Southwestern Ontario New Home and Condo Guide - Mar 18, 2017

MAR 18 - APR 1, 2017 VOLUME 20, ISSUE 5, FREE

SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO EDITION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM FRAUDULENT BUILDERS

TIME FOR ONTARIO TO ADDRESS HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

EQ AWARDS CELEBRATE ONTARIO’S GREEN BUILDERS

YOUR FUTURE BEGINS HERE Empire is preparing for upcoming releases at three unique communities in three great locations. Our beautiful new homes are designed to make everyday life richer, with enviable designs where smart space planning and innovation meet.

Select the community that fits your life. Your future begins here.

Register now at empirecommunities.com

IMAGINE NIAGARA FALLS

Towns & Detached Homes Priced from the mid $300s Coming Spring 2017

AVALON CALEDONIA

Towns & Detached Homes Priced from the low $400s Coming Spring 2017

WYNDFIELD BRANTFORD

Detached Homes Coming Summer 2017

contents MAR 18 - APR 1, 2017 | VOLUME 20 ISSUE 5

VICE-PRESIDENT & CHIEF PUBLISHING OFFICER

Caroline Andrews PUBLISHER & GENERAL MANAGER

Shawn Woodford DIRECTOR OF SALES, NATIONAL

Moe Lalani ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Anne-Marie Breen SENIOR MANAGER, CONTENT

Jennifer Reynolds EDITOR

Wayne Karl ART DIRECTOR

Daiana Garay CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Sonia Bell Elisa Krovblit Lydia McNutt

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SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Nina Downs nina.downs@ypnexthome.ca SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

ON THE COVER

12

Dionne Fraser dionne.fraser@ypnexthome.ca

Reid’s Heritage Homes

SALES CO-ORDINATOR

Bungalows with views of Georgian Bay at The Residences of Cobble Beach

trending

40 Quick Tips

Seasonal switch-up – making way for spring

30 Housing Market

Crisis? What crisis in lowrise homes?

32 34

EnerQuality Awards celebrate Ontario’s Green builders

15

Tarion Report

Why it’s important to prevent illegal home building What to consider before buying investment property

Home Care

Spring cleaning: Tackling these problem areas

6 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Hot Properties Kitchener-Waterloo & London

New releases and grand openings

21

Vintage Modern

20 Mortgage Advice 36

buyers’ resource section

Niagara

It’s just like it sounds – combining old and new

MANAGER OF PRODUCTION

Helen Pearce CO-ORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Miguel Cea CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joanne Keenan Jeffrey Reed

It’s time for homebuyers to join the chorus

More than just the falls

advice

14

45 Fundamentally Speaking

EQ Awards

inspiration

38

Why the new home market is Canada’s best kept secret

Housing Market

What Ontario can do to address housing issues

city focus

26

42 Insider Insight

Sarah Khan

43

Hot Properties Hamilton

New releases and grand openings

Mortgage Rates

in every issue

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Editor’s Note

44 Advertiser Index 46 What’s Online

#500-401 The West Mall Etobicoke, ON M9C 5J5 T 416.626.4200 F 416.784.5867 ypnexthome.ca

ADVERTISING Call 416.626.4200 for advertising

rates and information Office hours are Mon-Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-12 CIRCULATION Free distribution. Published biweekly from Sept.-Nov. & from Feb.-June and monthly in June, July & Dec. TERMS Advertisers, Editorials and New Home & Condo Guide are not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All prices are correct as of press time and are subject to change without notice. E. & O. E. EDITORIAL Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the address above, to the attention of the Editor.

COPYRIGHT 2017 All rights reserved by New Home & Condo Guide, Toronto, Ontario. Reproduction in any form is prohibited. Contents of this publication are covered by Copyright and offenders will be prosecuted under the law. The views and data expressed by columnists do not necessarily represent those of the publication. Yellow Pages Next Home is a trademark of Yellow Pages Group Co. in Canada.

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MAR 18 - APR 1, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 7

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Editor’s Note

Hello, Queen’s Park.

Are you listening?

WHEN WE HAVE double-digit price growth, supply

WAYNE KARL Senior Editor Yellow Pages NextHome Email: Wayne.Karl@ypnexthome.ca Twitter: @WayneKarl

shortages in certain housing types and people having little choice but to drive further into the suburbs for home options other than condos… who could blame prospective homebuyers for feeling a little discouraged?

In the GTA, the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) has been speaking out on the issue for months, if not years. Other important voices recently chimed in, including former mayor of Mississauga Hazel McCallion, other municipal leaders and Ontario Real Estate Association CEO Tim Hudak.

OREA and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association are now further ramping up the call for change. The associations are urging Queen’s Park to create a housing experts task force to provide ideas for increasing housing supply in Ontario, thus alleviating the growing home affordability challenges facing Ontarians.

Population growth and a strong economy in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area have created a high demand housing market where supply is critically low and home prices are becoming out of reach for many families and first-time home buyers, the groups say.

We’ll see if the provincial government is listening.

ONLINE

SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE

JUST DOWN THE RIVER from Niagara Falls itself sits the beautiful, historical town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Leisurely lakeside strolls, nights at the theatre, wine tasting and food fanaticism are all part of the lifestyle here.

Read the full story…

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+ get social 10 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Interact with us on social media: ypnexthome

FINAL RELEASE COMING SPRING 2017

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Property Profile | REID’S HERITAGE HOMES

cover story

Bungalows with glorious views of

GEORGIAN BAY THE RESIDENCES OF COBBLE BEACH

in Owen Sound, by renowned builder Reid’s Heritage Homes, is the community everyone is talking about in 2017.

Located 10 minutes from Owen Sound, Cobble Beach is built on 574 acres of pristine land on the panoramic shores of Georgian Bay. These beautiful new homes are surrounded by the world-class Cobble Beach Golf Links Club, a golf course that lines the gorgeous lakeside and winds through an open meadow edged with mature woodlands.

New detached and townhome bungalow designs were recently released.

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Upscale features in these homes include: • 1,700 to 2,700 sq. ft.

• One to five bedrooms, 1.5 to three bathrooms • Entertainer’s open concept layout • Large windows and covered porches to enjoy the stunning views • Chef’s kitchen with granite countertops, large island with extended breakfast bar • Master bedroom retreat with spa-inspired ensuite • Spacious Great Room with hardwood floors • Nine-ft. ceilings on main floor • Double car garage

Set amidst acres of land that majestically overlook the water, the homes have been designed to maximize water and golf views. Roof lines, site-positioning and strategically placed windows encourage residents to enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of their home. The master plan continues to materialize phase by phase with a selection of unique properties presiding on cul-de-sacs, some backing onto woodlots or the golf course, while offering glorious views of Georgian Bay. Homes in this community are Energy Star qualified, saving you money on energy each month. You can look forward to a quieter, more comfortable living environment while enjoying the benefits of lower operating costs and a decreased carbon footprint.

A charming Nantucket style clubhouse sits at the heart of the community, offering boutique accommodations as well as year-

round hospitality and five-star dining.

Homeowners enjoy full access to the spa’s sauna, whirlpool and tennis courts, as well as the fitness centre and plunge pool. It is more than an eminently impressive destination – it is a lifestyle that is in every way unique.

Cobble Beach is a vibrant, four seasons community for active individuals and families seeking a recreational property or full-time residence. Residents have a multitude of activities to choose from, including golfing, 14 kms of hiking trails, mountain biking, swimming, kayaking, sailing, fishing and relaxing on the beach in the warmer seasons. A 260-ft. day dock with resident boat moorage is a popular attraction in the community. Golf lovers will take

immense pleasure in the 18-hole links style golf course located quite literally in their own backyards.

