Southwestern Ontario New Home and Condo Guide - Jun 10, 2017

JUNE 10 - 24, 2017 VOLUME 20, ISSUE 11, FREE

SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO EDITION

YOUR FUTURE COMMUNITY STARTS HERE

HOMES INSIDE THIS ISSUE

|

CONDOS

TRANSITIONING INTO THE FUTURE IN TILLSONBURG

|

COMMUNITIES

MAGAZINE CALLOUTS HOW TO AVOID A MOVING HORROR STORY

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EMPIRECOMMUNITIES.COM MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL DOS AND DON’TS

At Empire we’ve built vibrant communities for over 30,000 Ontarians. Our beautiful new homes are designed to make everyday life richer and more sustainable.

DISCOVER

DECOR

DISCOVER

HO

ME HOMES | CONDOS | COMMUNITIES | EMPIRECOMMUNITIES.COM

contents JUNE 10 – 24, 2017 | VOLUME 20 ISSUE 11

VICE-PRESIDENT & CHIEF PUBLISHING OFFICER

Caroline Andrews PUBLISHER & GENERAL MANAGER

Shawn Woodford DIRECTOR OF SALES

Moe Lalani ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Anne-Marie Breen DIRECTOR, CONTENT & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jennifer Reynolds SENIOR EDITOR

Wayne Karl ART DIRECTOR

Daiana Garay CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Sonia Bell Elisa Krovblit Lydia McNutt SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Nina Downs nina.downs@ypnexthome.ca SALES CO-ORDINATOR

Sarah Khan SENIOR MANAGER, DISTRIBUTION

Dwayne Rutherford NATIONAL CIRCULATION MANAGER

12

John Jenkins MANAGER OF PRODUCTION

Anthony Majetic CO-ORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony

ON THE COVER

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Miguel Cea

12

Empire Communities

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Talking home decor trends with design expert Christina Crupi

trending

inspiration

28 Housing Market

30 Design Secrets

city focus

buyers’ resource section

32

15

Pricing and supply issues push buyers to the suburbs

Tillsonburg

Regional hub leaping into the future

18 26 37

Hot Properties Hamilton

New releases and grand openings

Mortgage Advice

25 Hot Properties Kitchener-Waterloo & London

Home Sweet Home

36

advice

14

How to make the home office work for you

New releases and grand openings

Mortgage pre-approval dos and dont’s

Mortgage Rates

Downsizing your stuff, maximizing your profit

in every issue

Garage Overhaul

10

Editor’s Note

35

Advertiser Index

38

What’s Online

A garage you can use, instead of a dumping ground

Fundamentally Speaking

How to avoid your own moving horror story 6 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Joanne Keenan Jeffrey Reed

#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.

JUNE 10 - 24, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 7

JOIN WE WANT TO SEE YOU AT

WALK

OF LIFE

BE PART OF THE BIGGEST TEAM AT THE WALK OF LIFE

The Mikey Network is working to create awareness about heart healthy education and providing free tools to educate Canadians on how to perform CPR and operate a Mikey AED. Join TEAM MIKEY for a day full of fun activities – all dedicated to raising funds and awareness.

People of all ages and abilities are coming together in their choice of a 1K, 3K, or 5K Walk, 5K or 10K Run, chair exercises, and lots of fun Kids Activities.

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Ontario Science Centre and E.T. Seton Park

JOIN US AND RAISE MONEY FOR THE MIKEY NETWORK If you can’t join us for the Walk, then please consider making a donation!

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Editor’s Note

Strong economy key for Hamilton IF THERE’S ONE THING any housing market needs to

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

ensure growth and prosperity, it’s a strong economy.

Without it, you don’t stand a chance. If the jobs aren’t there, neither will be the people who move to the city to fill them, eventually looking to rent or buy a home, thereby creating incremental demand.

Hamilton, on the other hand, has lots of all of that.

Forget that there may be a short-term reaction to the recent Fair Housing Plan, long-term, the city and its real estate market will be just fine.

Take, for example, the latest Metropolitan Outlook: Spring 2017, from the Conference Board of Canada, which confirms that Hamilton will be among the leaders in economic growth this year. With GDP expected to expand by two per cent, the city will continue to generate new jobs; employment growth is expected to top 2,600 new jobs this year.

All of this provides Hamilton with a solid – indeed, enviable – economic foundation.

ONLINE

SEE MORE PHOTOS ONLINE

OAKVILLE MAY BE historically known for the famous Ford

plant, oil refineries along the lakeshore and up-market homes, shops and restaurants.

Read the full story…

ypnexthome.ca/old-oakville

+ get social 10 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Interact with us on social media: ypnexthome

FINAL RELEASE - NOW OPEN!

