Southwestern Ontario New Home and Condo Guide - Apr 15, 2017

APR 15 - 29, 2017 VOLUME 20, ISSUE 7, FREE

SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO EDITION 170323_AquaZul_NH&C_Cover_April3_FL.pdf

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

1

WOODSTOCK: TAKING ROOT FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE

2017-04-03

3:20 PM

6 FINANCIAL HOMEBUYING HACKS

THE QUEST FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOUSING

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.

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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

APRIL 15 - 29, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 3

contents APR 15 - 29, 2017 | VOLUME 20 ISSUE 7

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 SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Nina Downs nina.downs@ypnexthome.ca

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SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Dionne Fraser dionne.fraser@ypnexthome.ca SALES CO-ORDINATOR

Sarah Khan

ON THE COVER

12

Homes by DeSantis

MANAGER OF PRODUCTION

Last chance at lakeside living with final release at AquaZul in Grimsby

Helen Pearce CO-ORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony GRAPHIC DESIGNER

property profile

22

30 Mortgage Advice

Is the lowest mortgage rate always best?

VanKleef Group

Vista Condos on Charlton: Hamilton’s highly anticipated condo development

37

Fundamentally Speaking

buyers’ resource section

14

15

24

OHBA meets with MPPs to discuss housing affordability

Tarion Warranty Corp.

Ontario changing home builder regulatory processes

27

32

Woodstock

Taking root for a healthy future

Hot Properties Hamilton

New releases and grand openings

Hot Properties Kitchener-Waterloo & London

New releases and grand openings

city focus

35

Mortgage Rates

in every issue

inspiration

10

Editor’s Note

36

36

Advertiser Index

38

What’s Online

Designer Secrets

Let the light shine in – or not – when it comes to blinds

advice

18

OHBA Report

The quest for energyefficient housing continues

6 YPNEXTHOME.CA

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joanne Keenan Jeffrey Reed

6 financial homebuying hacks

trending

OHBA

Miguel Cea

#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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APRIL 15 - 29, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 7

Canadian

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9

Editor’s Note

Sloppy and spoiled with political decisions IF YOU’VE PAYING ATTENTION to what’s going on in the

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

housing market in Ontario, you no doubt are well aware of the supply and demand crunch.

Supply constraints in lowrise homes reaching “crisis” proportions, combined with buyer demand that shows no signs of waning, are causing price growth that is not only prohibitive, but also unsustainable.

Well, dear prospective homebuyer, it might get worse before it gets better.

According to a growing number of voices, the Ontario government’s proposed Growth and Greenbelt Plans for the Greater Golden Horseshoe will worsen housing affordability.

“The first iteration of the Greenbelt mapping was sloppy and was spoiled with political decisions,” says Hazel McCallion, former mayor of Mississauga and ex-officio advisor to Premier Kathleen Wynne.

“I am calling on the Premier to work with her municipal partners to get it right.”

Homebuyers might want to keep an eye on this situation, to see if she does.

ONLINE

SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE

BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPING OF HOMES and public gardens is a point of pride in Woodstock – being a past winner of the international Communities in Bloom competition. Read the full story…

ypnexthome.ca/woodstock

+ get social 10 YPNEXTHOME.CA

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LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE BY THE LAKE!

FINAL RELEASE – OPENING MAY 2017

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PRESENTATION CENTRE 10 Windward Drive, Grimsby ON Mon-Thu: 1pm-7pm Fri: By Appointment Only Sat-Sun: 12pm-5pm Phone: (289) 235-8541 Email: aquazul@homesbydesantis.com

* 2016 OHBA award recognized AquaBlu for Most Outstanding Mid-Rise building.

Rendering is artist’s concept. Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. Go Transit is a registered trademark of Metrolinx and is not affiliated with Homes by DeSantis or Aquazul. E.&O.E.

11

Property Profile | HOMES BY DESANTIS

cover story

Last chance at lakeside living with final release at

AquaZul in Grimsby HOMES BY DESANTIS is gearing up for the May launch of the lakeside community’s final release. This release offers the most popular floorplans from the preceding release and several new, two-bedroom layouts with panoramic lake views, the result of feedback from first-phase buyers.

AquaZul boasts waterfront vistas and an impressive array of amenities not unlike those common at luxury beachside resorts. Beyond the thirdfloor club room, theatre, gym and billiards room there’s a sprawling balcony perched atop a dramatic two-storey loggia. This elevated outdoor space provides views of the 12 YPNEXTHOME.CA

pool, cabanas and outdoor grill areas, the courtyard and, of course, Lake Ontario.

