic (6)

19 Person shunned socially (5)

20 Evidence of pregnancy — knock

(into) (4)

Crossword Puzzle(Solution on Page 10)

“There was an old woman who lived in a shoe,but it sold. How about a fuzzy slipper in a

bedroom community?"


Call Today 905-575-7700

January 23, 2012 The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch Page 3

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

Grimsby $329,500

6 Brentwood RoadBetter than new! This completely updated 3 levelsidesplit has everything. Hardwood throughout,new maple kitchen, updated furnace & C/A, allupdated vinyl windows and doors. Beautifullydecorated. 12'x30' garage. Close to town on quietcul-de-sac. Call today!

Grimsby $268,500

101 Magnolia CrescentEnd unit townhouse in fantastic area. Featuresnew painted maple kitchen w/glass backsplash,new hardwood in LR/DR. Finished basementw/built-in for media center. Centrally locatedclose to shopping, parks, hwy access.

smiTHVillE $274,900

8 Cherry Avenue5 years new! Raised ranch in fantasticneighbourhood. Features 1142 sqft of openconcept space.Gas fireplace in living room,large bright bedrooms. 13' X 25' concrete patioin fenced in back yard. Call the Golfi Teamtoday for a private viewing.

Grimsby $276,900

5 Bayview DriveGreat Value! 3 bedrm, 2 storey home updated w/furnace/ac & kitchen complete w/new cabinetrycounters & flooring(2011), concrete drive &patio door & basement windows(2010). Masterbedrm w/ensuite & partially fin basemnt.

sTONEy CrEEK $214,900

1026 Highway #8Big bungalow in Stoney Creek on the Winonaborder! Country living minutes to Eastgate Mall& easy hwy access. Big bright rooms & updatedfurnace, c/air & windows, 2 car parking, big frontdeck, easy care lawn & landscaping, great value,& fantastic neighbours! Call 905-575-7700.

HamilTON $119,900

64 Edgemont Street NorthAmazing value in this 3 bedrm bungalow!Features incl. laundry on main floor, 1 bath, anunspoiled basement, side parking & great frontporch. Huge fully fenced yard w/on-ground poolsurrounded by deck & gardens. School is withinwalking distance. A great family neighbourhood.

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 FOR 95% OF LIST

SOLD FOR 98% OF LIST IN 34 DAYS

SOLD FOR 98% OF LIST IN 1 DAY



SOLD FOR 98.5% OF LIST IN 38 DAYS


29 Peachwood CrescentImmaculate 4+1 bedroom home in sought afterStoney Creek neighborhood. This 2,060 SqFthome features open concept layout, 4+1bedrooms, ensuite and walk-in off masterbedroom, separate dining room, hardwood inliving room, fully finished basement.



Grimsby $399,900

28 Sumner CrescentAwesome 4 bedroom home features slate &brazilian cherry floors, custom cherry kitchencabinets, custom drapery, professionally finishedbasement, new central air and furnace, new liner& pool pump '08, hot tub, mostly vinyl windows.

SOLD IN 15 DAYS

Grimsby $379,900

442 Main StreetCharacter home set along Grimsby’s tree linedstreet. Features new kitchen, updated baths, newfurnace c/air & water heater, new shingles &plywood 2002, all vinyl windows, hardwd underall broadloom, 2 storey garage 45x26 ftw/finished loft above with furnace & bathrm.

SOLD TO MY CASH BUYER


Call Today 905-575-7700


Rob Golfi*

Hamilton & Stoney Creek

if youwant it

SOLDCall Rob Golfi905-575-7700

or visit

www.RobGolfi.com

HamilTON EasT $194,900

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 windws.

HamilTON EasT $95,900

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!

HamilTON $329,900

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 $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, ON $369,900

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.

HamilTON $389,900

69 South OvalPrime Westdale village. Center Hall. Manyupgrades include kitchen, back flow valve,windows, roof & electrical. Impressive loft areaused as master retreat, lower level bath withheated floors. Call Listing agent for rentalincome.

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.

HamilTON $309,900

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 $1,900/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.

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.


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.

HamilTON $379,900

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 $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


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 $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.

