About Hamilton Wentworth County, ON

Last month marks best September on record

(October 5, 2009 - Hamilton, Ontario) The Hamilton-Burlington area resale market reported a total of 1,216 units sold in September, indicating an increase of 20 per cent over the same month last year. The total unit sales for the first three quarters of 2009 are being reported at 2.6 per cent lower for the same period last year, while new units listed are 8.8 per cent lower for the year-to-date, according to Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) statistics released by the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB).

"The third quarter of 2009 saw the most number of sales during that period since 2005," said Bruce King, RAHB President. "The September numbers continued the positive trend set in July, with sales and average price up, year over year. It also marked the most properties sold in the month of September, ever."

Residential properties sold during September totalled 1,162 which included 916 freehold properties and 246 condominiums. Commercial sales for September, including industrial, farm, vacant land and business, totalled 54 units.

The average price of freehold residential properties sold in the month of September was $324,868, an increase of six per cent over September last year. The average sale price reflects the dollar volume of residential sales divided by the number of total residential units sold.

In the condominium market the average price of condominiums in September was $229,462, an increase of 7.8 per cent over September 2008.

The total number of units listed for sale during September was 1,761, which is 3.9 per cent fewer than were listed in the same period in 2008, but 18 per cent more than were listed in August.

"As interest rates stay low and the economy begins to recover, I expect we will see continued stability in local property ownership, both as a life style choice and as a solid investment," added King. "The Hamilton-Burlington area real estate market is one of the healthiest in the country, and was last week rated the second-best place in Ontario to buy a house or invest in commercial property by the Real Estate Investment Network."

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

courtesy 0f: RAHB, Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington

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

Lisa Tollis SRES.
Sales Representative
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.
Hamilton Ontario
Office: 905 574 4600
Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601
www.LisaTollis.ca

Water Heater 101

Many homeowners will admit they don't know a whole lot about the water heater down in their basement. Dave Walton, Direct Energy's director of home ideas, offers up some information to help homeowners become a little more familiar with their water heaters, along with a few suggestions for those thinking of switching to tankless water heaters.

Longevity - Homeowners can expect their conventional water heater to supply hot water for approximately sixteen years, depending upon a number of factors including, without limitation, the use of the water heater, the water temperature and the type of water in the premises. A tankless unit can last in the neighbourhood of twenty years, depending on water quality and usage requirements.

Capacity - For both conventional and tankless units, it is important for homeowners to correctly calculate their hot water needs. This is especially true for tankless units. The capacity of a tankless unit needs to be thoroughly researched based on the number facilities within the home requiring hot water simultaneously.

Quality - In areas where the water quality rates as hard, a tankless water heater is not recommended. Tankless units are more susceptible to water scaling than conventional water heaters. However, the harder the water quality, the more scaling occurs in both systems.

Maintenance - Unlike their basement mates, furnaces, conventional water heaters generally do not require an annual maintenance routine. Maintenance for tankless systems is specific to each model and brand. Homeowners should consult their manuals for guidance.

More information on water heaters can be found online at www.directenergy.com/waterheater or toll-free at 1-888-334-8221.

cortesy of: newscanada

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

Lisa Tollis SRES.
Sales Representative
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.
Hamilton Ontario
Office: 905 574 4600
Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601
www.LisaTollis.ca

The hot real estate market has cooled and most cities across Canada are experiencing a "buyer's market." While many homeowners have chosen to stay put rather than chance losing money on their investment, those homeowners who have no choice but to move must put in extra effort to make their homes more appealing to buyers.

"Home staging helps create an environment that will lead a buyer's eye to your home's most attractive features, while minimizing its flaws," says Julie Panasiuk, sales representative, Royal LePage. "There are many quick fixes you can make to your home to help it stand out to potential buyers."

