Feb 2015 Issue 108

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

LUXURY & WAtERFRONt | PAGE 9

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

Are futuristic greentowers on the horizonfor Paris in 2050?PAGE 8

February 2015 - Vol 73

NO COST • NO OBLIGATIONNO COST • NO OBLIGATION

HOME EVALUATIONHOME EVALUATION905-575-7700 905-945-0188905-575-7700 905-945-0188

Rob GolfiSales Representative

Call Today 905-945-0188

Page 2 The Golfi Team Real Estate Market Watch February 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

February 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 $159,900

21 Available

two Storeys


12 Available

Semis & townHomes


10 Available

Hamilton mtn



40 Available

two Storeys


85 Available

Semis & townHomes


28 Available

Hamilton CtR


Starting at $87,900

14 Available

two Storeys


65 Available

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Starting at $94,900

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StonEy CRk upR



6 Available

two Storeys


24 Available

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11 Available

StonEy CRk lWR



13 Available

two Storeys


43 Available

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23 Available

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16 Available

two Storeys


29 Available

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12 Available

linColn



24 Available

two Storeys


26 Available

Semis & townHomes


17 Available

Fantastic neighbourhood!Updated 3 BR home in Headon Forest area! Open conceptLR/family rm, eat-in kitch, master w/ensuite & walk in closet.Priv. fenced in yard w/new patio. Upgrades: finishedbasement, new hardwd & tiling throughout, new windows, newfurnace, new C/A, new water heater. Roof replaced in ‘09. 3191 Renton Road, Burlington, $579,900

Hamilton, Stoney CreekAncaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

Rob Golfi*

Call Today 905-575-7700

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 $499,900

Love to walk? GREAT HAMILTON EAST LOCATION!! Two bedroom, withtwo bathrooms, & eat in kitchen. Lots of updates, two car frontparking with interlock brick. Walk to center mall and schools.Fenced yard with deck. 1329 Cannon Street East, Hamilton,$139,900

Quiet cul-de-sac with plenty of updatesPrime location! Great 1.5 storey home in desirable StoneyCreek location. Updates include roof ’01, furnace ’06, newpaint '14, new front deck '14, and large fenced yard. Hugedriveway to build a large garage. Don't miss this one. It won'tlast! 14 Roselle Place, Stoney Creek, $324,900

Investors – Be your own landlord!Fantastic opportunity to own a 12 unit apartment building.Windows & Furnace updates. 6-1 bedroom and 6-2 bedroomunits. Separate meters. Tenants pay hydro.3-7 Connaught Avenue South, Hamilton Centre, $1,099,000

GOING! GOING! GONE!LAVISH FROM TOP TO BOTTOM! Custom built, eleganthome boasts pride of ownership throughout. This 2 storeyhome sits on 54x145 ft lot and features family size kitchenw/granite counters & butler pantry, showcase fireplace infamily rm. Stamped concrete drive & patio w/oversized dblgarage. 28 Southmeadow Crescent, Stoney Creek $639,900

Bungalow Beauty! Beautiful spacious 3+1 bedroom, 3 bath bungalow in primeStoney Creek location. This property features hardwood andceramic floors throughout, maple kitchen with pantry, ensuite,walk-in closet, central vacuum, central air, in-ground sprinkler,shingles 12/14, California shutters, fully finished basement,concrete drive and patio with shed. Close to QEW, schools,park and go station. 79 Napa Lane, Stoney Creek $559,900

Be your own boss! High Traffic corner location. Established Bowling Alley (5-pin,2-levels) currently. Rear parking plus municipal. May beassembled with 418 Guelph Line for apx. 1 acre of land onbusy corner. Do not go direct. Contact LA for details ofassemblage. 422 Guleph Line, Burlington $2,000,000

A short walk to the water and you canwatch the boats come in! 2 Storey, 3 bedrm home. Master bedroom with ensuite, livingroom/dining room, main floor family rm, finished basement & 2car garage. Roof (4yrs ago), new furnace. 47 Waterford Crescent, Stoney Creek, $349,900