NEW SMARTSUITE™ DESIGNS WITH UNOBSTRUCTED LAKE VIEWS • • • • •

MID-RISE PROJECT OF THE YEAR*

ENJOY FABULOUS AMENITIES Welcoming Loggia Entry Outdoor Pool and Lounge Exquisite 2 Storey Lobby and Mezzanine Theater Room Club Room overlooking the pool and courtyard with breathtaking vistas of the lake

HHHBA 2017

$200s STARTING FROM THE MID

* Mid-rise Project of the Year award was accompanied by two other prestigious product awards for Best Condominium Unit under 750 sq.ft. and Best Kitchen Concept in a Mid/High Rise.

AquaZulcondo.ca LAKE ONTARIO

NO

10 WINDWARD DR. QUE EN ELIZ ABE SO TH W UT H AY

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Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.

Easy access to the Grimsby Casablanca Station slated for completion 2020.

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

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.

Property Profile | EMPIRE COMMUNITIES

cover story

Christina Crupi (right) and her decor team at the Empire Decor Center on Lake Shore Boulevard West.

Empire Communities talks home decor trends with design expert Christina Crupi DESIGN EXPERT CHRISTINA CRUPI has been in the home decor business for nearly 15 years. With a passion for home design, she spends most days at the Empire Decor Center, helping new homeowners pick features to fit their lifestyle or working with vendors to provide the newest in decor trends and options. We caught up with Crupi to talk about what’s trending in home decor for 2017.

WHAT ARE SOME DECOR TRENDS YOU’RE SEEING FOR 2017?

A few stand out trends are subway tiles in the kitchen; these are bulky, white glossy tiles that have a real 12 YPNEXTHOME.CA

homey feel and create a clean and crisp look that is timeless. We see a lot of homeowners opting for these tiles as their kitchen backsplash, which works well with the ultratrendy “coastal chic” design. This style is all about light, airy features such as textured wood paired with roughfinished almost industrial-like accents like metal. For floors, this trend lends itself to a natural looking textured oak or light grey wood. For appliances, we’re seeing a shift toward finishing panels, basically wood features that blends with your cabinets hiding your appliances and creating a seamless look. This trend is big in Europe and is

making its way over here for 2017-18.

WHAT’S THE EASIEST WAY TO SPRUCE UP ANY ROOM?

Lighting and paint. Updating your standard light fixtures can create and entirely new look in any room, just be sure you consult with an electrician before delving into any lighting projects. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a room as well, particularly if you stick to a grey or white, which can make the room appear bigger and allows you to be more daring with your accent pieces.

We saw the effect of these simple and affordable spruces first hand with our

“Items such as high-quality flooring, banisters and stairs will give you the biggest bang for your buck.”

—Christina Crupi Love Design, Live Empire campaign at our Rain & Senses model suite. Our designer opted for industrial looking light fixtures and a half-painted navy and white wall in the main hallway which completely transformed the space, elongating the walls and setting the tone of the entire condo.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT THE HOME AUTOMATION AND SMART HOME TREND?

It was only a matter of time before we began incorporating technology right into our home’s decor, and we’re seeing more and more practical and innovative solutions emerge as the interest from homeowners grow.

For Empire, homeowner’s needs and interests vary by community.

At our Eau Du Soleil community

in Etobicoke, for example, a lot of residents have animals so we’ll be offering built-in doggy cameras, which allow homeowners to log in through their phone to check on their furry friends. We also offer audio and speaker systems at most of our communities in addition to a fire protection system which updates you via your smartphone in the event of any issues in your home from floods to fires. This feature also reduced homeowner’s insurance rates. Smart home trends are even expanding beyond personal technology to encompass Green home features that are becoming more and more important to buyers, for their health, their wallets and their conscience.

At Empire, we’re exploring options such as Solar Power with smart home

monitoring in a pilot project we call our Discovery Home. It’s all about making day to day lives easier, safer and healthier for our homeowners and their families.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE JUST ONE UPGRADE THAT YOU SHOULD OPT FOR TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Items such as high-quality flooring, banisters and stairs will give you the biggest bang for your buck. They are also the items most cumbersome to update later down the road so they are worth investing in up front. Hardwood stairs in particular, opposed to carpeted are timeless and add value even years later if and when you move on from your current home.

JUNE 10 - 24, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 13

Advice | MORTGAGE ADVICE

Mortgage pre-approval dos and don’ts

By Alyssa Furtado

MORE ADVICE ONLINE ypnexthome.ca/news/advice

BEFORE BECOMING A NEW

homeowner, it can be easy to get caught up in the shopping experience. But you’re not just looking for a home in a charming neighbourhood. You’re also shopping for a great mortgage rate and your first step should be seeking a mortgage pre-approval.

Do apply before house hunting: The homebuying process shouldn’t start with contacting a realtor. First, apply for a mortgage pre-approval. You don’t want to find your dream home and then get tripped up, so being preapproved will ensure you’re ready to make a move.

Do shop around: The best mortgage rate may not be waiting for you at your local bank branch. Compare mortgage rates or use a mortgage broker who will negotiate for you. A small fraction in your rate can make a huge difference to your payments and interest.

Do ask questions: For how long is your pre-approved rate guaranteed?

Can it be extended? What happens if you find a home that costs a little more than the amount you’re preapproved for? Ask your broker or lender all of this.