President Gabriel DeSantis had this to say about the project: “We’ve become very good at staying ahead of the curve. People want to live at the lake, they want luxury and easy access to major centres all at an affordable price. AquaZul is going to be an icon on the Grimsby waterfront, both from an architectural perspective and amenity perspective.”

This sentiment was confirmed by recent accolades at the provincial level when Ontario Home Builders Association named AquaZul’s sister

building the Most Outstanding Midrise Building.

Prices for the final phase start from the low $200,000s, with units ranging from 479 to more than 1,600 sq. ft.

Many suites in this 10-storey condo building provide striking lakefront views, and all of them come with one locker and an underground parking space.

With its Grimsby address, AquaZul is located in a town that is rapidly transforming. The municipality is pouring $5 million into a waterfront revitalization project that will see a new lakeside trail network constructed with promenades and

links to newly constructed beaches and outdoor pavilions.

“A lot of attention has been paid to what’s going on in the GTA, but Grimsby is going through a tremendous renaissance. Grimsby may not get the same level of attention as the GTA, but with the waterfront investment and long-term demographics opportunities here are equally strong,” says DeSantis. “We are very dedicated to this area. We believe there’s tremendous value in this location. We continue strive for the highest level of dedication and obsession for perfection in all aspects of our industry.”

It’ll be easy for AquaZul residents to take advantage of these new public amenities, as the condo community is adjacent to a site where the trail system will pass through. AquaZul is also conveniently positioned near the QEW and the new planned Grimsby GO station.

If previous sales at AquaZul are any indication, available units won’t remain on the market for long. Buyers snapped up more than 90 per cent of the first phase AquaZul units in just weeks this past October.

The last phase at AquaZul is slated to launch in May of 2017, and those interested can register at aquazulcondo.ca to book a VIP appointment.

Location

Grimsby Builder

Homes by DeSantis Development

AquaZul Home Type

Condo units from 479 to more than 1,600 sq. ft. from the $200,000s Contact

aquazulcondo.ca

APRIL 15 - 29, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 13

Trending

OHBA members meet with MPPs to discuss impacts of policy on housing affordability THE ONTARIO Home Builders’

Association (OHBA) recently hosted its annual Queen’s Park Advocacy Day with builder and renovator members from across the province, attempting to educate and advise MPPs, cabinet ministers and policy makers on how provincial policy decisions impact the supply, choice and affordability of housing across Ontario.

“OHBA recognizes that everyone is discussing and debating why home prices keep going up in communities across Ontario, and most acutely across the Greater Golden Horseshoe,” says OHBA CEO Joe Vaccaro. “OHBA represents the provincial industry that delivers 95 per cent of all new housing supply in Ontario, and our members welcome the opportunity to share their challenges and frustrations with MPPs, regarding new housing supply in their communities.”

MPPs are returning to Queen’s Park with a full legislative agenda that covers every aspect of building and planning for new housing supply, including the Co-ordinated Review of the Growth Plan; Construction Lien Act Reform; Inclusionary Zoning; Skilled Trades Shortages; OMB Reform; Ontario Building Code Updates, the Climate Change Action Plan and many additional public policy-related items.

“The decisions made by MPPs during this legislative session will have a direct impact on housing supply, choice and affordability for Ontarians,” says Vaccaro. “These important decisions are all connected and will ultimately impact the market and the price of housing that consumers are facing.”

Recognizing that housing affordability is a complex issue, 14 YPNEXTHOME.CA

OHBA, along with the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) are calling on the provincial government to create a housing experts task force to lead a comprehensive, rational and evidence-based discussion of all the factors affecting new, resale and rental housing. The housing experts task force should examine all factors, including demand, supply and public policy ideas to increase housing supply and ensure that housing remains affordable for individuals and families across Ontario.

The Greenbelt is an important part of the Ontario’s future. At the Legislative Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs on Dec. 8, 2016, Vaccaro stated,

“OHBA supports the Greenbelt, and we support growing the Greenbelt through a science-based approach that protects significant environmental features.” OHBA continues to support the Greenbelt, including publicly supporting the creation of the Urban River Valley (URV) Designation in 2013 with Environmental Defence, whereby the province proposes to add 21 major urban river valley areas to the Greenbelt.