Ready to move inOne floor home in a quiet neighbourhood of Stoney Creek!Feat. hardwood floors, central vac, finished rec room w/fullbath, concrete paved driveway, beautifully landscaped w/fullyfenced yard plus 18 ft. above ground pool. Updates incl: roof,windows, doors, central air. 18 Rose Crescent, Stoney Creek, $349,900

The value is in the land!The value is in the land – no showings on home. Call LBO fordetails. Seller says will entertain all offers. Not warrantingroom sizes. 132 Corman Avenue, Stoney Creek, $279,900


Stylish decor, contemporary updates4+1 BR on a court location. Finished basement w/rec rm, fullbath, kitch & walk up. Features engineered hardwd, crownmoulding, California Shutters, covered patio. Updates: kitchw/granite, baths, C/A, furnace, most windows.7 Lyngate Court, Stoney Creek Mountain, $494,900

Hamilton, Stoney CreekAncaster, Dundas & Glanbrook

Rob Golfi*

www.GolfiTeam.com

Right in the heart of HamiltonGreat starter home near Centre mall, Tim Hortons field,transportation and elementary school. Featuring a doublestamped concrete drive and walkway and great deck. Drop-down stairs for attic storage, updated kitchen, laminate flooringand partially finished basement with finished laundry room.27 Frederick Avenue, Hamilton Centre, $246,900

Why pay rent when you can own!Perfect for First Time Buyers! Ready to move in. Homefeatures 3+1 bedrooms, renovated bathrm, updated windows,hardwd flooring, new kitchen backsplash, new roof 2013,newer furnace & completely fenced-in backyard. Don’t wait!.338 Barton Street, Stoney Creek, $249,900


Cinderella home needs fairy godmother!First time offered, original owner, lrg 4 bedrm, 2 storey homeon prime street in Dundas. Main floor offers large family room,formal LR/DR and separate den, 3 piece ensuite, largebedrooms, double car garage. Needs updating.67 Turnbull Road, Dundas, $449,900

Homeowners discover winter damageHomeowners may have to deal with the after-math of a brutal winter. Snow and cold tempera-tures cause hundreds of millions of dollars inhome damage, and many homeowners don’t yetrealize their home is affected.

From the outside, Susan Simpson’s home looked per-fectly fine. But inside, it’s a different story.

Her children were the first to sense a problem.“I couldn't sleep at first. I thought I might be hearing

things,” said Brian. “I heard cracks like ‘errrrrrrrr.’”“Errrrrrr,” that’s what it sounded like,” agreed little sis-

ter Mary. “Kind of like something was cracking and some-thing was moving against the ceiling. That was scary.”

The kids weren't just hearing things. When their momclimbed up into the attic to investigate, she said she pan-icked.

“This is the first thing I saw,” said Simpson, was asnapped piece of lumber. “It’s a broken truss and it wasjust hanging here. I started to wonder if there were more.”

She found three broken trusses above her children’sbedrooms and bathroom that were supposed to be support-ing the roof. She soon discovered that was just the begin-ning of the trouble. One of the trusses pushed through theceiling in Mary’s bathroom, and cracks were starting todevelop throughout the house.

“The ceiling actually started to lift up off the walls. Itlifted about one and a half, two inches off the walls.There's actually blocks holding our ceiling down rightnow,” Simpson explained. “This is definitely not normal.”

a structural engineer diagnosed the problem astruss uplift.

It can happen with big temperature and humidity differ-ences in an attic – especially in the winter when the bot-tom part of a truss is buried under insulation and stayswarm, and the upper chords of a truss are exposed toextremely dry, cold air. Those upper pieces of wood canexpand and flex outward, lifting the bottom of the trussand, sometimes, pulling up the ceiling along with it.

“That should never happen in a home,” said Simpson.“As a mom, I'm worried [if] there’s a piece of ceiling that'sgoing to fall down on them. Is there a board that's going tobreak in the attic again? Is it going to come through theceiling? From the ground up, we're having to re-do everyroom and area in our home.”

