the home builders' annual - gta 2012

20122012The Only Complete Resource Directory of GTA Home Builders

Discover the GTAstop new-homebuilders & developers one success story at a time

EXPERT PANEL:Why now is agreat time to buy

MORTGAGE ADVICE:What you need to know about mortgages before you buy

000 GTA NHG ANNUAL cover FINAL.indd 1 4/11/12 10:53:25 AM

002-004-Fieldgate 2012.indd 2 4/11/12 10:53:58 AM

32012 Home Builders Annual

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4 2012 Home Builders Annual

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Editors Note

A unique opportunity

Chances are your dream home is a unique combination of exciting design, a fabulous location and an affordable price. No doubt the community itself needs to have that something special that will make you want to call it home too.

This issue of the GTA Home Builders Annual features a myriad of the best new communities that the area has to offer. Our goal is to help you fi nd just the right home for the lifestyle that youve been dreaming of. We have profi led several of the most popular new communities in Toronto and surrounding area to help you get started. So whether you fi nd yourself pondering your next move or seriously getting ready to purchase, keep us handy.

Its a great time to investigate the real estate market. With todays low interest rates, competitive pricing and fabulous new communities to discover, theres real value to be found.

A new-home community brings together designs with features suited to most every type of buyer. With nearby activities and amenities to enjoy, each community provides an opportunity to be a part of a lifestyle that presents not only modern conveniences but a sense of belonging too. Part of the fun is discovering what each builder offers. I know youllbe impressed.

We hope you enjoy this issue. Please let us know if you discover a new condo or new home community that you think is worth mentioning in an upcoming issue. Wed love to hear from you.

Susan Legge, editor-in-chiefNew Home Guide | New Condo Guide | Home Dcor & [email protected]

Twitter: twitter.com/susanlegge

to be a part of something special


005 Editors Note.NHs.WK.indd 5 3/8/12 1:44:41 PM

2012 table of contents

02

42

2705 Editors Note11 Home Search

Choosing a location for yournew home

12 Mortgage FinesseWhat you need to know about mortgages before you buyby Calum Ross

17 Legally SpeakingThe new-homebuyingoffer checklistby Jayson Schwarz

42 OHBA ReportWhy buying a new home is a great choiceby Doug Tarry

46 Expert PanelVoices of experience: Why now is a great time to buy a new home

54 Designer Advice Design of the times: Decor trends for 2012by Glen Peloso

56 Choosing a BuilderHow to fi nd a homebuilder you can trust

58 Top Homebuying Tips 10 tips for new homebuyers

59 The GTA Home Builders Roster A comprehensive list ofnew-home builders in the GTA

70 Home SearchHome options: Which home type might be best for you?

006-007 GTA New Home Contents.WK.indd 1 3/9/12 11:43:58 AM

2012 GTA Home Builders Annual

401 The West Mall Etobicoke, OntarioM9C 5J5 416.626.4200

ADVERTISING: Call 416.784.5060 for advertising rates and information.

CIRCULATION : Polybagged with the March 17 issue of New Home Guide. Available at GTA home shows, through direct distribution in the GTA market and by consumer request.

COPYRIGHT 2012 All rights reserved by Wall2Wall Media Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Reproduction in any form is prohibited. Contents of this publication are covered by Copyright and offenders will be prosecuted under the law.

TERMS Advertisers, Editorial Content and 2012 GTA Home Builders Annual 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.

PUBLISHED BY:

VICE-PRESIDENT, NATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Jacqueline Hill

SALES MANAGER, GTA NEW HOMES, CONDO GUIDE, HOME AND DCOR

Conni Robinson

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, SWO NEW HOMES, LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES

Susan Maxwell

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, REAL ESTATE

Susan Legge

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Nina DownsDionne FraserSuzana Zarovski

EDITOR

Wayne Karl

SALES & MERCHANDISING CO-ORDINATORS

Antoinette JacksonMaria James (on leave)

MANAGER OF PRODUCTION

Bala Gnanapandithan

ART DIRECTOR

Julie Yoo

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Daniel Mera

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

Mohammad Haidarpour

30

37 40

2012The Only Complete Resource Directory of Southwestern Ontario Home Builders

GTA NEW-HOME BUILDERS INDEX

2-4 Fieldgate Homes

8-10 Monarch Corporation

14-16 Great Gulf Homes

18-20 Tribute Communities

21-23 Menkes Developments

24-26 Geranium Homes

27-29 Rosehaven Homes

30-32, 71 Aspen Ridge Homes

33-35 Senator Homes

37-39 CountryWide Homes

40-41 National Homes

Back cover Mattamy Homes

INDUSTRY AND DCOR CENTRE SUPPLIERS

36 Reliance Home Comfort

44 Appliance Canada

45 Bradstone-Stonerox

51 Brampton Brick

BUILDERS HELPING TO HEAL

52 Sick Kids Foundation Wall2Wall Media is a trademark of Yellow PagesGroup Co. in Canada.

006-007 GTA New Home Contents.WK.indd 2 3/9/12 11:44:09 AM

Luxurious Livingin Caledons most desirable Community. Every great community should have a village like Southfields. Nestled within Monarchs Strawberry Fields in

scenic Caledon, this charming little village has been designed so key elements such as the village centre,

community facilities, schools and public spaces are all within a five to 15-minute walk from each other.

This is Strawberry Fields, where life comes naturally sweetened.

Strawberry Fields is a spectacular, master-planned community

and already home to over five hundred families. One of the

most desirable and in-demand communities, it features idyllic

50 Single Family designs that evoke the spirit of small-town

charm. Homes range from 1,944 to 3,677 sq. ft., and

are priced in the low $600s. Combining brick and stone

exteriors, spacious porches back onto ample greenspace

and create a rustic country backdrop of rustic, country cool.

Stunning features and finishes such as hardwood flooring,

oak stairways, extended height upper cabinets, coffered

and vaulted ceilings, gas fireplaces and more are included

in each and every home, as per plans.

As an ENERGY STAR community, residents will also enjoy

lower energy bills while doing their part to help keep the lush

surroundings of Caledon green for future generations. View

Monarchs designer decorated model homes highlighting

the beautiful features included in each home, as well as

all the upgrades available.

l i V iNG luxuR iOuSlY i S NOw MORE AFFORdAblE THAN EVER.

diSCOVER STRAwbERRY FiEldS

Village Centre


008-010-Monarch 2012.indd 8 3/7/12 3:50:07 PM

Luxurious Livingin Caledons most desirable Community. Every great community should have a village like Southfields. Nestled within Monarchs Strawberry Fields in

scenic Caledon, this charming little village has been designed so key elements such as the village centre,

community facilities, schools and public spaces are all within a five to 15-minute walk from each other.