Do check your credit: Any lender will check your credit before approving your mortgage so don’t be caught off guard. A poor credit score could put you at a multitude of disadvantages, from higher rates to being denied a mortgage loan.

14 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Do assemble your documentation in advance: You might be surprised by how much paperwork is required for a mortgage approval. Ask your mortgage broker for a list of what you’ll need and keep it all in one place.

thinking about costs on a monthly basis. Expenses go beyond your mortgage payment: Think property taxes, condo fees, utilities and apply for an amount that reflects a property within your price range.

Here’s a preliminary list documents are required: » Identification » Bank and investment statements to prove you have adequate funds » Proof of steady income (pay stubs or a letter from your employer indicating how long you’ve been with the company) or a notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency if you’re selfemployed » Documentation indicating other assets (real estate, cars, investments) » Disclosures of other debt like student loans, lines of credit or expenses you regularly owe, such as child support

Don’t buy a big ticket item: Once you’ve gone through the trouble of laying out your financial situation to your loan officer, don’t go changing it. It’s not the time to apply for a new credit card or agree to co-sign on a lease. You could end up jeopardizing your chances for pre-approval.

Do read the fine print: Yes, all of it.

Once pre-approved, you’ll receive documents outlining your interest rate, mortgage amounts and the terms of the loan. This could be the biggest loan you ever need, so don’t leave anything unread.

Don’t ignore your budget: Calculate whether you can afford property by

Don’t quit your job: Now is not the time to make the jump to entrepreneurship. Having a predictable income in essential to getting pre-approved, so quitting or changing jobs can ruin your plans.

Don’t leave town: Your mortgage broker may need clarification about your documentation. It’s best not to leave for a vacation when you’re trying to lock down such a big decision. If leaving your home base is unavoidable, make sure you tell your broker.

Alyssa Furtado is founder and CEO of RateHub.ca, a website that compares mortgage rates, credit cards, deposit rates, and insurance with the goal to empower Canadians to search smarter and save money.

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 AQUAZUL

pre-registration BRANT WEST By: Losani Homes City: Brantford Housing type: Townhomes and single-detached homes brantwest.com

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

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

TREND LIVING By: New Horizon City: Waterdown Housing type: Modern condo development from $239,990 trendliving.ca

THE MCKENZIE By: Losani Homes City: Caledonia Housing type: Townhomes and single-detached homes the $400’s mckenziecaledonia.ca

ONE TWENTY CONDOMINIUMS By: Mountainview Homes City: Fonthill Housing type: Condominiums mountainview.com

FOOTHILLS OF WINONA By: DiCenzo Homes City: Winona Housing type: Towns, semis and singles from the $400’s dicenzohomes.ca

THE PENINSULA By: Losani Homes City: Paris Housing type: Townhomes, semis and singles parispeninsula.com

FOCUS TOWNS By: New Horizon City: Brantford Housing type: Stylish towns in a forested setting focustowns.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

the low $200’s gatsbycondos.ca

LAKE HOUSE

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

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

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

VISTA RIDGE By: Losani Homes City: Beamsville Bench 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

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

THE GATSBY By: New Horizon City: Hamilton Housing type: Condos from

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

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

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: Townhomes mattamyhomes.com

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

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

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

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

Builders To include or update a listing, please email the details to wayne.karl@ypnexthome.ca

JUNE 10 - 24, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 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 LOCATION BUILDERS

SITES

Ancaster

LOSANI HOMES

The Woodlands Ancaster

•

•

from $900's

7

Beamsville

LOSANI HOMES

Vista Ridge

•

•

from $400's

7

Brantford

EMPIRE

Wyndfield

•

•

Brantford

NEW HORIZON

Focus Towns

Brantford

LOSANI HOMES

Brant West

•

Caledonia

EMPIRE

Avalon

•

The McKenzie

•

2&3

•

19

•

from $300

7

2&3

•

from $300

7

Grimsby

BRANTHAVEN HOMES

Lake House

•

from $400's

Grimsby

HOMES BY DESANTIS

Aquazul

•

from mid $200's

Hamilton

BRANTHAVEN HOMES

Explore

•

from $300's

20&21

Hamilton

LOSANI HOMES

Fallingwaters

•

from $500's

7

Lincoln

LOSANI HOMES

Lincoln Estates

from $400's

7

Niagara

BW HOMES

Passages on the Canal

Niagara Falls

EMPIRE

Imagine

Niagara Falls

MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES

One Twenty

Paris

LOSANI HOMES

Simply Grand Encore

•

Paris

LOSANI HOMES

The Peninsula

•

Waterdown

NEW HORIZON

Trend Living

Winona

BRANTHAVEN HOMES

Life

•

•

11

•

5

•

2&3

•

•

20&21

9

•

from $300's

7

•

from $300's

7

•

•

from $239,990

from low $400's

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20&21

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

LOSANI HOMES ADVERTISERS

PAGE

Halton / Hamilton / Wentworth / Niagara:

Caledonia

PRICES

17

Advice | HOME SWEET HOME

Downsizing your stuff, maximizing your profit

By Lydia McNutt

MORE ADVICE ONLINE ypnexthome.ca/news/advice

IF YOU’RE GEARING UP for a move

down into a smaller home, then you know the downsizing process can be overwhelming — especially if you’ve lived in a large house for many years. Clearing household clutter and deciding the fate of used furniture, artwork and other items can be a challenge. You want to maximize the value of your stuff by holding a contents sale, but how do you ensure you’re getting the biggest buck for your bang?

