Here is a wonderful new listing just in time for the long weekend. This is a fabulously located home in the Sherwood Forest / Amberglen (7 & 9th Line) area of Markham Village. Perfect for first-time buyers, or those on a budget looking to get into this wonderful neighbourhood. This home has been cared for by its original owner since new! Ready for you to make it your own -- choose your upgrades and bring out the gem inside! Backing onto a fantastic greenspace, this great home won't be around for long! 77 Delmark - SOLD OVER ASKING! Call us for details.
Myths vs. Reality - Real Estate Offers
Understanding A Real Estate Offer
There's a lot of misunderstanding about what a Buyer's obligations are/may be when they make an offer on a residential real estate property in Ontario. Here are some examples of things buyers often ask (or worse, just assume)
1. IF WE CHANGE OUR MINDS WE CAN ALWAYS PULL OUR OFFER BACK, RIGHT?
The answer is no you can't. If your written offer has been presented to the Seller (or even in the possession of the Seller's agent), your offer is "live and real" until the expiration of the Irrevocable time specified in your offer. If the Seller signs and accepts your offer, you're committed to the contract. An exception to this is a new build condominium where the law permits a 10 day cooling off period.
2. WE HAVE A HOME INSPECTION CONDITION. WE CAN ALWAYS FIND SOMETHING WRONG TO GET OUT OF THE PURCHASE, RIGHT?
The short answer is probably not. Until recently, home inspection clauses contained language saying the offer was conditional on receiving a "satisfactory report on home inspection in the sole and absolute discretion of the Buyer". A ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada (Basin v. Hrynew) has changed that. It obligates principals in a contract to complete their obligations in good faith under that contract. Unless there is some major latent (hidden) defect discovered that would have caused the Buyer to make a different decision, you're obligated to continue the transaction.
3. IF WE CHANGE OUR MINDS WE AUTOMATICALLY GET OUR DEPOSIT BACK, RIGHT?
The short answer is it's not automatic. Return of a deposit depends on Buyer and Seller agreeing in writing to release each other from a contract. If you have a firm deal (conditions removed), and attempt to cancel a deal, or fail to close as agreed, it's quite possible you will not see your deposit back. The Seller can make an application to court for the deposit to be directed to them as damages for your failure to close, and it's highly likely they will get it.
4. WE NEED TO CHANGE THE CLOSING DATE BY A MONTH. WE CAN DO THAT, RIGHT?
Possibly, but not unilaterally. It can only be done in writing, and with the agreement of both Buyer and Seller. It can be done by an Amendment of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, or by another instrument generated by the lawyers representing the Buyer and the Seller.
5. OUR AGENT FORGOT TO PUT THE FRIDGE AND STOVE IN THE AGREEMENT, BUT THEY'RE ON THE LISTING, SO WE GET THEM ANYWAY, RIGHT?
No. The only document that matters here is the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. If it's not in the Agreement, it's not part of the deal.
6. WE'RE BUYING A CONDO APARTMENT, SO WE DON'T NEED TO PUT IN ANY CONDITIONS, RIGHT?
Professional advice is you should ALWAYS have a home inspection. If you choose not to, you should sign a waiver (Form 127) that you are acting against our advice. Our experience is that inspections have revealed many important issues in condo apartments related to health and safety, and structural integrity. Another important consideration is your lawyer's examination of the condo documents, called the Status Certificate. When you buy a condo, you're buying into the financial condition and obligations of the condo corporation. Legal advice is important here!
When you sign an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, you are signing "under seal". A seal on a contract is a solemn commitment, a pledge to go forward. You will be held to its terms. You need professional advice from a REALTOR® and, in some cases, your lawyer BEFORE you commit to signing an offer.
Spring Market Strong - 14% YOY Increase in GTA
The RE/MAX Spring Market report has just been released, and in a surprise to nobody, the GTA market is still going strong. Around Toronto, we have seen a 14% increase in price compared to Spring 2015. Download the full report for more details.
Joseph Street, Markham
We are thrilled to present this incredible property in the heart of Markham Village. Joseph Street, is a custom-built luxury residence, that has left nothing to spare. Situated on a large 0.628 Acre lot (L-shaped, as much as 220' deep), backing to a quiet ravine and conservation area. Take a peek at www.57Joseph.com for details on this lovely home. Contact us for details!
Great decorating tip for your popcorn ceilings
If there is one thing that seems to always come up when looking at a home with popcorn-style stucco ceilings, it is the question about what can be done with them. Typically, if the stucco has been painted-over at some point in the past, it is nearly impossible to simply scrape-off and smooth -- you are relegated to a much larger, and more expensive, repair.
In this great DIY article, they show a different approach - to simply put up a decorative material over the old ceiling finish, and have something that is beautiful and very unique!