The Simpson’s are not alone.

Extreme numbersBrutal winter can wreak havoc on houses all across

Canada.Heavy snowfall and bitter temperatures cause a lot of

damage annually.Insurers report high numbers of winter-related home

claims. Insurance companies see increased claim occur-rences for freeze damage.

A large insurance company, which reported $60 millionin winter-related home claims during 2013, is now project-ing a 35% increase in winter home damage payouts for2014.

As snow melts and temperatures warm, residents beginto see the impact – most notably, on our roads. The freez-

ing and thawing cycle on asphalt, results in cracks andlarge holes.

A harsh winter can do the same to houses. But because many homeowners do not inspect their

homes closely, they are just starting to notice the damage.And because many winter-related problems develop overthe course of several weeks or months, homeowners maynot realize the problems are directly related to harshweather from months earlier.

“Tip of the iceberg”“We've got significant cracks on the outside of the

house, as well as the inside,” said Chris, a Hamilton home-owner who is dealing with winter-related home damage.“You look, and the more you look the more you see. We'venever had anything like this. Most of this really was notthere six months ago.”

Most of the issues around Chris’ house are subtle, butthey're everywhere. Walls, flooring, closets and windowframes all show cracks, and on some parts of the home’sexterior, bricks are starting to separate away from thewalls.

“You’re thinking – worst case scenario – my house iscollapsing,” he said.

Chris called in a home inspector to diagnose the causeof the problems and to identify a remedy.

“I wasn’t sure what to do next and if these were bigproblems or small ones, so that was really a big help,”Chris said.

The home inspector was able to follow small cracks indrywall and tile to expose hidden water damage behind adining room wall, and he also discovered some largercracks that extended from the inside of the home to theoutside brick.

“We really are seeing a lot more damage this year,” hesaid. “What’s sitting on the surface may be the tip of theiceberg. We’re having to tell people ‘You not only havethis issue, but this issue, this issue and something elsethat’s broken.”

Last winter's severe weather turned many minor homeissues into more urgent repairs caused by settling andshifting around a home’s foundation.

Here’s how it happens:Each winter, the moist clay soil around your home

freezes and expands. That puts some extra pressure onyour foundation, which is normal.

But winter's extreme temperatures and snowfall causethe frost line (the depth to which groundwater in soil isexpected to freeze) to extend deeper than normal. Soilexpands more. Pressure increases more. That pressurecauses some home foundations to slightly heave upward,resulting in cracks and other problems throughout thehouse.

In some homes, the damage is largely cosmetic.Homeowners shouldn’t panic. In a lot of situations, there’snot a lot that needs to be done other than keeping an eyeon things. But in other houses, the damage is much moresignificant and costly.

Lifting the whole houseJust ask Ron Brown.

This spring, he’s been busy rescuing homes that suf-fered significant structural damage from severe winterweather.

“The foundation has literally dropped an inch and aquarter,” he said, pointing to large cracks on an outsidecorner of the home. “The brick wall is actually leaningover. It really needs to be stabilized.”

The 2-day project involved removing all of the soilfrom around the back of the home, placing jacks under thefoundation and raising the house several inches. Theprocess instantly closed large cracks that had developedthroughout the structure and reunited separated brick withthe side of the house.

“This house had some problems but it was stable forseveral years. Then, all of a sudden, a lot of little problemsturned into big problems this past winter. It's not a cheapfix but sometimes when it gets this bad, that's the onlyalternative,” Brown said.

What to look for right nowHome inspectors and structural engineers say there are

steps you should take right now to help prevent furtherdamage – and to help you better understand whether youneed some professional help.

First, walk around your home to identify any cracks indrywall, flooring, ceilings or brick. Look both inside andout. Bowen suggests paying special attention to basementsand crawl spaces, because those locations can show someof the earliest signs of trouble. Moisture spots on ceilingsor carpeting can suggest hidden cracks or openings some-where in the exterior of the home, as well.