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 $749,900

4816 Mountainview Road North2 storey, 3000 sq.ft. on 6.75 acre hobby farm!Upgrades incl new hardwd, new kitchenw/granite, new carpeting w/up-graded under pad,Mbed rm w/luxury ensuite, 3 season sunrm, gasFP, new c/air & furnace, updated shingles, 2storage out buildings, & quick access to QEW.

sT. CaTHariNEs $269,900

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.

Grimsby $449,900

68 Lake StreetBeautiful, spacious 3+1 bedroom family homewith old-world charm, on park-like setting.Located on large 75'x195' lot with 25'x32'tandem deep garage. Restored hardwood floors,upgraded doors and trim throughout. Thousandsspent on upgrades and updates in past five years.

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.

WEsT liNCOlN $328,500

9407 Silver StreetAmazing updated home on 100 x 200 ft lot, builtin 1953, has an open concept living room/diningroom with hardwood floors, huge master suite,New high efficiency gas furnance/CA, updatedmain bath, entry doors, & water conditioner.Bonus room over the garage.

www.GolfiTeam.com

Rob Golfi*

Grimsby, Lincoln & West Lincoln Area

Grimsby $369,900

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.


Home evaluation

No Cost or Obligation

905-945-0188

BUNGALOW

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.


www.golfiteam.com


Ashley SidlerSales Representative

Mike McNeilSales Representative

Rosemarie FournierListing Co-ordinator

Jaclyn RossOffice Manager

BONDSEAL CANADAThe Waterproofing Specialists

Specializing in Concrete Crack Repairs:Dry, Seeping or Gushing

All MethodsInterExterior

John [email protected]

Together… Delivering More!

Home evaluationNo Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today!

905-575-7700 / 905-945-0188

MaximumExposure Sells

Your Homewww.golfiteam.com

The Golfi Team is ranked in the

Top 100 Re/max Teams in Canada.

Sharon StaffordSales Representative

Heather ReidSales Representative

Hans MarcellissenSales Representative

Wendy Murray-NicholsonSales Representative

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.


Call Today 905-575-7700


Balanced Conditions Set to Return to MostCanadian Housing Markets in 2012, whileResidential Values Expected to Once AgainSet New Records, says RE/MAXCanadian residential real estate defied conventional logic andoutperformed expectations in 2011, posting another solid year ofhousing activity virtually across the board. The trend is expected tocarry forward into 2012 as Canadians continue to demonstrate theirfaith in homeownership.

Canadian residential realestate defied conventional logicand outperformed expectations in2011, posting another solid year ofhousing activity virtually acrossthe board. The trend is expected tocarry forward into 2012 asCanadians continue to demon-strate their faith in homeowner-ship, despite concerns over theEuropean debt crisis and itsimpact on the global economy,according to a report released byRE/MAX.

The RE/MAX HousingMarket Outlook 2012 examinedtrends and developments in 26major markets across the country.Eighty-eight per cent (23/26)anticipated average price increasesby year-end 2011—with percent-age hikes ranging from one to 16per cent. The forecast for 2012shows the upward trend moderat-ing, but still ahead of 2011 figures.Overall home sales are expected toremain on par or ahead of lastyear’s levels in 85 per cent (22/26)of markets in 2011—includingSaskatoon with a year-over-yearpercentage increase of 13 per centand an eight per cent uptick inCalgary, Winnipeg, Hamilton-Burlington and Sudbury. Almosthalf of Canadian markets willmatch the 2011 performance,while the remainder should postincreases ranging from one to fiveper cent next year.

By year-end 2011, an estimat-

ed 460,000 homes are expected tochange hands, up three per centfrom the 447,010 units reported in2010. Sales are expected to climbone per cent to 464,500 units in2012. The value of a Canadianhome is set to climb to $363,000this year—an increase of sevenper cent over the $339,030 postedone year ago. By year-end 2012,the average price in Canada isforecast to appreciate two per centto $371,000.

The Canadian housing markethas demonstrated tremendousresilience in recent years, but 2011stands out. Instead of respondingto economic concerns both hereand abroad with a retreat in salesand prices, residential real estatemarkets actually experienced anupswing in the volatile third andfinal quarters. While clearly notimpervious to the impact,Canadian consumers are intent onmaking their moves now, inadvance of higher housing valuesand rising interest rates down theroad.