This is Strawberry Fields, where life comes naturally sweetened.

Strawberry Fields is a spectacular, master-planned community

and already home to over five hundred families. One of the

most desirable and in-demand communities, it features idyllic

50 Single Family designs that evoke the spirit of small-town

charm. Homes range from 1,944 to 3,677 sq. ft., and

are priced in the low $600s. Combining brick and stone

exteriors, spacious porches back onto ample greenspace

and create a rustic country backdrop of rustic, country cool.

Stunning features and finishes such as hardwood flooring,

oak stairways, extended height upper cabinets, coffered

and vaulted ceilings, gas fireplaces and more are included

in each and every home, as per plans.

As an ENERGY STAR community, residents will also enjoy

lower energy bills while doing their part to help keep the lush

surroundings of Caledon green for future generations. View

Monarchs designer decorated model homes highlighting

the beautiful features included in each home, as well as

all the upgrades available.

l i V iNG luxuR iOuSlY i S NOw MORE AFFORdAblE THAN EVER.

diSCOVER STRAwbERRY FiEldS

Village Centre


008-010-Monarch 2012.indd 9 3/7/12 3:50:07 PM

Monarch Corporation has been building customer trust for

over 90 years. Founded in Toronto in 1917, Monarch is

one of Canadas largest, most experienced, diversified

and successful real estate companies. Thanks to Monarchs

award-winning customer service and the exceptional value

built into each and every home, the company has earned a

reputation for delivering outstanding homes in prime sought-

after locations such as Strawberry Fields.

To experience life naturally sweetened at Monarchs

Strawberry Fields, visit the Presentation Centre at 12515

Kennedy Road, north of Mayfield west Road in the town

of Caledon. Presentation Centre hours are 1 pm to 8 pm

Monday to Thursday; 12 noon to 5 pm Fridays; and 11

am to 6 pm weekends and holidays. For more information,

go to monarchgroup.net or call 905.843.0707.

wE VE SwEETENEd THE d E A l : M O N A R C H i S OF FER iNG PuRCHASERS $10,000 bonus dollars FOR OuR dESiGN STudiO.

Our Model Homes showcase the timelessly elegant exteriors

and spacious, stylish interiors.Follow us on: twitter@monarch_ groupLike us on: facebook.com/monarchcorporation

10

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Where should We live?

Choosing a locationLocation is a criticaL factor when shopping for a new home. After all, a home with everything you need but in the wrong location is still not likely going to be the right home for you.

Here are some tHings to consider about location: Do you want to live in a city, a town or in the countryside? How easy will it be to get to where you work? What are the commuting costs? Where will your children go to school? How will they get there? Do you need a safe walking area, or recreational facility, such as a park, nearby? How close would you like to be to family and friends?

sustainable neigHbourHoodYou also may want a sustainable neighbourhood that meets your needs, while protecting the environment. Homes in a sustainable neighbourhood are located near shops, schools, recreation, work and other daily destinations. This helps reduce driving costs and lets residents enjoy the health benefits of walking and cycling. Land and services, such as roads, are used efficiently. Sustainable neighbourhoods also feature a choice of homes that are affordable.

In your search for a sustainable neighbourhood, here are some key questions to ask:

easy transportation Are stores, schools, recreation facilities, restaurants and health services within

walking or cycling distance? Will your children need to take a bus to school? Can they walk to the park? Can you do most of your shopping without a car?

Are there nearby bus stops and cycling lanes? How long is the bus ride to work, or school? Can you safely bike?

House size and features Are the homes compact with shared walls to reduce heating costs? Are homes reasonably sized with lots requiring less upkeep? Are there different dwelling types (such as single-detached, semi-detached,

townhouse and apartments) in the neighbourhood? Are the lots modestly sized? Roadways narrow? Driveways/parking areas small?

Do natural drain ways lead to streams and storm water ponds or parklands? Is there native vegetation and streams with woodland edges?

look and feel Do the buildings have a friendly face

to the street? Are the community centres, shops and meeting places welcoming?

Are there trees lining the street? Do you find the homes interesting to look at? Do the building sizes feel comfortable to you? Are the roads easy to walk along or cross?

safety Do the homes have eyes on the

street? (In other words, are there people around who might watch out for you? Is there somewhere to go in an emergency?)

Is there adequate street lighting? Are there safe places for children

to play? Are the streets safe for cyclists

and pedestrians? Is traffic slow moving and light?

For more information, contact Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Home Search


011 CMHC-Choosing a location.WK.indd 11 3/8/12 1:45:07 PM

FOR BUYERS LOOKING TO buy a home in these sometimes uncertain economic times, the process can seem quite daunting. Mortgage fi nancing has become very complex, with constantly changing rates, terms and conditions. Choosing the mortgage best suited to your needs has never been more diffi cult. Banks, trust and insurance companies are continually inventing new mortgage products to capture your attention and your business.

To guide you through the process and ensure you make the right decision,

What you need to know about mortgages

before you buyconsider enlisting the services of an independent mortgage broker. We negotiate daily with major fi nancial institutions, chartered banks, trusts and mortgage lenders to provide you with the most competitive rates and terms. This allows you to shop your mortgage throughout the network of lenders that we work with (27 various lenders, to be exact). Broker services are provided, in most cases, at no cost to you. As a client, you can choose from the widest range of options to obtain the most competitive rate and best product suited to your specifi c needs

sometimes achieving savings of up to 1.5 per cent below posted rates.The fi rst step of searching for a home should start with securing a pre-approval

so you know your home-shopping budget. At the meeting, you should be prepared to go through a monthly budget so you can decide on what amounts you are comfortable paying every month.

When applying for a pre-approval, you will be asked to provide some fairly detailed information with respect to your employment history, fi nancial situation and credit history.

by CALUM ROSS

Mortgage Finesse


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SUMMARY OF RECENTCHANGES TO MORTGAGEREGULATIONS

Effective March 18, 2011 The maximum mortgage amortization

period was reduced to 30 years from 35 years for new government-backed insured mortgages with loan-to-value ratios of more than 80 per cent.

The maximum amount Canadians can borrow in refi nancing their mortgages was reduced to 85 per cent from 90 per cent of the value of their home.

Effective April 18, 2011 The federal government no longers

provide insurance on lines of credit secured by homes, such as home equity lines of credit.

Changes that took effect April 19, 2010For government-backedinsured mortgages: Borrowers must meet the standards

for a fi ve-year, fi xed rate mortgage, even if they choose a mortgage with a lower interest rate and shorter term.

The maximum amount Canadians can withdraw in refi nancing their mortgages was reduced to 90 per cent from 95 per cent of the value of their home.

