[ 4-WEEK ISSUE ] July 4 - Aug 1, 2015 Volume 18 Issue 13
Modern country living at its ямБnest in Smithville
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
TIPS FOR BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME
SHAPING THE FUTURE IN BRANTFORD
COMMON CONCERNS OF NEW-HOME OWNERS
JUST GOT EASIER say hello to easy Buy and our lowest ever $2500 total deposit.* now go ahead and smile because owning an amazing new move in ready home from empire has never been easier.
DEPOSIT PROGRAm 30 days or less wIth $2500 total deposIt* 31-60 days with $5000 total deposit 61-90 days with $2500 deposit and $5000 in 30 days 91-120 days with $2500 deposit and $7500 over 60 days 121-240 days with $2500 deposit and $12500 over 90 days to make life better, we're including 5 appliances with all inventory homes.*
VICTORY
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27 McLeod Rd @Empire_Living
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empirecommunities.com
*Limited Time Offer. See Sales Representative for Details. Prices, sizes and specifications are subject to change without notice. Exclusive listing brokerage: TFN Realty Inc. Brokers Protected. E.&O.E.
The Indigo Model Home In Wildflowers, Kitchener
TAKE YOUR PICK
ELEV. ‘B’
OF VILLAGE HOMES & REAR LANE TOWNS Enjoy Lovely Living At Wildflowers
KITCHENER Townhomes From $261,990 179 Seabrook Drive
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VILLAGE HOME, THE NETHERBY ‘B’ 1,415 SQ.FT. $261,990
REAR LANE TOWNHOME, THE BLUEBELL ‘B’ 1,579 SQ.FT. $281,990
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR COMMUNITIES REGISTER AT MATTAMYHOMES.COM FOLLOW US: SALES CENTRE HOURS: Monday - Thursday 1pm - 8 pm; Friday 1pm - 6 pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am - 6 pm MODEL HOME HOURS: Monday - Thursday 1pm - 7:30 pm; Friday 1pm - 5:30 pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am - 5:30 pm All illustrations are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.
EASY LIVING WITH EVERYTHING IN REACH.
Stacked towns from the mid $200s Westwood Mews is close to the city, but steps from nature, golf, parks and green space. Whether you are university or leisure bound, you’ve picked the perfect location. Choose one, two or three level living with innovative layouts to suit your on-the-go lifestyle.
Visit us at 367 Westwood Drive in Kitchener · 905-630-5803 · CountryGreenHomes.com JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 7
JULY 4 - AUG 1, 2015 || VOLUME 18 ISSUE 13
contents p. 14 ON THE COVER
PHELPS HOMES
Modern country living at its finest at Auburn Trail in Smithville
regular and special features IN EVERY ISSUE 10 Editor’s Note 68 Ad Index 69 Hot Dates COLUMNISTS 22 Design Secrets
Why size doesn’t matter for new-home buyers by Jane Lockhart
28 Tarion Report
Common concerns of new-home owners
IN THE NEWS 40 Menkes
38
educates homeowners on Energy Star homes
HOMEBUYERS’ HELP 56 City Focus
Shaping the future in Brantford
63 Homebuyers’ Resources
Mortgage Calculator & Rate Table
by Howard Bogach
52 Home Sweet Home
42
Low lending rates changing Canadians’ mortgage habits by Lydia McNutt
70 Fundamentally Speaking
Four tips to guide your first home purchase by Wayne Karl
community focus features 38 Stoney Creek
Empire Communities sees tremendous success in Stoney Creek with Victory
48 St. Catharines
Silvergate Homes Village on the Twelve showcases model home
42 Oakville
Mattamy Homes The Preserve – a modern take on traditional living
New Home WATCH
17 London 17 Waterloo 29 Hamilton
48
LIVE LIFE ON THE
Ridge
NEW DESIGNER SHOW HOME NOW OPEN!
N ia g a r a ’s Largest Home Bu il d e r IS N O W IN K IT C H E N ER!
FOR A LIMITED TIME GET
FREE & GRANITE! HARDWOOD
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REGISTER NOW! TOLL FREE 1-844-688-3100
Grand River 55
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401
www.mountainview.com
SHOW HOME: 154 Coopershawk St., Kitchener Tuesday & Wednesday 4-7 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Offer & Specification subject to change without notice. E.&.O.E. Offer valid for a limited time. Not valid with any other promotion. Includes engineered hardwood in the great room and granite in kitchen. Granite from builder selections. 9
//EDITOR’S NOTE
Take advantage while you can Low interest rates still in your favour
T
he Bank of Canada’s most recent rate announcement – holding its interest rate target at 0.75 per cent – is the continuation of good news for prospective homebuyers and those otherwise in the market for a new mortgage. There are many excellent mortgage products available from banks and brokers that will suit your individual needs, and could well be lower than posted bank rates, which are currently hovering around three per cent for a variable rate. With a pre-approval in hand, you’re protected if rates rise; if they go down, you’ll likely get an even lower rate. A pre-approval can be a win-win situation for shoppers, since it means you don’t have to wait to get financing approval on a home when you put in an offer. Th is is an especially good tool to have when markets are hot. Removing the “conditional on financing” clause could mean your offer is accepted fi rst since you already have your financing in place. So when will rates rise? It’s anyone’s guess, but most experts agree there could be some movement later this year. (BoC’s next rate announcement is July 15.) However, we can’t assume that will be the case, and you shouldn’t wait too long to get pre-approved for a mortgage. It can take a few days. Many lenders offer online pre-approvals to make the process faster and easier. Take advantage while you still can.
SUSAN LEGGE
Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/SusanLegge Like us on Facebook. Search: New Home Guide
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Yellow Pages NextHome
PRESIDENT, YELLOW PAGES NEXTHOME
Jacqueline Hill ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Susan Maxwell EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIRECTOR OF CONTENT
Susan Legge
DIRECTOR OF SALES, NATIONAL
Moe Lalani ART DIRECTOR
Daiana Garay EDITOR
Wayne Karl CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Sara Duck (on leave) Elisa Krovblit Lydia McNutt DISTRIBUTION & SALES CO-ORDINATOR
Jennifer Bistron
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Antoinette Jackson MANAGER OF PRODUCTION
Bala Gnanapandithan CO-ORDINATOR
Hannah Yarkony GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Viosa Barileva CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Joanne Keenan Jeffrey Reed
Susan.Legge@ypnexthome.ca
published by
Buyers’ or sellers’ market?
Understanding the current conditions of your market will help you plan, time and execute your decision
W
hen buying or selling a home, it’s important to know the current conditions of your market. Is it a buyers’ or sellers’ market? Knowing the difference could help you time, plan and execute your transaction. And, of course, there’s a third possibility – a balanced market – and that’s where most major Canadian centres sit, according to the Conference Board of Canada. In the organization’s June 2015 Metro Resale Snapshot, a rising sales-to-listings ratio between April and May in 18 areas indicated broad market tightening. Balanced conditions prevailed in 16 markets, while seven were in a buyers’ state and five favoured sellers. Eleven areas enjoyed at least a five-per-cent increase. Despite stronger sales, listings rose in only 14 markets between April and May, and in 17 areas from May 2014. The monthly increases were invariably small; only five areas had a gain of at least five per cent. Many centres in Southwestern Ontario remain healthy – including Hamilton, Kitchener and London – which speaks to the long-term prosperity of these markets.
WAYNE KARL
EDITOR Yellow Pages NextHome Wayne.Karl@ypnexthome.ca 10 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
Follow me on Twitter at Twitter.com/WayneKarl Like us on Facebook. Search: New Home Guide
#500-401 The West Mall Etobicoke, ON M9C 5J5 T 416.626.4200 F 416.784.5867
ypnexthome.ca
ADVERTISING: Call Susan Maxwell at 416.580.1654 FAX: 416.784.9554 Toll Free: 1.877.269.8257, follow prompts, ext. 4260; e-mail: susan.maxwell@ypnexthome.ca Office hours are Mon-Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-12
CIRCULATION: Free distribution. Published bi-weekly 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 2015: 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. Please recycle this magazine! Yellow Pages Next Home participates in the Partners in Growth Reforestation Program through St. Joseph Communications. To date, Partners in Growth has planted over 2.5 million trees in parks, recreation and conservation areas, and other public spaces across Canada. Established in 1990, this program was started with Scouts Canada to help replenish the environment.
11
12 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
13
//COVER STORY
MODERN COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS FINEST IN SMITHVILLE
T
his year marks a significant milestone for Phelps Homes, as it celebrates 40 years of custom-inspired building in West Niagara. Most recently, Phelps Homes has taken its unique approach to building craftsmanstyle communities and applied it to their latest project Auburn Trail in Smithville. Auburn Trail features in-demand bungalow and two-storey homes on large 50-ft. lots that range in size from 1,300 to 3,000 sq. ft. The modern-country homes include large front porches, stone and brick accents, large open concept living, nine-ft. ceilings and beautiful designer kitchens. Pricing starts in the $370’s. Just 20 minutes from downtown Hamilton and minutes from the QEW in Grimsby, Auburn Trail is centrally located in the quaint West Niagara town of Smithville. Where living the good life has never been easier. Smithville is close to conservation areas, wineries and fresh local markets and the charming downtown boasts convenient services and an assortment of merchants.
14 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
“In Smithville, there’s just more space and a relaxed tranquility that only comes with small town living.” David Wassmansdorf, vice-president of new homes at Phelps Homes. “We’re seeing a wide range of customers making the move from places like the GTA, Burlington, Hamilton and Stoney Creek because we’re able to offer great value at attractive pricing.” Phase 1 at Auburn Trail features a large cul-de-sac with extra-large pie shaped lots. Pre-construction pricing ends soon. Move in as soon as January 2016. For more information, call 905.945.6975 or visit phelpshomes.com
PHELPS HOMES | Auburn Trail LOCATION Smithville HOUSING TYPE Bungalow and two-storey homes on 50-ft. lots from 1,300 to 3,000 sq. ft. SALES CENTRE 31 Gateway Ave., Open Monday to Thursday noon to 6 p.m., Friday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CONTACT 905.945.6975 newhomes@phelpshomes.com
JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 15
You don’t want drama. Get insurance that fits. Talk to a commission-free TD Insurance Advisor today.