There is no need to take permanent refuge indoors in colder seasons, with the opportunity for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice skating, ice fishing and snowmobiling.

Downhill skiing can also be enjoyed only 45 minutes away.

There is a lot of exciting construction taking place at the community right now, with several new homes, a model home, and a new wedding pavilion underway.

If you are considering purchasing your new home at The Residences of Cobble Beach, plan a stay at this upand-coming community to get a taste of everything it has to offer!

Homes start at only $449,900.

Location

Owen Sound Builder

Reid’s Heritage Homes Development

The Residences of Cobble Beach Home Type

Detached and townhome bungalow designs Sales Centre & Contact

221 McLeese Dr., Kemble Stan Reljic, 1.705.888.5124 stan@live4seasons.ca cobblebeach.com For more information, contact Stan Reljic, Broker, Century 21 Millennium Inc., at 1.705.888.5124, stan@live4seasons.ca or visit cobblebeach.com

MAR 18 - APR 1, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 13

Advice | TARION REPORT

Why we need to prevent illegal home building

By Howard Bogach

MORE ADVICE ONLINE ypnexthome.ca/news/advice

MARCH IS FRAUD PREVENTION Month, so you will be hearing from many organizations this month about how consumers can protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud.

One of life’s largest purchases – buying a home – isn’t immune to fraud.

Illegal building may not get as much attention as other fraudulent schemes, but it certainly affects consumers and registered builders alike.

In fact, it regularly comes up as a topic of conversation when I am out at events speaking with new home buyers or new home builders.

So, what is illegal building and does stopping it matter?

For consumers, it could mean that their new home is being built by someone who does not actually have the financial or technical expertise to build new homes. It could also mean that the home is poorly built and does not meet Ontario’s Building Code specifications. It could even be a hazard to live in.

There may also be unexpected liability issues for the buyer or property owner during the construction of an illegally built home, especially if an on-site accident happens during construction. And once the home is complete, the buyer may not be aware of their rights or responsibilities under the statutory new home warranty.

For the majority of good registered builders, illegal building can create unfair competition and can have a negative effect on the reputation of the industry overall.

14 YPNEXTHOME.CA

What’s more, since many illegally built homes are eligible for warranty protection under the legislation, registered builders effectively subsidize the warranty on these homes.

One of the challenges we face in combatting illegal building is that not every new home buyer knows that all builders, by law, must registered with Tarion and provide the new home warranty. Consumers who aren’t aware of this can be deceived by stories of the warranty being optional or too expensive.

An illegal builder, meanwhile, may want to avoid the accountability and warranty obligations that come with building a new home. They may also be trying to circumvent municipal building code inspections or workplace health and safety legislation.

And they gamble that no one will report them to Tarion. Not the home buyer, neighbours, municipal building departments, sub-trades, suppliers or other registered builders.

Which is why we work so closely with everyone in our industry on public awareness and education, to create confidence in our new home marketplace.

Tarion’s ability to combat

illegal building depends in part on purchasers and others in the community reporting suspicious activity. Here are a few red flags that may suggest your builder is operating illegally: » They say you don’t need a Tarion warranty because they offer their own; » They give you an inflated cost for the Tarion warranty – the maximum cost is $1,500; » They say they built the home for themselves but then decided to sell it; and » They give you a short contract to sign; or worse, no contract at all.

Illegal building is everyone’s problem. It can create liability risks for the purchaser, affect the building industry and damage its reputation, and prevent the homeowner from understanding their warranty rights and responsibilities.

That’s why illegal building matters.

Howard Bogach is President and CEO of Tarion Warranty Corp. His column appears monthly in New Home Guide.

For more information about how Tarion helps new-home buyers, visit tarion.com or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/TarionWarrantyCorp.

Hot Properties

Find your next home! This page features a few of the latest properties to keep your eye on in Southwestern Ontario. Find more properties at ypnexthome.ca

LATEST LISTINGS

LONDON

Housing type: Single-family homes at Hamilton Road & Commissioners Road East. stonecresthomes.ca

BAYFIELD • BLYTH • CLINTON GRAND BEND • INGERSOLL • LONDON MITCHELL • SEAFORTH • SHAKESPEARE ST.THOMAS • STRATFORD • TAVISTOCK TILLSONBURG • WINGHAM • WOODSTOCK

new openings

pre-registration

CASTLE ROCK PLACE

140 CALEDONIA By: The Tricar Group City: Stratford Housing type: Four-storey boutique style condominiums from the high $200’s. tricar.com

VICTORIA ON THE RIVER By: Stonecrest Homes City: London

HALTON HILLS WELLINGTON WATERLOO ALMA • AYR • CAMBRIDGE • ELORA FERGUS • GEORGETOWN • GUELPH KITCHENER • ROCKWOOD • WATERLOO

pre-registration GRANGE HILL POINT By: Reid’s Heritage Homes City: Guelph Housing type: One- and two-bedroom condominiums from the low $200’s reidsheritagehomes.com

By: Rembrandt Homes City: London Location: 3444 Singleton Ave., off Southdale Housing type: Two-storey and mulit-level condominium townhomes from $231,990. rembrandt-homes.ca

new releases HAVELOCK CORNERS By: Senator Homes City: Woodstock Housing type: New release of 42- and 50-ft. singles from the low $400’s senatorhomes.com

BALDWIN PLACE FOX FIELD By: Fusion Homes City: London Location: Fanshawe Park Road West and Foxwood Avenue

WESTWOOD MEWS By: CountryGreen Homes City: Kitchener Housing type: Urban townhomes up to 1,365 sq. ft. countrygreenhomes.com

WILDFLOWERS By: Mattamy Homes City: Kitchener Housing type: Townhomes and 30and 36-ft. detached homes. mattamyhomes.com

ISHERWOOD AVENUE CONDOS By: Activa Group City: Cambridge Location: 25 Isherwood Avenue Housing type: Condo community activagroup.ca

CLAIR MEADOWS By: Gatto Homes City: Guelph Housing type: Townhomes and singledetached homes gattohomesinc.com

Housing type: Single-family homes from $482,900 fusionhomes.com

Builders

By: Tillsonburg Developments City: Tillsonburg Housing type: Detached freehold bungalows from $277,000. baldwinplace.ca

new openings THE ENCLAVES OF UPPER CANADA By: Menkes City: Georgetown Housing type: New release of 40-ft. lots from the low $800’s menkes.ca

VICTORIA COMMON By: Losani Homes City: Kitchener Housing type: Final release of modern townhomes from the $300’s losanihomes.com

CLAIRITY By: Reid’s Heritage Homes City: Guelph Housing type: One- and two-bedroom condominiums from the mid $200’s reidsheritagehomes.com

If you would like to include your preview registration, new release or site opening in this feature, just email the details to wayne.karl@ypnexthome.ca MAR 18 - APR 1, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 15

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Elmira

ypnexthome.ca Plattsville

Stratford

Baden

Breslau

Acton

STRATFORD, WOODSTOCK, INGERSOLL, TILLSONBURG, ST. THOMAS, STRATHROY, MILTON, GEORGETOWN, ROCKWOOD, GUELPH, FERGUS, ELORA, ALMA, CAMBRIDGE, KITCHENER, WATERLOO, AYR

London / Halton Hills / Wellington / Waterloo:

SEARCH ONLINE Toronto

BUILDERS

SITES

PRICES

Guelph

REID'S HERITAGE HOMES

Grange Hill Point

•

BC

Ilderton

SIFTON

Timberwalk

•

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Innisfil

BW HOMES

Alcona Shores

•

4

London

SIFTON

Evergreen at Warbler Woods

North London

SIFTON

Ballymote Woods

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South London

SIFTON

Andover Trail

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South London

SIFTON

Westwood Village

Tillsonburg

TILLSONBURG DEV.

