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Hamilton, ON Real Estate News

By Karen Hubert, Home Stager
(Center Stage Design-real estate staging, Ancaster/Hamilton)
The Real Estate Staging Association Hamilton/Halton Chapter August Meeting was a great success.  Even though it was still summer we had quite a few members show up. We welcomed Sue Kowalski from "The Glass Candle" as our sponsor for the morning. Sue is from Brantford, Ontario but serves Hamilton/Halton as well. She shared how her candles would be an asset for staging homes since they do not melt in the sun.  They are made from palm wax.  She brought many votive candles with many different scents.  They can be made scentless as well.  Every member received two votive candles to take home. Also visiting our RESA Hamilton/Halton Chapter meeting was Julie Stobbe as our main speaker.  Her business is "Mind Over Clutter".  She is trained through the "Professional Organizers of Canada". Julie ...
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By Janice Ankrett, Staging Professional
    When I say Traffic Flow I'm not talking about your local road system.    I'm referring to the Traffic Flow in your Home.    The Flow from one room to another.   The Flow within each room.    The Flow of the color scheme. All these factors affect the way your home is perceived by Mr. & Ms. Buyer. We tend to set up a room for watching TV. The large coffee table is placed near the sofas for those drinks and popcorn. It doesn't matter if we have to squeeze by to sit down. It's ok to edge past the chair to get into the kitchen for that cup of tea. We live there and it works for us. BUT   What about when you go to sell? Do the same rules apply? The answer is NO!  It is now time to switch to selling mode. Now it matters that the coffee table takes up the center of the room. Now it matters ...
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By Janice Ankrett, Staging Professional
I often tell my clients I am going to look at their house with the eyes of a buyer. I bring an objective eye - one without memories or emotional attachments. As I look at my own home and begin to update it I find it is very hard to look at your own home with an objective eye. I too have memories that color my vision. Perhaps the best approach would be to go to some open houses. Walk through them not with a mind to buy but to see what catches your eye. Make a list of the positive features and the negative features. If a room feels wrong ... why? If a red flag pops up for you ... what was it? Then go back to your home and look at it with new eyes.   The advantage of calling in a Stager to do a consult is that not only will you get an objective summary of your house, you will get their kno...
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By Janice Ankrett, Staging Professional
  Open concept living has become more popular in home design. This can pose problems when dealing with the decor. Houses need to flow to feel comfortable. This means that the colour scheme needs to run throughout the house.       When your house goes on the market it is best to show all the features of your home to the buyers. If the builder's plan calls for a living and dining room you should show the buyer these features clearly. Buyers can have a difficult time trying to see the available space if you are using the whole room as a sitting area. It may work for you in 'living' mode but it will work against you in 'selling' mode.               If you use a neutral wall colour and carry it throughout, you will enlarge the space. There will be no awkward starts and stops chopping up the...
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By Janice Ankrett, Staging Professional
      When you are selling your home kitchens matter. Kitchens are an expensive area to renovate. This makes them high on the 'I want' list for buyers.         It is to your advantage to show the kitchen area at its best. Having an 'eat-in' feature should be shown clearly so that families can see space. Update the lighting to add appeal.                   With updated lighting and the futon removed the buyers can see this area is large enough for a family to eat or entertaining.               Show off the amount of counter workspace your kitchen offers. If you have no formal dining room, set the table to show the buyer they can entertain here.               Show the buyer your kitchen has 'I wants' clearly. Accent the special features like a bar area with stools. This helps the buyer i...
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       Most Buyers only know what they see.       When a Buyer views a home they use the seller's furnishings as a reference point.       What they see helps them judge the size of the room.       They feel how the house flows as they make their way through each room.   Buyers know that if it works for the seller it will work for them .... or not. That is why Staging or Preparing your home for sale is so important. What message is your house sending? spacious open room OR you can get it in but it's going to be really tight. it is easy to go from the seating area to the dining area with guests OR I have to squeeze by. this room will take a dining table and chairs and has room to expand for more guests OR not. I wonder what this room is for? Is that wall long enough for my sectional? the...