“You’ll be surprised as to what people will actually buy. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Others will try to sell the items on their own, while others will hire a firm to assist with the process,” says Laura Convery, manager of senior services at Transition Squad, a turnkey company specializing in helping people downsize their homes.

If you’re considering holding a contents sale to help lighten your load, Convery offers these five steps to downsizing success.

Downsizing stuff, maximizing profit: 1. Think like a buyer. Be sure to set up your downsizing sale accordingly. What is most pleasing to the eye? Success will depend on three things: marketing to attract people, selection, and attractive prices.

18 YPNEXTHOME.CA

2. Priced to sell. Whether it’s fine furniture, appliances or clothing, remember that these items may not be worth to others what they are worth to you. A stranger won’t pay extra for sentimental value! Remember, the goal here is downsizing.

3. Be prepared to negotiate.

Negotiating prices is the foundation of every contents sale. Buyers expect it, and a lack of willingness to negotiate might frustrate them and cost you a lot of unsold items.

4. Advertise. Promote your sale in the community paper and on social media forums, and tell as many friends, family members and neighbours as possible to

spread the word. Last but not least, 40 to 50 per cent of your buyers will come from road signs, so ensure they’re large, with proper messaging and strategic placement.

5. Hand out tickets. Start an hour or so prior to the sale to allow access on a first come, first served basis.

Make sure to only allow enough people in at a time to follow fire department regulations.

Lydia McNutt is an award-winning writer and senior editor of New Home and Condo Guide. Lydia’s love of architecture, interior design and the written word have landed her happily at YP NextHome, where real estate rules. Email her at Lydia.McNutt@ypnexthome.ca, and follow Lydia on Twitter @LydiasTweets

STYLISH TOWNS IN A FORESTED SETTING

COMING SOON TO BRANTFORD

REGISTER TODAY

54 Blackburn Dr. Brantford

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

JUNE 10 - 24, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 19

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

A FIRST FOR

WATERDOWN Introducing trend living , a modern and stylish condominium development in the highly sought-after town of Waterdown.

Trend is conveniently located just minutes from restaurants, shops, Brant Street, Go Transit, major highways and more.

This is one

you’ll want to be a part of!

STARTING FROM

$239,990 Join the trend today at

Illustration is artist’s concept. Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. E.&O.E. 22 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

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

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

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

By: Tillsonburg Developments City: Tillsonburg Housing type: Final phase of 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

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

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

Builders To include or update a listing, please email the details to wayne.karl@ypnexthome.ca JUNE 10 - 24, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 23

24

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

Guelph REID'S HERITAGE HOMES Net Zero •

Innisfil BW HOMES Alcona Shores •

Tillsonburg TILLSONBURG DEV. Baldwin Place •

• from $1.1M 4

• from $277,000 27

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

PRICES

London / Halton Hills / Wellington / Waterloo:

LOCATION 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 PAGE BC

25

Advice

The garage overhaul Get organized and have a garage you can use instead of a dumping ground

By Carson Arthur

MORE ADVICE ONLINE ypnexthome.ca/news/advice

I HAVE A LITTLE CONFESSION to

make… I have a lot of stuff that I plan to get to, but never really do.

Unfortunately, all of these half-started projects end up in my garage.

Luckily for me, I am not alone in this dirty little secret. More than 70 per cent of Canadians admit that they can’t park their car in the garage because it has become the default spot to store all of their awkward items like ladders, wheelbarrows and garden hoses. What make this even worse, according to new online research, 74 per cent of new homebuyers are looking for a garage too. Is this a potential epidemic?

While not likely, this is the perfect time to get motivated and do something about it.

Here is some valuable information that you need to know before starting your own garage clean-out or reno project.

Set aside more time in your calendar than you expect you’ll need. I’ve painted and furnished whole homes in the same amount of time it took me to do the garage.

Moving everything out and boxing it all up to withstand the elements while it sat in the backyard was a full day. Who knew I had so much stuff in one space?

Go with one system. Garage organization systems are very different than the default recycled kitchen cupboards.

Everything is stronger, tougher and 26 YPNEXTHOME.CA

After

After interconnected. You need to plan out the space before you start throwing things up on the wall. In my case, I went with Gladiator GarageWorks.

I had a couple of pieces from a previous renovation and liked that the cabinets lock and have big wheels making them easy to move.

On my wish list was a charging station for batteries because I have a lot of them. This system even has a cabinet that does just that.