There’s no need for drama. TD Insurance Advisors aren’t on commission, and can help you get home insurance that fits your needs. Talk to one today or go online to get a quote.
Get a quote at tdinsurance.com/fits or call 1-877-889-1396 TD Insurance home protection is distributed by TD Insurance Direct Agency Inc. and is underwritten by TD General Insurance Company in Ontario and by Primmum Insurance Company in the rest of Canada. ® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
New Home WATCH LONDON BAYFIELD BLYTH CLINTON
PREVIEW REGISTRATION
GRAND BEND INGERSOLL LONDON
MITCHELL SEAFORTH SHAKESPEARE
NEW OPENINGS Multi level townhomes from 1,747 sq. ft. and from $241,990.
Two-storey and mulit-level condominium townhomes.
rembrandt-homes.ca
rembrandt-homes.ca
Register now for these four-storey boutique style condominiums from the high $200’s.
Condominium townhomes backing onto Southdale Road near White Oaks Road, from $198,900.
tricar.com
rembrandt-homes.ca
STONECREST HOMES London | Victoria on the River
FUSION HOMES Tillsonburg | The Oaks
stonecresthomes.ca
fusionhomes.com
Register now for these single-family homes at at Hamilton Road & Commissioners Road East in.
Single-family homes at Fanshawe Park Road West and Foxwood Avenue, from $482,900
fusionhomes.com
NEW RELEASES
REMBRANDT HOMES London | Copperfield Gate
THE TRICAR GROUP Stratford | 140 Caledonia
TILLSONBURG WINGHAM WOODSTOCK
FUSION HOMES London | Fox Field
REMBRANDT HOMES Woodstock | Beacon’s Way
REMBRANDT HOMES London | Castle Rock Place
ST.THOMAS STRATFORD TAVISTOCK
STONECREST HOMES London | Summerside
New phase of single-family homes at Darnley Boulevard and Cardigan Drive.
stonecresthomes.ca
Currently under construction, single-family homes from $184,900.
HALTON HILLS WELLINGTON WATERLOO ALMA AYR
CAMBRIDGE ELORA
FERGUS GEORGETOWN
GUELPH KITCHENER
ROCKWOOD WATERLOO
PREVIEW REGISTRATION
EASTFOREST HOMES Wilmot | Baden Country Estates
ACTIVA GROUP Cambridge | Isherwood Avenue Condos
eastforesthomes.com
countrygreenhomes.com
ACTIVA GROUP Norfolk | Village Park on Harvest Lane
CRYSTAL HOMES FERNBROOK HOMES Cambridge | Grand River Woods
Register now for this new condo community at 25 Isherwood Avenue.
activagroup.ca
Single-family homes from 1,575 sq. ft. and $389,990.
REID HOMES Rockwood | Noble Ridge
Townhouse development currently under construction, with units from 1,082 sq. ft. and $218,900.
reidhomes.ca
MONARCH Kitchener | Topper Woods
Register now for 30-, 40- and 50-ft. detached homes from 1,438 to 3,100 sq. ft.
NEW OPENINGS SAVIC HOMES Kitchener | Avalon Urban Towns
Grand opening now on – design-forward urban towns at Highland Road West and Ira Needles Blvd., minutes from downtown Kitchener.
avalontowns.ca
activagroup.ca
COUNTRYGREEN HOMES Kitchener | Westwood Mews
Now open – exclusive collection of bungalow and urban towns from the $270’s.
Grand Opening Sales Event on these 30-, 35- and 40-ft. detached homes next to the Grand River.
crystalhomes.com fernbrookhomes.com
New single-family home development, now under construction.
FUSION HOMES Guelph | Chillico Run
FOREST PARK HOMES Waterloo | Vista Hills
fusionhomes.com
monarchgroup.net
Now under construction – new single-family home development.
forestparkhomes.ca
Now open – townhomes and single-family homes from $339,900.
NEW RELEASES MACPHERSON MASTER BUILDERS Fergus | Strathlea Fergus
Limited new release of 20-ft. freehold towns and 30-ft. singles.
mystrathlea.com
BUILDERS: To include or update your listing, email wayne.karl@ypnexthome.ca Please say you saw it in New Home & Condo Guide! JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 17
18
Elmira
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:
Toronto
De t. Se m Bu i ng a To low w Co nho nd m Ad o e ul tL ife sty le
LOCATION
BUILDERS
SITES
PRICES
PAGE
Baden
EASTFOREST HOMES
Baden Country Estates
•
Elmira
CLAYSAM HOMES
Elmira Country Club Estates
•
Georgetown
MENKES
The Enclaves of Upper Canada
Kitchener
COUNTRY GREEN HOMES Westwood Mews
Kitchener
EASTFOREST HOMES
Huron Landing
Kitchener
EASTFOREST HOMES
Andover Trails
•
Cambridge
EASTFOREST HOMES
Carriage Lanes
•
Kitchener
EASTFOREST HOMES
Destination Doon
•
27
Kitchener
EASTFOREST HOMES
Doon South
•
27
Kitchener
EASTFOREST HOMES
Eby Estates
•
•
Kitchener
LOSANI HOMES
Doon Creek
•
•
from mid $300's
Kitchener
LOSANI HOMES
Victoria Common
•
from mid $200's 46&47
Kitchener
MONARCH
Topper Woods
Kitchener
REID'S HERITAGE HOMES Williamsburg Walk
Kitchener
TERRA VIEW HOMES
Edgewater Estates
Kitchener
MATTAMY HOMES
Wildflowers
Kitchener
MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES River Ridge
27
• •
•
•
23
from high $400's
41
from mid $200's
7
•
27 •
27 27
27
• • • • •
from $264,900
46&47
from mid $400's
36&37
from the $210's
BC
from low $400’s
25
from $261,990
6
•
9
Niagara on the Lake LAKEVIEW HOMES
Cannery Park
•
•
from the $300’s
45
Niagara on the Lake SOLMAR DEV. GROUP
Cannery Park
•
•
from the $300’s
45
Plattsville
CLAYSAM HOMES
Plattsville Estates
•
from $319,900
23
Shelter Cove
SHELTER COVE
Shelter Cove
•
from $109,000
59
Thornbury
LOSANI HOMES
Summit Shores
Tillsonburg
TILLSONBURG DEV.
Baldwin Place
•
Woodstock
CLAYSAM HOMES
Neighbourhoods at Devonshire
•
Woodstock
CLAYSAM HOMES
The Villages of Sally Creek Woodstock
Woodstock
SENATOR HOMES
Havelock Corners
• •
from mid $400’s •
• •
46&47
from $244,500
21
from low $200's
23
from mid $200’s
23
from the $200's
20
STRATFORD, WOODSTOCK, INGERSOLL, TILLSONBURG, ST. THOMAS, STRATHROY, MILTON, GEORGETOWN, ROCKWOOD, GUELPH, FERGUS, ELORA, ALMA, CAMBRIDGE, KITCHENER, WATERLOO, AYR
•
•
London / Halton Hills / Wellington / Waterloo:
•
19
20 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
BALDW IN PLAC E
UNBEATABLE
VALUE All-brick, detached, freehold homes starting at
$244,500
(incl. hst)
with a fully-equipped recreation centre (monthly association fee of just $30) and only minutes away from medical facilities, shopping, dining and great golf.
3 ESSELTINE DRIVE, TILLSONBURG MODEL HOME HOURS: OPEN MONDAY - THURSDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10AM TO 5PM. FRIDAYS & HOLIDAYS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
Call us now at 1-800-265-5709 www.baldwinplace.ca
E.& O.E. Prices & Specifications are subject to change without notice. JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 21
//DESIGN SECRETS
Why size doesn’t matter for new-home buyers » by JANE LOCKHART
When purchasing a new home or condo, size doesn’t have to matter. With condos, townhomes and semi-detached homes becoming more prevalent in many major centres – the average new condo size in Toronto is now 797 sq. ft. – designers and manufactures alike are coming up with space-saving ideas and products to make living in a smaller space practical and beautiful.
Room designed by Jane Lockhart, Jane Lockhart, B.A.A.I.D, intern ARIDO, Principal Designer, Jane Lockhart Interior Design (janelockhart.com) Photography, Brandon Barré (brandonbarre.com)
22 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
Limited
Time Off er
FREE
Kitchen Gra Counter nite tops!
Memories
Where
are made
Claysam offers a GREAT selection of family focussed communities where you can build your NEW HOME and years of fond MEMORIES in.
Plattsville
Elmira
Woodstock
Woodstock
50-60’ Lots Single Family Homes
Towns, Semis and Singles Now Open!
Freehold Towns, Singles and Bungalow Semis
Adult Lifestyle Community
Priced From
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$319,900
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Visit our website for MODEL HOME hours.
claysamhomes.com Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E. & O. E.