Improvement in both provin-cial and local economies, especial-ly during the second half of 2012,should serve to further stimulatehome-buying activity. Calgary,Saskatoon, and Halifax-Dartmouth will likely lead thecountry in unit sales in 2012, eachwith a projected increase of fiveper cent. Regina, Greater Toronto,Saint John, Moncton, and St.John’s anticipate a three per centincrease in home sales next year.

The economic underpinningssupport ongoing demand, particu-larly as job creation efforts contin-ue and unemployment rates edgedown further. Nationally, weremain on an upward track, andthe confidence consumers havedemonstrated in housing over thepast decade will prove well found-ed once again next year. The ris-ing belief in homeownership iskey, especially among GenerationX and Y—some of whom are

making their moves sooner.Boomers and retirees are chang-ing, too. They’re healthier andmore active, with longer lifeexpectancy. Overall, we’re seeingan extension of the homeowner-ship cycle, and it’s great news forhousing.

While tighter supply levelscontributed to steady price appre-ciation in most major marketsacross Canada this year, anincrease in inventory more in linewith years previous should easeupward pressure on average pricein the year ahead. The highestappreciation is expected inRegina, where values are forecastto increase eight per cent, fol-lowed by Greater Toronto,Halifax-Dartmouth, and St,John’s—each posting a five percent gain. Overall, 81 per cent ofthe markets examined are forecastto set new records for averageprice next year. Noteworthy mile-stones include Greater Vancouver,which will break the $800,000threshold, as well as Regina andKitchener-Waterloo, which willreach the $300,000 mark.

While prices will remain onthe upswing, buyers will benefitfrom greater selection moving for-ward. Stability or modest growthwill characterize sales activitywhile GDP moves forward at amore muted pace in 2012.Whether markets will meet orpotentially exceed projections willhinge largely on consumer confi-dence. An unexpected call forinterest rate hikes could also serveto bolster sales.

Other highlightsinclude:• Population growth and immigra-

tion are major factors expectedto prop-up housing demand andhousehold formation in thecoming years. Since 2000,Canada’s population has experi-enced double-digit growth of 11per cent. By 2031, over 42 mil-

lion people are expected to callCanada home.

• Investment will also continue inCanada’s major centres, withincome-producing properties atthe top of the most wanted list.Low vacancy rates and stockmarket volatility reinvigoratedthis segment of the market in2011 and the very same factorsare forecast to influence salesmoving forward.

• Condominiums are expected togain an increasing share of themarketplace, particularly inWestern Canada and Ontario. Afocus on higher density urbangrowth is impacting purchasingpatterns and introducing new,affordable options—critical tothe attainability of homeowner-ship as prices continue to moveupward.

• Housing stock in major Canadiancentres will improve as munici-palities focus on redevelopmentand revitalization.

RE/MAX is Canada’s lead-

ing real estate organization with

over 18,500 sales associates situ-

ated throughout its more than

700 independently-owned and

operated offices in Canada. The

RE/MAX network, now in its

38th year, is a global real estate

system operating in 80 coun-

tries, with over 6,200 independ-

ently-owned offices and over

89,000 member sales associates.

RE/MAX realtors lead the

industry in professional designa-

tions, experience and production

while providing real estate serv-

ices in residential, commercial,

referral, and asset management.

For more information, visit:

www.remax.ca.

by Christine Martysiewicz

RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada



Call Today 905-575-7700

amoRTiZaTioN CHaRTMonthly payment per $1,000

Length of Mortgage (Amortization Period)