OHBA says it looks forward to continuing to have an evidencebased conversation with all parties on important issues that impact the supply, choice and affordability of housing in Ontario.

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 AQUAZUL By: Homes by DeSantis City: Grimsby Housing type: Final phase of condominiums from the $200’s aquazulcondo.ca

VISTA By: VanKleef Development Group City: Hamilton Housing type: Condos starting from $199,900 vistaoncharlton.ca

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

CENTRAL PARK

SAPPHIRE

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

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

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

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

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

VISTA RIDGE

LIFE

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

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

By: Losani Homes City: Beamsville Bench Housing type: Towns from $300’s, singles from $400’s myvistaridge.ca

By: Branthaven Homes City: Winona Housing type: Luxury townhomes from the low $400’s branthaven.com

ALCONA SHORES

EXPLORE

PURE

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

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

FALLINGWATERS

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

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

LAKE HOUSE

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

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

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

Builders 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 15

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ypnexthome.ca

Paris

Port Dover

Simcoe

Binbrook

Grimsby

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:

SEARCH ONLINE Fort Erie

D et Se . m Bu i n To gal w ow C nh o o Ad ndo me ul tL ife st yle

ADVERTISER'S MAPPING INDEX

Ancaster

LOSANI HOMES

The Woodlands Ancaster

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Ancaster

ROSEHAVEN

Tiffany Hill

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Beamsville

LOSANI HOMES

Vista Ridge

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Brantford

EMPIRE

Wyndfield

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Brantford

NEW HORIZON

Focus Towns

Caledonia

EMPIRE

Avalon

Charlton

VANKLEEF DEVELOPMENT GROUP ADVERTISERS

PRICES

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from $900's

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from $400's

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2&3

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2&3

Vista Condos

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from $199,900

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Grimsby

BRANTHAVEN HOMES

Lake House

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from $400's

Grimsby

HOMES BY DESANTIS

Aquazul

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from low $200's

Hamilton

BRANTHAVEN HOMES

Explore

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from $300's

Hamilton

LOSANI HOMES

Madison at Central Park

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from low $300's

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Hamilton

LOSANI HOMES

Fallingwaters

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from $500's

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Lincoln

LOSANI HOMES

Lincoln Estates

from $400's

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Niagara

BW HOMES

Passages on the Canal

Niagara Falls

EMPIRE

Imagine

Paris

LOSANI HOMES

Paris

•

20&21

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20&21

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2&3

Simply Grand Encore

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from $300's

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LOSANI HOMES

The Peninsula

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from $300's

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St Catharines

MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES

Elements

from mid $200's

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Winona

BRANTHAVEN HOMES

Life

from low $400's

20&21

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

SITES

Halton / Hamilton / Wentworth / Niagara:

LOCATION BUILDERS

17

OHBA Report

The quest for energy-efficient housing continues

By Joe Vaccaro

MORE ADVICE ONLINE ypnexthome.ca/news/advice

YOU MIGHT BE surprised to know how much housing in Ontario and Canada has evolved over the past 70 years. For example, did you know that in the early 1940s, 44 per cent of homes had no indoor flush toilets and 93 per cent of homes were heated by coal, coke or wood fuel?

While the Ontario government moves forward with its Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) announced in 2016, the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) and its members have been initiating and supporting programs designed to build and renovate more energy-efficient homes for almost 20 years.

In 1998, OHBA and the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance partnered to form EnerQuality, whose mission is to accelerate housing innovation and improve building performance in Ontario. EnerQuality offers certification through these programs:

» Energy Star for New Homes: Homes that receive this label are about 20 per cent more energy efficient than those built to the minimum Ontario Building Code standards, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by two to three tonnes a year per house. In 2014, 32 per cent of all homes built in Ontario were Energy Star-qualified. » GreenHouse Certification certifies homes that meet highperformance standards in water 18 YPNEXTHOME.CA

efficiency, indoor air quality and resource management. » R-2000 certified homes offer both energy efficiency and Green building features that exceed energy-efficiency building code requirements by 50 per cent. Only licensed R-2000 builders who have been trained and certified can build R-2000 homes. » Net Zero/Net Zero Ready Homes: These homes are designed, modeled and constructed to produce as much energy as they consume on an annual basis.