The minimum down payment for investment properties was increasedto 20 per cent from fi ve per cent, for government- backed mortgage insurance.

Calum Ross is senior vice-president and practicing mortgage agent with The Mortgage Centre. He has appeared on Canada AM, Investment Television, BNN and Citytv. He holds an MBA in finance and is an Accredited Mortgage Professional. He can be reachedat 416.410.9905.

YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: If a salaried employee, your most recent pay stub and an employment letter.

You will need to ask your company to prepare a letter on company letterhead outlining your name, salary (or hourly rate), position and length of service. In some cases, your most recent T4 may also be required.

If you are self-employed, you will need to provide your two most recent personal tax returns, together with the notice of Assessments fromRevenue Canada.

A list of all of your assets, including: the balances of all chequing and savings accounts, RRSPs and investments.

In order to obtain a pre-approval, you will need to fi ll out an application which allows the broker to obtain your credit report and see your full fi nancial profi le, including all of your liabilities. On top of your employment details, there are two other main considerations that mortgage lenders look at.

The fi rst is your credit worthiness. The mortgage consultant will likely obtain a credit report from Equifax (Canadas largest credit reporting agency) that provides a beacon score for each individual based on several factors, including your repayment history on credit cards, loans and lines of credit, the balance you keep on these debts and how long you have had them active. The stronger your credit rating, the more likely you will gain access to preferred pricing.

The second consideration is the amount of down payment you have for your home. First-time buyers have the option of putting down as little as fi ve per cent of the purchase price. However, with anything less than a 20-per-cent down payment, you will have to obtain mortgage insurance from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC), Genworth Financial or Canada Guaranty, for which a premium is charged and added to your mortgage balance. This insurance protects the lender, not you, in the event that the mortgage is not paid. This is not to be confused with life, disability or job loss insurance, which you may also need.

BENEFITS OF PRE-APPROVAL: Provides a guaranteed interest rate for up to 120 days If rates go down, you gain the benefi t of the lower rate. If rates

go up, you are protected against the increase Helps you manage your expectations and minimize stress with

respect to the amount of mortgage you can afford before starting your home search

Pre-approval costs you nothing

WITH ANYTHING LESS THAN A 20-PER-CENT DOWN PAYMENT, YOU WILL HAVE TO OBTAIN MORTGAGE INSURANCE FROM CANADA MORTGAGE AND HOUSING CORP., GENWORTH FINANCIAL OR CANADA GUARANTY, FOR WHICH A PREMIUM IS CHARGED AND ADDED TO YOUR MORTGAGE BALANCE.


012-013-Calum-REVISED MortgagesBasics.WK.indd 13 3/8/12 1:45:13 PM

DesignHarmonyTechnologyVitalityBeauty

Great Gulf started building houses over 30 years ago.

To date 40,000 and counting. We built, we grew,

and along the way we learned. And what weve learned

is transforming us. Were not just building houses any

more, were building new ideas about home.

14

014-016-Great Gulf 2012.indd 14 3/7/12 3:50:12 PM

DesignHarmonyTechnologyVitalityBeauty

Great Gulf started building houses over 30 years ago.

To date 40,000 and counting. We built, we grew,

and along the way we learned. And what weve learned

is transforming us. Were not just building houses any

more, were building new ideas about home.



Changing the way people think about homes.



by Jayson schwarz

There is loTs To consider when buying a new home. The process can be confusing, and even intimidating. But with the right information and a little professional help, it should also be memorable for all the right reasons.

The following information and checklist will help you navigate the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, and assist in your negotiations with on-site sales agents and builders. Remember, always see a lawyer before signing an Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

Rule #1: if it is not in writing and signed for or initialed by you and the vendor, it is not binding. Here is a little story that illustrates how important this is from every perspective:

Mary went into a sales office and executed an Agreement of Purchase and Sale. The Agreement provided that she could terminate her purchase based on her lawyers review within three days of execution, provided notice was given to the builder in writing in that time. On the third day, Mary called the sales agent and said she wanted out of the deal. All Mary had to do was deliver a notice in writing on that day and the deal would have been nullified. The sales agent did not tell her this, and she didnt see a lawyer in time. She thought she had read the Agreement carefully enough herself and didnt realize what she actually had to do. The sales agent told her he would have to check with head office to see if she could be released from the deal. Mary is facing potentially large legal fees, and a lot of aggravation and anxiety before this will be sorted out. The builder may be nice and let Mary loose, but no guarantee.

There are two morals of this story: make sure you have a clause that allows you and your lawyer a chance to review the agreement, and do it right away!

Levies and deveLopment charges You will find these in the offer, usually in tiny print, indicating that if the vendor gets charged for anything later, he can pass those charges on to you. Make sure these clauses are deleted or a monetary maximum is written into the offer.

extensions Make sure that the offer restricts extensions to the provisions of the Tarion new-home warranty, and that you dont have any clauses where the vendor can try and get around it. Ensure you understand the extension terms and rights.

generaL stuff In most offers, the vendor may not yet have municipal approval to start construction, and anything can happen. For example, your lot could be eliminated and you might be required to accept a different and, in your opinion, not as desirable new lot; your floorplan could be reversed; colours and materials might change and substitutions may occur. There may be things like a five-per-cent clause that if it turns out your lot is up to five per cent bigger or up to five per cent smaller, you have to be satisfied with what you get.

LegaL fees & disbursements You are going to pay the fee, whatever the amount you and your lawyer agreed to. In addition, there is a list of disbursements monies expended by your lawyer on your behalf to close the transaction. Be careful, it is here that someone may try to take advantage by charging hefty fax, mail and photocopy fees. Have your lawyer justify all expenditures that dont make sense. Remember you are paying your lawyers Law Society levy, but many builders include a clause asking that you pay their lawyers $65. Delete this clause.

mortgage cLauses Are you stuck with the builders mortgage and terms, or can you arrange for your own mortgage with the institution of your choice? Is there a clause requiring you to accept the builders lawyers undertaking to discharge the mortgage without a discharge statement or direction to pay funds to the lender? Is the builder trying to make you pay to obtain partial discharges of a blanket mortgage?

titLe Look out for clauses that say you have to accept the builders undertaking to give you a deed if one is not available on closing. Check what restrictions will run with the deed and how they will affect you, such as access to your property and rights of re-entry, schools, burms, drainage, noise and environmental issues.

Legally Speaking

Jayson Schwarz LL.M. is a Toronto real estate lawyer and partner in the law firm Schwarz Law LLP. Visit schwarzlaw.ca or email [email protected] and give us your questions, concerns, critiques and quandaries.