Next, if you see cracks that are wider than a quarterinch or any that extend all the way from the inside to theoutside of your home, call in a home inspector to get someadvice. “That’s pretty significant when they start expand-ing to a quarter inch. That should really catch your eye,”Ambro said.

“If it’s a hairline crack, something you cannot slide abusiness card into, chances are that may be a normal crackdue to normal building movement,” agrees a structuralengineer with Rimkus Consulting Group. “But if it’s aquarter inch or a half inch or more – or goes all the waythrough a wall – that’s cause for concern that might needattention.”

If you do see cracks – even small ones – take picturesand monitor them to see if they get bigger over time.Cracks that grow in size are another sign you may want tocall in an expert.

The best piece of preventative advice: make sureyour gutters are working properly and that they drainwater far away from your home.

Many winter home problems are caused by gutters thatare clogged or that drain melting snow and ice close to ahome’s foundation. That causes extra moisture in the clay-rich soil near your basement or crawlspace, and when thatextra moisture freezes and expands, it raises the likelihoodthat your foundation will suffer damage.

“Eighty percent of all winter damage that I see couldhave been avoided by having downspouts that workedproperly,” said Bowen.

Grimsby, LincolnWest Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

Call Today 905-945-0188

One Acre - Just the right size property–easy to maintain and nicely private!Enjoy country living only minutes from downtown and QEW.3+1 bedrm home boasts large eat-in kitchen, liv rm w/ fireplc,main floor family rm w/ walk-out to deck. Fully finished bsmt w/large rec room/fireplc + add’l bedrm/office. Oversized garage,small barn in fully fenced backyard w/ above grd pool + pond!262 Mountain Road, Grimsby, $369,900

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, $2,299,900

Luxurious Newly Renovated DetachedBungalowSet in adult-lifestyle enclave in sought-after downtownlocation. Beautiful open concept design w/high ceilings.Professionally finished from top-to-bottom .Main floor laundry,master suite w/ensuite, c/air, c/vac, & gas fireplace. Everythingis brand new just move in! 91A Main St E, Unit 9, Grimsby$529,900

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

Room for busy family!Approx. 3000 sq ft home w/ in-law set up & walk out frombasement. Features grand foyer w/ circular oak staircase, 4oversized bedrms, finished basement kitchen, bathrm & 2ndlaundry. Home updated with new carpet and ceramics. 4349 Birchmount Avenue, Beamsville, $459,900

77.21 Acres of prime flat farm landVery productive prime flat farm land sitting on 77.21 acres in agreat location on Grimsby mountain, no fence lines, welldrained. Build your dream home on Church St. or Kemp Rd.348 Church Road, Grimsby $619,900

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

Great for young family2 storey home has 3 bedrooms, eat-in kitchen, main floor livingroom, dining room, family room and laundry. Large backyardw/above ground pool and deck. Updates include kitchen,bathroom, most windows, furnace, central air, siding, fascia,soffits and eaves.4981 May Street, Beamsville, $299,900


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

WATERFRONT

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.Academy Street, Beamsville, $399,900

BUILDING LOT

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$829,900

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

Country living in Grimsby2.35 Acres of good living. Property features a storey & a halfhome w/ updated large country kitchen, good size living rm &dining rm. Main floor also featuring 2 bedrms & main bathrm.Master bedrm upstairs. Let the kids run on the large propertywith paddocks and 2 barns.572 Ridge Road West, Grimsby, $549,900

Tired of seeing expensive homes on tinylots? This home noticeably wide lot and over 260 ft deep will giveyou all the real estate you need to make your back yard intoyour paradise. 2 master suites, designer kitchen with butler & walk-inpantries. Complete package with desired finishes andfeatures. 6246 Tesla Court, Niagara Falls, $649,900