$200,000’s
**Applies to standard counter top surface area only. Optional islands will be extra. This promotion is in conjunction with our value package promotion as well as our telecommunications program. Limited Time Offer. Offer must be firm. E. & O. E. JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 23
The first thing that needs to be established is flow. This can be done even before moving in. As a new-home owner, take the floorplan and decide how the space is to flow to get the best use of each area. This can be done the old fashioned way, by putting pencil to paper or by uploading your floorplan onto an iPad or tablet app that allows you to place furniture on the screen and configure the best set-up. It is important to consider how the space will be used and then plan separate areas for each major activity. Try to design these spaces so they feel separate by creating vignettes with different carpeting, furniture and accessories. Storage always seems to be a problem in small spaces, but this problem can be almost eliminated with build-in cabinets. Adding built-in shelving in several spaces does not take up any existing square footage and can go to the ceiling, almost immediately creating a plethora of storage. Built-ins are not only limited to extra storage; this idea can be used to create a desk or home office underneath a staircase, in a child’s bedroom, the kitchen or in a hidden space tucked away. Also, consider using a built-in to house the television and electronics to keep this visual clutter out of sight. Choose furniture that can do double-duty. With the sizes of living spaces in urban centres steadily on the decline, furniture manufacturers have stepped up their game. Think about using an ottoman or cube for a coffee table, so when extra company comes, this can turn into extra seating. Consider an ottoman that opens up to allow for storage of throw pillows and blankets inside. Moving away from the family room, there are a lot of great
storage and furniture ideas for the kitchen. Many kitchen tables can easily be folded up and tucked away after a meal. This idea is also been seen in desk design. Many desk designs include versions that can be folded up and stored when not in use. If a home office is not needed, this idea also works great with home beverage centres or bars. Creating separation in a small space can make the space appear larger. This can be done by hanging a drape from the ceiling to act as a wall between distinct areas like the eating area and the family room. This allows the area to feel separate, but not boxed in because the walls are not permanent. This can also be done with shelving, but, make sure to use open shelving as not to make the small space feel too closed off.
The first thing that needs to be established is flow. This can be done even before moving in. And finally, adding mirrors or mirrored furniture to a small space can reflect extra light to make a small space feel brighter. In addition, adding artwork with perspective or depth in them, hung strategically on visual walls can create a sense of openness or direction. Whether moving into a house or condo, size doesn’t always have to matter. There are several design tactics and products on the market to make your space feel as big as you need it to.
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
24 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
from the low
400’s
$
start your search here. Whether you’re renting or buying, finding your next home has never been so easy.
you
We put
in the driver’s seat!
With a large selection of new homes to choose from, you are now in the driver’s seat! You decide when and how fast you want to move into your new home. Move in, at your own speed!
select your speed, select the home and start packing today!
WWW.eastforesthomes.com/speed YS DA 30
60 D AY S
7D AY S
YS DA 90
The ENERGY STAR® trade symbol does not imply certification of this organization or its products. The ENERGY STAR® registered marks are administered and promoted in Canada by Natural Resources Canada. Prices correct at press time.Rendering used is an artist concept and may not reflect finished product. Broker protected. *Please see Sales Representative for details. E. & O.E., June 2015
eastforesthomes.com follow us!
27
//TARION REPORT
Common concerns of new-home owners » by HOWARD BOGACH
HOWARD BOGACH
is President and CEO of Tarion Warranty Corp. His column appears monthly in New Home Guide. For more information about how Tarion helps new-home buyers, visit tarion.com or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/ TarionWarrantyCorp.
It’s a fact that new homes and condos are not perfect. The home building process is the work of craftsmanship, where many tradespeople collaborate to bring your new home to life. This is why it isn’t uncommon for a new home to have some imperfections. While an imperfection in a new home is no cause for concern, a defect in construction is something your builder should repair. All new homes in Ontario come with a warranty that lasts seven years from the date of the first possession, guaranteed by Tarion. The warranty was created to ensure homeowners receive a new home that is constructed in a workmanlike manner, is free from defects in material, is fit for habitation and is constructed in accordance with the Ontario Building Code. Let’s have a look at the most common issues that homeowners are concerned about, and whether they are considered defects that fall within the new home warranty coverage.
excessive or insufficient humidity levels in the home. Maintaining a proper interior climate is essential to the health of your hardwood floor. If your new home includes hardwood flooring, I encourage you to speak to your builder and visit Tarion’s website to view our videos on how to control the moisture levels in your home. If you notice any flooring deficiencies or damage during your Pre-Delivery Inspection (also known as the PDI), note them in the PDI Form. If deficiencies become apparent later, contact your builder as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to keep photographic records with date and time stamps if you start to see damage on your floors after you move into your new home.
FLOORING One of the most common concerns raised by homeowners is issues with flooring. Homeowners mention uneven finishes, visible gaps between boards, scratches, crowning or cupping (creating an uneven floor). Hardwood floor problems can arise from defects in material or poor installation. Often, however, deficiencies can be traced back to moisture content. Builders can avoid such problems by acclimatizing the wood and ensuring that the subfloor is not wet before installation. Homeowners also need to do their part to ensure that hardwood flooring problems do not arise because of
MANAGING INTERIOR CLIMATE CONTROL Controlling a home’s moisture level is an essential part of keeping your new home healthy. Today’s energy-efficient homes are built tightly to seal out the cold weather in winter and keep in the air conditioning in summer. However, lack of proper ventilation or humidity control by the homeowner can lead to damage that would not be covered by the statutory warranty. The good news is that as a homeowner, you can follow some simple steps to keep your interior climate healthy. At your PDI, it is a good idea to ask your builder how to maintain proper moisture levels in your home. As a general rule, the healthy range is 30 to 50 per cent. You can also visit Tarion’s website to view videos on how to control moisture, and tips on how to maintain your new home. And remember, Tarion is always here to help. If you have any questions about your new home warranty visit tarion.com or call 1.877.9TARION.
28 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
INTERIOR FINISHING New-home owners commonly complain about paint – streaks and brush marks, poor quality paint, poor workmanship and drips and splatters. Generally, paint is covered under the one-year warranty. Where paint finish is specified, exposed surfaces are to be properly painted. Doors are another common issue with new-home owners. The most common complaints include doors that are inadequately installed, sticking or improperly finished. Defects in doors and improper installations are covered under the one-year warranty.
HAMILTON HALTON NIAGARA
New Home WATCH BUILDERS: To include or update your listing, email wayne.karl@ypnexthome.ca Please say you saw it in New Home & Condo Guide!
PREVIEW REGISTRATION MATTAMY HOMES Waterdown | Cranberry Hill
Coming soon – affordable living with easy highway access and proximity to schools and amenities.
mattamyhomes.com
BRANTHAVEN HOMES Grimsby | Lake House
Register now for VIP preview access for these waterfront townhomes and condos.
lakehouselife.ca
CARRIAGE GATE HOMES Burlington | The Berkeley Condominiums
ANCASTER BEAMSVILLE BINBROOK BRANT BRANTFORD BURLINGTON CATHARINES GRIMSBY HAMILTON
NEW HORIZON Burlington | Bridgewater Residences
Presentation centre and model suite now open for luxury condominiums on the lake.
bwresidences.com
MINTO, BRANTHAVEN HOMES & EMSHIH DEVELOPMENTS Oakville | Oakvillage
Now open – Oakville’s visionary master-planned community from the low $400’s.
oakvillage.ca
MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES Niagara Falls | Windy Lane Estates Showhome now open for 50-ft. singles and townhomes from the $220’s.
Register now for this 154-unit condo at Caroline Street and Elizabeth Street.
mountainview.com
MATTAMY HOMES Milton | Hawthorne Village
NEW RELEASES
carriagegatehomes.com
New townhomes and detached homes in this established master-planned community.
mattamyhomes.com
NEW OPENINGS LOSANI HOMES Ancaster | Astoria
Now open – two- and three-bedroom boutique townhomes.
losanihomes.com
SILVERGATE HOMES St. Catharines | Village on the Twelve
Model home now open for these urban towns and condo residences.
silvergatehomes.com
CARRIAGE GATE HOMES Ancaster | Legacy Ancaster
Collection of luxury single-family homes at Lime Kiln Road in Hamilton.
carriagegatehomes.com
HOMES BY DESANTIS Grimsby | AquaBlu
Now open – a condominium community of modern suites along the lake in Grimsby.
aquablucondo.com
MILTON NIAGARA OAKVILLE PARIS PORT DOVER ST. CATHARINES STONEY CREEK VINELAND
EMPIRE COMMUNITIES Stoney Creek | Victory New phase of townhomes just opened.
victory.empirecommunities.com HOMES BY JOHN BRUCE ROBINSON Hamilton | Binbrook Heights Adult Living
Bungalow condominium townhomes at Fall Fair Way in Hamilton.
homesbyjohnbrucerobinson.com
MATTAMY HOMES Oakville | The Preserve
A new selection of freehold live/work townhomes.
mattamyhomes.ca
ZEINA HOMES Hamilton | Paradise Meadows
Phase 3 of new single-family homes from 1,870 to 3,608 sq. ft.
zeinahomes.ca
ROSEHAVEN HOMES Chippawa | The Ravines at Lyon’s Creek
Now open – condominium bungalow townhomes in the Lyons Creek neighbourhood of Chippawa/Niagara. Prices from the $270’s.
rosehavenhomes.com
JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 29
30
Paris
Port Dover
Simcoe
Binbrook
Grimsby
Georgetown
Caledon
Smithville
Welland
Fonthill
Thorold
OAKVILLE, BURLINGTON, HAMILTON, ANCASTER, PARIS, BRANTFORD, STONEY CREEK, VINELAND, LINCOLN, THOROLD, FONTHILL, NIAGARA, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, FORT ERIE
Halton / Hamilton / Wentworth / Niagara:
Ridgeway
Stevensville
Chippawa
Fort Erie
De t Se . m Bu i n To galo w w Co nho n m Ad do e ul tL ife sty le
SITES
PRICES
Ancaster
LOSANI HOMES
Woodlands Ancaster
Ancaster
LOSANI HOMES
Augusta Ancaster Glen
Ancaster
CARRIAGE GATE HOMES
Legacy in Ancaster
•
Ancaster
LOSANI HOMES
Ancaster Glen
•
Ancaster
LOSANI HOMES
Ancaster Astoria
Beamsville
LOSANI HOMES
Discovery
Beamsville
LOSANI HOMES
Binbrook
•
•
PAGE 46&47
•
46&47 from the $800’s
34
•
from high $300's 46&47
•
from high $200's 46&47
•
•
46&47
Vista Ridge
•
•
46&47
LOSANI HOMES
Fairgrounds Finale
•
•
from mid $300's 46&47
Binbrook
LOSANI HOMES
Carousel
•
from high $200's 46&47
Brantford
EASTFOREST HOMES
D’Aubigny Forest Estates
•
Brantford
EMPIRE COMMUNITIES
Wyndfield
•
Caledon
MONARCH
SouthFields
•
Chippawa/Niagara
ROSEHAVEN
Lyon's Creek
•
Grimsby
BRANTHAVEN HOMES
Lake House
Grimsby
HOMES BY DESANTIS
AquaBlu
Hamilton
LOSANI HOMES
Falling Waters
Hamilton
LOSANI HOMES
Greenhill Glen
•
Hamilton
LOSANI HOMES
Paramount at Valley Park
•
from $619,900
46&47
Hamilton
LOSANI HOMES
Sherman Oaks
•
from $466,900
46&47
Hamilton
MULTI-AREA DEV.