The offer checklist


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018-020-Tribute 2012.indd 19 3/7/12 3:50:18 PM


018-020-Tribute 2012.indd 20 3/7/12 3:50:22 PM

MY LIFE STOREYMY LIFE STOREY

Looking to write your life storey? Start a storey of happiness in a community built by Menkes. Youll

appreciate the elegant family homes that exude character and charm in a warm and welcoming

community. Let our passion for superior design and lasting value be the rst chapter of your life storey.

MEN 17457_GTA Home Builder Annual 2012.indd 1 12-03-01 10:02 AM

21

021-023-Menkes 2012.indd 21 3/7/12 3:50:26 PM

WILL YOUR LIFE STOREY TAKE YOU TO AJAX?

COMING SOON REGISTER AT MENKES.COM

OakvilleDundas St. West,east of Bronte Rd.

905.825.3619

GeorgetownGuelph St. &

MacFarlane Dr.416.642.8955

EtobicokeBrowns Line &

Evans Ave.416.642.8955

North YorkBathurst St. &

Finch Ave.416.642.8955

NOW OPEN

AjaxSalem Rd. N. &

Williamson Dr. E.905.428.0500

O ne opportunity you dont want to miss is viewing the four designer-decorated model homes. Each exquisite residence showcases the elegance, clean design and functionality of that particular layout. These stunning models

are enhanced with exquisite upgraded features such as granite

countertops, deluxe kitchen cabinetry with tall uppers, sumptuous

ensuites, hardwood ooring and more. Neighbouring on the

community, Somerset Plaza is an exceptionally convenient

shopping amenity. The Durham Centre and the McLean

Community Centre are just a few minutes away.

The Model Homes and Sales Of ce are located at the northeast

corner of Salem Road and Williamson Drive, just north of Rossland

Road. Be sure to drop by or call 905.428.0500 for more information.

L ook to Somerset, an exciting new community in Ajax at Salem Road and Taunton Road by Menkes. Many delighted families are already calling Somerset home from the rst three phases. Somerset is now in Phase Four with

approximately half the homes still available for purchase. A limited

number of inventory homes are also available from Phase Three,

offering the bene t of a quick closing.

The new Somerset release features a magni cent array of 30', 34',

37' and 42' fully detached homes, including bungaloft designs

on 42' lots. Home designs start from $354,990 and are available

in three distinctive architectural styles: French Country, Georgian

and Colonial, with home sizes ranging from 1,700 square feet to

over 3,000 square feet.

WILL YOUR LIFE STOREY TAKE YOU TO OAKVILLE?

Founded over 50 years ago, Menkes has established a long history of success on the pillars of building to

the highest quality and craftsmanship, utilizing ef cient space-enhancing design and offering sophisticated

appointments that provide lasting value and a timeless sense of style. Today, Menkes continues to raise the

standard for outstanding design and exceptional value as a fully integrated, multi-disciplinary real estate

development company. Menkes comprehensive real estate portfolio includes elegant single-family homes,

exclusive luxury condominiums and highly coveted of ce, retail and industrial premises. Let Menkes bring

their passion for superior design and lasting value to your life storey today. m e n k e s . c o m

THE STOREY OF SATISFACTION.

E very day is exceptional when you live at Millstone. Along Dundas West, residents will nd an abundance of retail shops, services and restaurants. Nearby is Glen Abbey Community Centre, Bronte Creek Provincial Park with a diverse

range of outdoor recreational activities and plenty of golf courses.

Its an easy commute with Highway 407 to the north, QEW to the

south and Highway 403 to the east. Millstone townhomes are at

an ideal price point for rst-time buyers entering the real estate

market. They provide more space than a condominium suite, yet

are priced below the typical entry-level condominium.

The Millstone Sales Of ce is located on the south side of Dundas

Street West, just east of Bronte Road. Visit or call 905.825.3619

for more information and hours of operation.

V isualize life in one of Oakvilles nest communities surrounded by the pleasures and privileges of a well-established neighbourhood. Thats life at Millstone on the Park. The Uptown Collection of beautiful and affordable

townhomes feature Grand French Chateau and English Georgian

Manor styles. Ranging from 1,061 sq. ft. to 1,466 sq. ft., these

back-to-back towns are priced from the mid $300s.

Every townhome has its own single-car garage with direct access

to the home. The main oor, actually the second oor from grade,

provides a spacious great room with optional separate dining

room or 3rd bedroom in the larger models, as per plan. Kitchens

are well designed to optimize space and several models have

breakfast bars.

facebook/MenkesLife @MenkesLife

Prices and specifications are subject to change. E.&O.E. March 2012. 17457.

MEN 17457_GTA Home Builder Annual 2012.indd 2-3 12-03-01 10:02 AM


021-023-Menkes 2012.indd 22 3/7/12 3:50:27 PM

WILL YOUR LIFE STOREY TAKE YOU TO AJAX?

COMING SOON REGISTER AT MENKES.COM

OakvilleDundas St. West,east of Bronte Rd.

905.825.3619

GeorgetownGuelph St. &

MacFarlane Dr.416.642.8955

EtobicokeBrowns Line &

Evans Ave.416.642.8955

North YorkBathurst St. &

Finch Ave.416.642.8955

NOW OPEN

AjaxSalem Rd. N. &

Williamson Dr. E.905.428.0500

O ne opportunity you dont want to miss is viewing the four designer-decorated model homes. Each exquisite residence showcases the elegance, clean design and functionality of that particular layout. These stunning models

are enhanced with exquisite upgraded features such as granite

countertops, deluxe kitchen cabinetry with tall uppers, sumptuous

ensuites, hardwood ooring and more. Neighbouring on the

community, Somerset Plaza is an exceptionally convenient

shopping amenity. The Durham Centre and the McLean

Community Centre are just a few minutes away.

The Model Homes and Sales Of ce are located at the northeast

corner of Salem Road and Williamson Drive, just north of Rossland

Road. Be sure to drop by or call 905.428.0500 for more information.

L ook to Somerset, an exciting new community in Ajax at Salem Road and Taunton Road by Menkes. Many delighted families are already calling Somerset home from the rst three phases. Somerset is now in Phase Four with

approximately half the homes still available for purchase. A limited

number of inventory homes are also available from Phase Three,

offering the bene t of a quick closing.

The new Somerset release features a magni cent array of 30', 34',

37' and 42' fully detached homes, including bungaloft designs

on 42' lots. Home designs start from $354,990 and are available

in three distinctive architectural styles: French Country, Georgian

and Colonial, with home sizes ranging from 1,700 square feet to

over 3,000 square feet.

WILL YOUR LIFE STOREY TAKE YOU TO OAKVILLE?