Move in and put your feet up!This 3 bedroom well maintained bungalow boasts recentupdates including kitchen, flooring, bathroom, windows,concrete walkway & steps with maintenance free railing. Enjoythe spacious family room and above ground pool in thebackyard. 7260 Sixteen Road, West Lincoln, $354,900

Welland News! Rare find:A small, two storey condo townhome completely renovatedbacking onto walking trail. New carpet, lighting, polishedhardwood floors and fresh paint throughout. 2 spaciousbedrooms with private balconies. Concrete block constructionand dedicated parking. Shows brand new! 810 Clare Avenue,Unit 4, Welland, $184,900

Grimsby, LincolnWest Lincoln & Niagara

Rob Golfi*

www.GolfiTeam.com

Updated end unit townhome with cozyfireplace!Features family room w/ gas fireplace & sliding doors tobalcony, oversized kitchen, generous size bedrooms, freshlypainted. Recent updates incl. kitchen w/ backsplash, newflooring in the kitchen, dining room & bedroom level.91 Livingston Avenue, Unit #1, Grimsby, $243,900

Chance to snag a 1960’s bungalow withmodern updates at a friendly price!sitting on 60x145 ft lot. 3+1 renovated home in greatneighbourhood. Updates include kitchen with granite counters& ceramic floors, baths, refinished hardwood flooring,windows, carport converted to garage. In-law potential oradditional family living space in the basement. 5082 CharlesStreet, Beamsville, $314,900

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, $399,700


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

Beautiful lakefront property! Double car garage with 1 bedroom apartment, in-ground pool(as is) and garden. Landscaped yard leads to beach. Buyerto do “due diligence” with building permits, zoning, siteinfluences, conservation authority and property restrictions.Municipal services available at the road. Taxes “not set”.47 Lakeside Drive, St. Catharines, $379,900

VAcANT cOmmERcIAL LOT

WATERFRONT

Due Diligence Required

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

WATERFRONT

Quiet streetOpportunity has knocked!! 4 level back split with 3 or 4bedrooms. Walkout to beautiful backyard. Shows very nice,many updates & quick closing available. Walk to park, quietstreet.63 Canterbury Drive, St. Catharines, $172,900

Call Today 905-575-7700

Luxury Homes & Waterfront Properties

Rob Golfi*

Custom built home with EquestrianHobby Farm on 37 AcresFeatures nanny's quarters or 2 bedroom in-law suite, 2fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, ceramics, vaulted ceilings, in-ground pool, 3 car garage. Barn with 13 stalls, 4 paddocks & a60x140 arena. Minutes from town!342 Kemp Road West, Grimsby, $959,900


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

WATERFRONT

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

WATERFRONT

Beautiful lakefront property! Double car garage with 1 bedroom apartment, in-ground pool(as is) and garden. Landscaped yard leads to beach. Buyerto do “due diligence” with building permits, zoning, siteinfluences, conservation authority and property restrictions.Municipal services available at the road. Taxes “not set”.47 Lakeside Drive, St. Catharines, $379,900

WATERFRONT

Due Diligence Required

Entertain in elegant Georgian style!Classic Georgian Colonial Manor with picturesque tree-linedprivate driveway. Featuring gleaming hardwd, entertainerskitchen, stunning great room with 14 ft ceiling, and custommillwork and trim thru-out. Upstairs you will find 4 spaciousbedrms all featuring their own ensuite, as well as bedroomlevel laundry.6195 Milburough Line, Burlington, $1,799,999

8 acres of Merlot currently planted withWater Views! Approx 19 acre parcel with fantastic views of the water.Farmhouse currently rented. Great opportunities! Can bepurchased with adjoining Sann Road property. GreatOpportunity! 4558 Lakeside Drive, Beamsville, $1,899,900

WATERFRONT

Are futuristic greentowers on the horizonfor Paris in 2050?

Paris is aiming to reduce 75 per cent of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2050,so could these futuristic green skyscrapers be the way forward?

