Hamilton/Burlington Real Estate News - DEC 2023
HAMILTON & BURLINGTON REAL ESTATE UPDATE
Please don't hesitate to reach out for detailed stats that are specific to your neighbourhood, or even if you're just curious about what the house down the street sold for – it'd be great to hear from you!
BANK OF CANADA RATE UPDATE
FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT
An Important Note Regarding First Home Savings Accounts (FHSAs):
A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a registered plan allowing a prospective first-time home buyer, to save for the purchase of a first home tax-free (up to certain limits).
Annual FHSA participation room = $8,000
The lifetime FHSA limit = $40,000
Qualifying contributions to a FHSA are deductible on an income tax and benefit return for the year of the contribution or a future year, similar to RRSP contributions.
Qualifying withdrawals allow an individual to withdraw all of the property from their FHSA tax-free.
Unlike the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan (HBP), withdrawals from a FHSA are not required to be paid back.
These new accounts are currently making headlines because a FHSA must be opened before the end of 2023 to either use or carry-forward the 2023 annual maximum participation room of $8,000.
If you have an adult child or family member who is currently saving for a first home purchase, or if you have a personal need for a FHSA of which we are not already aware, please reply to this email or reach out to a member of our team as soon as possible so we can provide assistance.
For more information on First Home Savings Accounts (FHSA), including eligibility, participation rules, tax deductions, etc. please click link below.
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/first-home-savings-account.html
HO HO HOME STAGING FOR THE HOLIDAYS
‘Tis the season to stage your home with a subtle festive flare!
Decorating your home for the holidays is a fun, festive tradition but if your home’s on the market, it’s important that buyers are still able to imagine themselves living there.
Here are a few staging tips to help make sure your home doesn’t appear too cramped or cluttered during this festive time of year:
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Leave the huge inflatable Santa in the garage this year. A simple strand of lights and a tasteful wreath on the front door is all you need to enhance your curb appeal.
Grand Entrance
Entranceways are usually quite cramped and dark, especially in the winter, so remove any unnecessary items and ensure you have adequate lighting.
Dim Down the Decor
Keep decorations to a minimum as they’ll make your home appear cluttered and don’t ever place decorations over any unique, architectural features.
Trim the Tree
A huge tree full of ornaments can make a room feel cramped so consider something smaller with soft white lights and a few tasteful decorations.
Pillow Talk
Pillows are an easy way to set the tone so add some holiday cheer by strategically placing a few Christmas-themed pillows to evoke a warm and inviting theme.
Warm & Cozy
If the weather outside is frightful, turn your thermostat up so that buyers will be warm and cozy. If you have a fireplace, make sure to light it up for the ultimate effect!
Wrap It Up
Put away the wrapping paper, tape and ribbons before showings. Don’t just stuff them in your closet though as buyers usually peek in cupboards to see how spacious they are.
Holiday Cheer
Seasonal treats such as hot apple cider and holiday cookies will delight the senses and give your home a welcoming feel. It may also encourage buyers to stick around a little longer!
Sound of Music
Put on some soft, seasonal music in the background to help set a relaxing tone that will make buyers want to linger so they can imagine having their next Christmas in your home!
Although there are fewer buyers during this busy time of year, they’re usually much more serious and very motivated. There also aren’t as many listings to compete with, which gives you an edge!
Your home will show beautifully during the holiday season if you use a few tasteful decorations to help highlight its best features. Just be sure to not go overboard so that buyers aren’t overwhelmed or distracted.
FOR LEASE-71 HILDEGARD DRIVE IN HAMILTON
Nestled in a Desirable East Hamilton Neighbourhood this Spacious 4+1, 2.5 Bathroom Home Multi Family Dwelling Offers a Comfortable and Stylish Living Environment for you and your family. The Modern Main Floor Kitchen is Fully Equipped Newer Appliances, Tons of Counter and Storage Space, and a Large Center Island, making it Entertaining a Breeze. The Large 2nd Floor Terrace has Spectacular Views of the Lake and Backyard are perfect for outdoor gatherings or quiet nights under the stars. The Fully Finished Basement is a Self Contained Unit with Bedroom, Kitchen, Bathroom and Living Room is a Perfect Inlaw Suite. Conveniently Located Close to Everything you need Including; Schools, Parks, Shopping, Restaurants, Health Care, Public Transit, Nature Trails, and Close Highway Access. This Home Can Also be Leased Fully Furnished.
Click Here
Call Us at 905.308.8333 for More Info!
FOR LEASE-OFFICE SPACE AT 132 JACKSON ST. E IN HAMILTON
Looking For the Perfect Office Space in the Heart of Hamilton? Look No Further than 132 Jackson St. E! This Well Appointed Office Space Offers Both Functionality & Convenience, Which Creates a Pleasant and Productive Work Environment. The Location is Close to QEW/403, Mountain Access, Public Transportation, Theatre, Art Gallery, City Hall, First Ontario Centre, Shopping, Restaurants and Cafes. The Ample Space Thats Offered is Perfect For Individual Spaces, Open Workspaces, or Meeting Rooms and You Can Also Customize it to Fit your Specific Needs. Don't Miss This Opportunity to Lease this Fantastic Downtown Office Space.
Click Here
CHRIS, MRS SHOW IN TORONTO
Christmas Musical at the Elgin Winter Garden Theatre in Toronto! This show was fantastic and a must see, featuring local Hamilton Matt Stodolak (Music Director / Composer) & Katie Kerr (Director / Book Writer / Lyricist). Get your Tickets soon, this show is not here for long.
Click Here for Tickets
Merry Christmas to Everyone and a Happy New Year!
Blessings to All!
WILDLY ADDICTIVE CANDIED PECANS
Your guests will go nuts for these delicious homemade candied pecans!
Homemade candied pecans are a delicious holiday treat that will have your guests showering you with more compliments than you can handle!
They’re so good that they’ll likely disappear before they get a chance to make it to the cake, salad or gift jar they were intended for. Here’s how to make them:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 egg white
- 1 pound pecan halves
Preheat the oven to 300°F and mix the sugar, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. To spice things up a little, consider adding a dash of cayenne!
Whisk the egg white and water together in another bowl until frothy.
Next, toss the pecans in the egg white mixture and then coat the pecans with the sugar mixture.
Finally, spread the coated pecans onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for an hour, making sure to stir every 15 minutes.
These candied pecans make a fantastic gift during the holiday season. Just put them in a mason jar with a ribbon wrapped around the top and you’re good to go!