Baldwin Place

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West London

SIFTON

Riverbend Golf Community

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West London

SIFTON

Warbler Woods

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•

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from mid $300's

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from mid $300's

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from mid $300's

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from mid $300's

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from $277,000

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from $290,000

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STRATFORD, WOODSTOCK, INGERSOLL, TILLSONBURG, ST. THOMAS, STRATHROY, MILTON, GEORGETOWN, ROCKWOOD, GUELPH, FERGUS, ELORA, ALMA, CAMBRIDGE, KITCHENER, WATERLOO, AYR

LOCATION

London / Halton Hills / Wellington / Waterloo:

D et .

Se m Bu i ng a To low w C nh on om Ad do e ul tL ife st yle

ADVERTISER'S MAPPING INDEX

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While your star is full of energy, ours saves you energy.

But your fridge and appliances aren’t the only place our star shines. Every inch of a Sifton home is Energy Star certified and is built to make your space more comfortable and sustainable.

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All-brick, detached, freehold homes starting at $277,000 (incl.hst) 3 ESSELTINE DRIVE, TILLSONBURG MODEL HOME HOURS: OPEN MONDAY - THURSDAY & SATURDAY 10:AM TO 5:PM. SUNDAY 1:00PM - 5:00PM, CLOSED FRIDAYS & HOLIDAYS E.& O.E. Prices & Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Call us now at 1-800-265-5709 baldwinplace.ca MAR 18 - APR 1, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 19

Advice | MORTGAGE ADVICE

What to consider before buying an investment property

By Alyssa Richard

MORE ADVICE ONLINE nexthome.yp.ca/news/advice

AN INCOME PROPERTY can be a good way to make money, especially in retirement. However, there are some things you need to think about before taking the plunge.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of buying an investment property:

Advantages You can use leverage: If you have equity in your home, you can use it to help finance the purchase of another property. In a low-interest rate environment, mortgage rates are lower as are the costs of buying a income property. You’ll build up more equity when you earn rental income to pay down the mortgage. In the future, you could use that additional equity to buy another property or properties but you should ensure you can make larger mortgage payments when rates increase.

You can earn additional income regularly: As long as you have a tenant, you’ll earn monthly income on a regular basis. The more investment properties you have, the more you could potentially earn. You don’t often get regular income from other types of investments.

You get tax deductions: While you’ll earn rental income, you’ll also be able to deduct any expenses. Advertising, insurance, maintenance and repairs, property taxes, and legal fees are just a few of the expenses that are deductible. It’s best to consult with your accountant to find out what costs you can deduct.

20 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Disadvantages You may need additional financing: If you want to buy a multi-unit property and intend to live in it, you’ll need a down payment of between five and 10 per cent, depending on the total number of units in the property.

But when you purchase a property you don’t plan to live in, you need to put down a down payment of at least 20 per cent. Also, some lenders won’t recognize 100 per cent of the potential rental income you might expect to earn; some may consider just 50 per cent, while other lenders might consider 80 per cent. In other words, you could be forced to make a bigger down payment to qualify for a mortgage.

You might not always have a tenant: Ideally, you’ll earn enough rental income to cover your annual costs.

However, you’ll still need to make mortgage payments without a tenant.

You should be prepared for the worst and have an emergency fund for the times you don’t have someone to rent your place.

Your property isn’t a liquid investment: If you own stocks or bonds, you can buy and sell them quite quickly. However, it can take a long time between listing your property for sale and the closing date.

This might be a problem if you need the money right away.

You have additional responsibilities: Being a landlord can be a difficult job. You’re responsible for any maintenance and repairs that need to be done. But there are also some headaches you have to deal with, like a tenant that damages your property or misses a rent payment.

The alternative is to hire a property manager. He or she can take care of those problems but at a cost to you.

While an investment property will provide you with additional income, it’s good to be aware of the pros and cons before you ultimately decide to make a purchase.

Alyssa Richard is the founder and CEO of ratehub.ca, a mortgage rate comparison site that aims to empower Canadians to make smart financial decisions.

Hot Properties

Find your next home! This page features a few of the latest properties to keep your eye on in Southwestern Ontario. Find more properties at ypnexthome.ca

LATEST LISTINGS

HAMILTON HALTON NIAGARA ANCASTER • BEAMSVILLE • BINBROOK • BRANT • BRANTFORD • BURLINGTONCATHARINES • GRIMSBY • HAMILTON • MILTON • NIAGARA • OAKVILLE • PARIS PORT DOVER • ST. CATHARINES • STONEY CREEK • VINELAND

pre-registration ON THE RIDGE By: Rosehaven Homes & Homes by DeSantis Location: Stoney Creek Housing type: Freehold townhomes liveontheridge.ca

TIFFANY HILL By: Rosehaven Homes & Chiaravalle Developments Location: Ancaster Housing type: Freehold towns, semis and detached homes tiffanyhill.ca

MERRITTON COMMONS By: Phelps Homes City: St. Catharines Housing type: Attached bungalows and bungalow towns phelpshomes.com

VISTA RIDGE By: Losani Homes City: Beamsville Housing type: Singles from the $400’s myvistaridge.ca

ALCONA SHORES By: Bayview-Wellington Homes City: Innisfil Housing type: Luxury singles on 32-, 45- and 48-ft. lots myalcona.com

PARADIGM

THE GATSBY

FALLINGWATERS

By: New Horizon City: Hamilton Housing type: Condos from the low $200’s gatsbycondos.ca

By: Losani Homes City: Hamilton Mountain Housing type: Two- and three-storey towns from the $400’s losanifallingwaters.com

WOODWAY TRAILS By: Eastforest Homes City: Simcoe Housing type: Singles from $329,400 and semis from $224,900 eastforesthomes.com

STEPPING STONES By: Phelps Homes City: Smithville Housing type: Two-storey townhomes phelpshomes.com

SIMPLY GRAND By: Losani Homes City: Paris Housing type: Townhomes from from the $300’s simplygrandtowns.com

SUMMERLEA WOODS By: Empire Communities City: Binbrook Housing type: Townhomes from the mid $300’s and detached homes from the low $400’s summerleawoods.com

LIFE By: Branthaven Homes City: Winona Housing type: Townhomes from the high $300’s branthaven.com

EXPLORE

TIFFANY HILL By: Rosehaven Homes, Homes

by DeSantis & CDI Homes City: Ancaster Housing type: Detached homes and freehold townhomes tiffanyhill.ca

PASSAGES ON THE CANAL By: Bayview-Wellington Homes City: Welland Housing type: Luxury freehold townhomes on the Canal mypassages.ca

AVALON By: Empire Communities City: Caledonia Housing type: Townhomes from $239,990 and detached homes from the mid $300’s empireavalon.com

THE WOODLANDS ANCASTER

new openings SCENIC TRAILS By: Starward Homes City: Hamilton Housing type: Condominiums from the $290’s scenictrails.ca

