Ancaster Real Estate Blog

MUST BE SEEN!!! Open House in Hamilton ON, Sunday Oct. 25, 2009

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:42:33 -0500

Central, Hamilton Ontario

We invite everyone to visit our open house at 82 Connaught Ave S. on October 25 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

This Gorgeous Home Boasts Loads of Charcter & Beautifully Maintained!

You Must See This Home In Person to Apprieciate.

Come take a tour this Sunday!

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

Hey! Are You Tweetin' on Twitter?

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:18:00 -0500

Come follow me on twitter!

click the follow me button & I'll follow you back.

You'll receive the lastest Real Estate Information & New Listings in and around Southern Ontario.

I LOVE REFERRALS!

Do you have clients moving to the Hamilton-Biurlington-Ancaster-Stoney Creek & Surrounding areas?

I would love to help You!

Call Today! or Visit my WebSite. 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.

Beautiful, Well Maintained 2 Storey Home For Sale in Central Hamilton. Loads of Character!

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:08:43 -0500

IMMACULATE & BEAUTIFUL!! TRY YOUR OFFER!

• 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

Property information

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.

Fantastic Raised Ranch On Hamilton Central Mountain (Ontario) Great Price! Just Move In!

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:05:25 -0500

FANTASTIC RAISED RANCH

• 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.

INCLUSIONS: WINDOW COVERINGS, ELECTRICAL LIGHT FIXTURES, 2 FRIDGES,STOVE, DISHWASHER, MICROWAVE, WASHER & DRYER,GAZEBO

EXCLUSIONS: LIVING ROOM CURTAINS & FRONT BEDROOM CURTAINS

CALL FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUR TODAY!

Property information

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.

Best September On Record! | Hamilton Ontario Real Estate

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:35:31 -0500

Last month marks best September on record

(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.

Staging to sell: Home staging is vital when selling in a "buyer's market"

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:59:33 -0500

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.

Water Heater 101 ~ Learn More About Your Water Heater

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 07:28:03 -0500

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 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.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:14:24 -0500

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.

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.

Mortgage Rates Are Great Right Now! Can You Afford To Buy A Home?

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:51:16 -0500

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 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.

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.

Maintain Your Homes Value With Affordable Upgrades

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:32:49 -0500

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 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.

Furnace upgrade not mandatory, but will save you money-Read More....

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:12:30 -0500

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 - An older "conventional" furnace operating at 60% or less efficiency can waste 40 cents of every dollar. Upgrading to a high efficiency gas furnace, for a home spending $1,000 per year on heating, could result in savings as high as $300. Many high-efficiency furnaces are eligible for government rebates. The savings on the initial furnace purchase means payback becomes even quicker.

A high-efficiency furnace provides the homeowner with years of increased energy efficiency, quieter operation, better air circulation, and save a few cents every time the thermostat is turned up. More information is available online at www.directenergy.com or toll-free at 1-888-334-8221.

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.

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.

Interesting Reading about Hot Water Tanks-"Enjoy hot water… but don't get burned at the door"

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:35:47 -0500

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 offer marginal savings, and even replacing a 15 year old tank will only save about $6.30 a month in energy costs, before you even consider the cost of the tank. What really matters is how you choose to use hot water in your home. The best way to save money is to use hot water wisely.

Myth: Older tanks = dirty water.

In reality: Water heaters are designed to work for years without accumulating any significant buildup or rust. If you do notice a rust-coloured tinge to your hot water, or feel it's taking longer to heat the water, call your local service provider.

Myth: Proactive maintenance improves efficiency.

In reality: Maintenance is best done when homeowners notice a problem, like insufficient hot water or a rust-coloured tinge to the hot water.

Myth: Older tanks do not meet safety standards

In reality: Water heaters are installed according to the code at the time of installation. Any updates to safety standards will have to be completed only when the tank is replaced.

Myth: Tankless water heaters are right for everyone

In reality: Tankless water heaters are more energy efficient than a storage water heater, which could translate into savings of up to $4-$5/month, depending on the age of storage tank being replaced. But because tankless water heaters work differently than they may be used to, consumers should walk through a needs assessment before investing in tankless.