Founded over 50 years ago, Menkes has established a long history of success on the pillars of building to

the highest quality and craftsmanship, utilizing ef cient space-enhancing design and offering sophisticated

appointments that provide lasting value and a timeless sense of style. Today, Menkes continues to raise the

standard for outstanding design and exceptional value as a fully integrated, multi-disciplinary real estate

development company. Menkes comprehensive real estate portfolio includes elegant single-family homes,

exclusive luxury condominiums and highly coveted of ce, retail and industrial premises. Let Menkes bring

their passion for superior design and lasting value to your life storey today. m e n k e s . c o m

THE STOREY OF SATISFACTION.

E very day is exceptional when you live at Millstone. Along Dundas West, residents will nd an abundance of retail shops, services and restaurants. Nearby is Glen Abbey Community Centre, Bronte Creek Provincial Park with a diverse

range of outdoor recreational activities and plenty of golf courses.

Its an easy commute with Highway 407 to the north, QEW to the

south and Highway 403 to the east. Millstone townhomes are at

an ideal price point for rst-time buyers entering the real estate

market. They provide more space than a condominium suite, yet

are priced below the typical entry-level condominium.

The Millstone Sales Of ce is located on the south side of Dundas

Street West, just east of Bronte Road. Visit or call 905.825.3619

for more information and hours of operation.

V isualize life in one of Oakvilles nest communities surrounded by the pleasures and privileges of a well-established neighbourhood. Thats life at Millstone on the Park. The Uptown Collection of beautiful and affordable

townhomes feature Grand French Chateau and English Georgian

Manor styles. Ranging from 1,061 sq. ft. to 1,466 sq. ft., these

back-to-back towns are priced from the mid $300s.

Every townhome has its own single-car garage with direct access

to the home. The main oor, actually the second oor from grade,

provides a spacious great room with optional separate dining

room or 3rd bedroom in the larger models, as per plan. Kitchens

are well designed to optimize space and several models have

breakfast bars.

facebook/MenkesLife @MenkesLife

Prices and specifications are subject to change. E.&O.E. March 2012. 17457.

MEN 17457_GTA Home Builder Annual 2012.indd 2-3 12-03-01 10:02 AM


021-023-Menkes 2012.indd 23 3/7/12 3:50:27 PM

BUILDER STORY - GERANIUM HOMES

Canadas love affair with home ownership is rooted in our national personality. Not only are Canadians known to be hard-working and interested in sure and steady investments we also have a deep attachment to the land. Its the setting in which our families are nurtured and can be passed on to them. With about 70 percent of Canadians owning their home, real estate has become a subject that nears obsession.

Whats less known about real estate, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area, is the in uence that entrepreneurs and individual families have wielded on its physical growth in the past three decades. Geranium Homes is one such company. Adapting to a changing building environment, it has emerged to become one of the few fully integrated land development and home building companies in Ontario. Just 15 years after its beginnings in 1977 as a modest start-up partnership between Earl Rumm and Barry Feiner, Geranium Homes was identi ed by Stats Can in 1992 as the fourth largest homebuilder in the country. Early in Torontos suburban growth, land development was separate and distinct from home building. But as demand for housing grew and government planning policies re ected widespread respect for the environment and increased in complexity land development became highly specialized and more costly.

While many of Geraniums industry colleagues began to turn to high rise development in Torontos downtown core, Rumm and Feiner made the decision to remain focused on what their company did best low rise housing. So, just as Geranium was reaching its peak home building years they did what, in the history of Canadian home building, only a handful of home builders had been able to do they entered into land acquisition and development, thus taking complete control of their companys future direction.

Behind the scenes, Feiners youngest son, Boaz, who had been learning the business from the ground up, was quickly earning an excellent reputation in the homebuilding industry. It was his fresh and innovative approach to new home design and hands on construction experience that gave Rumm and Feiner the complete con dence to turn over the homebuilding arm of the company to him. With Geranium and the companys then current communities in Boazs capable hands, Rumm and Feiner continued to explore the many development opportunities found within the Settlement Areas identi ed in the Provinces Places To Grow legislation.

By 2007, under the watchful eye of now Vice-President of Housing, Boaz Feiner, Geranium Homes was ideally positioned to expand their interests in the low rise housing market. In April of that year, Geranium launched Cardinal Point in Stouffville, a full- edged masterplanned community its rst on lands developed by parent company Geranium Corporation.

Today, almost 400 families call Cardinal Point home, and as the community continues to take shape, much of its success can be directly attributed to the vision of Boaz Feiner and his commitment to designing and building quality homes in some of the most in demand communities within the GTA.

Regardless of location, home styles or price range, each project continues to reinforce Geranium Homes reputation for creating livable communities, thoughtful design and quality construction. Those are values that will continue to be evident in all future Geranium endeavours as well, starting with a major resort development on Lake Simcoe; large scale master-planned communities in Midhurst, near Barrie and along Highway 400 in Bond Head.

Creating sustainable homes and neighbourhoods may take more time, expertise, money and patience than it used to, but in the words of Rumm and Feinerits what Canadians expect and Geranium Homes will always strive to deliver.

Geranium Homes current projects include: Stouffvilles Cardinal Point, which is now in its 5th successful phase; The Courts of South Rouge, an intimate in ll enclave neighbourhood in Pickering; The Verandas, an adult-oriented bungalow community now selling in Port Hope; the impressive manor homes of Forest Trail Estates in Ballantrae; and The Village at Sally Creek, an adult golf course neighbourhood which opens later this year.

GERANIUM HOMESLivable Communities. Thoughtful Design. Quality Construction.

NHG_BldrsAnnual 17.3.12.indd 1-2 2/28/12 2:45:12 PM024-026-Geranium 2012.indd 24 3/7/12 3:50:32 PM

BUILDER STORY - GERANIUM HOMES

Canadas love affair with home ownership is rooted in our national personality. Not only are Canadians known to be hard-working and interested in sure and steady investments we also have a deep attachment to the land. Its the setting in which our families are nurtured and can be passed on to them. With about 70 percent of Canadians owning their home, real estate has become a subject that nears obsession.

Whats less known about real estate, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area, is the in uence that entrepreneurs and individual families have wielded on its physical growth in the past three decades. Geranium Homes is one such company. Adapting to a changing building environment, it has emerged to become one of the few fully integrated land development and home building companies in Ontario. Just 15 years after its beginnings in 1977 as a modest start-up partnership between Earl Rumm and Barry Feiner, Geranium Homes was identi ed by Stats Can in 1992 as the fourth largest homebuilder in the country. Early in Torontos suburban growth, land development was separate and distinct from home building. But as demand for housing grew and government planning policies re ected widespread respect for the environment and increased in complexity land development became highly specialized and more costly.