See the results at Lifestyle And Design Online
19 Pinebrook Hollow, Unionville $1,438,000
Another exciting new listing in Unionville! Check out this gorgeous 4 bedroom 'Victoria' model, by Monarch, in the middle of the Bridle Trail. Located on a large, pie-shaped lot on a quiet court, this home has been impeccable renovated top-to-bottom, and shows incredible pride of ownership. Check out www.19pinebrookhollow.com for details. Don't miss the pubic open house this Sunday 2-4pm!
41 Normandale Road
Just listed - 41 Normandale Road in Unionville.
This is a beautiful 4+1 bedroom home backing onto the ravine. The pie-shaped lot features an in-ground pool and custom deck, while the inside has been renovated throughout.
Asking $1,780,000 - Visit www.41Normandale.com for more information on this new property. Open House this Sunday 2-4pm!
81 Longwater Chase, Unionville - SOLD!
Just launched into the market, we are excited to present 81 Longwater Chase in Unionville! This is a stunning 4 bedroom home, backing onto a beautiful park. Top-quality finishes throughout, this is open-concept living at its finest. In-ground pool and luxurious inside and out, this home is perfect for entertaining year-round! Visit www.81LongwaterChase.com for details. Asking $1,275,000 - Open House Sunday February 21st, 2-4PM. Offer presentations Monday February 22nd, 6pm!
Featured Home - 81 Longwater Chase
Swan Lake Townhome - Coming Soon
With the great demand for condo units in Markham's Swan Lake gated community, we are excited to let you know that we will have a wonderful townhome coming onto the market soon. Keep checking back here at www.Maryannemacdonald.com for details!
Understanding the full cost of Home Ownership
RECO has posted a great article outlining some of the basic costs that new and prospective home buyers often overlook, when budgeting for their purchase.
Beyond the basic moving expense, and land transfer taxes, there are a bevy of items to consider.
1 Millbrook Gate, Buttonville - Sold!
We love these Heritage homes! It's exciting to be involved with these unique pieces of Markham's history and heritage. We are proud to bring you the lovely 'Stiver House' - located at 1 Millbrook Gate, in the Hamlet of Buttonville!
This is a charming 4-bedroom Century home restored with loving care. Brand new foundations, electrical, plumbing and heating systems throughout. The John Stiver Farmhouse, (c. 1850) was built by the Stivers, one of the original families settling in the Town of Markham in the 1800s. This historic house has been moved from it's original location to the Hamlet of Buttonville.
Be sure to visit Http://www.1MillbrookGate.com for more details on this lovely home!
570 Sandy Bay Road, Tiny - SOLD
Just 2 hours north of Toronto, this lifestyle property sits perched on the shores of Southern Georgian Bay, amidst 20+ acres of beautiful forest. This 2500 sq.ft private retreat has everything you could desire in a year-round recreational property. Professionally designed, and fully-furnished throughout, this home features 4 fabulous bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 3 decks, two 2-car detached garages, floor-to-ceiling fireplace, vista-view windows, and the privacy that is so hard to find. Also included, is a secondary building-lot at the foot of Georgian Bay, with shared 'private beach' access. Contact us for details on this very unique property, and to book a private tour today.
I'm Sold!
112 Longwater Chase, Unionville
112 Longwater Chase, Unionville - For Sale - The MAC Team
New Listing Alert! Coming this week - 112 Longwater Chase, Unionville.
Unique 3600 sq.ft., 4 bedroom, 3 storey Monarch Home in “The Bridle Trail”. Situated in the heart of Unionville, this gorgeous corner-lot is located only a short walk to Main Street. Featuring an amazing street-presence, and triple-car garage, this corner-lot location is one-of-a-kind.
More details coming soon.
Regional Transit Terminal Confirmed for Cornell Centre
The new Cornell Centre Regional Transit Terminal (RTT) Location
The City of Markham in conjunction with York Region has now confirmed the location of the new Regional Transit Terminal in the heart of Cornell. With the land transfer completed recently, the terminal will now be located just South of Markham Stouffville Hospital, on the South side of Rose Way, one block East of Ninth Line.
This is a fantastic location, central to Cornell and very easy walking access for a very large population in Eastern Markham. The upcoming/updated Cornell Community Master Plan has designated the area surrounding the new RTT to be higher-density residential and mixed-use commercial/residential, and will be steps from the new employment centres in Markham.
This terminal will become the cornerstone of a transit-focused community, becoming a major point for the York Region Transit (YRT), VIVA and GO Transit lines.
20 Liebeck Crescent, Unionville - New listing!
ASKING $1,228,000 - Gracious 5-Bedroom home on oversized pie-shaped lot on quiet crescent with gorgeous secluded back garden with lovely pool and hot tub for wonderful summer enjoyment. Main floor Living/Dining features hardwood flooring and windows to the front and back gardens. Good-sized eat-in kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Counter Tops and ceramic flooring is central to all rooms. A cozy family room with gas fireplace and hardwood flooring overlooks pool and gardens. On the upper level a master with ensuite bath and 4 further bedrooms and a 4 piece family bath provide ample room for accommodation. Everything you need to enjoy the heart of Unionville.