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By Gina Burgio, Hamilton-Niagara-Halton-Peel Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Home & Family Realty)
I'm just sending a note out there this morning, hoping we'll hear good news today about the 15 year old boy hurt in the big crash on the QEW a few days ago. I believe he underwent surgery yesterday and his condition was unchanged. I was late for a meeting on Wednesday waiting for this to be cleared and upon hearing what happened I was again reminded about priorities.  As the mother of four boys my heart goes out to his family. http://www.thespec.com/News/BreakingNews/article/739653
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Water Heater 101 Many homeowners will admit they don't know a whole lot about the water heater down in their basement. Dave Walton, Direct Energy's director of home ideas, offers up some information to help homeowners become a little more familiar with their water heaters, along with a few suggestions for those thinking of switching to tankless water heaters. Longevity - Homeowners can expect their conventional water heater to supply hot water for approximately sixteen years, depending upon a number of factors including, without limitation, the use of the water heater, the water temperature and the type of water in the premises. A tankless unit can last in the neighbourhood of twenty years, depending on water quality and usage requirements. Capacity - For both conventional and tankless ...
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Enjoy hot water... but don't get burned at the door (NC)-Chances are, you probably use hot water dozens of times a day. Whether it's tackling the dishes or a soak in the tub, hot water plays a key role in your daily routine. But most consumers never think about it until it stops working or when a door-to-door salesperson comes knocking. Some door-to-door salespeople take advantage of the fact consumers have a limited understanding of their home's equipment, signing homeowners up for contracts with long-term commitments, exit fees and high rental rates. To help prevent this, Reliance Home Comfort, Ontario's expert on water heaters, dispels common myths about the natural gas water heater in your basement. Myth: A new water heater will save me money. In reality: New water heaters only off...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Furnace upgrade not mandatory, but will save you money Home Efficiency Q&A: (NC)-Here's the answer to a frequently asked question, courtesy of Dave Walton, director of home ideas at Direct Energy: A: The new standard, which applies to new purchases only and goes into effect December 31, 2009, will require all new gas furnaces meet a minimum efficiency of 90%.  It does not require that existing furnaces be upgraded until homeowners make the decision to do so. But there's more: • Upgrade benefits - Upgrading from a 17-year-old furnace, to a new high-efficiency furnace is going to save money on gas bills and also help the environment. This new standard is part of a federal initiative to reduce greenhouse gases and raise energy efficiency standards for Canadian homes, old and new. • Savings...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Affordable upgrades for every homeowner (NC)-With all the government grant opportunities available today for home renovations, homeowners have been able to carry out their planned home improvement projects. While some homeowners have used the opportunity to improve the aesthetic qualities of their homes, others have focused on long-term investments such as improving their home's energy efficiency. "Home renovations that help improve the energy efficiency of a home don't need to be difficult or costly," says Cheryl West, an insulation expert at Owens Corning. "Energy efficiency and energy cost savings can be achieved through simple do-it-yourself projects such as insulating your attic and topping up on the amount of insulation you already have in place." If you're interested in improving...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Affordability Guide How much can you afford? This depends on a number of factors. The most important are your gross household income, your down payment and the mortgage interest rate. The first affordability rule is that your monthly housing costs shouldn't be more than 32 percent of your gross monthly income. Housing costs include monthly principal, interest, taxes and heating expenses (p.i.t.h.). If applicable, it also includes half of monthly condominium fees. Lenders add up these housing costs to determine what percentage they are of your gross monthly income. This figure is your GROSS DEBT SERVICE RATIO (GDSR).The second affordability rule is that your entire monthly debt load should not be more than 40 percent of your gross household monthly income. This includes housing costs and...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
 Huntington Park Area, Hamilton East Mountain  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 160 BRENTWOOD DRIVE on October 4 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Property information Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in the Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas. Lisa Tollis SRES.Sales RepresentativeSeniors Real Estate SpecialistRoyal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.Hamilton OntarioOffice: 905 574 4600Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601www.LisaTollis.ca