AFFINITY CONDOMINIUMS By: Rosehaven Homes Location: Aldershot, Burlington Housing type: Condos from the low $300’s affinitycondo.com

THE WEST By: Adi Developments Location: Burlington Housing type: Luxury boutique condos from the $190’s adidevelopments.com

THE PRESERVE By: Mattamy Homes City: Oakville Housing type: Executive condo townhomes from the mid $800’s mattamyhomes.com

STATIONWEST

By: Losani Homes City: Ancaster Housing type: Singles on forest court lots from the $500’s woodlandsancaster.com

By: Adi Developments Location: Burlington Housing type: Three-storey townhomes at Aldershot Go Station adidevelopments.com

PURE

ELEMENTS

By: Molinaro Group City: Burlington Housing type: Condo suites in midtown Burlington paradigmcondos.ca

By: Branthaven Homes & Ballantry Homes City: Hamilton Housing type: Townhomes exploretowns.com

By: Branthaven Homes City: Milton Housing type: Two-storey freehold townhomes branthaven.com

By: Mountainview Homes City: St. Catharines Housing type: Luxury one- and two-bedroom luxury condos elementscondo.com

CENTRAL PARK

By: New Horizon City: Stoney Creek Housing type: Waterfront condominiums from $199,999 sapphirecondos.ca

LAKE HOUSE

Builders

By: Losani Homes City: Hamilton Mountain Housing type: Townhomes from low $300’s mycentralpark.ca

SAPPHIRE

By: Branthaven Homes Location: Grimsby Housing type: Waterfront townhomes and condos lakehouselife.ca

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Paris

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Georgetown

Caledon

Smithville

Welland

Fonthill

Thorold

Ridgeway

Stevensville

Chippawa

OAKVILLE, BURLINGTON, HAMILTON, ANCASTER, PARIS, BRANTFORD, STONEY CREEK, VINELAND, LINCOLN, THOROLD, FONTHILL, NIAGARA, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, FORT ERIE

Halton / Hamilton / Wentworth / Niagara:

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MAR 18 - APR 1, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 25

City Focus | NIAGARA

NIAGARA More than just the Falls

PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD RECOGNIZE NIAGARA FALLS as the honeymoon capital of the world, where the Falls roar and mist fills the air as visitors stroll along its edge, spray on their faces from one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Residents throughout the Niagara region identify with far more. Diverse job opportunities, an economic base rooted in tourism, horticulture, farming and manufacturing and affordable housing set within one of Canada’s most scenic settings, tempered by a moderate climate provide residents with their own reasons to roar.

Located in southern Ontario and bordering the U.S., the Niagara region is an area of 1,800 sq. kms forming a peninsula of land between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie with a population of about 430,000. It encompasses St. Catharines, Grimsby, Town of Lincoln (Beamsville, Jordan and Vineland) Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Welland, Port Colborne, Fort Erie and the neighbouring communities, towns and villages of Queenston Heights, Chippawa, Port Robinson, St. David’s, Ridgeway, Stevensville and Sherkston.

Niagara is a major gateway to North America. Its cities and towns are less than a one-hour drive to Toronto, Buffalo or western New York. Businesses are within one day’s drive of 55 per cent of all U.S. manufacturing activity, and almost half of the U.S. population. The region is accessible worldwide through the St. Lawrence Seaway and Welland Canal.

Lined with scenic routes and parkways and dotted with fruit stands, antique markets, historic sites and nature trails, the area population increases in summer due to a quieter way of life and small-town atmosphere. Tourism and the closely related service industry form the economic foundation of this area, that serves about 20 million visitors annually and generates more than $2 billion in revenue. But not everyone is a visitor. With great job prospects, hundreds of 26 YPNEXTHOME.CA

newcomers choose this area as their permanent home each year.

Quaint communities such as historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fonthill and Crystal Beach, even Fort Erie and Ridgeway, are drawing empty nesters ready to indulge in both custom homes and other offerings. Lifestyle and lower prices are the lure. Home prices are much lower than those in the GTA, drawing residents from beyond the Niagara borders.

New-home construction is strong in Grimsby and Beamsville, with Homes by DeSantis, Losani Homes, Cambridge Homes and Branthaven Homes all active in the area. Mountainview Homes has a site, Fernwood, in Niagara Falls, as does Great Gulf Homes with its Edgewood Niagara Falls project.

Empire Communities, BW Homes, Ballantry Homes, Homes by DeSantis, Rosehaven Homes and Phelps Homes are also active in Niagara. BW Homes has a new development, Niagara on the Green, in Niagara-on-the-Lake,

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Neighbourhood Profile NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE Just down river from Niagara Falls itself sits the beautiful, historical town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Leisurely lakeside strolls, nights at the theatre, wine tasting and food fanaticism are all part of the lifestyle here. While it can be especially so during the summer months, the heritage district is busy year-round, simply due to its proximity to the Falls.

as does Langendoen Homes with Courtland Valley. In nearby Thorold, Great Gulf has its Rolling Meadows community, Rosehaven Homes has Gibson Heights and Mountainview has West Community.

Clearly, there are many home options – and lifestyle choices – in this world-famous area. Take a drive along the rural roads and parkways and view gorgeous gardens, parklands and orchards of the Niagara fruit belt. A moderate climate and rich, productive soil provide the unique agricultural resources to make the Niagara region ideally suited for fruit and other crop growth. Two-thirds of the province’s tender fruit orchards are located here, producing a majority of the province’s peaches, cherries, pears, plums, apples, apricots, prunes and grapes.

Going Green is nothing new for Niagara, that boasts more than 18 million sq. ft. of greenhouse space.

Some 200 greenhouses and 75 food processing plants employ more than 6,000 workers, with thousands more employed in related industries.

Horticulture is supported with extensive training programs through Niagara College’s Horticultural Centre, The Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture and The Horticultural Research Institute of Ontario (University of Guelph), all of which base programs in the Niagara Region.

Niagara’s grape industry produces more than 48,000 tonnes of grapes annually. New wineries are just an example of the region’s ongoing 28 YPNEXTHOME.CA

expansion in overall agricultural/food processing. Increased popularity of grape and wine products has created a separate identity and a designated Wine Route, as indicated by highway postsigns from Stoney Creek to Niagara Falls, connecting 30 of the area’s 70 wineries. Hundreds of thousands of visitors tour this scenic route annually.

The wine industry employs more than 5,000 people in wineries, retail and as suppliers and growers.

The recent recession was especially hard on manufacturing companies in the region. Formerly among the main employers, GM and companies servicing the automaker are now smaller players on the economic stage.

By contrast, Fallsview Casino, with 4,700 workers, is the second largest employer in the Niagara area (Niagara School Board is the largest), followed

by General Motors with 2,700.

The tourism and entertainment sector also includes the Shaw Festival, Niagara Parks Commission and Canadian Niagara Hotels and Entertainment. Other major employers are the Niagara Health System, Niagara Region, Seaway Marine, Brock University and Canadian Tire Financial.

The economic impact of relatively new players such as Fallsview Casino and the subsequent arrival of hotels and related businesses has resulted in substantial growth in the new-home market in the decade since it opened.

As many people are discovering, Niagara is a great place to work, play and live.

The honeymoon is never over.

Vibe You can’t get any closer to the U.S. and still live in Canada, but residents here take particular pride in their history of fending off advances from their neighbours. For more than 200 years, Niagara-on-the-Lake has held the fort – literally, that’s Fort George – on the Canadian side of the Niagara River. Voted “Canada’s prettiest town,” it’s steeped in history, teeming with “so-and-so slept here” plaques. Owners have lovingly maintained these homes, so well that it’s no surprise that even the new subdivisions are using their designs as templates.