While many of Geraniums industry colleagues began to turn to high rise development in Torontos downtown core, Rumm and Feiner made the decision to remain focused on what their company did best low rise housing. So, just as Geranium was reaching its peak home building years they did what, in the history of Canadian home building, only a handful of home builders had been able to do they entered into land acquisition and development, thus taking complete control of their companys future direction.

Behind the scenes, Feiners youngest son, Boaz, who had been learning the business from the ground up, was quickly earning an excellent reputation in the homebuilding industry. It was his fresh and innovative approach to new home design and hands on construction experience that gave Rumm and Feiner the complete con dence to turn over the homebuilding arm of the company to him. With Geranium and the companys then current communities in Boazs capable hands, Rumm and Feiner continued to explore the many development opportunities found within the Settlement Areas identi ed in the Provinces Places To Grow legislation.

By 2007, under the watchful eye of now Vice-President of Housing, Boaz Feiner, Geranium Homes was ideally positioned to expand their interests in the low rise housing market. In April of that year, Geranium launched Cardinal Point in Stouffville, a full- edged masterplanned community its rst on lands developed by parent company Geranium Corporation.

Today, almost 400 families call Cardinal Point home, and as the community continues to take shape, much of its success can be directly attributed to the vision of Boaz Feiner and his commitment to designing and building quality homes in some of the most in demand communities within the GTA.

Regardless of location, home styles or price range, each project continues to reinforce Geranium Homes reputation for creating livable communities, thoughtful design and quality construction. Those are values that will continue to be evident in all future Geranium endeavours as well, starting with a major resort development on Lake Simcoe; large scale master-planned communities in Midhurst, near Barrie and along Highway 400 in Bond Head.

Creating sustainable homes and neighbourhoods may take more time, expertise, money and patience than it used to, but in the words of Rumm and Feinerits what Canadians expect and Geranium Homes will always strive to deliver.

Geranium Homes current projects include: Stouffvilles Cardinal Point, which is now in its 5th successful phase; The Courts of South Rouge, an intimate in ll enclave neighbourhood in Pickering; The Verandas, an adult-oriented bungalow community now selling in Port Hope; the impressive manor homes of Forest Trail Estates in Ballantrae; and The Village at Sally Creek, an adult golf course neighbourhood which opens later this year.

GERANIUM HOMESLivable Communities. Thoughtful Design. Quality Construction.

NHG_BldrsAnnual 17.3.12.indd 1-2 2/28/12 2:45:12 PM024-026-Geranium 2012.indd 25 3/7/12 3:50:33 PM

~Est. 1977~

Manor homes on 1-acre estate lots, backing on to the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Stouffvilles most successful master planned ravine community.

Bungalow living in Port Hopes most desirable setting.

Bungalows and Semi-Links next to Sally Creek Golf Course.

Exclusive South Rouge community just steps from the lake.

2011 BILD Awards After receiving a total of eight nominations

including Builder of the Year, Geranium Homes took home the awards for Best New Home

Design and Best Public Relations Campaign.

2011 OHBA Awards of DistinctionGeranium Homes received three nominations

including Most Outstanding One Storey Production Built Home, Most Outstanding

Two Storey Production Built Home and Project of the Year.

2011 CHBA National SAM AwardsGeranium Homes will be in attendance

at this years National Home Builder Awards with four nominations including

Best Single Detached Home and the prestigious Grand SAM!

Geranium Homes continues to be recognized and rewarded for

its efforts.

geraniumhomes.com

NHG_BldrsAnnual 17.3.12.indd 3 2/28/12 2:45:26 PM

26

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027-029-Rosehaven-Corp 2012.indd 27 3/7/12 3:50:42 PM

Aspen Ridge. Life elevated.

aspenr idgehomes .com

The luxury estates of King Oaks lie within the boundaries of the 470,000-acre section of the Oak Ridges Moraine that is protected forever. These grand homes pay tribute to the breathtaking local natural habitat with architectural details that complement the unique surroundings.

Ranging in size from 4,305 to 6,318 square feet, each home has rich accents of natural wood and quarried stone.

Other features include ten-foot main fl oor ceilings, nine-foot second fl oor and basement ceilings, oak main-fl oor staircases, standard Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, fi xtures from Blanco and Hansgrohe, a high-performance engineered fl ooring system, as well as high quality hardwood and porcelain fl ooring choices.

The King Oaks neighbourhood is located close to an abundance of private schools, parks, the King City GO Station, and some of the GTAs most exclusive existing estate homes. Local amenities extend to golf courses, hiking trails, fi shing, horseback riding and year-round wildlife viewing.

H E I G H T S

King City Now Open

East side of Keele St., south of King Rd.905.539.0181

Brampton Now Open

West side of Bramalea Rd.905.792.5118

Brampton Now Open

Mississauga Rd. & Steeles Ave.905.216.5155

TOWN & COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS FINEST

Follow us on:

Aspen Ridge Homes. Prices and specifi cations are subject to change. Renderings are artists concept and will change if required by site conditions, availability of materials, and architectural control. See sales representative for details. All Rights Reserved. E.&O.E. March 2012. 17458..

ASP 17458 GTA Home Builder CG Annual 12.indd 1-2 12-03-01 9:54 AM030-032-Aspen Ridge 2012.indd 24 3/7/12 3:50:53 PM

Aspen Ridge. Life elevated.


The luxury estates of King Oaks lie within the boundaries of the 470,000-acre section of the Oak Ridges Moraine that is protected forever. These grand homes pay tribute to the breathtaking local natural habitat with architectural details that complement the unique surroundings.

Ranging in size from 4,305 to 6,318 square feet, each home has rich accents of natural wood and quarried stone.

Other features include ten-foot main fl oor ceilings, nine-foot second fl oor and basement ceilings, oak main-fl oor staircases, standard Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, fi xtures from Blanco and Hansgrohe, a high-performance engineered fl ooring system, as well as high quality hardwood and porcelain fl ooring choices.

The King Oaks neighbourhood is located close to an abundance of private schools, parks, the King City GO Station, and some of the GTAs most exclusive existing estate homes. Local amenities extend to golf courses, hiking trails, fi shing, horseback riding and year-round wildlife viewing.

H E I G H T S

King City Now Open

East side of Keele St., south of King Rd.905.539.0181

Brampton Now Open

West side of Bramalea Rd.905.792.5118

Brampton Now Open

Mississauga Rd. & Steeles Ave.905.216.5155

TOWN & COUNTRY LIVING AT ITS FINEST

Follow us on:


ASP 17458 GTA Home Builder CG Annual 12.indd 1-2 12-03-01 9:54 AM030-032-Aspen Ridge 2012.indd 25 3/7/12 3:50:53 PM

King Country Estates are located in the idyllic village of Nobleton, adjacent to the breathtaking Oak Ridges Moraine. A fascinating blend of old and new, the community boasts picturesque parks, lookouts and trails that enable residents to stay rooted with nature.