Don’t forget the floor. While it took the longest, several days of prepping, curing and drying, the floor of my garage is a showstopper.

I did a moisture barrier first which prevents water from coming up through the floor from the ground below. I followed that with a product call RockSolid by Rust-Oleum. This floor protector prevents oil leaks,

Before

paint spills and even road salt from soaking into the floor. I added floor tiles overtop of the sealed floor because I liked the way they looked, not because I really needed them.

(Call it my garage ego).

Finally, the most important thing to remember before you start is that this is a garage. It is not the kitchen, a bedroom or a family room. You have to change your mindset about how it is going to look at the end of the day. I know that designers have been showing TVs and comfortable chairs in this space and calling it a “man cave” but this is the spot where most of us store things that shouldn’t be in the house; paint, yard tools, ladders, bicycles. Keep reminding yourself as you put your space together because this room is unique. Trust me… I know!

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Call us now at 1-800-265-5709 baldwinplace.ca JUNE 10 - 24, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 27

Trending

Pricing and supply issues push buyers to the burbs

PRICING AND SUPPLY ISSUES are continuing to push buyers out of Canada’s two most expensive housing markets, and into surrounding areas.

The 2017 ReMax Spring Market Trends Report says significant price increases and high demand in the Greater Toronto Area, in particular, during the first quarter of 2017 spurred growing numbers of buyers to leave the downtown core, in search of greater affordability in markets across southern Ontario. This activity is driving price appreciation in Mississauga, Brampton, Durham, Barrie, Hamilton-Burlington, Windsor, and even Kingston. The GTA saw the average residential sale price rise by 28 YPNEXTHOME.CA

29 per cent, to $873,631 during the first quarter of 2017, from $675,492 in the same period of 2016.

In Greater Vancouver, demand slowed in the first quarter and average sale price decreased 11 per cent year-over-year, to $969,900 from $1.09 million in the first quarter of 2016. The decline in average sale price is in part due to the introduction of the foreign buyer tax last August, a relatively severe winter and the stabilization of prices after peaking in May 2016, ReMax says. Buyers from Vancouver and those migrating from other provinces are fueling activity in Fraser Valley, Kelowna and Victoria, particularly in the upper-end of the

market due to relative affordability in these regions.

“The move-over buyer activity we’re seeing in the areas surrounding Canada’s two largest urban centres is a direct response to price appreciation caused by high demand in recent years,” says Elton Ash, regional executive vice-president, ReMax of Western Canada. “Price and location are the most important factors to buyers. If the price isn’t right, move-over buyers look to markets where they can find a better balance of affordability and square footage, and still have access to greenspaces, transit options and retail centres.”

The old adage of location, location, location is proving even more important. A recent ReMax survey conducted by market research firm Leger found that when making buying decisions, more than two-thirds of Canadians consider location to be more important than the style or size of the home.

Other factors influencing home purchases » Access to green space (77 per cent) » Proximity to work (66 per cent) » Proximity to retail centres (65 per cent) » Proximity to family and friends (65 per cent) All of these ranked higher than the style of a home.

How the GTA market reacts to the Fair Housing Plan, introduced by the provincial government on April 20, may take a few months to play out, ReMax says. One measure was a 15-per-cent Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST), similar to the foreign buyer-tax introduced in Vancouver last year. This initiative may impact consumer confidence in the short-term, as buyers hold out until they fully understand how they are affected, causing overall market activity to slow.

“Toronto and Vancouver are very different markets, as Vancouver’s population and geography are much smaller,” says Christopher Alexander, regional director, ReMax Integra Ontario-Atlantic Canada Region. “At this point, there is limited data on how many foreign speculators are active in the GTA market, but it is fair to assume that the new tax will impact the middle-class and not just buyers in the upper-end of the market. In the short-term, potential sales may stall as buyers wait to see the impact of the changes, which in turn could create a ripple effect throughout the Golden Horseshoe.

However, it will be interesting to see how this new legislation will affect the demand for housing in the market.”

In Western Canada, particularly in

Alberta, slowly recovering oil prices, low interest rates, and U.S. approval of the Keystone XL pipeline project have renewed buyer optimism, particularly among move-up buyers and Millennial, first-time buyers who are typically looking to buy condominiums. The average residential sale price increased three per cent year-over-year in Calgary to $482,065, up from $467,780 in the first quarter in 2016.

In Edmonton, a wide variety of

inventory across the market provides good opportunities for buyers, resulting in a 12-per-cent increase in activity and stable year-over-year prices to start 2017.

Charlottetown and Halifax experienced increased demand from foreign buyers in the first quarter, in addition to sustained demand from buyers moving back to Atlantic Canada from other parts of the country to purchase more affordable housing.