"2050 Paris Smart City" is a research and development project for Paris CityHall carried out by Vincent Callebaut Architectures. It features eight high-risebuildings which recycle their own energies in a short loop through innovative sys-tems.

The buildings include "Mountain Towers" in the city's first arrondissement ordistrict, that blend solar, hydrodynamic and planted buildings, using bio-air con-ditioning systems.

The "Antismog Towers" in the 14th district are described as an "ecologic cor-ridor" 23 km long, punctuated by depolluting photo-catalytic towers.

A striking complex called "Photosynthesis Towers" in the 15th, to be built in avertical spiral and featuring organic facades of green algae, has also been suggest-ed, alongside "Bamboo Nest Towers," a series of thermodynamic garden struc-tures featuring food gardens and orchards on balconies.

Duty of Honesty and Good Faith in Performance of an Agreement of Purchase and Sale

Typical conditions include a buyerarranging financing and/or insurance,and performing a home inspection,

all of which conditions usually provide thatthe buyer may rely on such condition in hissole and absolute discretion.

In a recent decision, the Supreme Court ofCanada has ruled that there is a general dutyof honest contractual performance in everycontract. “This means simply that partiesmust not lie or otherwise knowingly misleadeach other about matters directly linked tothe performance of the contract. This doesnot impose a duty of loyalty or disclosure orrequire a party to forego advantages flowingfrom the contract. It is a simple requirementnot to lie or mislead the other party aboutone’s contractual performance”.

The court also stated that “…parties…must perform their contractual dutieshonestly and reasonably and not capricious-ly or arbitrarily” and have “…appropriateregard to the legitimate contractual interestsof the contracting partner…”

The court stated that this narrow duty ofhonesty already “accords with the reason-able expectations of parties that parties donot expect dishonesty among their tradingpartners.”

It is not a duty of fiduciary loyalty, a

duty of disclosure or a duty to forego theadvantages of a contract.

The court’s decision is limited to the per-formance of contracts and did not addressthe negotiation of contracts. During negoti-ations you can bargain hard and in your ownbest interest only, without regard for theother party’s legitimate interests providedthat you are not legally unconscionable oruntruthful.

So, how does this new duty of honesty inthe performance of contracts affect abuyer’s ability to rely on his conditions toterminate an agreement? Simply put, hemust not lie or mislead the other party. Thetypical conditions mentioned above allow abuyer to terminate the agreement if he can’tsatisfy the stated and bargained for condi-tion, but NOT for any other reasons – forexample – buyer’s remorse. A buyer shouldnot be permitted to use his financing condi-tion, home inspection report, or any othercondition not expressly addressing buyer’sremorse, to get out of a deal on account ofbuyer’s remorse because that wasn’t part ofthe bargain and he would be acting dishon-estly and capriciously in a way intended tobring a contract to an end for an undisclosedreason without regard to the legitimateinterests of the seller.

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MarketplaceMarketplace

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Senior Downsizing

WE GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE ENTIRE PROCESS

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Paul Lewis SettimiBarrister, Solicitor and Notary Public

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

20 Main Street WestGrimsby, Ontario L3M 1R4

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

Real Estate Lawyer

[email protected]

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

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Crossword Solution

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Crossword puzzleQuick crossword no 13,953

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8

9 10 11

12 13 14 15

16

17 18 19

20 21

22 23

Across 1 Capital of Colombia (6) 4 To this point (2,3) 7 Small basket for fruit (6) 8 Countrymen of Mark

Antony (6) 9 Middle name of

WH Auden (4)10 The Student Prince, for

example (8)12 Bloody Mary ingredient

(6,5)17 Foot soldiers (8)19 Squeezes tightly

between the �ngers (4)20 Cut through with a

sharp instrument (6)21 London rail terminus

(6)22 Religious observances

(5)23 Vaster (anag) (6)

Down 1 Bunch of �owers (7) 2 Striped or checked

cotton cloth (7) 3 Retaliation (3,3,3) 4 Search thoroughly (5) 5 Frenzied (7) 6 Close securely again (6)11 Pleasure (9)13 Unconventional (7)14 Device for improving air

quality —noisier (anag) (7)