A prestigious new part of the community is the release of luxury homes in King Aspen Court.

Situated on expansive lots of 50, 56 or 63 feet with pricing from the $650,000s, the homes at King Country Estates feature an exterior of traditional brick, stone and stucco with an assortment of accent features.

In Nobletons f irst master-planned community, designed to preserve and enhance the areas natural beauty, Aspen Ridge has built luxury homes that meld innovation with tradition. Remaining true to their trademark of offering buyers signature home designs and floor plans, Aspen Ridge has once again set the standard in upscale, community living.

Nobleton Coming Soon

East side of Hwy 27, just north of King Rd.Register Now

Markham Coming Soon

NE corner of 9th Line & Bur OakRegister Now

Kleinburg Coming Soon

Hwy 27 & Major Mackenzie Dr.Register Now

WHERE COUNTRY IS KING

Follow us on:



ASP 17458 GTA Home Builder CG Annual 12.indd 3 12-03-01 9:54 AM030-032-Aspen Ridge 2012.indd 26 3/7/12 3:50:54 PM


033-035-Senator 2012.indd 33 3/7/12 3:51:04 PM


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Introducing Comfort Value Bundles from Reliance. Worry-free coverage on some of the most important equipment in your home.

* Subject to standard terms and conditions. TM Reliance, Reliance Home Comfort, The Right Call. Guaranteed. and the Reliance Home Comfort logo are trademarks of Reliance Comfort Limited Partnership.

Even in a new home, costly repairs to essential equipment such as your water heater, furnace and A/C arent as rare as youd think. Thats why weve developed our new Comfort Value Bundles three bundled rental offerings, featuring best-in-class heating, cooling and air filtration products along with water heating rental equipment, that deliver complete peace of mind:

No repair bills*

Livetelephonesupport,24/7/365

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Reliable,trustedbrands

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Imagine never having to tackle repairs to some of the most important pieces of equipment in your home again.

Dont settle for anything less than 100% coverage. Ask your preferred builder if they offer Comfort Value Bundles from Reliance today.

Some repairs should be left to the experts.

rhc tool house ad 0909.indd 1 9/4/09 3:51:37 PM

Introducing Comfort Value Bundles from Reliance. Worry-free coverage on some of the most important equipment in your home.

* Subject to standard terms and conditions. TM Reliance, Reliance Home Comfort, The Right Call. Guaranteed. and the Reliance Home Comfort logo are trademarks of Reliance Comfort Limited Partnership.

Even in a new home, costly repairs to essential equipment such as your water heater, furnace and A/C arent as rare as youd think. Thats why weve developed our new Comfort Value Bundles three bundled rental offerings, featuring best-in-class heating, cooling and air filtration products along with water heating rental equipment, that deliver complete peace of mind:

No repair bills*

Livetelephonesupport,24/7/365

Easeofrenting

Reliable,trustedbrands

Largenetworkoflicensedtechnicians

Imagine never having to tackle repairs to some of the most important pieces of equipment in your home again.

Dont settle for anything less than 100% coverage. Ask your preferred builder if they offer Comfort Value Bundles from Reliance today.

Some repairs should be left to the experts.

rhc tool house ad 0909.indd 1 9/4/09 3:51:37 PM


036-Reliance-HomeComfort 06-26-10.indd 36 3/8/12 1:58:02 PM

CountryWide HomesBuilding to a Higher Standard

BUILDER STORY COUNTRYWIDE HOMES

When you choose a CountryWide Home, youre making a statement about the things that matter to you and your family. Youre moving into a community with distinctive streetscapes and architectural designs and youre surrounding yourself with exceptional interior finishes and craftsmanship that prove to the eye that CountryWide Homes commitment to quality and excellence is second to none.

Thats because CountryWide Homes builds to a higher standard. They value craftsmanship, believe in excellence, and deliver it with exceptional service and caring.

Thats why CountryWide Homes has become the builder of choice for thousands of delighted homeowners across the GTA.

CountryWide Homes also believes in building what you cant see to the same high standards. They use the latest technologies and materials to make your home energy-efficient and weather-tight for barefoot comfort through every season. Because they know that matters to you, too.

37

037-039-Countrywide-Corp 2012.indd 37 3/7/12 3:51:21 PM

The experience begins by offering each and every CountryWide Home buyer the opportunity to browse their 6500 sq. ft. state of the art design studio. This gives you and your family the necessary time to plan and customize your home to suit your needs and lifestyle. Browsing Guides are on hand to help customers get acquainted with the design studio and the thousands of available options.

Their creative design consultants keep their eyes on the latest home and dcor trends to ensure that they offer the latest and greatest materials and products. The team will consult, encourage and inspire your design ideas at each step in the process. At your appointment, your consultant will introduce you to a wide selection of fine cabinets, countertops, mouldings, mantles and exceptional flooring materials - including the largest selection of imported European tiles of any homebuilder. You will also explore plumbing, electrical, and layout options available to you. This kind of personal, hands-on and relaxed service is what sets CountryWide Homes apart and is the signature of excellence they stand behind with every one of their homes.

At the CountryWide Homes Design Studio, youll be able to see and touch an exceptional range of products, installations and finishes to help you make your home a unique and inviting place to live your dreams.

COUNTRYWIDEHOMES.CA 905.907.1500

Sales Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday 1-8pm

Friday By Appointment Only

Saturday-Sunday &

Holidays 11am-6pm

WE BUILD TRUST

Design & Craftsmanship

CountryWide Homes builds trust with exceptional, family-oriented communities. With homes of superior quality and design that reflect their exacting attention to detail. And with the outstanding personal service you receive from people who care about your satisfaction every step of the way.

Youve found the right builder to trust with your familys dreams. CountryWide Homes.

The most important feature in every CountryWide Home is something thats not for sale. Its something bigger than the biggest investment of your life. Its trust.

Service & Caring

38


The experience begins by offering each and every CountryWide Home buyer the opportunity to browse their 6500 sq. ft. state of the art design studio. This gives you and your family the necessary time to plan and customize your home to suit your needs and lifestyle. Browsing Guides are on hand to help customers get acquainted with the design studio and the thousands of available options.