Bellagio Village at Summit Park •
•
from $279,990
35
Hamilton
SONOMA HOMES
Style Town Collection
•
Hamilton
SPALLACCI HOMES
101 Locke Condominiums
Niagara on the Lake BW HOMES
Niagara on the Green
•
27
• •
•
from $220,990
•
from high $600's 36&37
•
from $279,990
•
33
•
from the $180's 12&13
•
11
•
46&47
•
from low $400's 46&47
53 •
•
2&3
• •
55 from mid $200's
5
from mid $200's
51
•
from $583,990
71
•
from the $640's
33
Oakville
NEW HORIZON DEV. GROUP
Mint Condos
•
Oakville
MATTAMY HOMES
The Preserve
•
Oakville
ROSEHAVEN HOMES
Woodland Trails
•
Paris
LOSANI HOMES
Simply Grand Paris
•
Smithville
PHELPS HOMES
Auburn Trail
•
St. Catharines
BW HOMES
Victoria Village
•
St. Catharines
SILVERGATE HOMES
Village on the Twelve
Stoney Creek
EMPIRE COMMUNITIES
Victory
•
Stoney Creek
LOSANI HOMES
Orchard Park
•
Stoney Creek
ROSEHAVEN HOMES
On the Ridge
•
33&61
Stoney Creek
HOMES BY DESANTIS
On the Ridge
•
61
Thorold
ROSEHAVEN HOMES
Gibson Heights
•
Waterdown
ROSEHAVEN HOMES
Waterdown Meadows
•
•
•
46&47
•
• •
•
•
from the $370's
32
from low $300's
4
from the $380's
50
from $334,990
2&3
from $521,900
46&47
from $276,990
33
from high $400's
33
OAKVILLE, BURLINGTON, HAMILTON, ANCASTER, PARIS, BRANTFORD, STONEY CREEK, VINELAND, LINCOLN, THOROLD, FONTHILL, NIAGARA, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, FORT ERIE
BUILDERS
Halton / Hamilton / Wentworth / Niagara:
LOCATION
31
Bigger Lots, Better Value... Smithville
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY AND RECEIVE
$5000
DECOR DOLLARS
CRAFTSMAN BUNGALOWS + TWO-STOREY HOMES ON 50’ LOTS From The
370’s
VISIT OUR MODERN-COUNTRY MODEL HOME: 31 GATEWAY AVE. SMITHVILLE
905.945.6975 PhelpsHomes.com Celebrating 40 Years of custom inspired home building in niagara Prices, features and specifications are subject to change without notice and are accurate at time of publication. Subject to availability. Please see sales representative for details. E. & O.E.
Seek haven from the ordinary
The Welland - Lyon’s Creek, Chippawa
HA•VEN: A PLACE OF SAFETY OR REFUGE
Seek haven from the common, the average, the oh-so-typical, the middle-of-the-road, the run-of-the-mill, the good-enough. At Rosehaven, we will never be satisfied with anything less than the exceptional. Because we know you won’t.
Visit RosehavenHomes.com For directions, maps hours and community information call our hotline (1-888/416) 410-0175
CHIPPAWA/NIAGARA
LYON’S CREEK Condominium Townhomes from $279,990 36’ Singles and 36’ Freehold Towns from $319,990
THOROLD
GIBSON HEIGHTS LIMITED HOMES REMAINING! 30’ Attached Singles and Freehold Towns from $276,990 Move in Ready Inventory Homes Available
STONEY CREEK
ON THE RIDGE Semi Detached Homes from $363,990 40’ & 35’ Singles from $468,990
OAKVILLE Prices and specifications correct at press time. Photo is of actual Roseahven Home. E. & O.E. Prices quoted are in thousands except for Kleinburg & Randall pricing. *Price reflected in ad does not include lot premium and all remaining lots are subject to a premium.
WOODLAND TRAILS Freehold Townhomes from the $640’s Semi Detached Homes from the $670’s
33
EXPERIENCE THE FINE A RT O F L I V I N G W E L L
H O M E S A S B I G A N D B E AU T I F U L A S T H E C O U N T RY T H AT S U R RO U N D S T H E M .
COLLECTIO N OF LUXURIOUS 50’, 55’, 60’& 66’ LOT DESIGNS Carriage Gate’s finest collection of spacious single family homes, perhaps their most prestigious yet. An intimate enclave of homes in Ancaster’s best and most desirable location, just off Lime Kiln Road, these estate-inspired residences are distinguished in both their architecture and interior design, with each appointed with a long retinue of luxury features.
Luxuriously appointed from the
800’S
$
A N C AS TER
CARRIAGEGATEHOMES.COM Sales Office Hours:Mon. - Thurs.; 3pm - 7pm, Friday by appointment, Sat. & Sun.; 12pm - 5pm. Paul Ciardullo; Broker, Effort Trust. 905-975-9191 • paulc@efforttrust.ca Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E. & O.E. Renderings are artist’s concept.
STYLE IS SERVED AT TOPPER WOODS
The Birch
LIFE IS BETTER IN A 43’ OR 50’ SINGLE in Kitchener
Topper Woods is serving up customizable 43’ & 50’ singles this weekend at Kitchener’s favourite all-detached community. Life is simply better here with big traditional backyards for kids to play, double car garages, master bedroom retreats, up to five bedrooms and optional finished lower levels. Plus, you can choose the Maximus Package with the features and finishes that are exactly right for you. Visit Monarch’s two Model Homes this weekend…minutes from the 401 in Kitchener’s family-friendly Village of Doon Mills.
Up to 4,132 sq.ft | 43’ & 50’ Singles from the mid $400,000’s
discover more
MonarchGroup.net Please see a sales associate for full details. Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. Square footage includes finished space in the lower level. E.&O.E. July 2015. 36 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
MORE COMMUNITIES WHERE YOU WANT TO LIVE KLEINBURG | KLEINBURG CROWN ESTATES Designer Decorated Models 42’ & 50’ Singles from the low $900,000’s
Sales Centre located at 165 Timber Creek Boulevard 416-495-3513
CALEDON | SOUTHFIELDS
Models To View Townhomes Coming Soon Singles from the high $600,000’s Sales Centre located at 12515 Old Kennedy Road, Caledon (Old Kennedy Rd. and Mayfield Rd.) 905-843-0707
KITCHENER | TOPPER WOODS
Models To View 43’ & 50’ Singles from the mid $400,000’s Sales Centre located at 7 Wetland Way, Kitchener 519-894-8222
SALES OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Thursday 1pm-8pm, Friday: 1pm-6pm, Weekends and Holidays: 11am-6pm MODEL HOME HOURS: Monday-Thursday: 1pm-7:30pm, Friday: 1pm-5:30pm, Weekends and Holidays: 11am-5:30pm
JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 37
//COMMUNITY FOCUS
EMPIRE COMMUNITIES SEES TREMENDOUS SUCCESS IN STONEY CREEK WITH VICTORY Release of new phase of townhomes cements success in Stoney Creek
E
mpire Communities is claiming victory with its master-planned Victory community in Upper Stoney Creek. The recent release of a new phase of two- and three-storey townhomes was met with a tremendous response from purchasers. “We’re very pleased that purchasers have recognized the great value, outstanding design and convenient location that Victory offers,” says Paul A. Golini Jr., co-founder and executive vice-president, industry relations, Empire Communities. “Empire is excited to lay down our roots in the Upper Stoney Creek community that we deeply believe in.” Ideally situated in prestigious Upper Stoney Creek on the mountain,
38 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
LOCATION Stoney Creek HOUSING TYPE Two- and three-storey townhomes SALES CENTRE 22 Green Mountain Rd. W., open Monday to Thursday 1 to 7 p.m., Friday 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. CONTACT 905.495.0441 info@empirevictory.com
EMPIRE COMMUNITIES | Victory
Victory sits next to Centennial Parkway and is minutes from the Red Hill Valley Parkway and QEW for easy access to Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara Falls. Quickly becoming a highly sought-after area, Upper Stoney Creek offers a wealth of local amenities, such as shopping, schools, restaurants, hospitals and parks, but also an abundance of outdoor activities. Victory is situated close to Heritage Park with its major sports parks including a host of soccer fields as well as baseball diamonds suitable for any age group. Ontario’s famous Bruce Trail meanders nearby and offers miles of nature trails where discovery is just around the next bend. The Niagara Escarpment offers incredible parks, hiking trails and even waterfalls. Residents will feel thrilled to come home to Victory and its design-driven community with sleek, contemporary homes. The diverse
range of townhomes and detached two-car garage homes have appealed to a range of buyers, from first-time homeowners, to those looking to upgrade and from young professionals to families. Every detail, inside and out, was selected with value and design in mind while also offering a cool, urban look. Interior finishes include two-tone contemporary kitchen cabinets and modern backsplashes. Top quality exterior finishes include modern style front entry, metal roofs and dark window frames. As the Southwest region’s leading builder, Empire knows and understands Stoney Creek’s unique history, character and charm. With existing communities in Brantford, Cambridge, Kitchener, Hamilton, Ancaster, Dundas and Binbrook, Empire has played a major role in helping develop and grow the Greater Southwest to what it is today. The Victory sales office is located at 22 Green Mountain Rd. W. Hours are Monday to Thursday 1 to 7 p.m., Friday 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone 905.495.0441 or email info@empirevictory.com
JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 39
//IN THE NEWS
Menkes hosts event to educate homeowners on Energy Star homes in Georgetown We’re really proud to be building Energy Star homes
I