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Huntington Park Area, Hamilton East Mountain  -  Announcing a price reduction on 160 BRENTWOOD DRIVE, a 1 bath, 3 bdrm bungalow "NEW WINDOWS & FLOORS". Now MLS® $224,900 CAD - JUST REDUCED!. Property information   Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in the Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas. Lisa Tollis SRES.Sales RepresentativeSeniors Real Estate SpecialistRoyal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.Hamilton OntarioOffice: 905 574 4600Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601www.LisaTollis.ca
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
  • 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "TOWNHOUSE ROW UNIT" - MLS® $229,900 CAD Glanbrook, West Hamilton Mountain  -  DON'T MISS THIS! IMMACULATE 3 BEDROOM, 1.5 BATH TOWNHOUSE MINUTES TO ANCASTER. THIS HOME FEATURES A LARGE BRIGHT OAK KITCHEN WITH CERAMICS, SPACIOUS FAMILY ROOM WITH GAS FIREPLACE & A WALK OUT TO A LANDSCAPED YARD WITH CONCRETE PATIO, REAR ACCESS THRU GARAGE, MAIN FLOOR LAUNDRY ROOM, SPACIOUS MASTER BEDROOM WITH WALK-IN CLOSET. BONUS INCLUDES 5APPLIANCES. TASTEFULLY DECORATED & READY TO MOVE INTO. EASY ACCESS TO SHOPPING, PARKS, THE LINC & QEW. RSA. LOOK NO FURTHER, YOU JUST FOUND YOUR NEW HOME! CALL TODAY TO VIEW.Features: Automatic Garage Dr, Highspeed Internet Access, Satellite, Roughed-In Central Vac, Walk-In Closet, Main Flr. Laundry, Main Flr. Family Rm, Eat-in KitchenInclusio...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
August sales continue trend (September 3, 2009 - Hamilton, Ontario) The Hamilton-Burlington area resale market reported a total of 1,133 units sold in August, indicating an increase of 16 per cent over the same month last year. The total unit sales for the first eight months of 2009 are being reported at 4.5 per cent lower for the same period last year, while new units listed are 8.6 per cent lower for the year-to-date, according to Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) statistics released by the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB). "With summer coming to a close, it is a good time to reflect on the local resale market," said Bruce King, RAHB President. "The August numbers continued the positive trend set in July, with sales and average price up, year over year. 2009 has thus...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Net-zero homes are on the horizon Construction News: By J.C. Carroll (NC)-Home construction is turning 'green' at such a rapid pace, it is expected that very soon, you will be able to build a house to be so energy efficient there will be no need to tap the public supply. In mathematical terms: the energy a home is able to generate, subtract the energy required by the occupants, would be zero. "Three main elements must co-exist for it to work cost-efficiently," says Todd Blyth at Nudura, a manufacturer of advanced concrete wall forms. "Those components are: the ability to generate a constant energy supply; a building envelope with maximum strength and insulation; and an inside operation with reduced energy usage. "If, at the outset, energy-impact decisions are made carefully regarding th...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Online Education Available for New Home Buyers (NC)-Tarion Warranty Corporation is now offering New Home Buyer Education Seminars online to help consumers understand the warranty that comes with newly built homes in Ontario. Tarion regulates Ontario's home building industry and ensures purchasers receive the statutory warranty coverage that builders are required to provide. 'Understanding Warranty Coverage' is the first in what will be a series of online topics designed to help purchasers better understand the warranty process and coverages. It provides a broad range of information on topics such as deposit and delayed closing protection, what is and is not covered under the work and materials warranties and how homeowners can go about making a warranty claim to their builder. Originall...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
Online Education Available for New Home Buyers (NC)-Tarion Warranty Corporation is now offering New Home Buyer Education Seminars online to help consumers understand the warranty that comes with newly built homes in Ontario. Tarion regulates Ontario's home building industry and ensures purchasers receive the statutory warranty coverage that builders are required to provide. 'Understanding Warranty Coverage' is the first in what will be a series of online topics designed to help purchasers better understand the warranty process and coverages. It provides a broad range of information on topics such as deposit and delayed closing protection, what is and is not covered under the work and materials warranties and how homeowners can go about making a warranty claim to their builder. Originall...
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By Lisa Tollis, SRES
(Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.)
(NC)Renovations like a new roof, upgrading electrical wiring and bathroom remodels are eligible expenditures and qualify for the Home Renovation Tax Credit. The Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) is  available for the 2009 tax year. It is a temporary, non-refundable tax credit. Here are a few things you should know about the HRTC as well as information about what renovations qualify and how much you can claim: • The tax credit is 15% of eligible expenditures over $1,000 and up to $10,000 on home renovations made in respect of eligible buildings.• The maximum tax credit amount is $1,350 per family ($9,000 x 15%).• The tax credit will apply for costs incurred after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010.• Costs related to an agreement entered into before January 28, 2009 are not elig...
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