You may also come across the term, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). This voluntary rating system evaluates environmental performance from a whole-building perspective over a building’s life cycle. As of 2015, LEED buildings have eliminated 1,261,016 CO2e tonnes of GHG emissions annually, diverted more than 1.5 million tonnes of waste from landfill, and have saved 12.8 billion litres of water per year.

And when you’re ready to resell

your home or condo, there are also ways to fast-track home energy retrofits, which command a higher resale price.

The OHBA supports the Ontario Ministry of Energy’s Home Energy Rating and Disclosure (HER&D) program, which would require Ontario homeowners to get an energy performance rating for their existing homes, and disclose that rating to prospective buyers. This would ensure homebuyers are fully informed about the energy use in a home before they buy.

The province has also recently committed $100 million to help finance energy retrofits, including upgrading furnaces, water heaters and insulation, assisting homeowners in completing Green upgrades.

In addition, the OHBA has recommended the provincial government implement a targeted Energy Efficiency Home Renovation Tax Credit in its upcoming budget that would encourage consumers to use legitimate contractors when making energy efficient upgrades to their homes.

The quest for energy-efficient housing continues, and Ontario builders and renovators are up for the challenge. Much of the innovation and efficiency in homes has been pioneered by new home builders and we will continue to look for ways to reduce our dependency and consumption of energy in new homes.

Joe Vaccaro is CEO of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, the voice of the residential construction industry in Ontario representing 4,000 member companies organized into 31 local associations across the province.

The industry contributes more than $42 billion to Ontario’s economy, employing more than 325,000 people across the province.

“ I go to Tiffany.

It calms me down right away, the quietness and the proud look of it ” - Holly Golightly, Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Singles, Semis & Freehold Towns New contemporary home designs, as well as updated traditional stone, stucco and brick homes work together to create pleasing streetscapes. Nature plays a vibrant part in the life of this ‘country-chic’ community traced with parks and trails, woodlands and waterfalls. Everything about Tiffany Hill is planned with a sense of community in mind; we take that kind of thing to heart.

COMING SPRING TO ANCASTER

Register now...

Visit TiffanyHill.ca RENDERINGS ARE ARTIST’S CONCEPT. E. & O.E.

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APRIL 15 - 29, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 21

Property Profile | VANKLEEF GROUP

Vista Condos on Charlton Hamilton’s highly anticipated condo development VISTA CONDOS ON CHARLTON, a luxurious new condo development situated on a plateau overlooking downtown Hamilton, is creating an overwhelming buzz in Hamilton’s and the surrounding area’s real estate market.

Developed by the VanKleef Group, Vista Condos first building sold out prior to becoming available to the public.

Sales for the development have broken records as a result of its massive success. With the first building at full occupancy, plans and VIP access registration have begun for the second building, Vista Condos on Charlton 2.

Vista will comprise of a total of 152 suites across three buildings. All suites come standard with at least one balcony, stainless steel appliances, in-suite laundry, high quality finishes and with stylish upgrades available. Each building will also be equipped with an indoor gym and fully furnished lounges to meet and mingle with fellow building residents.

On warm days and starry nights, owners will also be able to take advantage of two outdoor 130-ft. common terraces complete with barbecues, fireplaces and lounge seating.

22 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Nestled in the midst of the magnificent Niagara Escarpment, Vista Condos puts its residents right next to nature while still retaining the convenience of the city. The development is surrounded by a lush wooded area steps away from the scenic Rail Trail, Wentworth Mountain Stairs and Hamilton’s vivacious city amenities that are right around the corner. With comfort, convenience and direct access to transportation, shopping, entertainment venues, restaurants and more, Vista has something exciting to offer everyone – and at an affordable price point.

St. Jean Realty, the official sales team for Vista Condos on Charlton, is very pleased with the response to this

Location

Hamilton Builder

VanKleef Group Development

Vista Condos Home Type

Condominiums Contact

vistaoncharlton.ca

project. The record breaking sales of Vista Condos only further strengthens St. Jean’s belief that Hamilton and surrounding communities represent the best investment and place to live in all of Canada.

“Vista Condos on Charlton represents a perfect storm,” says Michael St. Jean. “When you combine a forward thinking developer, an amazing urban product, and a unique location in Hamilton tucked into the Niagara Escarpment, success is inevitable.”

As the development continues to more forward, Vista will be opening the sales centre in the early spring that will feature many of the styles and furnishes of the building and suites. Visitors can view kitchen and bathroom amenities and finishes, floorplans and pricing for Vista’s second building.