WEST TO EAST: Canadian Housing Markets at a Glance Market

Average Residential Sale Price

YOY%

2016

2017

2017/2016

Victoria

$544,756

$612,584

12%

Greater Vancouver

$1,094,936

$969,900

-11%

Fraser Valley

$645,472

$671,796

4%

Kelowna

$447,416

$504,643

13%

Edmonton

$363,728

$364,473

0%

Calgary

$467,780

$482,065

3%

Saskatoon

$344,319

$340,300

-1%

Regina

$311,953

$306,036

-2%

Winnipeg

$273,312

$285,645

5%

Windsor-Essex

$211,211

$246,775

17%

London-St. Thomas

$271,920

$307,189

13%

Greater Sudbury

$247,659

$266,855

8%

Kitchener-Waterloo

$364,966

$468,877

29%

Hamilton-Burlington

$467,931

$575,004

23%

Barrie

$379,330

$525,830

39%

Greater Toronto Area

$675,492

$873,631

29%

GTA: Oakville

$997,353

$1,313,477

32%

GTA: Mississauga

$576,134

$753,788

31%

GTA: Brampton

$542,388

$731,793

35%

GTA: Durham

$481,153

$668,827

39%

Kingston

$290,592

$323,343

11%

Ottawa

$361,503

$381,524

6%

Saint John

$163,778

$183,486

12%

Halifax

$274,937

$271,165

-1%

Charlottetown

$171,547

$189,900

11%

Greater St. John’s Area

$322,677

$304,812

-6%

SOURCE: 2017 REMAX SPRING MARKET TRENDS REPORT

JUNE 10 - 24, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 29

Inspiration | DESIGN SECRETS

THE HOME OFFICE How to make it work for you

By Jane Lockhart

MY OFFICE IS WHEREVER I happen to

be, in the car, at home or the design office – basically, wherever my phone is. But it’s hard to ignore how many in the work force are following the shifting trend to work part time or full time from home. There are many factors that can help make your home office a productive and beautiful place to work.

Today’s wireless technology in the house allows you to work from almost any room, but pick one and make it yours. I always recommend a 30 YPNEXTHOME.CA

home office be set up in a room with a door that closes and locks, rather than the dining room table or in an open concept loft or basement. For business calls and for concentration it’s best to have a door for privacy. If you need to share a space try to make it the guest room or a place that isn’t occupied during the day.

The size of the room isn’t as important as how functional it is.

Organization is key and the way to stay productive is with proper storage. Having the right place to

I always recommend a home office be set up in a room with a door that closes and locks, rather than the dining room table or in an open concept loft or basement.

put everything can help contain clutter and keep your mind focused on what’s important. You’ll need organization systems for paper and cord/cable management to tame that tangle under your desk. Many office stores carry organizational solutions for computers and supporting tech, but custom built-in cabinetry is the way to go for storage. Every need can be addressed and interpreted into good-looking, yet practical storage. After all, if you’re going to spend eight hours in a space, why not make it functional and beautiful?

Your personal style can carry through from the rest of your home to your office or you can create a unique, personal space that makes you happy just to be in it.

Good lighting is one of the most important considerations. There’s no such thing as too much lighting, you can always turn something off.

If you can, invest in recessed ceiling lights for clear, ambient lighting and good desk lighting for task work. Hire a designer to put together a lighting plan for you if you’re not sure what you need. The second important factor to consider is your chair. Get the most supportive, comfortable seat in the house, because you will be in it a lot. That means no dining chairs!

An area carpet and drapery may seem like overkill in an office but both will help dampen sound. You’re still in a functioning household and sound travels both in and out of rooms, so remember fabric helps reduce the noise level.

If you’re bringing in an electrician to update your lighting, ask about having some of the room’s wall outlets raised to counter height so you don’t have to crawl under your desk to plug in your computer.

If you still work with a lot of paper (like me) you need space to spread stuff out. A computer is one thing

MORE INSPIRATION ONLINE ypnexthome.ca/news/inspiration

The second important factor to consider is your chair. Get the most supportive, comfortable seat in the house, because you will be in it a lot. That means no dining chairs!

– or maybe two things, you require for your job but a stretch of counter space can make life much easier.

Many home offices integrate counters with cabinetry to eliminate the standalone desk. Whatever works for you is the right solution. But my last piece of advice is the most important to remember. The best way to tame that paper pile is to tackle it and let it go, so get a high-quality paper shredder and don’t forget to use it!

Jane Lockhart is founder and principal designer of Jane Lockhart Interior Design. She was creative director and host of W Network’s top-ranked show, Colour Confidential, and has a Canadian-built furniture collection, Jane by Jane Lockhart, by Statum Designs. Visit online at janelockhart.com

JUNE 10 - 24, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 31

City Focus | TILLSONBURG

Tillsonburg Regional hub leaping into the future THEY SAY LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION is one of the primary considerations for real estate. And while at first glance Tillsonburg, a town of about 15,000 located in Oxford County, may not strike you as blessed with location, a closer look would certainly change your mind.

Located about 50 kilometres southeast of London, Tillsonburg offers everything a homeowner wants in smalltown Ontario, by bringing together surrounding rural serenity with all modern amenities, including hospital and schools, shopping and dining pleasures, plus much more. It’s a short drive from London International Airport, and the picturesque shores of beautiful Lake Erie.