n an ongoing commitment to Green home building, Menkes Developments Ltd. is building its Enclaves of Upper Canada community in Georgetown to Energy Star standards and, in many cases, exceeding these standards. Menkes engaged a third-party company to perform tests on the homes and have been achieving an energy rating and testing results that are 20 per cent better than code (SB122012), something the company is very pleased about. “We’re really proud to be building Energy Star homes,” says Steven Menkes, president of the lowrise residential division at Menkes. “The Energy Star label guarantees that when our homeowners make what may be the biggest purchases of their lives, they are not only buying homes that are both well-built and will save them money, but also decreasing their impact on the environment.” Green features include R50 attic insulation, R31 sprayed in foam for garage ceilings, sealed ductwork joints, high efficiency HRV, drain water heat recovery systems and excel structural insulated sheathing, to name a few. To familiarize homeowners with all the Green features of the company’s new homes, Menkes held an information session to explain their function and answer any questions homeowners had. “We were very pleased to have had the
40 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
opportunity to learn more about our new home and these features,” said one homeowner. “It’s one thing to see them written on paper, but it’s another thing to actually learn what they do and have the benefits explained in detail.” The Enclaves of Upper Canada offers a wide selection of home designs. The elevations are inspired by Georgian architecture through the symmetry of windows and use of French architectural bell curve roof flares. Exterior materials combine stucco, stone and brick with a careful selection of colour palettes, creating a harmonious streetscape for the community. The newly released 40-ft. Enclaves Collection of homes at The Enclaves come with an upscale array of standard features, including nine-ft. ceilings on the main floor, tray ceilings in the master bedroom, gourmet kitchens with extended height uppers and granite counters, natural gas fireplace with white painted mantle and marble surround, and oak staircases from the first to second floor with upgraded pickets. Menkes is offering a spectacular opening bonus to its purchasers of the semi-link collection – three stainless steel kitchen appliances, white washer and dryer, and $5,000 in upgrades. Purchasers of the 40-ft. Enclave Collection receive engineered hardwood on the main floor (excluding tiled areas) and upper hallways and $10,000 in upgrades. For details, please visit the sales office. Semi-link designs range from 1,590 to 1,878 sq. ft. and are priced from the high $400’s. The 40-ft. Enclaves Collection ranges from 2,496 to 3,525 sq. ft. and is priced from $749,990. Visit the sales office located at 363 Guelph St., Georgetown right in front of the Best Western Hotel and just east of Canadian Tire. The Presentation Centre is open from to Monday through Thursday from 1 to 8 p.m., closed Fridays and open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays and holidays from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 289.891.9103 or visit menkes.com
JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 41
//COMMUNITY FOCUS
THE PRESERVE, A BEAUTIFULLY MODERN TAKE ON TRADITIONAL ONTARIO LIVING
BILD’S 2015 PROJECT OF THE YEAR
A
lways a bright spot of the GTA, Oakville has been attracting new residents for some time. A remarkable quality of life here continues to draw more residents with an interest in the finer things. Whether it’s the abundance of indoor or outdoor recreational activities, excellent schools, great shopping, fine dining, first-rate theatre and music venues, life becomes continuously richer. One manifestation of this desire for quality is Mattamy Homes. A builder that has staked its reputation on high quality design and building standards, Mattamy is now expanding its presence in The Preserve. This highly desirable neighbourhood boasts dramatic woodlots, curved streets and striking architecture. You will find The Preserve fulfills the highest of expectations. 42 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
MATTAMY WAS RECENTLY NAMED THE GTA BUILDER OF THE YEAR FOR AN UNPRECEDENTED SIXTH TIME, BY THE BUILDING INDUSTRY AND LAND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (BILD) As if this Mattamy community wasn’t already alluring enough, Mattamy achieved this recognition for the second year in a row, and the company is the only builder ever awarded the honour six times. Moreover, The Preserve in Oakville was awarded BILD’s Project of the Year, Lowrise. These awards are based on the experiences and comments of Mattamy’s current homeowners themselves.
MATTAMY HOMES | The Preserve
It’s easy to see what everyone raves about in The Preserve. Homeowners may select from a choice of thoughtful and sophisticated designs. Each design ensures that every space within is optimized for real family living. Windows are generous to admit gorgeous, natural light. Passageways are large and rooms are unobstructed by unnecessary barriers.
LOCATION Oakville HOUSING TYPE Freehold townhomes and detached homes SALES CENTRE 1388 Dundas St. W., Open Monday to Thursday 1 to 8 p.m., Friday 1 to 6 p.m., weekends and holidays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Model home hours are Monday to Thursday 1 to 7:30 p.m., Friday 1 to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and holidays 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CONTACT 905.469.6238 mattamyhomes.com
FOUR UNBELIEVABLE DETACHED MODEL HOMES OPEN TO TOUR To showcase the architectural elan and craftsmanship of the available homes, the model homes are inarguably compelling and inspirational. Decorated by professional interior designers, you’ll notice how each home reflects current design trends. An interior examination will divulge a host of the distinctive features that make Mattamy Homes so well regarded throughout North America. You’ll find fireplaces, media niches and special design features tucked neatly away. You will be reminded that Mattamy offers Architect’s Choice Options and Designer’s Choice Packages that allow homeowners to personalize their home designs in a refreshingly simple manner. THE PRESERVE OFFERS A NEW WAY TO EXPERIENCE ELEGANT LIVING IN OAKVILLE In The Preserve, you will find an impressive collection of freehold townhomes as well as large, gracious detached designs and innovative live/work designs so you can work where you live. The Preserve will offer a convenient retail area where you may pick up a morning coffee or perhaps get the kids to the dentist in a timely fashion. If your expectations for a home and community exist beyond the norm, it’s worth your while to visit The Preserve. This proud community, created by proud builders, stands as a prime example of the notion that, “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.” The sales centre is one of the most engaging new home presentations. Freehold townhomes from $578,990. Detached homes from $721,990. The Preserve is located 1388 Dundas St. W., Oakville, 905.469.6238. JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 43
Model Home Photo Compliments of Mattamy Homes.
A large open kitchen for great family gatherings.
JULY2015
www.mattamyhomes.com
Mattamy Homes has been featured as “Model Home Of The Month� as seen in the new home & condo guide model home calendar
You’re ready for Losani’s
SWEET SUMMER SPECIAL
You already know that Losani Homes offers the hottest new communities around the GTA and southwestern Ontario, and now Losani offers a real treat with their Sweet Summer Special. Buy a new Losani home and on top of our regular Bonus Package, you get a choice of bonus extras. It’s too sweet to miss! So drop everything and visit Losani today!*
FREE Air Conditioning Or FREE Stainless Steel Appliance package Or a FISTFUL of $2,500 Décor Dollars!
O T O N T O PPRR N
S MEADRE HO UAN O N M I Y E VES-WOHNEND MEOOAM DYE RH
THE HOME YOU WANT. WHEN YOU WANT IT. It’s a smarter way of buying; and a better way of building. With ready-built Pronto Homes on Demand, we start building before you buy.
VISIT THESE COMMUNITIES TODAY:
ANCASTER GLEN • Ancaster • Freehold Townhomes • 435 GARNER RD EAST • 289-239-7629 Desirable Detached and Townhome community by parks, highways & shopping. Towns from the high $300’s.
ASTORIA • Ancaster • Boutique Townhomes • 435 GARNER RD EAST • 289-239-7629 Offering quality Townhome designs with all the comfort and convenience of the nearby amenities. Towns from the high $200’s.
CAROUSEL • Binbrook • Decorated Model Homes • 56 PUMPKIN PASS • 289-286-0928 Limited release of 23 exclusive Townhomes within the established Fairgrounds community. Freehold Towns on a condo road from the high $200’s.
DOON CREEK • Kitchener • Decorated Model Home • 641 ROBERT FERRIE DR • 519-893-7600 Kitchener’s most sought after community of Towns and Singles from the mid $300’s.
FAIRGROUNDS FINALE • Binbrook • Decorated Model Homes • 56 PUMPKIN PASS • 289-286-0928 FINALE
Where country charm meets downtown convenience. Detached Homes and Freehold Towns from the mid $300’s.
GREENHILL GLEN • Hamilton • Decorated Model Home • 689 GREENHILL AVENUE • 905-538-8752 Singles and Semis steps from the escarpment from the low $400’s.
SUMMIT SHORES • Thornbury • Decorated Model Homes • 103 DELPHI LANE • 705-293-0223 Enjoy four seasons of active living steps away from the waterfront and ski hills. Chalet-style Townhomes from the mid $400’s.
VICTORIA COMMONS • Kitchener • Decorated Model Homes • 310 LOUISA ST • 519-585-0500 Two and three storey Urban Towns from the mid $200’s.