Sales for Vista Condos on Charlton 2 will begin in April 2017. To ensure you stay up-to-date with all the latest news and exclusive information and date release, be sure to register for VIP access to Vista. Register online at vistaoncharlton.ca

APRIL 15 - 29, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 23

Trending

Ontario to change new home builder regulatory processes

by Wayne Karl

WITH THE GOAL TO INCREASE

consumer protection for owners of newly built homes, the Ontario government says it will take steps to change the new home builder regulatory and warranty processes.

Citing concerns over potential conflict of interest, the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services says it will move forward with recommendations from a report by former associate chief justice John Douglas Cunningham, who examined the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act and Tarion Warranty Corp.

Cunningham completed a comprehensive review of the Act and Tarion in 2015, after meeting with more than 200 homeowners and industry professionals across Ontario.

Chief among the recommendations is that the province create a new standalone regulator for builders, while Tarion remain responsible for administering warranty claims made by homebuyers.

“Our government is committed to protecting what is for most people the largest investment they will make in their lifetime – the purchase of a newly built home,” says Tracy MacCharles, minister of government and consumer services.

“Our plan strengthens consumer protection and the consumer experience so people in Ontario can make this purchase with confidence.

We know that the affordability of housing is something that is top of mind for people across the province, which is why our government is reviewing all options to make it more affordable. We will be sharing more information on our plan in the weeks to come. Making it easier and more affordable for the people of Ontario 24 YPNEXTHOME.CA

to purchase a newly built home is part of our larger plan to be a leader in consumer protection.”

To improve consumer protection, accountability, transparency and board governance, Ontario says it will: • Make the dispute resolution process easier for homeowners if they discover a problem in the construction of their new home. For example, a homeowner does not have to prove the cause of a defect • Separate the provider of the new home warranty program from the new home builder regulator, to increase consumer confidence • Give government responsibility to make rules and set standards, and introduce modern oversight measures to improve accountability and transparency • Immediately ask Tarion to introduce new deposit protection measures to better reflect today’s home prices and deposit requirements The province says these actions will not increase the price that Ontarians pay for a new home.

Tarion, meanwhile, has its doubts.

“There are no immediate changes to the warranty process in Ontario.

While the government has identified a number of recommendations it

intends to move forward with, the implementation will likely require significant discussion and planning,” Tarion President and CEO Howard Bogach told New Home & Condo Guide. “In the meantime, it is business as usual for Tarion. Consumer protection remains our number one priority, as it has been for more than 40 years. We encourage new-home buyers, owners or builders to contact Tarion if they have any questions.”

The organization also says it has “serious concerns” about some of the recommendations contained in the Cunningham’s final report.

“We worry that the recommendations will have the effect of seriously weakening consumer protection; increasing costs for the administration and regulation of the warranty, new costs that ultimately new-home buyers will have to pay; and creating barriers to entry for builders that could further impact a marketplace already struggling to keep pace with consumer demand.

“We also believe that some of the recommendations that would improve consumer protection, specifically around illegal building, should be accelerated.

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APRIL 15 - 29, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 25

STYLISH TOWNS IN A FORESTED SETTING

COMING SOON TO BRANTFORD

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54 Blackburn Dr. Brantford

Copyright © 2017 New Horizon Development Group. All rights reserved. Prices and specifications subject to change without notice E&O.E

26 YPNEXTHOME.CA

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

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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 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

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

APRIL 15 - 29, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 27

28

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:

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29

Advice | MORTGAGE ADVICE

Is the lowest rate always best?

By Alyssa Furtado

WHILE AT RATEHUB.CA we’re in the

business of comparing mortgage rates, we know there’s more to consider than simply how the interest rate will affect your mortgage payment. Throughout the year, big banks and even smaller lenders will offer incredible promotional rates to bring in new clients, but many of those offers come with serious restrictions and penalties.

Before you jump at the chance to snag the lowest rate, read the fine print in your agreement to see if your new mortgage product comes with any of the following:

Low prepayment privileges Most products give mortgage holders the option to increase their monthly mortgage payment amount once per year and/ or make lump-sum payments throughout the year. While many lenders offer 20 per cent/20 per cent prepayment privileges (meaning you could increase your payment by 20 per cent each year and/or make a lumpsum payment of 20 per cent of your original mortgage), some promotional rates only offer 10 per cent/10 per cent. If your goal is to become mortgage debtfree fast, this may not be the right product for you.