The Tillsonburg area enjoys unusually temperate weather, too – perfect for gardening and enjoying outdoor activities, including golf. In fact, there are two golf courses within five minutes of your front door, and dozens more within a halfhour drive.

32 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Not far, either, is the downtown Tillsonburg Town Centre Mall, and Norfolk Mall in south Tillsonburg.

Together, they offer more than 200 shops and services. There are also three medical clinics, home support services and an ultra-modern hospital. And just 35 minutes away is the city of London, home to two world-class hospital campuses.

Indeed, although the town population is officially listed as about 15,000, the town is a regional hub for business, industry, health care, education, agriculture, government and emergency services which serves an area of nearly 225,000 people.

Not bad for a community dating back to 1825 as a village catering predominantly to the logging and wood processing industries. In the mid-19th century, Tillsonburg took additional steps toward industrialization through further expansion into forest products. In the 1920s, major enterprises included milk and tobacco production and manufacturing of shoes, farm equipment and textiles.

Fast-forward to the 1990s when the current downtown began to take shape with the construction of the Rotary Club Clock Tower, where residents gather to ring in the New Year.

Tillsonburg’s adult-lifestyle residential focus began in 2001, with the Baldwin Place subdivision located on the western edge of the town – a development that will have approximately 300 homes when completed.

Other recent residential development includes the reurbanization of the former railway lands on Bridge Street East, which is the site of Tillson Landing condominium, the first such highrise construction in more than a decade.

Tillson Landing was completed in January 2006.

The Tillsonburg Community Centre was refurbished in 2004 with renovations and expansion of the arena and new recreation and health club facilities. Downtown also recently welcomed Boston Pizza, as well as big box stores such as Canadian Tire, Shopper’s Drug Mart and Staples Business Depot, and an expanded The Source store and Mark’s Work Wearhouse in the Tillsonburg Town Centre Mall.

In terms of the local economy, Tillsonburg has been positively impacted by General Motors’ CAMI assembly plant in Ingersoll, about 20 kilometres north of the town, which opened in 1986. Toyota’s plant in Woodstock, about 30 kilometres northeast, has had a similar spillover benefit for the town.

Other local businesses have also recently expanded, including Siemens Canada.

The area still has a strong agricultural base, with cash crops, hog farming, milk production, tobacco, ginseng and various tertiary crops.

Not content with relying on such history, and with an eye to further diversifying its economy, Tillsonburg is pledging to leap into the future.

The Town of Tillsonburg recently partnered with the Economic Developers’ Council of Ontario (EDCO) to attract international investment.

The efforts seem to be paying off.

Tillsonburg has been recognized for excellence in economic development initiatives at the EDCO Awards, for its Discover Tillsonburg campaign.

This initiative saw local builders partner with the municipality to collaboratively market the community and attract new residential investment.

“The Town of Tillsonburg and the Tillsonburg Development Committee have a goal of increasing residential growth in the community,” says Mayor Stephen Molnar. “Through the Discover Tillsonburg campaign,

we’ve been able to approach the challenge in a fresh way – pooling our resources with the private sector and working collaboratively to make our community stronger.”

Partners in the Discover Tillsonburg effort included Tillsonburg Developments Inc., Hayhoe Homes, Fusion Homes and Landmark Homes.

Deliverables included a new website (discovertillsonburg.ca) and other initiatives.

“While it’s certainly gratifying to be recognized with an award, the real satisfaction comes from seeing the results,” says Colleen Pepper, marketing and communications officer for the Town. “New home starts in Tillsonburg increased 25 per cent in the first year of the initiative, and are up over 50 per cent since the recession.”

“It’s exciting to see the momentum that is building,” says Dominic Bradley, marketing director for Tillsonburg Developments. “Being involved in Discover Tillsonburg has allowed us to leverage our marketing dollars and make strategic investments that benefit the whole community.”

JUNE 10 - 24, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 33

JUNE 2017

Model Home Photo Compliments of Averton | www.baldwinplace.ca

Brought to you by the Developers of Baldwin Place

Tillsonburg Developments Inc.

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Ad Index

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Losani Homes - McKenzie

Mattamy Homes - Topper Woods

20 & 21

2&3

11

7

39

Mountainview Homes - One Twenty

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New Horizon Homes - Focus Towns

19

New Horizon Homes - Trend Living

22

Reid’s Heritage Homes - Net Zero

BC

Tillsonburg Developments - Baldwin Place

27

Homebuyers’ Help

Compare mortgage rates for your best deal CHARTERED BANKS

variable

ATB Financial

2.1

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

2.99 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

2.36

2.57

2.69

2.64

2.55

2.6

3.19

2.54

4.09

2.59

3.09

3.39

3.89

4.64

2.79

2.54

4.09

4.79

3.04 2.29

3.65 3.39

4.39 4.09

4.64 2.39

2.64 2.94

2.64 2.84

3.19 2.89

3.29 2.89

3.04

3.39

2.64

2.69

2.79 2.34

3.34 2.54

3.99 2.64

4.44 2.69

2.84

2.36

2.57

4.64

3.24

3.49

3.69

2.69

6.95op 4.55 6.45op 6.95op

Equitable Bank HSBC Bank Canada

2.19

ICICI Bank Canada Manulife Bank

2.75 2.7

National Bank

n/a

President’s Choice Finan Royal Bank

2.7 2.7

4.45 6.20op 4.45 4.4 6.70op

7.00op TD Canada Trust Tangerine

2.34 2.3

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 4.5 6.30op 3.95 4.2 6.50op 4.55 6.45op