Solution no 13,952O N T H E F A C E O F I TV E A M N A HA N D O R R A V I R G O

I L Z I S UA G O G C O A S T I N GL U W N A HA B S U R D A G H A S TR A S E M UM O U N T I E S S N A PI S H L M ES T U F F D R E S S E DT R U O A I RS U P P L E M E N T A R Y

15 Blow up (7)16 Cured herring (6)18 Small cuts (5)

Across1 Capital of Colombia (6)4 to this point (2,3)7 Small basket for fruit (6)8 Countrymen of mark antony (6)9 middle name of WH auden (4)10 the Student prince, for example (8)12 Bloody mary ingredient (6,5)17 Foot soldiers (8)19 Squeezes tightly between the fingers

(4)20 Cut through with a sharp instrument

(6)21 london rail terminus (6)22 Religious observances (5)23 Vaster (anag) (6)

Down1 Bunch of flowers (7)2 Striped or checked cotton cloth (7)3 Retaliation (3,3,3)4 Search thoroughly (5)5 Frenzied (7)6 Close securely again (6)11 pleasure (9)13 unconventional (7)14 Device for improving air quality —

noisier (anag) (7)15 Blow up (7)16 Cured herring (6)18 Small cuts (5)

the Solution

7 5 1 6 23 9 4

4 6 2 7 9 35 8 1

9 3 1 8 2 74 6 5

1 7 8 6 4 59 3 2

6 5 3 2 7 18 4 9

2 4 9 3 5 81 7 6

8 2 7 9 1 46 5 3

3 9 4 5 8 62 1 7

5 1 6 4 3 97 2 8

SUDOKUSUDOKU

785162 394

462793 581

931827 465

178645 932

653271 849

249358 176

827914 653

394586 21

516439 728

7

8

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)

Contractors going bankrupt

mid-renovation a “night-

mare” for homeowners

Toronto real estate lawyer MarkWeisleder says homeowners won’tget their money back and may haveto cover unpaid wages for inde-pendent contractors.

A contractor going bankrupt mid-renovation is a “nightmare” situation forhomeowners, experts say.

If a construction company goes bank-rupt mid-project, homeowners aren’tlikely to see their money again, saidToronto real-estate lawyer MarkWeisleder.

“As far as going after the contractor,there’s very little (homeowners) can do,”he said.

The problem can get even worse forhomeowners if subcontractors haven’tbeen paid. Once an independent contrac-tor has worked on someone’s land, theyhave an automatic right to register a lien— a type of security interest granted overan item of property to secure the paymentof a debt — against its owner, Weisledersaid.

“(Homeowners) know (subcontrac-tors) are doing work on their property,and that’s why they’re responsible forpayment,” he said.

Weisleder said he has seen homeown-

ers lose double the money or even the

property itself when faced with the cost

of both their lost payments and liens.

Employees working for a bankrupt

company are protected under Ontario’s

Employment Standards Act, said Toronto

employment lawyer David Whitten.

Under the act, directors of a bankrupt

company are personally liable for unpaid

wages for up to six months. If the compa-

ny has no money, the directors’ personal

assets will be seized.

The act does not cover independent

contractors, forcing them to file a lien, he

said.

If employees find themselves in that

situation, they should file a complaint

with the Ministry of Labour, keeping in

mind the ministry can only pay out a

maximum of $10,000 per person,

Whitten said.

“If you’re owed more than $10,000, if

you get that close, consider whether you

should still be providing services,” he

said.

By: Laura Armstrong Staff Reporter,

Published on Sun Jan 04 2015

Call Today 905-575-7700www.GolfiTeam.com

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Beamsville Branch4520 Ontario St. | 905-563-0822

Vineland Branch3370 King St. | 905-562-7373

Ancaster Branch1100 Wilson Street West | 905-304-6838

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

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Documents

Feb 2015 Issue 108