• 2 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "BOASTS LOADS OF CHARACTER" - MLS® $239,900 CAD - MOVE RIGHT IN!!
Central, Hamilton - Absolutely Gorgeous! This 4 +1 Spacious Bedrooms, 2 Bath Family Home is Located in a Fantastic South East Location Near Gage Park. This Beautiful Home Boasts Loads of Character with Original Wood Trim Throughout. A Large Foyer Entry Leads you to the Inviting Living Room & Dining Room with Hardwood Floors, Pocket Doors & Large Bay Window. Bright Up-Dated Eat in Kitchen with Laminate Flooring offers Plenty Cabinetry & Walkout to a Backyard Oasis Featuring Above Ground Pool, Deck, Natural Gas Hook Up for BBQ, Covered Porch & Beautifully Landscaped Yard Perfect For Summer Fun. The Lower level is Finished With A Large Bedroom or is Perfect for a Recreation Room + 3 PC Bath, Workshop & Plenty of Storage. More Features Include, Newer Windows, Furnace, Roof, High Ceilings, Stain Glass, Side Entrance, Concrete Drive with Parking for 3-4 Cars + a Detached Garage with Hydro. BONUS!! Includes 5 Appliances. A Home For Those Accustomed To The BEST! Just Move In & Enjoy. Immaculate! Call Today For Your Personal Viewing
• 2 bath, 3 bdrm ranch "BEAUTIFUL RAISED RANCH" - MLS® $264,900 CAD - JUST MOVE RIGHT IN!
Central Mountain, Hamilton - SEARCH NO MORE! BRIGHT & SPACIOUS 3+1 BEDRM RAISED RANCH FEATURES OAK KITCHEN (07) WITH ISLAND, PANTRY & CERAMIC BACKPLASH. NEW FURNACE (OCT.09), NEWER WINDOWS, HARDWOOD FLOORS, CERAMICS, FINISHED LOWERR LEVEL, HUGE POOL SIZED BACKYARD, POSSIBLE IN-LAW SUITE. BONUS!! INCLUDES 7 APPLIANCES. MINUTES TO LINC & QEW. MUST BE SEEN.
(October 5, 2009 - Hamilton, Ontario) The Hamilton-Burlington area resale market reported a total of 1,216 units sold in September, indicating an increase of 20 per cent over the same month last year. The total unit sales for the first three quarters of 2009 are being reported at 2.6 per cent lower for the same period last year, while new units listed are 8.8 per cent lower for the year-to-date, according to Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) statistics released by the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB).
"The third quarter of 2009 saw the most number of sales during that period since 2005," said Bruce King, RAHB President. "The September numbers continued the positive trend set in July, with sales and average price up, year over year. It also marked the most properties sold in the month of September, ever."
Residential properties sold during September totalled 1,162 which included 916 freehold properties and 246 condominiums. Commercial sales for September, including industrial, farm, vacant land and business, totalled 54 units.
The average price of freehold residential properties sold in the month of September was $324,868, an increase of six per cent over September last year. The average sale price reflects the dollar volume of residential sales divided by the number of total residential units sold.
In the condominium market the average price of condominiums in September was $229,462, an increase of 7.8 per cent over September 2008.
The total number of units listed for sale during September was 1,761, which is 3.9 per cent fewer than were listed in the same period in 2008, but 18 per cent more than were listed in August.
"As interest rates stay low and the economy begins to recover, I expect we will see continued stability in local property ownership, both as a life style choice and as a solid investment," added King. "The Hamilton-Burlington area real estate market is one of the healthiest in the country, and was last week rated the second-best place in Ontario to buy a house or invest in commercial property by the Real Estate Investment Network."
Unit sales reflect "all property types" including residential, condominiums, commercial property, farmland and sale of businesses.
courtesy 0f: RAHB, Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington
Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.
Lisa Tollis SRES. Sales Representative Seniors Real Estate Specialist Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage. Hamilton Ontario Office: 905 574 4600 Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601 www.LisaTollis.ca
Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.