Example $150,000 at 20yr at 3.0%: 150 x 5.54 = $831.00 /month

InterestRate (%) 5 yr 10 yr 15 yr 20 yr 25 yr 30 yr 35 yr

3.00 17.96 9.65 6.90 5.54 4.73 4.21 3.84

3.50 18.18 9.88 7.14 5.79 4.99 4.48 4.12

4.00 18.40 10.11 7.38 6.04 5.26 4.76 4.41

4.50 18.62 10.34 7.63 6.30 5.53 5.04 4.71

5.00 18.85 10.58 7.88 6.57 5.82 5.34 5.01

5.50 19.07 10.82 8.14 6.84 6.10 5.64 5.33

6.00 19.30 11.07 8.40 7.12 6.40 5.95 5.65

6.50 19.53 11.31 8.66 7.41 6.70 6.26 5.98

7.00 19.75 11.56 8.93 7.69 7.00 6.59 6.32

7.50 19.98 11.81 9.21 7.99 7.32 6.91 6.66

InterestRate (%) 5 yr 10 yr 15 yr 20 yr 25 yr 30 yr 35 yr

8.00 20.21 12.06 9.48 8.28 7.63 7.25 7.01

8.50 20.45 12.32 9.76 8.59 7.95 7.59 7.36

9.00 20.68 12.58 10.05 8.89 8.28 7.93 7.72

9.50 20.91 12.84 10.33 9.20 8.61 8.28 8.08

10.00 21.15 13.10 10.62 9.52 8.94 8.63 8.44

10.50 21.38 13.37 10.92 9.83 9.28 8.98 8.81

11.00 21.62 13.64 11.21 10.16 9.63 9.34 9.18

11.50 21.86 13.91 11.51 10.48 9.97 9.70 9.55

12.00 22.10 14.18 11.82 10.81 10.32 10.06 9.93

(January 5, 2012 – Hamilton,Ontario) The real estate market in theGreater Hamilton, Burlington andoutlying areas saw an increase in thenumber of listings and a smalldecrease in the number of sales andaverage sale price when compared tothe same month last year, accordingto Multiple Listing Service®(MLS®) statistics released today bythe REALTORS® Association ofHamilton-Burlington (RAHB).

After several months of strongsales, the residential condominiummarket experienced a drop in numberof sales of just under five per centwhen compared to December of lastyear. The same market also saw a 9.9

per cent increase in average sale priceover the same month last year.

In the residential freehold market,sales dropped less than two per centfrom last year at this time while theaverage sale price increased by twoper cent.

While sales were down comparedto last year, listings and sales wereboth higher than the 10-year averagefor the month.

“The December market per-formed well compared to the averagefor the month over the last ten years,”said RAHB President CameronNolan, “and the average sale pricecontinues to rise in our area.”

Every community in RAHB’s

marketing area has their own local-ized residential market with largerswings than are evident in the overallnumbers. In December HamiltonCentre, Dundas, Flamborough andGlanbook all saw significant increas-es in numbers of sales, whileHamilton Mountain, Ancaster,Waterdown and Caledonia showeddrops in sales compared to the samemonth last year.

Ancaster and Dunnville (area 61)saw decreases in average sale pricecompared to the same month last yearwhile Hamilton East, HamiltonMountain, Grimsby and Glanbrookhad the greatest increases in averagesale price.

“No one should take these month-ly snapshots of local markets astrends,” added Nolan. “They aremerely a report of what occurred in aparticular month and can changewildly from month to month, espe-cially in areas with lower volumes ofsales.”

Please refer to the accompanyingchart for residential market activitiesin other parts of RAHB’s jurisdiction.

Figures quoted are for sales andaverage sale prices of units located inthe jurisdiction* of the REALTORS®Association of Hamilton-Burlingtonand processed through RAHB’sMultiple Listing Service® (MLS®).

Greater Hamilton, Burlington and Outlying

Areas See an Increase in Number of Listings



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Your house will get noticed FiRStwhen listed by the Team

who gets noticed the moSt!