REGISTER TODAY FOR THESE COMMUNITIES:
TOWNS & SINGLES
in Ancaster
CONTEMPORARY SEMIS
in Ancaster
TOWNS & SINGLES
in Paris
For information on over 100 ready-built homes
LosaniHomes.com/Pronto Pricing and specifications subject to change without notice. E&OE * Limited time offer. See Sales Representative for details.
TOWNS & SINGLES
in Beamsville
MODERN TOWNS
in Hamilton
//COMMUNITY FOCUS
SILVERGATE’S VILLAGE ON THE TWELVE showcases brownstone-style model home
O
verlooking the banks of Niagara’s Twelve Mile Creek, Silvergate Homes’ Village on the Twelve continues to take shape with the addition of 12 urban townhomes where a model was unveiled in June. Guests on the VIP waiting list were the first to be ushered into this home where they experienced the beauty of the setting and design. The gracious style of these fashionable brownstone-style walkup townhomes harkens to architectural design of past decades while showcasing every modern comfort and amenity. Silvergate Homes and Barr Associates created this distinctive community. The existing ravine townhomes serve as its widely recognized hallmark, establishing the natural framework that wraps around this newest phase of 12 townhomes along Tulip Tree and 48 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
Willow Bank Common. Built in three separate clusters, the townhomes will have distinctive heritage-inspired architecture, varied exterior finishes and diverse, yet complementary building styles that create an environment that recognizes and reflects the unique personalities of the families living here. These clusters include brownstone-style walkups as well as bungaloft models tempered by innovative floorplans and contemporary styling. Each home can be customized as little or as much as desired. A spa-like ensuite, guest suite, full second-floor laundry, gas fireplace and an optional elevator or a rough-in for a future elevator are some of the suggestions for these one-of-akind homes. Later, 24 apartment residences will be added as part of the neighbourhood’s North Lodge to complete Phase V of the community. You’ll find the natural setting of Village on the Twelve in this quiet northwest corner of St. Catharines. This modern-day village blends the character and people-friendly features of neighbourhoods from a simpler time with contemporary design elements resulting in a dynamic community ready for life in the 21st century. Tulip Tree is the central brownstone model of 2,237 sq. ft. with an upper outdoor terrace of 240 sq. ft. The front entries of the neighbouring homes unite to form a charming streetscape while double car garages are in the back, with delightful terraces above.
SILVERGATE HOMES | Village on the Twelve Enhanced with hardwood throughout, the model features additional uprades such as a butler’s pantry adjacent to the dining room that floats alongside the oak staircase. Nine-ft. ceilings are standard throughout the main level that embraces light via an abundance of windows and additional skylights set into the vaulted ceiling. An oversized island/breakfast bar reaches into the living room with fireplace. Step out onto the terrace for morning coffee or an evening nightcap. The main floor master suite includes a walk-in closet and ensuite with duo basins, tub and oversized shower with bench, tiled to the ceiling. The loft includes a possible family room as well as a guest suite with closet and bathroom. A full basement provides even more living space when finished. Just steps from Martindale Road, Village on the Twelve has immediate access to every city amenity. The village overlooks Twelve Mile Creek with a ravine setting that has inspired the community and created its shape and flow while also offering walking trails along the banks of the creek. Visitors will note that streets
Nine-ft. ceilings are standard throughout the main level that embraces light via an abundance of windows and additional skylights set into the vaulted ceiling.
are designed for people first, vehicles second, with ample visitor parking so the homes are showcased, rather than parked cars. Residents are within easy reach of all the region has to offer: Port Dalhousie and shopping along Fourth Avenue, dozens of wineries and golf courses, miles of recreational trails for hiking and cycling, fantastic dining, plus unique festivals and world-class theatre. As the Niagara region’s premier Green home builder, all Village on the Twelve homes are both Energy Star and GreenHouse certified. Silvergate received the Niagara Homebuilders Association’s very first Excellence in Green Construction/Renovation Award in 2011-12 and again in 2012-13. Built to energy efficiency standards well above the provincial average, these homes typically produce two tonnes fewer greenhouse gases each year than other new homes along with other energy and cost-saving benefits. Construction has begun, with homes priced from the $380’ to $500’s. Occupancy is available this summer. For more information, call 905.680.6000 or visit silvergatehomes.com LOCATION St. Catharines HOUSING TYPE Condominium townhomes SALES CENTRE 166 Martindale Rd., W., near QEW, open Thursday, Saturday and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. CONTACT 905.680.6000 silvergatehomes.com
JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 49
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//HOME SWEET HOME
Low lending rates changing Canadians’ mortgage habits » by LYDIA MCNUTT
LYDIA MCNUTT
is an award-winning writer and editor of New Condo Guide. Lydia’s love of architecture, interior design and the written word have landed her happily at home at Yellow Pages NextHome, where real estate rules. Email Lydia.McNutt@ ypnexthome.ca, and follow her on Twitter @LydiasTweets
Canadians have been sitting, very comfortably, in an ultra-low mortgage interest rate environment for years now. Just when we thought rates couldn’t go any lower, they did, as the Bank of Canada dropped its key lending rate to 0.75 per cent in January, and the big banks followed suit. At the BoC’s latest rate announcement on May 27, that rate stayed put. Twenty years ago, the lending rate for a five-year, fixed-rate mortgage was 10.75 per cent. Back in 1981, it was 20.25 per cent, according to ratehub.ca. Today’s numbers in the two-per-cent range are hard to believe, and they’re changing how Canadians handle their debt load. Canadians are doing everything they can to make the most of these low lending rates, according to the 2015 Mortgage Consumer Survey by conducted Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC). SURVEY SAYS…
According to CMHC, 60 per cent of mortgage renewers did so before their mortgage term expired, and 55 per cent of them did it to avoid a rise in rates in the future. Furthermore, mortgage renewers reported taking action to pay off their mortgage sooner. Forty-nine per cent set their mortgage payment higher than the minimum required, while 32 per cent made either lump-sum payments, increased their regular payment, or both. GOING BROKER:
CMHC also investigated the share of mortgage consumers who used the services of a mortgage broker. The survey found that broker market share is on the rise, having increased from 32 per cent in 2012 to 42 per cent in 2015. Almost twice as many homebuyers (both first-time and repeat) used a broker (49 per cent), versus existing homeowners who were refinancing their mortgage (24 per cent). LENDER LOYALTY:
When it comes to loyalty, first-time homebuyers were flightier than their repeat-buyer counterparts. Renewers were more likely to stay with their current lender (86 per cent) whereas only 47 per cent of first-timers 52 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
stuck with the financial institution they deal with regularly. Interest rates were the main reason for consumers to jump ship to another lender, at 63 per cent.
Canadians are doing everything they can to make the most of these low lending rates, according to the 2015 Mortgage Consumer Survey by conducted Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
70%
WINTER/SPRING 2015 FREE
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//CITY FOCUS
Shaping the future in
BRANTFORD » by WAYNE KARL
B
e it telecommunications, industry or sports, Brantford has a number of significant historical signposts. Th ink Alexander Graham Bell, Massey Ferguson and Wayne Gretzky and you have a pretty good sense of where this city of about 92,000 on the Grand River in Southwestern Ontario has come from. Where it’s going, on the other hand, is a matter of building on this heritage, as the local government says, to “Shape the future.” Brantford was long dubbed “the telephone city,” thanks to former resident Alexander Graham Bell making the fi rst telephone call there in 1876. About 100 years later, however, the city was becoming better known as the hometown of a certain phenom who was lighting it up in hockey rinks everywhere, fi rst locally as an amateur, then internationally as a pro. 56 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
BRANTFORD AT A GLANCE POPULATION
93,000
MAJOR EMPLOYERS
Manufacturing, warehousing, education AVERAGE HOME PRICES
May 2015: $303,422 May 2014: $287,889 DISTANCE FROM TORONTO
93 kilometres
SOURCE: Canadian Real Estate Association, City of Brantford, other sources PHOTOS: Courtesy of the City of Brantford
Today, Wayne Gretzky is without a doubt Brantford’s most famous son, and the town bears his name everywhere, most notably at the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre, which recently underwent a major expansion. Wayne’s father Walter Gretzky, the best-known hockey dad in the world, still lives in the family home in town. Like other centres in Southwestern Ontario, Brantford enjoys an advantageous location close to Hamilton and Toronto, as well as to Buffalo and even Detroit on the U.S. side. The construction of Hwy. 403 late in the 1990s further eased access to and from Brantford, including Woodstock to the west and Cambridge and Simcoe to the north via Hwy. 24, facilitating even more business and community growth. Geography was a key reason Brantford was an important Canadian industrial centre for the first half of the 20th century, particularly for manufacturing exports. Located at the deepest navigable point of the Grand River and among key rail lines in southern Ontario, the town was able to expand from an agricultural community into an industrial city. Farming implement manufacturers such as Massey-Harris, Verity Plow and Cockshutt Plow Co. operated foundries in town, leading to growth not only for this sector but for the local economy overall.