Lisa Tollis SRES. Sales Representative Seniors Real Estate Specialist Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage. Hamilton Ontario Office: 905 574 4600 Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601 www.LisaTollis.ca
The hot real estate market has cooled and most cities across Canada are experiencing a "buyer's market." While many homeowners have chosen to stay put rather than chance losing money on their investment, those homeowners who have no choice but to move must put in extra effort to make their homes more appealing to buyers.
"Home staging helps create an environment that will lead a buyer's eye to your home's most attractive features, while minimizing its flaws," says Julie Panasiuk, sales representative, Royal LePage. "There are many quick fixes you can make to your home to help it stand out to potential buyers."
Panasiuk offers the following home staging tips:
Make a Good First Impression - Increase the curb appeal of your home by planting flowers or placing planters in the front and back yards. Clear the driveway and yard of children's toys and store away unsightly trashcans. Also, pay close attention to pet, cooking and cigarette odours in your home -scented candles or flowers can help to brighten and energize your home.
Keep it Clean - Steam clean carpets, wash floors, walls and light fixtures and clean all appliances (inside and out). Pay special attention to your bathroom and kitchen - make sure that tile grout is mildew free and baseboards scrubbed. And, don't forget about the windows.
Freshen-Up - Adding a fresh coat of paint and laying new carpet will brighten up your home. Make sure to choose neutral colours and make it consistent throughout the home. Replace the fixtures in your bathroom and kitchen. A modern faucet, such as the Pilar pull-down kitchen faucet with Touch2O technology by Delta, makes a statement at an affordable price point and will be a memorable feature when the potential buyer compares all of the homes they have seen in their search.
Create the Illusion of Space - Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel more open. Strategically placed mirrors and lighting can also help to create the illusion of more space.
De-Personalize and Lose the Clutter - To help potential buyers envision themselves in your home, depersonalize by removing family photographs, collectibles and knick knacks. Also, make sure that your kitchen and bathroom counters are free of small appliances and personal effects.
Centre Stage - Help potential buyers see the possibilities. Set the table for dinner with flowers, fine dishes and cutlery or run the bath and add floating candles, leaving out a robe or a set of fresh towels to enhance the feel of a spa-like setting.
More information can be found online at www.deltafaucet.com and www.firstchoicehomes.ca.
courtesy of: NewsCanada
Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.
Lisa Tollis SRES. Sales Representative Seniors Real Estate Specialist Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage. Hamilton Ontario Office: 905 574 4600 Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601 www.LisaTollis.ca
Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.
Lisa Tollis SRES. Sales Representative Seniors Real Estate Specialist Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage. Hamilton Ontario Office: 905 574 4600 Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601 www.LisaTollis.ca
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 units, it is important for homeowners to correctly calculate their hot water needs. This is especially true for tankless units. The capacity of a tankless unit needs to be thoroughly researched based on the number facilities within the home requiring hot water simultaneously.
Quality - In areas where the water quality rates as hard, a tankless water heater is not recommended. Tankless units are more susceptible to water scaling than conventional water heaters. However, the harder the water quality, the more scaling occurs in both systems.
Maintenance - Unlike their basement mates, furnaces, conventional water heaters generally do not require an annual maintenance routine. Maintenance for tankless systems is specific to each model and brand. Homeowners should consult their manuals for guidance.
More information on water heaters can be found online at www.directenergy.com/waterheater or toll-free at 1-888-334-8221.
courtesy: newscanada
Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.
Lisa Tollis SRES. Sales Representative Seniors Real Estate Specialist Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage. Hamilton Ontario Office: 905 574 4600 Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601 www.LisaTollis.ca
Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.
Lisa Tollis SRES. Sales Representative Seniors Real Estate Specialist Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage. Hamilton Ontario Office: 905 574 4600 Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601 www.LisaTollis.ca
That the Multiple Listing Service, MLS.ca Is Now Realtor.ca!
Thats Right!
But Don't worry! The website is still the same with exception of a few minor changes, you will still be able to search for your next home the same way you always have been. Check it Out! Click the Realtor.ca Logo and begin your Search.
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 Representative Seniors Real Estate Specialist Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage. Hamilton Ontario Office: 905 574 4600 Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601 www.LisaTollis.ca
Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.