Panasiuk offers the following home staging tips:

Make a Good First Impression - Increase the curb appeal of your home by planting flowers or placing planters in the front and back yards. Clear the driveway and yard of children's toys and store away unsightly trashcans. Also, pay close attention to pet, cooking and cigarette odours in your home -scented candles or flowers can help to brighten and energize your home.

Keep it Clean - Steam clean carpets, wash floors, walls and light fixtures and clean all appliances (inside and out). Pay special attention to your bathroom and kitchen - make sure that tile grout is mildew free and baseboards scrubbed. And, don't forget about the windows.

Freshen-Up - Adding a fresh coat of paint and laying new carpet will brighten up your home. Make sure to choose neutral colours and make it consistent throughout the home. Replace the fixtures in your bathroom and kitchen. A modern faucet, such as the Pilar pull-down kitchen faucet with Touch2O technology by Delta, makes a statement at an affordable price point and will be a memorable feature when the potential buyer compares all of the homes they have seen in their search.

Create the Illusion of Space - Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel more open. Strategically placed mirrors and lighting can also help to create the illusion of more space.

De-Personalize and Lose the Clutter - To help potential buyers envision themselves in your home, depersonalize by removing family photographs, collectibles and knick knacks. Also, make sure that your kitchen and bathroom counters are free of small appliances and personal effects.

Centre Stage - Help potential buyers see the possibilities. Set the table for dinner with flowers, fine dishes and cutlery or run the bath and add floating candles, leaving out a robe or a set of fresh towels to enhance the feel of a spa-like setting.

More information can be found online at www.deltafaucet.com and www.firstchoicehomes.ca.

courtesy of: NewsCanada

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

Lisa Tollis SRES.
Sales Representative
Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Royal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.
Hamilton Ontario
Office: 905 574 4600
Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601
www.LisaTollis.ca

Water Heater 101

Many homeowners will admit they don't know a whole lot about the water heater down in their basement. Dave Walton, Direct Energy's director of home ideas, offers up some information to help homeowners become a little more familiar with their water heaters, along with a few suggestions for those thinking of switching to tankless water heaters.

Longevity - Homeowners can expect their conventional water heater to supply hot water for approximately sixteen years, depending upon a number of factors including, without limitation, the use of the water heater, the water temperature and the type of water in the premises. A tankless unit can last in the neighbourhood of twenty years, depending on water quality and usage requirements.

Capacity - For both conventional and tankless units, it is important for homeowners to correctly calculate their hot water needs. This is especially true for tankless units. The capacity of a tankless unit needs to be thoroughly researched based on the number facilities within the home requiring hot water simultaneously.

Quality - In areas where the water quality rates as hard, a tankless water heater is not recommended. Tankless units are more susceptible to water scaling than conventional water heaters. However, the harder the water quality, the more scaling occurs in both systems.

Maintenance - Unlike their basement mates, furnaces, conventional water heaters generally do not require an annual maintenance routine. Maintenance for tankless systems is specific to each model and brand. Homeowners should consult their manuals for guidance.

More information on water heaters can be found online at www.directenergy.com/waterheater or toll-free at 1-888-334-8221.

courtesy: newscanada

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

Enjoy hot water... but don't get burned at the door

(NC)-Chances are, you probably use hot water dozens of times a day. Whether it's tackling the dishes or a soak in the tub, hot water plays a key role in your daily routine. But most consumers never think about it until it stops working or when a door-to-door salesperson comes knocking.

Some door-to-door salespeople take advantage of the fact consumers have a limited understanding of their home's equipment, signing homeowners up for contracts with long-term commitments, exit fees and high rental rates. To help prevent this, Reliance Home Comfort, Ontario's expert on water heaters, dispels common myths about the natural gas water heater in your basement.

Myth: A new water heater will save me money.

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

Myth: Older tanks = dirty water.

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

Myth: Proactive maintenance improves efficiency.

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

Myth: Older tanks do not meet safety standards

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

Myth: Tankless water heaters are right for everyone

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

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

courtesy of: newscanada

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

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

www.LisaTollis.ca