"It's your doorstep and your decision," says John Krill, director of operations support at Reliance Home Comfort. "We encourage consumers to get the facts and speak with their current provider before they sign on the dotted line." You can visit www.burnedatthedoor.com to learn more about water heater safety and maintenance, your rights as a consumer and to report unscrupulous door-knocking in your community.

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.

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.

OPEN HOUSE! 160 BRENTWOOD DRIVE in Huntington Park Area. Hamilton ON on Oct 4, 2009

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:18:34 -0500

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.

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.

Price Reduced on 160 BRENTWOOD DRIVE in Huntington Park Area. Hamilton ON

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:44:47 -0500

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.

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.

Beautiful 3 Bedroom 2 Storey TownHouse For Sale in Glanbrook Ontario, West Hamilton

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:24:44 -0500

• 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "TOWNHOUSE ROW UNIT" - MLS® $229,900 CAD

Glancaster, Hamilton - DON'T MISS THIS! IMMACULATE 3 BEDROOM, 2 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 Kitchen

Inclusions: FRIDGE,STOVE,DISHWASHER,WASHER,DRYER, ALL LIGHT FIXTURE,WINDOW COVERINGS,GARAGE DOOR OPENER
Exclusions: DINING RM LIGHT FIXTURES

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.

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.

Gorgeous 1 1/2 Storey Exexcutive Condominium-Bungaloft For Sale in Ancaster Ontario (Starward Landscapes Complex-Meadowlands)

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:22:13 -0500

PERFECTION AT IT'S BEST!

• 2,733 sq. ft., 4 bath, 3 bdrm 2 storey "EXECUTIVE CONDOMINIUM " - MLS® $469,900 CAD

Meadowlands, Ancaster - ABSOLUTELY STUNNING EXECUTIVE 3+1 BEDROOM CONDOMINIUM-BUNGALOFT IN UPSCALE STARWARD LANDSCAPES COMPLEX-2733 SQ.FT. approx. + A PROFESSIONALLY FINISHED LOWER LEVEL (2008) THAT WILL AMAZE YOU! FABULOUS MAPLE KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTER TOPS,BUILT-IN STOVE TOP, OVEN & MICROWAVE. MAIN FLOOR MASTER BEDROOM WITH A 5PC ENSUITE, GORGEOUS LIVINGROOM WITH GAS FIREPLACE, FINISHED LOFT, CALIFORNIA SHUTTERS, HARDWOOD FLOORS. SHOWS IMPECCABLY WITH MANY UPGRADES! RSA.

INCLUSIONS: ALL LIGHT FIXTURES, WINDOW COVERINGS, COUNTER COOKTOP,OVEN BUILTIN, C/VAC & ATT

EXCLUSIONS: DINING ROOM LIGHT FIXTURE & FRONT HALL LIGHT FIXTURE

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.

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.

Nice 1 1/2 Storey For Sale in Hamilton Centre

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:20:09 -0500

NICE STARTER HOME-CLOSE TO EVERYTHING!!

• 1 bath, 3 bdrm 1 1/2 story - MLS® $149,900 CAD - GREAT VALUE!!

Hamilton Centre, Hamilton - EAST END CHARMER. SPACIOUS 1 1/2 STOREY, 3 BEDROOM HOME IN A FAMILY FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD. LARGE LIVINGROOM & DININGROOM WITH COVE CEILINGS, LAMINATE FLOORS, EAT-IN KITCHEN WITH WITH WALK-OUT TO DECK. NEW ROOF '07, BATHROOM '09, FURNACE '08 (RENTED@$89.99/MO). INCLUDES 4 APPLIANCES. CLOSE TO ALL AMENITIES, SCHOOLS, PARKS, THE REJUVENATED CENTRE MALL & PUBLIC TRANSIT. A PLEASURE TO SHOW.
TRY YOUR OFFER TODAY!

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.

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.

Online Education For New Home Buyers In Ontario

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:26:57 -0500

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.

Originally offered at the company's Customer Centres in Toronto, Ottawa and London, the seminar was well-attended and received positive feedback from participants so, the next logical step was to offer the information more broadly to new home buyers across the province. Additional seminar topics will be added over time.

The seminar can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week on tarion.com. Topics are arranged in manner that allows viewers to quickly move through the presentation to the areas that are of most interest.