Collateral charge If the lowest rate ends up being for a collateral mortgage, you’ll want to carefully consider how taking one on could affect your finances in the future. Collateral mortgages are readvanceable mortgage products that allow you to borrow money from your home at anytime, without having to refinance (and pay the legal fees to do so). Sounds great, right?

Unfortunately, they also lock you into staying with that particular lender, even when your mortgage comes up for renewal. To get out of a collateral mortgage, you would need to hire a real estate lawyer (and pay legal fees).

Of course, if your mortgage product comes with the lowest rate on the market and has few restrictions, you should jump at the chance to get it! But if you have any concerns about what’s included in the mortgage agreement, don’t be scared to shop around and find the right mortgage for you — even if it doesn’t come with the absolute lowest rate.

30 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Closed mortgage While most mortgages in Canada are closed, some mortgage products’ restrictions are tougher than others. For example, the 1.99 per cent fixed-rate mortgage product one lender offered recently didn’t allow borrowers to prepay, negotiate or refinance their mortgage throughout the three-year term.

The only way to break your mortgage in that agreement was to sell your home. Again, if you are someone who wants to pay down your mortgage debt fast or may need to borrow from your home in the future, this may not be the best product for you.

MORE ADVICE ONLINE ypnexthome.ca/news/advice Alyssa Furtado is the founder and CEO of ratehub.ca, a mortgage rate comparison site that aims to empower Canadians to make smart financial decisions.

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baldwinplace.ca APRIL 15 - 29, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 31

City Focus | WOODSTOCK

Woodstock

Taking root for a healthy future

IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TO WOODSTOCK RECENTLY, you’re in for a bit

of a surprise. This self-proclaimed Dairy Capital of Canada, located along Hwy. 401 between Kitchener-Waterloo and London, still holds to its roots in agriculture and manufacturing, but like any forwardthinking municipality, it also knows the importance of modernizing for future economic growth.

Take a trip through downtown Woodstock and you’ll see gorgeous tree-lined streets, century-old Victorian homes, abundant parkland, friendly citizens – and even an immortalized Holstein.

The town’s history is not only preserved in its museum and county courthouse, it is the only municipality in Ontario to still have all of its original public buildings. Combine that with modern amenities such as schools, medical facilities, recreational centres and plenty of greenspace, and you’ll understand why Woodstock is also a town with a bright future.

With a population of about 36,000, Woodstock is the largest municipality in Oxford County in Southwestern Ontario, about 122 kilometres southwest of Toronto, just north off Hwy. 401 along the historic Thames River.

Downtown Woodstock houses the city’s banks, administrative buildings, retailers and several restaurants – with many buildings a century old. With free two-hour downtown parking, locals appreciate it’s a great place to shop, work, play and dine. A recent extensive makeover of the main street added gardens and cobbled sidewalks.

32 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Culture Woodstock doesn’t come alive only in summer, however. Several popular attractions are held throughout the year, including the Canadian Farm Show in September and the Woodstock Wood Show in October – both a nod to the city’s roots in agriculture. Then there’s the Woodstock Fair held at the end of August at the fairgrounds, which comprises a midway, contests, concerts and other events. For entertainment of a different variety, Woodstock is also home to OLG Slots, a harness race track and the seven-screen movie theatre, Gallerie Cinemas.

Woodstock has two ice rinks, at the Community Complex at the south end of the city, and one at the fairgrounds in the central region. Woodstock Soccer Club has an indoor and outdoor soccer park at the north end.

Education Schools are an important part of any community, and Woodstock has five high schools, including one catholic and one French.

Fanshawe College also operates a campus

at the south end of the city, and is expanding to almost double its size.

Economy Given Woodstock’s proximity to the U.S. border in Detroit, it shouldn’t come as any surprise that its economy relies on the automotive industry.

In 2005, Toyota announced plans to build a new $1.1-billion plant on a 1,000-acre undeveloped site in the northeast end of the city – the first new auto assembly plant to be built in Canada in two decades. Initially, it was to employ 2,000 people and begin full production of the Toyota RAV4 SUV in 2008, with a capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year. Today, Toyota’s plants in Woodstock and down the 401 east at Cambridge employ about 6,500 people.

Diversification Realizing that a diversified economy is important to stability, growth and protection from the vacillations of any one industry, manufacturers recently announced participation in the local Interactive Manufacturing Innovation Network (iMiN), part of the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC).