Meet the neighbours Popular with retirees, Niagara-on-theLake is home to fewer than the average number of households including children – but this is changing as the town expands along Hwy. 55 in particular.

Young professionals and families are drawn to the beautiful new houses and townhomes that, while upscale for this region, are still relative bargains compared to GTA prices.

In the area Niagara-on-the-Lake is surrounded by wineries, orchards, visitor farms and breweries to enjoy on a day out. There are abundant hiking and trail riding opportunities, and athletes can get their kicks (and home runs) at the Centennial Sports Park in Virgil, and there are plenty of options for schools in the area.

Planes, trains & automobiles Within the heritage core, it’s easy to make your way on foot. As NOTL is a big tourist destination, the sidewalks and roads are regularly maintained yearround. But the town covers a great deal more area than that, and while cyclists will find it a dream to get around when the weather permits, for the carless, there is minimal public transit in place.

The good, the bad & the rest The pace is leisurely in Niagara-on-theLake to say the least, and the population still skews a bit older (although this is rapidly changing). City types on the gogo-go will find the walking tempo a bit glacial, and there is no shortage of tourist traffic, which can be patience-trying for residents.

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Trending

Crisis? What crisis in lowrise homes?

By Wayne Karl

BRYAN TUCKEY WAS ON FIRE.

Speaking at the Toronto Real Estate Board’s (TREB) recent Market Year Tuckey in Review & Outlook 2017 event, Tuckey was killing it on the topic of new lowrise homes. Owning the podium on a stage full of high-profile guests, including policy analysts, think-tank executives and even the Ontario Chief Economist and Assistant Finance Deputy Minister, Brian Lewis.

And if you’ve ever met Bryan Tuckey, president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), you know that he’s as mild mannered an industry leader as there is.

“Never in my 30 years in the industry have I seen such a disconnect between public policy 30 YPNEXTHOME.CA

and a lack public awareness and understanding,” he fumed.

The cause of his rancor was – and still is – the Ontario government’s land-use policy favouring intensification in the Greater Golden Horseshoe, which includes the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) and is Canada’s fastest-growing urban region and the economic engine of Ontario.

Such policy, says Tuckey, effectively limits the land available to build new homes. The end result is a housing shortage in all types that is approaching “crisis levels” and causing skyrocketing prices.

Worse, he says, is that the general public doesn’t fully understand the impact.

It’s an issue more and more voices are speaking out on, including former mayor of Mississauga, Hazel McCallion.

HUDAK AN IMPORTANT VOICE Add to the list, Tim Hudak, CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Hudak Association.

“Finding a home is only going to get worse until housing supply is addressed.

“Population growth is rapidly increasing in cities where we are also seeing some of the lowest levels of inventory in history,” says Hudak.

“Realtors and builders in this province have been saying that new homes and resale listings cannot keep up with the demand in the market.

Population growth is not the problem here – the lack of housing availability is the problem; and if it is not fixed soon, we could have a severe affordability crisis on our hands.

“If first-time buyers, young families, newcomers to our province,

LEFT

Hamilton is among the areas where high home prices in Toronto are having a spillover affect.

RIGHT

The combination of rapidly rising population, low inventory levels of homes and government policy are causing rapid price growth.

are going to have any chance at home ownership, provincial and municipal governments must focus on increasing housing supply,” he says. “Government-imposed barriers are restricting builders from bringing more housing supply online. To make homeownership more affordable, the province should work with municipalities to loosen building restrictions, speed up approvals to allow developers to build ‘missing middle’ housing types like townhomes, duplexes and stacked townhomes.”

Pretty strong words, from someone who knows how government works.

The former Ontario MPP and leader of the provincial PC party, joins Tuckey and others in lobbying Queen’s Park on the housing issue.

“It certainly helps to know your way around Queen’s Park,” Hudak told New Home & Condo Guide.

“We’ve been very active in the media and through direct advocacy. We’ve had meetings with the Premier and senior officials in her office, as well as the Minister of Finance, Housing and Municipal Affairs. It appears the government is engaged in this issue.

We’re putting good ideas on the table that will help increase supply and keep the dream of homeownership

within reach.”

The cause might just need the help.

Another speaker at the TREB outlook event said that no, the Ontario government has made enough land available for development. The amount of land allocated for growth is not the most pressing problem facing the region, according to Marcy Burchfield, executive director of the Neptis Foundation, Toronto, which conducts and disseminates nonpartisan research, analysis and mapping related to the design and function of Canadian urban regions.

“Provincial policies have not created a shortage of land for housing,” says Burchfield. “More than 100,000 hectares have been set aside in the Greater Golden Horseshoe to accommodate population and employment growth to 2031; over 56,000 hectares are in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.

Ground-related housing remains the predominant form of housing planned. Neptis research also shows that less than 20 per cent of this land supply has been built on since 2006.”

SAY WHAT? This seems to contradict everything BILD and others are saying.

“All land is not created equal,” Tuckey told New Home & Condo Guide.

“The Neptis data is at a level that lacks detail. Much of the land referenced in their study does not have the critical infrastructure that makes development possible. They have assumed that all of the vacant designated greenfield area is available for residential development.

In reality, residential development is prohibited in much of the GTA. “Substantial parts are not serviced with water and/or sewers. In some cases, the required servicing is not expected to be built within the next 10 years. Lands can be designated for residential development in an official plan, but until such time as servicing is in place, residential development is prohibited.

“Even where land is designated for residential development and can be readily serviced, residential development cannot occur until the land is appropriately zoned and plans of subdivision are draft approved and then registered. Building permits cannot be issued until these conditions are met.”

So, the debate continues: how much is Ontario’s land-use policy causing the supply shortage and pricing issue? And what is the government doing about it?

MAR 18 - APR 1, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 31

Trending

What Ontario should do to address housing affordability

By Wayne Karl

Fix the ‘one size fits all’ Growth Plan

WHAT SHOULD the

Ontario government be doing to address the lowrise housing affordability and supply issue in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area?

We asked Tim Hudak, CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association, and former Ontario MPP and leader of the provincial PC party.

Ontario’s proposed amendments to the Growth Plan represent a paradigm shift in how our communities will evolve. The provincial decision to apply a “onesize fits all” approach to growth will impose Toronto-style intensification to more than 100 municipalities. Instead of a blanket provincial preference for high density, give municipalities more flexibility and create more choice in homes for growing families and empty nesters, such as family homes and townhomes.

Address the ‘missing middle’ of housing supply

Tim Hudak

Homebuyers increasingly face the choice of living in a highrise condo or single-family home community. But there is huge opportunity to modernize outdated zoning laws to build the “missing middle” of housing supply in existing communities that are connected to transit and closer to jobs. This includes innovative solutions such as laneway housing and multi-unit homes such as townhouses, stacked flats or midrise buildings. These are affordable and attractive options for Millennials or empty nesters, who would then put their family home onto the market.

Reduce the Toronto Land Transfer Tax According to the C.D. Howe Institute, the Toronto LTT negatively affects housing supply because it incents potential home sellers to stay rather than list their property for sale. Instead of paying tens of thousands of dollars to move to a larger home, or downsize as an empty nester, Toronto homeowners are simply choosing to renovate or stay put. That means fewer starter homes come onto the market for young couples.