"Offering educational seminars online will allow us to reach homeowners across Ontario so they can better educate themselves about their warranty rights and responsibilities," said Tarion President and CEO Howard Bogach. "Understanding not only the warranty process, but also the roles that builders and Tarion play will help ensure a successful new home experience - and that is our goal."

Online Education Seminars will allow home buyers to:

• view the presentation in their own time, starting and pausing at their convenience;

• select specific topics relevant to their individual needs; and

• print out a copy of the presentation for reference.

In addition, relevant documents such as the Homeowner Information Package and the Construction Performance Guidelines are readily available in the resources section.

In order to ensure continual improvement Tarion encourages viewers to provide comments through the feedback section. To watch the Understanding Warranty Coverage seminar go to www.tarion.com and select the link on the homepage.

To learn more about the mandatory new home warranty, visit www.tarion.com

courtesy of: News Canada www.newscanada.com

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca For more Information about Real Estate & Listings.

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 4600

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.

Does my Reno Qualify for the Ontario Home Renovation Tax Credit?

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 16:54:39 -0500

-(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 eligible for the credit.
· Costs incurred will be claimed on the 2009 tax return, including the January 2010 costs.
· The HRTC will not be reduced by any other tax credits or grants to which a taxpayer is entitled, for the same expenditures, under other government programs. For example, if an eligible expenditure also qualifies for the medical expense tax credit (METC), both the METC and the HRTC can be claimed.
· For purposes of sharing the HRTC, a family consists of an individual, and where applicable, their spouse or common-law partner, and children under 18.
· Each family is subject to the maximum tax credit of $1,350, based on eligible expenditures.
· If one family member is unable to utilize the entire credit, the unused portion may be claimed by one or more of the other family members.
· If two or more families share ownership of an eligible dwelling, each of those families will be eligible for their own credit up to $1,350, based on eligible expenditures.

Eligible dwellings

· An eligible dwelling is a dwelling which qualifies as the individual's principal residence at any time during the period January 28, 2009 to January 31, 2010 inclusive, and includes the land that forms part of the dwelling.
· A housing unit qualifies as a principal residence if it is owned by the individual and ordinarily inhabited by the individual, the individual's spouse or common-law partner, or their children. This could include a cottage or vacation home.
· For condos and co-op housing, costs will be eligible for the credit if they are incurred to renovate the individual's principal residence "unit", and a share of the cost in respect of common areas may also be claimed.
· Where a portion of a principal residence is rented out, the credit can be claimed only for expenditures made in respect of the personal-use areas of the home.
· Where costs are incurred for common-areas of a partly-rented home, such as a roof, the credit will apply only to the portion allocated as personal use.

Eligible expenditures

· Expenditures must be supported by receipts, which will not have to be submitted with the tax return, but must be available if requested by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
· Expenditures will qualify if the renovation or alteration of the eligible dwelling is of an enduring nature, and is integral to, or built into, the dwelling.

Examples of eligible expenditures:
· re-shingling a roof
· interior or exterior painting
· kitchen, bathroom, or basement renovations
· replacing windows or doors
· new furnace or water heater
· resurfacing a driveway
· laying new sod
· upgrading wiring
· upgrading insulation

Expenditures are not eligible if they are for repairs and maintenance which are usually performed on an annual or more frequent basis.

· Expenditures for appliances (e.g. fridge, stove) and audio-visual electronics are not eligible.
· Financing costs are not eligible.

Other examples of non-eligible expenditures:

· furniture and draperies
· purchase of tools or other construction equipment
· carpet cleaning
· house cleaning
· maintenance contracts for furnace cleaning, snow removal, lawn care, etc.
An air conditioner which is a portable plug-in type (an air conditioning unit which is built into the home heating or ventilation system would be eligible).

For more information visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca.

courtesy of: News Canada

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca For More Information about Real Estate & Listings.

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.

July Sales Right On The Mark

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 06:47:38 -0500

The Hamilton-Burlington area resale market reported a total of 1,369 units sold in July, indicating an increase of 10.6 per cent over the same month last year. The total unit sales for the first seven months of 2009 are being reported at 7.4 per cent lower for the same period last year, while new units listed are 8.3 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 summer market has continued with the strength seen in the spring," said Bruce King, RAHB President. "July marked the second month where sales and average price were up, year over year. Consumers continue to see value and opportunity in the greater Hamilton-Burlington area."