However, the farm machinery sector fell on tough times in the 1980s and early 1990s, and the bankruptcies of some of these companies had a severe impact on Brantford. In the years since, however, the city has focused on geographic proximity to key business markets and low costs as the main competitive advantages in its economic development strategy. Shaping our Future is the theme of the plan, which aims to create a strategic direction for the economic development and sustainability of the community. The province of Ontario has designated Brantford as an Urban Growth Centre in its growth plans, and anticipates high levels of growth over the long term. The strategy seems to be paying off, as the town is ranked in the top 10 investment towns in Ontario, according to the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN), thanks to a strengthening economy and other redevelopment. Only an hour’s drive from Toronto, Brantford is a prime location for those wanting access to the amenities of a larger city without the constant activity and commotion a large city creates, according to REIN. The city is strategically located and offers a variety of housing types, from entry-level, single-family homes all the way through to larger, multi-family properties. Brantford is just entering the demand curve, and should be a surprise performer in the coming years, the group says. Multiple satellite post-secondary education campuses already located in the city provide a vibrant, younger and growing population base, which is expected to lead to future potential growth of new businesses, as witnessed just north in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge area. The education sector, in fact, is a central part of Brantford’s rejuvenation. In the past 10 years or so, post-secondary institutions have invested more than $125 million in the downtown area, including a new “academic district.” Wilfrid Laurier University and Nipissing University both have satellite campuses in the city; McMaster University operates a clinical education centre at Brantford General Hospital; Mohawk College and Conestoga College are expanding; and there is a half-dozen or so secondary schools. For residents who love the outdoors, Brantford’s location along the Niagara Escarpment boasts more than 40 kilometres of natural trails, including a four-season stretch of the Trans Canada Trail, a network that links to Cambridge and Hamilton and provides a great place for hikers, cyclists and nature lovers.
The province of Ontario has designated Brantford as an Urban Growth Centre in its growth plans, and anticipates high levels of growth over the long term. JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 57
Nature also plays a large role in the city’s downtown waterfront redevelopment plan. “The Grand River and its tributaries are the lifeblood and defining image of the city of Brantford,” according to the vision statement of the project. The Waterfront Master Plan is to reinforce the legacy of natural features as well as define new directions that build on the 70 kilometres of trails and hundreds of acres of public space. Further honouring the legacy of its most famous son, and building first-class amenities for current and future residents, Brantford committed to a major expansion of one of its main recreational facilities – the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. Owned and operated by the city, the WGSC is a centre of sports and leisure activity for the community, offering residents and visitors year-round access to a variety of sports activities. The total cost of the project was more than $54 million, with about $15 million coming from each of the federal and provincial governments, and more than $22 million from the city of Brantford. The project was intended to re-establish the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre as Brantford’s premier facility, and renew pride in Brantford as the Tournament Capital of Ontario. Two of the most popular tournaments – which draw teams from all over North America – are the Wayne Gretzky International Hockey Tournament, held every December for A and AAA teams, and the Walter Gretzky House League Tournament, played in January. “Brantford is hometown to arguably hockey’s greatest legend, Wayne Gretzky, and we take this very seriously,” the city boasts on its website. “Coined the Tournament Capital of Ontario, our city has an incredible variety of sports organizations for the young and the young at heart. From minor hockey, football, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, softball and everything in between, the minor sports associations for children and young adults to join in on are near endless.” There are also various sports leagues for adults and seniors. Rich in heritage and poised for future economic and community growth, Brantford is clearly an area in positive transition. Builders seem to agree, as Empire Communities, Brookfield Homes and Eastforest Homes all have developments in town.
58 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
PARIS
HISTORIC TOWN OF GRAND PROPORTIONS If you love history and heritage, then the neighbouring town of Paris might also be worth a look. Located just minutes from both Brantford and Cambridge along the Grand River, Paris is affectionately known as the “prettiest town in Canada.” Many towns may lay claim to such a moniker, but one visit to Paris, and you’ll see that in this case it’s absolutely true. Formerly called Forks of the Grand, the town of about 12,000 is located at the junction where the Nith River and the Grand River intersect. Paris was settled by Hiram Capron, who named it for the nearby gypsum deposits, used to make plaster of Paris. The town is also often referred to as the “Cobblestone Capital of Canada,” citing the unique cobblestone buildings that populate the downtown. These historic buildings host a mix of retail, restaurants, financial and professional services, many overlooking the Grand River as it winds its way through town. Dozens of shops and services, plus the natural scenery of the Grand, offer plenty to do and see. If not daily, community spirit in Paris is on full display during the annual Paris Fall Fair, held Sept. 3 to 7 this year at Paris Fairgrounds. Paris has seen notable population growth in recent years, with Hwy. 403 between Hamilton and Woodstock, and other infrastructure improvements, easing travel within the communities in the area and to and from the GTA.
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Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. E.& O.E For map & directions, type shelter cove into google maps. *Ask sales representative for details.
59
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Site is located at: First Rd. W. & Highland Rd. W. 61
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HOMEBUYERS’ HELP//
Homebuyers’ Resource Section You love the home, see what you can afford! » Compare mortgage rates for your best deal
» Calculate your mortgage payments using the mortgage payment calculation chart
JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 63
Calculate your mortgage payments INTEREST RATE
AMORTIZATION PERIOD
CHART FIGURE
EXAMPLE: 5%
25 YEARS
5.82
MORTGAGE AMOUNT ÷ 1,000
MONTHLY PAYMENT
(MORTGAGE AMOUNT $125,000)
125
Canadian mortgage payment factors Instructions:
01 02 03 04
Determine the appropriate 5-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate, which is easiest to qualify for. Run your finger down the left column of the table below to find the rate (round to the nearest 1/4%).
Choose your desired amortization period across the top of the table (25 years has lowest payment and is easiest to qualify for first-time buyers). At the intersection of the column and row is your mortgage payment per month per $100,000 borrowed.
» Bear in mind that this is a rough estimate. If you have several other large loans already, you may qualify for less. Also, banks and trust companies vary in their policies. The best way to know what you can afford is to go to the lending institution of your choice and get pre-qualified.
64 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
$
Mortgage payment calculation chart %
INTEREST RATES
15 YEARS
2.50%
AMORTIZATION PERIODS 20 YEARS
25 YEARS
30 YEARS
$666
$529
$448
$394
2.75%
$678
$541
$461
$407
3.00%
$690
$554
$473
$421
3.25%
$702
$566
$486
$434
3.50%
$714
$579
$499
$448
3.75%
$726
$591
$513
$461
4.00%
$738
$604
$526
$476
4.25%
$750
$617
$540
$490
4.50%
$763
$630
$553
$504
4.75%
$775
$644
$567
$519
5.00%
$788
$657
$582
$534
5.25%
$801
$671
$596
$549
5.50%
$814
$684
$610
$564
5.75%
$827
$698
$625
$579
6.00%
$840
$712
$640
$595
6.25%
$853
$726
$655
$611
6.50%
$866
$741
$670
$626
6.75%
$880
$755
$685
$642
7.00%
$893
$769
$700
$659
Table provided by Calum Ross, Owner, President and Principal Broker at Calum Ross Mortgage. He can be reached at 416.410.9905, calum@calumross.com and calumross.com JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 65
Compare mortgage rates for your best deal CHARTERED BANKS
Variable
ATB Financial
2.35
Alterna Svgs/Alterna Bk
2.55
Bank of Montreal
2.85
Bank of Nova Scotia
2.85
Canadian Western Bank CFF Bank
6 Months
1 Year
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
4 4.00op 4 6.30op 4 6.30op 4.55 6.45op 4 6.45op
2.94 4.00op 2.85 5.30op 2.89 6.30op 3.29 6.50op 3.14 6.30op 2.99
2.64 4.00op 2.85
2.54
2.69
2.74
2.59
2.94
2.98
2.84
3.39
3.89
2.74
3.09
3.39
3.89
4.49
3.04
3.65
4.2
4.74
2.79
2.49
2.89
2.69
1.99 6.35op 3.15
2.84
3.55
2.69
4.79
3.65
3.64
3.69
3.69
3 3.35op 2.89 6.70op
2.94
2.84
2.79
2.79
2.84
3.39
2.74
2.84
2.29
3.49
2.67
4.44
CIBC
2.85
ICICI Bank Canada
2.9
Manulife Bank
2.55
4.45
National Bank
n/a
President’s Choice Finan
2.5
4.4 6.70op
Royal Bank
2.85
TD Canada Trust
2.85
Tangerine
2.85
6.70op
6.30op
3.14 6.30op 2.89 6.30op 3.19
3.04
3.65
4.39
4.64
2.24
3.39
3.89
2.74
3.24
3.49
3.69
3.79
TRUST COMPANIES Community Trust
n/a
6.5
3.14
3.25
3.95
4.39
4.64
Concentra Financial
n/a
3.39
3.89
4.64
n/a
3.5
3.7
4.3
4.35
Home Trust Company
2.35
2.89 6.30op 3.35 6.30op 2.69
2.59
Effort Trust
5 6.70op 4.45 6.30op 3.95
2.35
2.39
2.59
2.59
Investors Group Trust
n/a
3.39
3.89
2.99
2.85
3.14 6.30op 3.29
3.09
MTCC
4.2 6.50op 4.55
3.09
3.39
3.89
4.49
OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
6.45op
6.50op 3.1
3.33
3.65
3.13
6.2 6.40op 3.1
3.01 6.25op 2.89 6.30op 2.29
2.89
2.95
2.99
2.69
2.19
2.34
2.54
2.69
2.59
2.69
2.84
2.69
2.69
2.89
2.79
2.89
3.09
3.39
3.89
4.74
2.9
3.4
3.9
4.45
3.09
3.55
3.29
2.69
2.85
2.95
3.05
3.15
2.55
2.55
2.65
2.65
Airline Financial C.U.
4
Comtech Credit Union
2.45
First National Fin. LP FirstOntario C.U.
2.85
IC Savings
2.85
London Life
n/a
Luminus Financial
2.8
Meridian Credit Union
2.65
Parama Credit Union
2.65
Steinbach Credit Union
2.4
6.34op 6.15 6.50op 4.2 6.50op 4
2.89 6.34op 2.89 6.50op 3.14 6.30op 2.95 6.25op 3.09 6.30op 2.8 2.95op 2.45
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 June 29, 2015. Prepared By Fiscal Agents Financial Information Services 905.844.7700 66 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
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VIEW LOCATION FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE
DOES IT PAY TO PURCHASE ON A HIGHER FLOOR?