32 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Improve the planning approvals process It can take up to 10 years to go through the government approvals process before we build the housing supply needed for our growing population.

These unnecessary delays stall housing construction, leaving less housing supply available for people, while contributing to escalating prices. With better alignment of municipal and provincial housing priorities, including requiring updated zoning around transit corridors, we can get new homes to the market quickly in exactly the places where we want them.

Target infrastructure to support new housing supply We already have plans for where all the new housing in the GTHA will be located up to 2031, but those designated growth areas don’t become homes until we can obtain local planning approvals and connect to water, sewers and storm water management services. Builders cannot turn over the keys to a newhome owner if you can’t flush the toilet or get your car to the driveway.

The province should support new housing supply with targeted infrastructure investments.

Trending

EQ Awards celebrate Ontario’s best Green home builders ONTARIO’S BEST GREEN HOME

builders were recently celebrated at the EnerQuality EQ Awards Gala, following EQ’s annual Innovation Forum.

“Innovation is ideas brought to life.

Ideas that change the world. With these awards we celebrate the changemakers – the innovators and leaders who have put their ideas into practice,” says Corey McBurney, president of EnerQuality.

The theme of the Innovation Forum was New, Now, and Next and focused on new thinking, new products and new techniques for advancing Green building performance.

In addition to celebrating winners in 16 categories, the Awards Gala also saw Paul Golini Jr., co-founder and executive vice-president of Empire Communities, inducted into the EnerQuality Hall of Fame. Empire Communities is one of Canada’s largest real estate development companies, having built more than 10,000 new homes and condominiums in Canada and the U.S. New this year was the Impact Award, recognizing a builder’s significant voluntary progress in reducing carbon emissions and outstanding achievements through energy efficiency and sustainability practices.

The recipient of the inaugural Impact Award was Mattamy Homes, one of North America’s largest privatelyowned home builders.

1. Arista Homes – Vaughan 2. The Minto Group – Toronto and Ottawa 3. Great Gulf Homes – Active House Centennial Park, Toronto 4. Reid’s Heritage Homes – Cambridge 5. Geranium Homes – Markham 6. Mattamy Homes – Toronto

34 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Paul Golini Jr., left, co-founder and executive vice-president of Empire Communities, receives the EnerQuality Hall of Fame Award from EnerQuality President Corey McBurney

1

2

2016 EQ Award Winners: Building Innovation – Lowrise Arista Homes – Vaughan

Building Innovation – Mid/Highrise Times Group – Valleymede Towers – Richmond Hill

Energy Star for New Homes Builder of the Year - Small 3

Castleform Development Inc. – Toronto

Energy Star for New Homes Builder of the Year - Mid Mason Homes – Concord

Energy Star for New Homes Builder of the Year - Large The Minto Group – Toronto and Ottawa

Best Green Marketing Campaign Great Gulf Homes – Active House Centennial Park –Toronto

Green Renovation Project of the Year RND Construction – 106 Bayswater, Ottawa 4

Ontario Green Builder of the Year Reid’s Heritage Homes – Cambridge

Energy Star Champion of the Year Lisa Bergeron, JELD-WEN – Quebec City, Que.

R-2000 Builder of the Year Sloot Construction – Guelph (Arkell)

Net Zero Home Builder of the Year Reid’s Heritage Homes – Cambridge

Evaluator of the Year 5

Jack Zhou – Markham

Builder Achievement Award (Sponsored

by JELD-WEN) Doug Tarry – St. Thomas

Leader of the Year Jennifer Weatherston, Reid’s Heritage Homes – Cambridge

Savings by Design (Sponsored by Enbridge) Geranium Homes – Markham

Impact Award 6

Mattamy Homes – Toronto

MAR 18 - APR 1, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 35

Advice | HOME CARE

SPRING CLEANING: 3 problem areas, and how to tackle the mess

By Elisa Krovblit

UP THE ANTE THIS YEAR ON YOUR SPRING cleaning routine,

Spring cleaning: Sports equipment

with tips from an expert on the chemistry of clean, Kim Dunn, who holds a degree in industrial microbiology and owns a Molly Maid franchise.

The problem: “Sports equipment. Really bad,” Dunn says right off the… err… bat If your mind just went to the hockey bag, you’d be right — but don’t stop there. Think shin protectors, catcher’s masks, jocks, snowboard boots, football pads and yoga mats – all breeding grounds. “If it smells, there’s something growing,” Dunn says.

Spring cleaning: Mattress and pillows The problem: You may not be able to sleep after you hear how dirty your mattress and pillows are. “You’ve got some lively behaviour beneath you at night! Mattresses and pillows are full of fungus and bacteria, and let’s not forget dust mites,” Dunn says. “You’re sweating, you’re excreting oils, shedding skin cells and dust mites feast on skin cells. If they’re eating, they’re excreting.” Ewwww! “A mattress gains 10 per cent of its weight over the course of its lifetime — oils, mites, mite poo, skin cells. A typical mattress has between 100,000 and 10 million dust mites feasting!”

The solution: Keep it covered and keep it clean. Get a good mattress cover that’s waterproof and impervious to your skin cells and bodily secretions. The, remove that cover once a month and wash it. “Vacuuming helps too,” Dunn says.

“The vacuum gets rid of skin cells and mites. When removing the mattress cover, vacuum the mattress. Use the vacuum’s crevice tool to get right into the creases.”

You should also keep your pillows in protectors. Pillows do break down over time and should be replaced regularly.

36 YPNEXTHOME.CA

The solution: “Deodorizing is not cleaning. Masking the odours is not killing anything,” Dunn says. She suggests ozone cleaning.

“It’s the same as we used for sterilizing equipment in the lab.” Take your equipment to the cleaner’s for an ozone treatment to get rid of the smell and the bacteria. You should also wash the equipment on a sanitizing cycle.

“Cleaning may shorten the life of your equipment, but it’s better than getting sick.”

Between washing and ozone treatments, Dunn suggests, “air it out and let it completely dry before you put it away. Put it in the sun to dry.” The UV light, she explains, is beneficial for drying out and killing bacteria and fungus.

And that yoga mat? “Carry a spritz bottle... fill it with water and add essential oils: 10 drops of tea tree oil and 10 drops of your favourite oil, like lavender, eucalyptus or citrus.

Ideally, take it home, spray it down and let it air dry before putting it away,” she says. At the very least, Dunn advises to spray it down, let it soak for a minute to actually get to the

bacteria, and then wipe it dry before rolling it back up and stashing it. And anything metal based, like a mask, should be swabbed down with rubbing alcohol.

Dunn references a study that examines where typical equipment falls on the provincial guidelines for the acceptable limits of bacteria: » Shoulder pads: 19 times higher than the acceptable limit » Helmet: 30 times higher than the acceptable limit » Pants: 180 times higher than the acceptable limit » Jock: 376 times higher than the acceptable limit » Shin pads: 3,440 times higher than the acceptable limit.

Spring cleaning: Pets The problem: “The fur babies bring in a bevy of bacteria and change the microbiome of your home,” Dunn says. “Over half of the microdiversity in the home can be attributed to the animals in that home, from what they have naturally existing on their bodies,” she explains. Aside from carrying their own specific bacteria and distributing it wherever they go, they also have some filthy habits that we really need to address. “Animals also bring a lot of poo into our homes,” says Dunn. Whether they’re running around the dog park or just in the backyard, dog paws and fur are picking up whatever they touch. Then they

come into your home, walk on your carpets, sit on your sofa, nuzzle up against you, snuggle up in your bed — and share all of it with every point of contact.”