Residential properties sold during July totalled 1,318 which included 1,060 freehold properties and 258 condominiums. Commercial sales for July, including industrial, farm, vacant land and business, totalled 51 units.

The average price of freehold residential properties sold in the month of July was $311,945, an increase of 3.3 per cent over July 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 July was $233,509, an increase of 6.4 per cent over July 2008.

The total number of units listed for sale during July was 1,764, which is 0.7 per cent fewer than were listed in the same period in 2008.

"With inventory low, and the number of new listings easing, buyers may have to be patient," added King. "Market trends differ between cities, and among areas and housing types within a city. For local market expertise and information, buyers and sellers should use the professional services provided by a REALTOR®."

Unit sales reflect "all property types" including residential, condominiums, commercial property, farmland and sale of businesses.

courtesy of: REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings In Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington-Stoney Creek & Surrounding Areas.

Lisa Tollis SRES.
Sales Representative
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.
Hamilton Ontario
905 574 4600
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.

When Viewing Homes, View Them with Your Eyes WIDE OPEN!!!

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:06:11 -0500

Ok, you're in the market to purchase a home.

August & September are couple of the BEST Months to List & Purchase a Home!
Some want into their New Homes Before or During the Start of the New School Year.

Next step is that you'll want to go to a bunch of open houses or have your realtor set up appointments to view homes for sale.

You pull up to the curb and there it is - the home of your dreams.

Calm down.

Take a deep breath and start again. The hardest thing to do when looking for a home is to remain objective. It is easy to fall in love with a home's appearance, but it's very important to look beyond the window dressing.

The following not only helps Buyers, It also helps Sellers to get there home ready before they list it on the market.

Here are some things to consider when looking at a home:

General upkeep
First appearances do count. Is the home dirty and cluttered? Are the lawns uncut? Are the walls chipped and in need of paint? If the owner hasn't bothered to keep the house looking clean and attractive, what problems are lurking below the surface?

Water leaks
Water can do a lot of damage to a home. It rots wood, undermines foundations, and leads to mould and mildew. Reshingling a house, or repairing a cracked foundation to stop water leaks, can be extremely expensive.

It takes an expert eye to find most water leaks (which is why we recommend you have a house inspected before you buy). If you spot stains, bulges and other signs of water damage on ceilings or walls, make special note that there could be a problem.

Appliances and fixtures
Test the lights, faucets, toilets, furnace, air conditioning, and all major appliances that are to be included with the home. Make sure everything is working as it should.

Floors
Floors should be smooth, even, and solid. Soft springy sections, excessive squeaking, and unevenness are all indications that expensive repairs may be needed.

Doors and windows
Check that doors and windows fit snugly and operate smoothly. Look for flaked paint and loose caulking. Check for drafts.

Drainage
Walk around the yard looking for areas where water might collect. Soggy areas near the foundation indicate poor drainage.

Grout and Caulking
If the grout and caulking around bathroom and kitchen tiles are loose and crumbling, there is a good chance water is finding its way into the wall or under the floor.

Structural
Look for deep cracks in the foundations or loose mortar and bricks.

Furnishings
If you are not planning to replace all of your furniture (and not many people are), make sure it will fit into the rooms of the new house. Be sure to bring a measuring tape. Rooms can be deceptive.

Storage space
Make sure your new house has enough storage space for all your belongings. And that means more than just your clothes. Think of all the things that need to find a home - tools, gardening equipment, old toys, sports equipment, and all those wedding presents that are still in their original boxes. Check the size of the closets, the attic, the basement, and the garage. Rule of thumb: there's never enough storage space.

Inspection
You should take a long hard look at a house before you put in an offer to protect yourself from disappointment down the road. But, nothing can replace the expert opinion of a qualified home inspector. Inspectors can spot problems that the average person would never find and they can usually advise you on how much it will cost to make the repairs. A home inspection can help you determine whether or not you are going to make an offer on a house, and if you decide to go ahead, just how much that offer is going to be.

If you require more Information on Buying or Selling a Home, Please Do Not Hesitate to Call Me

Lisa Tollis SRES
Sales Representative
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.
Hamilton Ontario 905 574-4600 24hr pager
Toll Free: 1 877 574-4601

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca For more Listings & Helpful Information on Real Estate.

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas.

