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

Bank of Canada holds policy rate at 5% in its final decision of the year.

In a scheduled announcement on December 6, 2023, the Bank of Canada decided to maintain its target for the overnight lending rate at 5%. This was its third consecutive hold after two interest rate hikes over the summer.

The Bank cited growing evidence that higher interest rates are restraining spending, slowing economic growth, and helping to ease labour markets, suggesting that the economy may no longer be in excess demand.

The slowdown in economic activity is also helping to relieve inflationary pressures in a broad range of goods and services, with the Bank’s preferred measure of core inflation coming in around 3.5-4% in recent months.

Despite this, the Bank noted that housing price inflation continues to grow, reflecting more rapid growth in rent and other housing-related costs along with the continued contribution from higher mortgage interest costs.

With further signs that monetary policy is moderating spending and relieving price pressures, the Bank is still concerned about risks to the outlook for inflation and remains prepared to hike rates further if necessary.

The Bank of Canada’s next scheduled interest rate announcement will be on January 24, 2024, at which time it will also publish its full outlook for the economy and inflation in its Monetary Policy Report.

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.

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Call Us at 905.308.8333 for More Info!

FOR SALE-80 ALBION FALLS BLVD IN HAMILTON

Welcome to Beautiful 80 Albion Falls Blvd Conveniently Located in a Highly Desirable East Mountain Neighbourhood, Close to Popular Nature Landmarks, Schools, Shopping, All Local Amenities & HWY Access including the Red Hill & LINC Expressways. This Home Boasts a Magnificent Layout Featuring; 4+1 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms, InLaw Suite with Separate Entrance & Over 5000Sq Ft of Finished LivinWelcome to Beautiful 80 Albion Falls Blvd Conveniently Located in a Highly Desirable East Mountain Neighbourhood, Close to Popular Nature Landmarks, Schools, Shopping, All Local Amenities & HWY Access including the Red Hill & LINC Expressways. This Home Boasts a Magnificent Layout Featuring; 4+1 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms, InLaw Suite with Separate Entrance & Over 5000Sq Ft of Finished Livin Area. All the Bedrooms Generously Sized with Plenty of Closet Space. The Gorgeous Updated Kitchen is Equipped with Modern Appliances, Tons of Storage, and a Functional Layout, Making it a Joy to Prepare Meals and Entertain Guests. The Recently Renovated Basement / InLaw Suite has a Separate Entrance Walk Out to the Enormous and Beautifully Landscaped Back Yard. Additional Features Include; 2 Gas Fireplaces, an Attached Double Garage, Central Vac, Security System and Much More. The Property Size is 62 feet Wide by 120 Feet Deep and is Situated on a Ravine Lot, Backing onto Conservation Land & the Popular Escarpment Trail. Nature Lovers and Outdoor Enthusiasts will Appreciate the Ease of Access to this Incredible Recreational Trail which Connects the Hamilton Mountain through Kings Forest down to Confederation Park and Lake Ontario. Where They can Indulge in Hiking, Biking, Fishing or Simply Basking in the Tranquility of Nature. Don't Miss this Great Opportunity to Own this Unique and Rare Property!!! 

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.

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386 FESTIVAL WAY IN BINBROOK!

Welcome to 386 Festival Way in the Vibrant and Growing Community of Binbrook! This Stunning Residence Boasts 5 + 1 Bedrooms and 4.5 Bathrooms. As You Step Inside, The Main Level Features a Well-Designed Layout that Seamlessly Connects the Various Living Areas Including a Main Floor Home Office, Providing an Ideal Space for Both Entertaining and Everyday Living. The Gourmet Kitchen Offers an Abundance of Cabinetry, High-End Stainless Steel Appliances, and a Large Island that is Perfect for Meal Preparation and Casual Dining. The Adjacent Dining Area Provides Ample Space for Both Intimate Gatherings and Larger Dinner Parties. Upstairs, You Will Find Five Generously Sized Bedrooms and the Primary Bedroom is a True Retreat. The Finished Basement is a Perfect Setting for; Inlaw Suite, Teenage Retreat or Man Cave!! Beyond the Interior, the Outdoor Space is Equally Impressive, with a Beautifully Landscaped Backyard that is Perfect for Outdoor Entertaining, Gardening, or Simply Relaxing. This Home is Conveniently Located to all Amenities such as Shops, Restaurants, Parks, Schools and Conservation Areas. With its Spacious Layout, High-Quality Finishes, and Convenient Location, 386 Festival Way is an Exceptional Opportunity to Own a Dream Home that Meets all your Families Needs and Wants!! 

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!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

There really is no place like home, especially this time of year, but if you’re looking for a new place to hang your stockings, please don’t hesitate to give me a jingle! 🏠🎄🔔

P.S. Please let us know if you'd ever like a hand finding your dream home or even if you're just curious about what the house down the street sold for. We are always happy to help