And then there’s the cat — their litter box use guarantees their paws are covered with fecal contamination, and then they like jumping up on the countertop, curling up on your bed, walking along shelves — leaving a trail of bacteria wherever they wander.

The solution: Aside from swearing off pets — because, let’s face it, that’s not an option for many of us – wiping their paws is a big factor in reducing the contamination. “We wipe our feet when we come in the house. Clean their paws with soap and water, or at least wipe them off when they come in.

And keep pets off of furniture and bedding. Put a washable blanket on their favourite spots, and wash that weekly.”

MORE ADVICE ONLINE ypnexthome.ca/news/advice

In love with design and decor, Elisa is senior editor of Home Decor & Renovations, Renters Guide and Commercial Investor. When not searching out some unusual solutions to her century home’s reno projects, she’s busy discovering the next best thing in Toronto. Elisa.Krovblit@ypnexthome.ca

MAR 18 - APR 1, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 37

Inspiration

Claude Gossip Bench Set $1,540 jonathanadler.com

Vintage modern

Vintage modern is just as it sounds – combining the old with the new – but the trick is in the balance. Crisp wall colour with metal whose patina speaks of age and wear. An antique frame reupholstered with contemporary fabrics. No need to stick to one era, have some fun with these funky pieces.

by Elisa Krovblit

Velvet Mid-Century Style Armchair $300 homesense.ca

Ya Ya Coffee Table $999 cb2.ca

38 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Rustique Sideboard SM -Bark Pine $999 urbanbarn.com

Metal Grid Lantern Lamp $195 simons.ca

Libations Carbon Bar Cart $899 crateandbarrel.ca

Raskog Bar Stool $40 ikea.ca

MAR 18 - APR 1, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 39

Advice | QUICK TIPS

Seasonal switch-up – make way for spring!

By Hellen Buttigieg

MORE ADVICE ONLINE ypnexthome.ca/news/advice

AT FIRST, YOU WERE AFRAID to put away winter gear because it was impossible to believe that unrelenting, snow-filled season was really over.

But spring slowly slid into place, and now you’re finding spring jackets and raincoats being layered on hangers atop winter jackets. The hall closet is bursting at the seams trying to contain the collection of everything from mitts and snow boots to umbrellas and Wellies. It’s time for the seasonal switch. Make some space for your spring and summer, and don’t give Jack Frost another thought.

Quick tips on organizing your home » Make room for spring. It’s that wonderful time of year again when we can put away the winter gear and lighten the load. Although there’s never enough storage, there are creative ways to better utilize existing spaces when storing out-of-season items.

Here are some ideas to consider: add another shelf above the existing one in all the closets, and purchase under-the-bed organizers. If your bed is not high enough, you can get a bed riser to lift it. Consider creating a document on your computer that serves as an index to outline where you’ve stored what. When winter arrives, you won’t have to rely on your memory to find what you need. » How long have you been putting off that rummage sale? Have you been saving items for years with the intention of selling them, but 40 YPNEXTHOME.CA

never seem to get around to it? Pull out your calendar today and book a definite date to have your sale this spring. Blocking the time now increases the likelihood of following through with it later.

Another option is to forgo the big sell-off entirely and donate these items instead. It takes several days to orchestrate a successful sale, so determine whether the money you’ll make is worth the time and energy it will take. After all, you can always get more money but you can never replace lost time. » Jump-start your spring cleaning with baby steps. If you don’t know where to begin when it comes to spring-cleaning your home, start small. Pick just one room. Moving clockwise, remove anything that doesn’t belong in that room and place it in a “move elsewhere” box to deliver to the room it should live in. Pull out anything that doesn’t give you joy or value and place it in a giveaway box. Toss or recycle any papers and garbage that are left over. Designate this room as a “no-clutter zone” so you will always have a sanctuary to

escape to, regardless of what the rest of the house looks like. » Have you stored your winter coats yet? If you’ve been putting off the task of storing your winter coats because you don’t have an extra closet, there’s a solution. A sturdy, rolling garment rack makes an ideal spot to store winter coats during the summer.

Be sure to dry-clean all items before storing, even if they look clean. Body oils and not-yetvisible food stains attract moths – especially on wool coats. Cover the clothes with a clean, cotton bed sheet or use a zippered canvas wardrobe cover specifically designed for this purpose to keep your clothes dust-free. If you don’t have room for a garment rack, store seasonal items in large garment bags, suitcases or under-bed storage bins.

Hellen Buttigieg is a certified professional organizer, life coach, TV host, owner of We Organize U and author of the best-seller, Organizing Outside The Box. For tips on getting organized, visit weorganizeu.com and sign up for the free newsletter.

MARCH 2017

Model Home Photo Compliments of Great Gulf | www.greatgulf.com

Outstanding interiors, like this magnificent Mike Niven designed gourmet kitchen at Summerlyn Village in Bradford, have been a Great Gulf hallmark for four decades. The Maple, 3,150 sq. ft. at Summerlyn Village in Bradford.

Great Gulf has been featured as “Model HOME Of The Month� as seen in the New Home Guide model home calendar

Advice | INSIDER INSIGHT

Why the new home and condo market is Canada’s best-kept secret

By Debbie Cosic

MORE ADVICE ONLINE ypnexthome.ca/news/advice

WHEN IT COMES TO the business of housing and ensuring that people get the biggest bang for their buck, I believe that Canadian developers and builders do it best. The funny thing is, the new home and condo market is Canada’s best-kept secret – even to most Canadians!

Many Canadians don’t realize the opportunities and advantages that exist on their home turf, and when shopping for a home or condominium, they will often skip over this market completely.

Meanwhile, international home shoppers zero-in on our market for many reasons.

Having studied many housing markets in the U.S. and Europe with other industry experts, we always conclude that the Canadian new home and condo market is far superior in many respects – particularly when it comes to the quality, selection, protection and value we offer here. When we talk to other home-building professionals abroad, we often find they want to come to Canada to learn more about our strategies and tactics. Some often do, and become more competitive in their own markets as a result.

In New York City, for example, where the condo market attracts people from all over the globe, it’s not unusual to find that luxury condo developers will offer only one standard kitchen and one set of design and decor options to its clientele. In fact, buyers will often ask 42 YPNEXTHOME.CA

the builder to skip the installation of the kitchen because the standard is not to their liking. Imagine if a luxury builder down the street decided to offer more than one option of kitchen? Or if that builder had an interior designer and decor centre on site that offered help with selecting their kitchen’s finishes and features at no extra charge, like we do in Canada? Talk about a competitive advantage.

Customers in NYC will often bring in their own designers, adding to the time and cost, and creating unnecessary construction chaos for other residents in the building after they move in. In Canada, the selection of a new home or condo’s finishes, fixtures and cabinetry is incredible and on-trend. Builders offer a vast selection of standard finishes and upgrades. They keep up with design trends by ensuring that they have professional decor centres that are staffed with highly skilled design managers to help buyers with their selections before construction even begins. The process is efficient, and the end result is a buyer who is happy and confident with their choices.

On the financial side of the business, Canadians have the advantage of a highly regulated mortgage industry through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. A mortgage insurance protection program is mandatory in Canada for down payments between five and 19.99 per cent. In fact, five per cent is the minimum amount you can put down on a home in Canada. This is our secret weapon to help protect the financial stability of our housing market across the country. This insurance protects lenders, in the event that a borrower stops making payments and defaults on their mortgage.