The Oxford Region iMiN that will involve Woodstock is designed to be a fully meshed network of manufacturers, industry sectors, community partners, academic institutions and other stakeholders, which will grow to become a province-wide series of manufacturing networks that facilitates and promotes awareness, excellence and innovation.

Neighbourhood Profile

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK

Transportation As with any growing community, Woodstock is also paying attention to improving transportation in the area through a Transportation Master Plan (TMP), under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. The objective of the TMP is to develop a comprehensive plan that will: » Review existing transportation and traffic operations and downtown parking facilities » Review future transportation system improvements to accommodate urban growth in the city, and » Develop an implementation strategy to satisfy short-term and longer-term transportation needs.

Housing It should come as no surprise that there’s growing demand for new homes. Several builders are active with new projects in the area, including Senator Homes with Havelock Corners, and Claysam Homes with The Neighbourhoods of Devonshire.

Interesting Facts » Woodstock is home of the Springbank Snow Countess – a Holstein cow that set a world record lifetime butterfat production of 9,062 pounds. The Countess is forever commemorated by a life-sized statue located downtown at the corner of Dundas and Springbank. » In 2008, the City of Woodstock enacted a comprehensive outdoor smoking bylaw that restricted or banned smoking in parks, recreational fields, transit environments, downtown patios and doorways. A study conducted by the University of Waterloo showed the policy was effective at reducing smoking in regulated environments, helping some smokers to cut back and supporting smoking cessation.

Beautiful landscaping of homes and public gardens is a point of pride in Woodstock – being a past winner of the international Communities in Bloom competition. It’s a very Green community and an athletic one, with a league for just about every team sport. Artsy, sporty, and friendly, the city hosts several festivals annually.

Vibe Officially known as the Dairy Capital of Canada, Woodstock is full of fun and lots of festivals. Promoting itself more recently as “The Friendly City,” it’s still fairly bohemian in comparison to nearby Oxford and Brant counties.

Meet the neighbours There’s an almost perfectly even split between families with kids, couples without children and one-person households. The remaining 20 per cent of the population comprises single-parent families and “other,” which – especially given the presence of a satellite Fanshawe College campus – usually means younger adults with roommates.

In the area Woodstock has an abundance of greenspaces, including Southside Park.

Cowan Park features a full-sized indoor soccer field and elevated track, and nature lovers gravitate to the beautiful trails and lake at the Pittock Conservation Area. Woodstock General Hospital relocated to a brand-new facility in 2011, and its notable features include a helipad and state-of-the-art cancer centre.

Planes, trains & automobiles Commuters love Woodstock for its easy access to Hwys. 403 and 401, which enable residents to commute to Cambridge, K-W, Brantford and London with little difficulty. It’s a very walkable city if you both live and work downtown.

The city has begun implementing an official cycling plan.

The good, the bad & the rest Everyone you meet in Woodstock is friendly, and quick to share that observation with strangers. It’s a safe and close-knit community that most residents say they would never consider leaving. It’s a fairly quiet place by night, however, so those seeking fast-paced city excitement will probably have to head to London.

APRIL 15 - 29, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 33

APRIL 2017

Stouffville

Thornhill

West Brampton

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Homebuyers’ Help

Compare mortgage rates for your best deal CHARTERED BANKS

variable

ATB Financial

2.2

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

2.79

2.64

2.65

2.68

3.19

3.59

4.09

2.89

3.09

3.39

3.89

4.64

2.79

2.69

4.09

4.79

3.04 2.29

3.65 3.39

4.39 4.09

4.64 2.49

2.64 2.94

2.64 2.84

3.19 2.94

3.29 2.99

3.04

3.39

2.74

2.79

2.79 2.39

3.34 2.64

3.99 2.74

4.44 2.79

2.84

2.59

2.67

4.64

3.24

3.49

3.69

3.79

6.95op 4.55 6.45op 6.95op

Equitable Bank HSBC Bank Canada

2.25

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

2.59 3.39

2.74 3.89

2.84 2.84

3.09

3.39

3.89

4.64

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

2.64

2.84

2.74

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

2.69

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

2.28

Comtech Fire C.U.