Lisa Tollis SRES. Sales Representative Seniors Real Estate Specialist Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage. Hamilton Ontario Office: 905 574 4600 Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601 www.LisaTollis.ca
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 other debts such as car loans and credit card payments. Lenders add up these debts to determine what percentage they are of your gross household monthly income. This is your TOTAL DEBT SERVICE RATIO. (TDSR
About the Down Payment
A mortgage is security for a loan on the property you own. It is the difference between your purchase price and your down payment. The greater the down payment, the less you have to borrow, and of course, the smaller your monthly mortgage payment. A few options of down payment include your savings or a non-repayable gift. There are other options available to you and this can be discussed with your REALTOR®.
Other Costs to be Aware of when you Buy
This is a list of possible extra costs involved in buying a home. Some of them are one time costs and others, such as condominium maintenance fees and property insurance, will be ongoing monthly expenses. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT NOT ALL OF THESE COSTS MAY APPLY IN YOUR CIRUMSTANCES.
Appraisal fee - if your loan is not insured your lender may require a property appraisal for mortgage purposes. A basic appraisal is somewhere between $150. & $250.
Land Survey Fee - Your lender will require a survey unless you are purchasing a condominium.
Land Transfer Tax - This applies in most provinces, including Ontario. It varies as a percentage of the property's purchase price. It is usually between 1% - 4%.
Home Inspection Fee - Inspectors in Ontario are unregulated so fees can vary. They range from $150 + GST to $350 + GST. Larger homes may cost more to inspect. A two-hour inspection carried out by an engineer who provides a written report will cost closer to the upper limit.
Mortgage Broker Fee - A broker may charge a fee to find you a lender.
Property Insurance - This insurance covers the replacement value of the structure of your home and its contents.
Lawyer fees - A lawyer is required to search the title, draw up mortgage documents and tend to closing details. Lawyers fees range depending on the complexity of the deal.
Moving Costs - The cost of a professional moving company or a rental truck if you move yourself.
Prepaid Taxes or utility bills. -You will have to reimburse the seller on a prorated basis if some bills have been prepaid beyond the closing date.
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 Representative Seniors Real Estate Specialist Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage. Hamilton Ontario Office: 905 574 4600 Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601 www.LisaTollis.ca
Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.
Lisa Tollis SRES. Sales Representative Seniors Real Estate Specialist Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage. Hamilton Ontario Office: 905 574 4600 Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601 www.LisaTollis.ca
(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 the energy efficiency of your home, but haven't considered an attic re-insulation project, here are a few answers to some important questions.
The recommended insulating standard for attic insulation is R-50. To achieve this, you'll need to top up on your existing attic insulation until you have at least 15 inches of batt insulation. Visit your local home building supplies store and ask about PINK FIBERGLAS Batt Insulation, which is easy to install and provides optimal thermal resistance.
Insulating your attic can help you save on your monthly heating and cooling costs by up to 28 per cent*. Not only can you help save on energy costs, you can also help save a half ton** of greenhouse gas emissions annually when you insulate your attic to R-50.
Many government incentives available today can be combined to help homeowners significantly offset their home improvement expenses. The Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) provides a 15 per cent non-refundable tax credit on eligible home renovation costs up to a maximum of $1,350. Natural Resources Canada offers the ecoENERGY Retrofit Rebate that helps save homeowners up to $750 when they insulate their attic. In addition, there are also matching rebate programs at the provincial and municipal levels to even further your rebate amounts.
Learn more about the HRTC and how to insulate your attic by visiting www.insulationtaxcredit.ca and www.actionplan.gc.ca. More details on the ecoENERGY Retrofit Program and other available government grants can be found online at www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca.
courtesy of: newscanada
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 Representative Seniors Real Estate Specialist Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage. Hamilton Ontario Office: 905 574 4600 Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601 www.LisaTollis.ca
Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.
Lisa Tollis SRES. Sales Representative Seniors Real Estate Specialist Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage. Hamilton Ontario Office: 905 574 4600 Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601 www.LisaTollis.ca
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
MLS® $239,900 CAD - MOVE RIGHT IN!!
The hot real estate market has cooled and most cities across Canada are experiencing a "buyer's market." While many homeowners have chosen to stay put rather than chance losing money on their investment, those homeowners who have no choice but to move must put in extra effort to make their homes more appealing to buyers.
Water Heater 101
(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.
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