For Canadians, it gives us an opportunity to get into the housing marketing with as little as five per cent down. Although some people may argue we don’t need such protections, historically our housing market has been stable, and our booms and busts are not as severe or as long-term as those we’ve seen south of the border.

There you have it – some of the home turf advantages and secrets of Canada’s hot real estate market. I will be exploring more about Canada’s exciting new home and condo market in the future. If there’s something specific you’d like to ask, reach out to the editor and we’ll address the issues.

Debbie Cosic, CEO and founder of In2ition Realty, has worked in all facets of the real estate industry for over 25 years. She has sold and overseen the sales of more than $15 billion worth of real estate. With Debbie at its helm, In2ition has become one of the fastestgrowing and most innovative new home and condo sales companies. In2ition has received numerous awards from the Building Industry & Land Development Association and the National Association of Home Builders.

Homebuyers’ Help

Compare mortgage rates for your best deal CHARTERED BANKS

variable

ATB Financial

2.35

Alterna Bank

2.25

Bank of Montreal

2.6

Bank of Nova Scotia

2.9

CIBC

2.7

6 months

1 year

2 years

3 years

4 years

5 years

4.1 4.10op 4 6.30op

3.04 4.10op 2.79 6.30op 3.09 6.95op 3.29 6.50op 2.84 6.35op 3.14 3.14 6.35op 2.64 3 3.20op 3.14 6.70op

2.39 4.10op 2.74

2.64

2.69

2.84

2.59

2.65

2.68

3.19

3.59

4.09

2.89

3.09

3.39

3.89

4.49

2.79

2.74

4.09

4.79

3.04 2.15

3.65 3.39

4.39 4.09

4.64 2.35

2.64 2.94

2.64 2.84

3.19 2.94

3.29 2.99

3.04

3.39

2.79

2.94

2.79 2.49

3.34 2.74

3.99 2.84

4.44 2.89

2.84

3.44

2.74

2.89

3.24

3.49

3.69

3.79

6.95op 4.55 6.45op 6.95op

Equitable Bank HSBC Bank Canada

2.35

ICICI Bank Canada Manulife Bank

2.75 2.7

National Bank

n/a

President’s Choice Finan Royal Bank

2.7 2.7

TD Canada Trust

2.6

Tangerine

2.7

4.45 6.20op 4.45 4.4 6.70op

7.00op

2.99 7.00op 3.04 4.00op 3.19

TRUST COMPANIES Community Trust Effort Trust

n/a n/a

Home Trust Investors Group Trust

2.35 n/a

MTCC

2.9

6.5 4.45 6.30op 3.95 4.2 6.50op 4.55 6.45op

3.14 3.35 6.30op 2.69 3.14 6.30op 3.29 6.50op

3.25 3.5

3.95 3.7

4.39 4.3

4.64 4.35

2.14 3.09

2.34 3.39

2.59 3.89

2.69 2.84

3.09

3.39

3.89

4.49

4 6.30op 6.2 6.40op 3.1 4.25 6.50op

2.79 6.30op 2.84 6.30op 2.64 2.89 6.50op 3.25 6.25op 2.84 6.30op 3.14 2.8 2.95op 2.39

2.74

2.59

2.84

2.84

2.89

2.95

2.99

2.89

2.64 2.99

2.64 2.99

2.84 3.1

2.89 3.14

3.2

3.65

4

4.5

2.79

3.39

3.89

2.64

3.04 2.85

3.15 2.95

3.89 3.05

3.89 3.15

2.39

2.49

2.59

2.69

OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Alterna Savings

2.6

Comtech Fire C.U.

2.6

First National Fin. LP IC Savings

2.7

Luminus Financial

3.25

Meridian Credit Union

2.4

PACE Savings & C.U. Parama Credit Union

2.65

Steinbach Credit Union

2.25

5.05

ONLINE CALCULATOR ypnexthome.ca/mortgage-calculator Notes: **Interest rate charged subject to adjustment during term mortgage. Please consult institution for term of years available. All rates are prime rates and subject to change without notice.

R.O.R. RATES ON REQUEST op OPEN ----- NOT QUOTING N/A NOT AVAILABLE Feb 27, 2017. Prepared By Fiscal Agents Financial Information Services 905.844.7700

MAR 18 - APR 1, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 43

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44 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Advice | FUNDAMENTALLY SPEAKING

It’s time for homebuyers to join the chorus

By Wayne Karl

MORE ADVICE ONLINE ypnexthome.ca/news/advice

IT’S A CLASSIC CASE OF CATCH-22.

Residents of the Greater Golden Horseshoe Area who are fortunate enough to already own homes love what’s happening with rising value appreciation. Prospective homebuyers, on the other hand, cringe; they face barriers to entering the housing market that seem to multiply on a monthly basis.

And they may not yet realize just how prohibitive those obstacles are becoming.

Welcome to the ongoing and increasingly serious issue of supply, demand and the resulting price growth quandary in the Ontario housing market.

Depending on who you listen to, what’s happening in home price growth is simply a product of supply and demand.

Others say it’s the result of restrictive land-use policies of the provincial government.

Whomever is right, there can be no denying the end result: in some markets, price growth that is so fast and furious that it can’t possibly be sustained.

The latest example comes from the Toronto Real Estate Board, which cites that the average selling price was up by 27.7 per cent year-overyear in February to $875,983. Yes, 27.7 per cent.

“The listing supply crunch we are experiencing in the GTA has undoubtedly led to the double-digit home price increases we are now experiencing on a sustained basis, both in the lowrise and highrise market segments,” says Jason Mercer, TREB’s director of market analysis.

“Until we see a marked increase in the number of homes available for sale, expect very strong annual rates of price growth to continue.

“Over the past year, we have reached a point where government policies that target only the demand side of the market, whether we’re talking about foreign buyers or further changes to mortgage lending guidelines, will not be enough to balance market conditions and moderate the pace of price growth,” says Mercer.

“In 2017, policymakers at all three levels of government must turn their attention to the supply of homes available for sale,” says TREB President Larry Cerqua. “They should consider revisiting land-use designations in built-up areas to allow for a greater diversity of home types, streamlining development approvals and permitting processes, and looking at ways to incentivize landowners to develop their land.”

If any of this message sounds familiar, it’s because more and more people are saying it, from home builders to realty associations to former politicians.

And it isn’t just a GTA problem.

Limited supply and fast-rising prices in Toronto are causing a spillover affect in Hamilton-Burlington and other areas in Southwestern Ontario.

All of this comes, by the way, at a time when Ontario’s economy is

slowing somewhat, with GDP growth forecast to ease to two per cent in 2017. Important segments such as consumer spending, residential investment and exports will not be performing as strongly, which will temper economic prospects going forward, according to the Conference Board of Canada. Real business investment is projected to pull back 0.7 per cent.

What’s missing from this dialogue is the consumer voice, those very people who are affected most.

“Never in my 30 years in the industry have I seen such a disconnect between public policy and a lack public awareness and understanding,” says Bryan Tuckey, president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association.

Let’s hope the public wakes up to the scary facts of what’s going on in the Ontario housing market, and joins the chorus of voices looking for government leadership to address these issues – before it’s too late.

Wayne Karl is an award-winning writer and editor with experience in real estate and business. In Fundamentally Speaking, Wayne explores the basics – such as economic fundamentals – you need to examine when buying property. He can be reached at wayne.karl@ypnexthome.ca or follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/ WayneKarl

MAR 18 - APR 1, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 45

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