Open House in Huntington Park Area, Hamilton East Mountain on Sunday Aug. 23, 2009 2-4pm

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:59:04 -0500

Open House in Huntington Park Area, Hamilton East Mountain on Sunday Aug. 23, 2009 2-4pm

Nice Bungalow In Huntington Park Area, Hamilton East Mountain - I want to invite everyone to visit my open house at 160 BRENTWOOD DRIVE on August 23 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Property information

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca For More Information About Real Estate & Listings In Hamilton Ontario and Area.

Lisa Tollis SRES.
Sales Representative
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.
Hamilton Ontario
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.

Thinking Of Moving Your Business? Or Planning to Start Up a New One?

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:57:19 -0500

Commercial For Rent/Lease in Central Hamilton Mountain Unit B, Great Character!

VACANT | GREAT CHARACTER!

• 1,866 sq. ft. commercial "OFFICE SPACE " - MLS® $14 CAD Monthly - $14.00 PER SQUARE FOOT

Central Mountain, Hamilton Mountain - UNIT B CLASSIC 1 1/2 STOREY APPROX. 1866 SQ.FT. CENTURY HOME HISTORICALLY DESIGNED BUILDING LOCATED IN AN ATTRACTIVE MULTI TENANT PLAZA ON PRIME MOUNTAIN IN THE HEART OF OF A HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOOD. SUITABLE FOR MANY USES. LOTS OF PARKING AVAILABLE. IMMEDIATE POSSESSION. GREAT EXPOSURE. $14.00 /SQ.FT. TMI $6.50/SQ.FT.

Property information

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca For More Information About Real Estate & Listings In Hamilton Ontario and Area.

Lisa Tollis SRES.
Sales Representative
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.
Hamilton Ontario
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.

Got a Business Idea? Need a Commercial Unit to Lease? Check out this Beautiful Plaza!

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:55:20 -0500

Check Out This Central Hamilton Mountain Plaza Unit A, Commercial For Rent/Lease

HIGH-TRAFFIC LOCATION

• 2,389 sq. ft. commercial "OFFICE SPACE " - MLS® $14 CAD Monthly - $14.00 PER SQUARE FOOT

Central Mountain, Hamilton Mountain - ATTRACTIVE MULTI-TENANT PLAZA LOCATED IN PRIME CENTRAL HAMILTON MOUNTAIN LOCATION IN THE HEART OF A HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD. SUITABLE FOR MANY USES. LOTS OF PARKING. AVAILABLE IMMED. GREAT EXPOSURE, APPRX. 2,389 SQFT AVAILABLE. PLEASE CALL LISTING AGENT LISA TOLLIS, FOR FURTHER INFO. $14.00 /SQ.FT. TMI $6.50/SQ.FT.

Property information

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca For More Information About Real Estate & Listings In Hamilton Ontario and Area.

Lisa Tollis SRES.
Sales Representative
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.
Hamilton Ontario
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.

3 Bedroom Bungalow | Great Starter Home For First-Time Home Buyers

Lisa Tollis SRES® (Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:53:16 -0500

Great Starter Home For First-Time Home Buyers

RARE FIND! QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD! LARGE LOT!

• 1 bath, 3 bdrm bungalow "NEW WINDOWS & FLOORS" - MLS® $234,900 CAD - GREAT VALUE

Huntington Park Area, Hamilton East Mountain - Just Move In & Enjoy! Solid Brick 3 Bedroom Bungalow in a quiet sought after East mountain Neighbourhood near Huntington Park. Features New Furnace, New Roof, New Windows, New Flooring in Kitchen & Bath, Freshly Painted Throughout, Hardwood Floors In Livingroom & Bedrooms, Bright Eat-In Kitchen, Central Air All on a Large Pool Sized Lot!

Huge Partially Finished Basement has been Drywalled & Insulated & Awaits your Imagination!

A Fabulous find just minutes to the LINC, Schools, Parks & Public Transportation.
LOOK NO FURTHER! You Just Found your new Home! Call Lisa Today! For Your Personal Viewing.

Inclusions: CENTRAL AIR, ALL LIGHT FIXTURES

Property information

Visit www.LisaTollis.ca For More Information About Real Estate & Listings In Hamilton Ontario and Area.

Lisa Tollis SRES.
Sales Representative
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.
Hamilton Ontario
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.