3.14 3.5 6.30op 2.69 3.14 6.30op 3.29 6.50op

3.25 3.6

3.95 3.8

4.39 4.5

4.64 4.6

2.14 3.09

2.59 3.39

2.74 3.89

2.84 2.54

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

2.74

2.64

2.89

2.95

2.99

2.89

2.64 2.99

2.64 2.99

2.84 3.1

2.84 3.14

3.2

3.65

4

4.5

2.79

3.39

3.89

2.59

3.04 2.85

3.65 2.95

4.39 3.05

4.64 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

4.75

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 May 18, 2017. Prepared By Fiscal Agents Financial Information Services 905.844.7700

36 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Advice | FUNDAMENTALLY SPEAKING

How to avoid your own moving horror story

By Wayne Karl

MORE ADVICE ONLINE ypnexthome.ca/news/advice

WHEN BUYING A HOME, you will

likely consult with a team of trusted professionals — a mortgage broker, a lawyer, perhaps a realtor or builder sales associate and maybe a home inspector. Then, assuming you move ahead with your purchase, eventually you will likely need a mover.

People often don’t consider a mover as an important member of their team of professionals.

However, given the critical role they perform — taking possession, at least temporarily, of all your worldly goods and moving them without loss or damage — it’s a function not to be taken for granted. Not doing your due diligence and taking the time to select a reputable mover can invite untold problems.

Case in point: the following example, which admittedly doesn’t involve a new-home move, but the experience is all too common. So is the lesson learned — unfortunately, the hard way.

I recently contracted a “professional” moving company to carry out a last minute move of five pieces of furniture on behalf of my son, a university student. For a variety of reasons, we decided to hire movers rather than rent a truck.

After calling several firms — including large, well-known companies and smaller, independent ones — I selected a local moving company, explaining that drop-off would be about 100 kilometres away.

We agreed on price ($350) and time

(9 a.m.) — after I was very clear the move would involve an out-of-town destination. All details were confirmed in a “contract” exchanged via email.

The crew was on time for the move the next morning, but almost immediately began talking about a higher rate — $360. Not a huge difference, but it immediately raised my suspicions.

I’ll spare you all the gory details, but it’s important to share the lowlights of what happened next: » The company I originally contracted the job to the night before was inexplicably unavailable to actually do the move the next morning, and apparently passed it off to another firm. » My original contact, who was easily available on cell phone repeatedly the night before, suddenly was nowhere to be found. » Once the truck was loaded, the fee increased to $450. » Upon arrival at the destination, the movers said the fee was $500. “It’s taking longer than we thought, and the furniture is heavier.” » “Sure,” I said, “right after I call the police.”

With that, the sordid tale ended.

The job not complete, left for us to move the furniture indoors, now the

victims of one of the top 10 scams monitored by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

“I could write a thesis on this,” John Levi, president of the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) told me.

CAM offers consumers the following tips on how to avoid being scammed by unscrupulous movers: » Find reputable movers through the CAM, BBB or provincial government consumer protection agencies » Ask three movers for estimates in writing » Get the terms and conditions in writing » Ensure your goods will be protected for loss or damage » Read customer reviews on movers’ websites and other forums “Consumers have recourse with their provincial government’s consumer affairs department and with the Better Business Bureau,” says Levi. “Both of these avenues are fraught with difficulties and often take many months to come to some form of resolution — satisfactory or otherwise. And often, the mover simply out-waits the consumer.

“It’s far simpler and more effective to engage a reputable mover in advance rather than trying to fix a bad situation after the fact.”

My example, though painful and infuriating, is minor compared to other common horror stories involving similarly unsuspecting clients.

Make sure you take the proper steps — and the time — to protect yourself.

Wayne Karl is an award-winning writer and editor with experience in real estate and business. In Fundamentally Speaking, Wayne explores the basics 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.

JUNE 10 - 24, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 37

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JUNE 10 - 24, 2017 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 39

Single Detached Homes in South Guelph Select 50' Lots Released Starting from $1.1 Million E XC

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w W en ay s

V ic to ri

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on

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Sales Consultant Debbie O’Krafka 519.240.3764 | dokrafka@heritagehomes.com

a R d .S

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ac

A l B iste lv r d .

.

Sales Centre & Design Studio 98 Farley Drive, Guelph ON (behind Zehrs)

ReidsHeritageHomes.com *All renderings are artist’s concept. Prices and specifications subject to change. See sales consultant for more details. E. & O.E. June 2017