PEDESTRIANS DRIVING THE CAR-FREE CONDO TREND
INSIDE CONCERNS OUTDOOR LIVING INSIDE THIS COMMON THIS ISSUE OWNERS IN YOUR NEW HOME ISSUE FOR NEW-HOME
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COMMON CONCERNS OF NEW-HOME OWNERS
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SUMMER 2015 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 3, FREE GTA EDITION
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ChineseHomeGuide.com
六月二十日至七月二十五日 / Jun 20 - Jul 25, 2015 Volume 4 Issue 5
homeanddecor.ca
NEUTRAL DECOR, NATURALLY GET OUT AND RENOVATE!
MONARCH IS WHERE YOU WANT TO BE
A TWIST ON DINING with chef
discover more
ROGER MOOKING
MonarchGroup.net 出租柏文復興對投資人仕的影響 • 多倫多楓葉園社區 • 窗戶粉飾代表你的設計品味
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2015-06-04 2:11 PM
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2015 MODEL SUITE CALENDAR
An exclusive collection of the GTA’s most beautiful new condos
PEMBERTON GROUP
The Urban Townhome Collection, Toronto The Victoria Model Home, 2,628 sq.ft. + 622 sq.ft. Terrace
6/9/15 12:43 PM
2015 MODEL HOME CALENDAR
2015 MODEL HOME CALENDAR
An exclusive collection of SWO’s most beautiful new homes and condos
An exclusive collection of the GTA’s most beautiful new homes
SILVERGATE HOMES PRIMONT HOMES
SWO 2015 Calendar Cover_FINAL.indd 1
12/1/14 10:59 AM
NHG 2015 Calendar Cover_FINAL.indd 1
2014-11-28 4:31 PM
HOW PLANNING LAWS ARE AFFECTING OTTAWA
WHY SIZE DOESN’T MATTER FOR NEW-HOME OWNERS
Advertiser index BAYVIEW WELLINGTON: Victoria Village
4
MOUNTAINVIEW HOMES: River Ridge
BAYVIEW WELLINGTON: Niagara-on-the-Green
5
MULTI-AREA DEVELOPMENTS: Bellagio Village at Summit Park
35
NEW HORIZON DEVELOPMENT GROUP: Mint
51
32
BRANTHAVEN HOMES: Lake House
12 & 13
CARRIAGE GATE HOMES: Legacy in Ancaster
34
PHELPS HOMES: Auburn Trail
CLAYSAM HOMES: Corporate
23
REID’S HERITAGE HOMES: Williamsburg Walk
COUNTRYGREEN HOMES: Westwood Mews
EASTFOREST HOMES: Corporate
EMPIRE COMMUNITIES: Multi-site
7
27
2&3
9
BC
ROSEHAVEN HOMES: Corporate
33
ROSEHAVEN HOMES: On the Ridge
61
SHELTER COVE: Shelter Cove
59
HOMES BY DESANTIS: AquaBlu
11
SENATOR HOMES: Havelock Corners
20
HOMES BY DESANTIS: On the Ridge
61
SILVERGATE HOMES: Village on the Twelve
50
LAKEVIEW HOMES: Cannery Park
45
SOLMAR DEVELOPMENT CORP.: Cannery Park
45
SONOMA HOMES: Style Towne Collection
53
SPALLACCI HOMES: 101 Locke Condominiums
55
TD BANK
16
TERRA VIEW HOMES: Edgewater Estates
25
TILLSONBURG DEVELOPMENTS: Baldwin Place
21
LOSANI HOMES: Corporate
MATTAMY HOMES: The Preserve
MATTAMY HOMES: Wildflowers
MENKES DEVELOPMENTS: Enclaves of Upper Canada
MONARCH: Corporate 68 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
46 & 47
IBC
6
41
36 & 37
HOT DATES//
JULY 4-5
JULY 10-11
Franco-fete
Big Music Fest McLennan Park
GAGE PARK HAMILTON
KITCHENER
Join us to celebrate francophone culture! Centre Franais Hamilton annual free artistic festival gathers the community and showcases more than 20 musicians and artists as well as services and food.
Soundgarden and Jane's Addiction are among the headliners at Big Music Fest in McLennan Park in Kitchener, one of Ontario's largest all-ages outdoor music festivals. bigmusicfest.com
JULY 9-12
JULY 10-26
TD Sunfest '15
Elora Festival
TD Sunfest is Canada's Premier Celebration of World Cultures, featuring more than 35 top world music and jazz headliners from around the globe, complemented by more than 300 food, craft and art exhibitors. sunfest.on.ca
Choral and classical music in the heart of Elora & Fergus! Featuring Toronto's TorQ percussion group, the Black Umfolosi,Performing Arts Project from Zimbabwe, the Cantus volcal emsemble and more! elorafestival.ca
centrefrancais.ca
July 4 to Aug 1 Calendar of events beginning from July 4 to Aug. 1, 2015
VICTORIA PARK LONDON
VARIOUS LOCATIONS ELORA
JULY 10-12
Paris Streetfest Various locations PARIS
Visit Paris Streetfest the weekend of July 10 to 12! New for 2015 – live music at Lions Park, Pub Crawl, Movie Night, Tax Free Shopping, SplashN'Boots and more visit the website for more information! parisstreetfest.ca JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015 | NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO 69
//FUNDAMENTALLY SPEAKING
BUYING YOUR FIRST HOME?
Four tips to help guide your decision » by WAYNE KARL
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
When you’re buying your fi rst home, you are sure to be fi lled with many important questions. How much can you afford? How much will it all cost? Where do you really want to live, and can you afford the area? And, finally, what type of home do you want? The answers are very individual: it really depends on your situation – from the amount of your down payment to where you work to whether you have kids to other personal circumstances. For your enjoyment while you live in your home, as well as for future resale potential, proximity to transportation, shopping, schools and other amenities is among the key determinants that affect your property’s appeal, and ultimately its value. After all, those are the qualities potential buyers look for when searching for a home; the more of them your house has when you go to sell, the more it will be attractive to a greater number of people. While experts suggest you take a long-term view when buying a home, it’s also important to not look too far down the road. Let’s be honest, your fi rst home may not be your dream home, and your needs and desires are sure to change throughout the various stages of homeownership. So, while the answers to the above questions are specific to circumstances, there are also some common guidelines you can follow.
When you’re buying your first home, you are sure to be filled with many important questions.
1
How much can you afford? Experts agree it is never a good idea to make yourself house-poor, and it is a very common mistake, particularly of first-time buyers, to buy more home than you can really afford. Meeting with a mortgage broker or your banker will help determine your full financial picture, assessing everything from your credit rating to how much you have saved for a down payment. Experts also suggest you “stress-test” your plan to see how well you could cope with higher mortgage payments brought on by rising interest rates.
2
How much will it really cost? Another common homebuyer mistake is not being prepared for all the closing costs involved: lawyer fees, land transfer taxes, utilities, insurance, and home inspection and appraisal fees and insurance. All of these costs add up, and ultimately should factor into your overall home-shopping budget.
3
Where do you want to live? This
question is becoming more important for a number of reasons, though influenced primarily by where you work, how much of a commute you want and whether your transportation options include mass transit or only driving. Indeed, proximity to mass transit is something more and more people are looking for in their new home location. It may not be as simple as choosing to live in the city, suburbs or a small town.
4
What type of home do you want?
Once you have determined your options for cost and location, you can then assess what types of homes are available in your price range and desired neighbourhood: Single-family detached, semi-detached, townhome, duplex or condo?
Some many questions, so many choices. The good news is, home builders today are in sync with customer preferences for location and amenities, and with market realities with regard to pricing and needs for energy efficiency, so your options for new-home product have never been better. 70 NEW HOME & CONDO GUIDE SWO | JUL 4 - AUG 1, 2015
The Oriole Corner Model Home In The Preserve, Oakville
CHOOSE FINE LIVING AT OAKVILLE’S MOST PRIZED ADDRESS Choose From 2-Storey Towns, 34', 38' & 45' Grand Detached Designs
38' HOME, THE HONEYSUCKLE CORNER ‘CRAFTSMAN’ 2,492 SQ.FT. $851,990
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Freehold Townhomes From $583,990
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SALES CENTRE 1388 Dundas Street West
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OAKVILLE
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34' HOME, THE WATERLEAF ‘FRENCH CHATEAU’ 2,711 SQ.FT. $793,990
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR COMMUNITIES REGISTER AT MATTAMYHOMES.COM FOLLOW US: SALES CENTRE HOURS: Monday - Thursday 1pm - 8 pm; Friday 1pm - 6 pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am - 6 pm MODEL HOME HOURS: Monday - Thursday 1pm - 7:30 pm; Friday 1pm - 5:30 pm; Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 11am - 5:30 pm All illustrations are artist’s concept. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.
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CONDOS IN KITCHENER Visit our sales centre! On Max Becker Dr. (Beside McDonald’s)
FROM THE
$
210s
BALCONY
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SAMPLE FLOOR PLAN
AC
BEDROOM 10'-3" x 7'-8" LIVING / DINING 13'-1" x 16'-6"
MASTER SUITE 9'-4" x 13'-9" LN
the Dundee $ 284,900
| 898 sq. ft. | 2 bed, 2 bath
STANDARD FEATURES • Outdoor or underground parking
BR DW
• Granite countertops in kitchen & bath KITCHEN 10'-8" x 8'-6"
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• Five appliance package • Ceramic & hardwood floors
Additional floor plans available.
VISIT US TODAY! Max Becker Drive (beside McDonald's) Kitchener, ON 519.742.4004
WilliamsburgWalk.ca
SALES CENTRE HOURS Mon - Fri 1 - 6 pm Sat - Sun 12 - 5 pm (regular business hours)
@RHHQualityHomes
Prices and specifications subject to change. Bonus offers valid until July 31, 2015 applicable to new builds only. See sales consultant for more details. E. & O.E. July 2015.