2.6

First National Fin. LP IC Savings

2.7

Luminus Financial

3.25

Meridian Credit Union

2.3

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 Mar 27, 2017. Prepared By Fiscal Agents Financial Information Services 905.844.7700

APRIL 15 - 29, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 35

Ad Index

ADVERTISERS

Bayview Wellington - Corporate

4

Bayview Wellington - Passages on the Canal

5

Branthaven Homes - Corporate

Empire Communities - Multi-Site

Homes by DeSantis - AquaZul

Losani Homes - Vista Ridge

20 & 21

2&3

11

7

Mattamy Homes - Topper Woods

39

Mountainview Homes - Elements

9

New Horizon Homes - Focus Towns

26

Reid’s Heritage Homes - Corporate

BC

Rosehaven Homes - Tiffany Hill

19

Tillsonburg Developments - Baldwin Place

31

VanKleef Development Group - Vista Condos

25

36 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Advice | FUNDAMENTALLY SPEAKING

6 financial homebuying hacks calculator to help determine their payments. And social media is playing a more important role – 20 per cent used sites such as Facebook to learn more, 17 per cent used a mobile device, and of those, 22 per cent used a mortgage related app. And all of these figures are growing.

By Wayne Karl

MORE ADVICE ONLINE ypnexthome.ca/news/advice

PLANNING TO BUY A HOME and not

sure where to begin? Maybe it’s your first home, or it’s been a while and you’re ready to move up to a larger property. Here are six home-buying hacks to help you prepare.

1 | GET WITH THE PROGRAMS There are various government programs available to help you buy a home: » Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP): The HBP allows first-time buyers to withdraw up to $25,000 from their RRSP to put toward a down payment on a home.

You have up to 15 years to repay the funds.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has promised to modernize the program to allow Canadians to dip into their RRSPs to buy a home more than once, including when impacted by life changes such as job relocation, death of a spouse or marital breakdown. » First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC): Eligible first-time buyers can apply for the HBTC to help offset the costs associated with purchasing a home, such as legal fees, disbursements and land transfer taxes. The credit can provide up to $750 in federal tax relief.

For more on these programs, visit cra.gc.ca 2 | EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS Firsttime buyers can purchase a home with as little as five per cent of the purchase price as a down payment – as long as the property is less than

$500,000. Anything higher than that, and the minimum down payment for the portion of the price higher than $500,000 is 10 per cent. So, assuming your price range is at that threshold, you’ll need to come up with at least $25,000. At that purchase price, depending on the market you’re in, this could mean you’d then be looking at a condo or townhome, instead of a detached home.

3 | VISIT THE BANK OF MOM AND DAD If your parents are baby boomers who have had the good fortune of building equity over the years as they paid down their mortgage while the value of their property multiplied, well… they may be in a position to help. Any many buyers are hitting up the bank of mom and dad. In the last two years, 28 per cent of first-time buyers hit the bank of mom and dad to help finance their purchase; from 2010 to 2014, only 17 per cent did.

4 | BECOME TECH SAVVY Mortgage consumers are becoming very tech savvy. In Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.’s 2015 Mortgage Consumer Survey, 78 per cent of respondents researched online, with 70 per cent using an mortgage

5 | BEFRIEND A BROKER OR BANKER Like many things in life, it’s all about relationships. And whether you use broker or a banker to secure a mortgage, you’ll likely come to value the relationship. In the same CMHC survey, consumer loyalty strengthened the longer people stayed with their lender. But since we’re talking about money, people are willing to switch lenders to get a better rate and save – a fact which is much more prevalent for bankers than brokers. And because brokers are able to offer products from multiple lenders, as opposed to bankers which offer only the products of their own institution, the market share held by brokers is growing notably, particularly among repeat buyers.

6 | RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH These days, with prices rising as they are and uncertainty in some markets, thorough research is an absolute must. Everything from your target area, desired housing type, builder or realtor, finances, how much you can afford, who you borrow from and the structure of your mortgage – take your time. Take months. Don’t rush anything. Anything.

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 APRIL 15 - 29, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 37

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Mattamy Townhome Interior

Thoughtfully Designed Townhomes Return to Established Kitchener Community Mattamy Homes is returning soon to Kitchener with a new release of stylish Townhomes in our established Topper Woods Community.

Peaceful and welcoming, this affordable community comes with all the thoughtful design and attention to detail you expect from Mattamy.

Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this welcoming, sought-after community.

'CRAFTSMAN'

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APRIL 15 - 29, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 39

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All renderings are artist concept. Content and images are property of Reid’s Heritage Homes unless otherwise stated. Please do not use content without obtaining permission. E. & O.E. April 2017