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

ANCASTER 2011 771 202 545 $432,817 59 97%

(DISTRICT 42) 2010 838 234 585 $410,290 55 97%

BURLINGTON 2011 3739 476 3285 $413,432 36 98%

(DIST. 30 to 36 & 38) 2010 3994 600 3316 $385,642 37 98%

DUNDAS 2011 410 74 324 $338,039 52 98%

(DISTRICT 41) 2010 449 78 347 $336,574 46 98%

GLANBROOK 2011 507 119 381 $318,975 57 97%

(DISTRICT 53) 2010 457 114 328 $310,624 61 98%

GRIMSBY LWR 2011 475 95 356 $316,770 59 98%

(DISTRICT 54) 2010 524 148 362 $315,408 50 98%

GRIMSBY MTN 2011 59 25 34 $456,737 70 96%

(DISTRICT 55) 2010 54 18 32 $380,941 69 95%

HAMILTON EAST 2011 1037 220 790 $187,660 50 96%

(DIST. 23,24,27,28,29) 2010 1021 261 718 $180,396 47 96%

HAMILTON MTN 2011 2306 418 1863 $253,849 49 97%

(DIST. 15,16,17,18,25,26) 2010 2369 429 1871 $246,506 47 97%

HAMILTON CTRL. 2011 1552 472 1083 $150,783 51 96%

(DIST. 13,14,20,21,22) 2010 1768 580 1075 $148,421 48 95%

LINCOLN 2011 203 86 162 $281,350 75 97%

(DISTRICT 94) 2010 331 101 230 $269,793 63 97%

WEST LINCOLN 2011 96 35 58 $329,522 83 97%

(DISTRICT 56,58) 2010 67 27 38 $336,966 64 97%

SMITHVILLE 2011 109 37 81 $248,162 69 97%

(DISTRICT 57) 2010 188 82 96 $256,368 77 97%

STONEY CRK MTN 2011 327 69 256 $298,330 51 98%

(DISTRICT 50) 2010 351 68 276 $285,743 50 98%

STONEY CRK LWR 2011 884 232 641 $288,500 62 97%

(DISTRICT 51) 2010 943 279 641 $285,092 59 97%

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 on all home sales from December 2010 vs December 2011,

REALTORS Association of Hamilton-Burlington



289-969-6532

Home evaluationNo Cost or Obligation

Call Rob Golfi today!

905-575-7700905-945-0188

After a separation and divorce,the emotions of both partieshave already been put on

overload. And if the couple has children,the situation just became a million timesharder, especially when there is a move toconsider and all the changes that go withthis new chapter of life.

Though there are a million things onyour mind, if you are thinking of moving orrelocating, a trusted real estate agent shouldhelp make the transition a smooth one andmake it as less stressful as possible.

“Usually in the early months of theyear is when I’ll get the phone calls fromclients telling me they’re getting a divorce.They don’t want to disturb the holidays sothey wait for a bit after to break the newsto family members,” said Rob Golfi.“Being in the business as long as I have it’sa trend that’s been on the rise. A good realestate agent will be sympathetic to the sit-uation and make sure there is as little stressto the family as possible during all of thenew changes.”

Over the years, Golfi has helpedmany families going through these highlyemotional times and he has these points tooffer:1. If the couple has children and the cur-

rent home is near schools and extra-curricular activities and friends, oneor both parents may decide to stay inthe current home or look at movingwithin close proximity to the area tohelp minimize the extent of changeson the child. The right real estateagent will empathize with your situa-tion and help you make the mostinformed decision to your individualsituation.

2. If there are children involved, extracare needs to be taken with what isbeing said during the final decisions.Each child copes with the news of

divorce differently. Once any movesare over and the child begins seeingthe parents in their new environments,there is an adjustment period, so par-ents need to be mindful of that.

3. To make the transition easier on chil-dren in joint-custody situations, havethem bring personal items to and fromboth parent’s homes to help them feelmore comfortable. Help them person-alize their surroundings by helpingthem decorate their own spaces.

4. Despite a couple's differences, effortsshould be made to ensure parentingstyles and schedules are consistent atboth homes. Although it may be diffi-cult, separated parents should setguidelines for parenting that are con-sistent regardless of where the kidsare staying.

5. If one or both parties is deciding onmoving, there are things to consideras financial situations will be chang-ing: What can you afford? Is therejoint debt? Is there land maintenancethat you’re unable to maintain? Whatare the pros and cons of staying in thehome?

6. Do both parties fully understand thelegalities of separating or divorce,including the division of property?Ensure you fully understand all of the

legal and court documents and pro-ceedings. Don’t be afraid to ask yourlawyer questions. “Contemplating a divorce is no easy

decision. Going through one has manyemotional, financial and legal stresses andresponsibilities. When it comes to movingor relocating, a real estate agent will helpyou make the most informed decisions bybeing objective and knowledgeable,” saidGolfi.

For more information, contact theGolfi team at 905-575-7700.

By Paula Kozbial

Divorce and Moving: How Hard Can it Really Be on the Children?`

Crossword Solution



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Documents

Jan. 23, 2012 Issue 40