Their creative design consultants keep their eyes on the latest home and dcor trends to ensure that they offer the latest and greatest materials and products. The team will consult, encourage and inspire your design ideas at each step in the process. At your appointment, your consultant will introduce you to a wide selection of fine cabinets, countertops, mouldings, mantles and exceptional flooring materials - including the largest selection of imported European tiles of any homebuilder. You will also explore plumbing, electrical, and layout options available to you. This kind of personal, hands-on and relaxed service is what sets CountryWide Homes apart and is the signature of excellence they stand behind with every one of their homes.

At the CountryWide Homes Design Studio, youll be able to see and touch an exceptional range of products, installations and finishes to help you make your home a unique and inviting place to live your dreams.

COUNTRYWIDEHOMES.CA 905.907.1500

Sales Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday 1-8pm

Friday By Appointment Only

Saturday-Sunday &

Holidays 11am-6pm

WE BUILD TRUST

Design & Craftsmanship

CountryWide Homes builds trust with exceptional, family-oriented communities. With homes of superior quality and design that reflect their exacting attention to detail. And with the outstanding personal service you receive from people who care about your satisfaction every step of the way.

Youve found the right builder to trust with your familys dreams. CountryWide Homes.

The most important feature in every CountryWide Home is something thats not for sale. Its something bigger than the biggest investment of your life. Its trust.

Service & Caring

39



040-041-National-Corp 2012.indd 40 3/7/12 3:51:27 PM


040-041-National-Corp 2012.indd 41 3/7/12 3:51:27 PM

by DOUG TARRY

Adding up thepluses

Why buying a new home is a great choice

FOR MANY FAMILIES, BUYING A HOME IS MOST LIKELY

the largest financial purchase they will ever make. And quite frankly, there has never been a better time to be a buy new home. As consumers, you do a lot of homework and research about what style of home, which community and what price best suits your needs.

And for many families, that means choosing a newly constructed home or condominium. Last year, there were 67,821 new home starts in Ontario, and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. is forecasting about 63,450 housing starts in 2012.

OHBA Report

SO WHAT MAKES THOUSANDS OF CONSUMERS CHOOSE TO BUY A NEW HOME OR CONDO VERSUS A RESALE HOME? Well, consider some of these pluses that you can expect to enjoy in a new home or condo: Prescribed energy-efficient construction Bright, open interiors A healthy, comfortable indoor environment Low-maintenance materials inside and out Modern, innovative features that meet the needs

of todays lifestyle


042-043_OHBA report.WK.indd 42 3/8/12 1:45:19 PM

In a very competitive marketplace, new-home builders are using advanced design, materials and construction techniques to provide homebuyers with a wide range of options and great value.

Design It all begins with design. Good home design begins with an understanding of how people live in their homes. Times have changed. Families have changed and with it, our lifestyles have evolved. New-home builders offer fresh, innovative plans and designs to meet the needs of todays consumers, using modern technology to build homes and condos that are attractive, highly functional and feel good to live in. Homes that include efficient use of space, open layouts, plenty of natural light, kitchens that work, flexible space and of course, lots of storage (something thats usually absent in older homes).

energy efficiency The energy efficiency of Canadian homes has improved greatly over the years, especially with changes to the Ontario Building Code that came into effect in 2012. Thanks to major advances in building techniques and product innovation, a house built today uses less than half the energy of a home built in the 1950s and provides a far more comfortable living environment. From windows to insulation to state-of-the-art heating and air conditioning systems, todays new homes are superior when it comes to energy efficiency. And we can expect that advances in energy efficiency will continue, as the price of energy continues to increase and we, as a society, recognize our responsibility to conserve energy and reduce our own environmental footprint.

environmentally responsible proDucts No doubt about it, todays new-home buyers have the opportunity to build a much more environmentally-friendly home than was built even just 10 years ago, let alone 40 or 50 years ago. Great advances have been made in developing and manufacturing building products that contribute to the Greening of Canadian homes and condos. Manufacturers and suppliers are continually looking for ways to make their products and systems more acceptable to todays environmentally savvy customer.

safety In part because of changes to Ontarios Building Code over the years, new homes boast many products and features that ensure your family home is a safe environment. Whether its superior air ventilation and heating systems, hard-wired carbon monoxide detectors, stair railings and risers built

Doug Tarry is President of the Ontario Home Builders Association. The OHBA is the voice of the residential construction industry in Ontario representing 4,000 member companies organized into 29 local associations across the province. The industry contributes over $34 billion to Ontarios economy, employing over 334,000 people across the province.

to code, improved electrical components or products that reduce gas emissions, a new house is built to a stringent code. A newly-built home is also inspected during various phases of construction, ensuring that the home is built to minimum energy efficiency as well as code and safety requirements.

Warranty program In Ontario, builders must be registered with the Tarion Warranty Program which offers one of the best, most comprehensive warranty coverage programs in the country. New-home buyers benefit from deposit protection as well as protection against delayed closings or occupancies without proper written notices. New homeowners are also covered against defects in work and materials, major structural defects.

So, the pluses to buying new versus resale really add up.

Theres a saying you often hear people say about new homes

They dont build them like they used to. I say, that is very, very true! And thats a good thing. Because the reality is We build them better much better.

FOr mAny FAmilies, Buying A HOme is mOsT likely THe lArgesT FinAnciAl PurcHAse THey will ever mAke. AnD quiTe FrAnkly, THere HAs never Been A BeTTer Time TO Be A Buy new HOme.


042-043_OHBA report.WK.indd 43 3/8/12 1:45:20 PM

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045-Bradstone-Stonerox 2012.indd 45 3/7/12 3:51:53 PM

explain why now is a great time to buy a new home or condo in the GTA

Expert Panel

WE AskEd A fEW of ThE GTAs Top

buildErs And indusTry ExpErTs

their thoughts on buying a new home in the current market, as well as why new homes and condos were tops over resale.

Naturally, they had a lot to say, but these individuals have more than just

Frank GiannonePresident of frAM Building grouP

It is the Canadian dream to own your own home. When deciding whether its a good time to buy a new home or condo, which parallels our decision as a builder to market a new project, I look at the population growth patterns and family formations, I look at job growth and I look at whether people are confident in their job status.

New Canadians are still coming to the GTA in great numbers and the children of the baby boomers are continuing to set up their own households. The job situation in Ontario is steady at worst. With the mortgage rates still low for the foreseeable future, it is still a good time to buy. There are pockets of Toronto where demand has pushed far up on both houses and condos. However, there are many more projects in and around Toronto with more affordable pricing than the core.

Unfortunately, not everybody can afford to own their own home. For this reason, rental demand continues to remain high in the GTA, and growth of new rental stock needs to happen to service this need. For some, the municipal non-profit housing agencies have been able to build some limited new housing. For others, though, we are fortunate to have an active investor market that is buying condominium units and providing access to them as rental housing. As long as our population continues to grow, these people will continue to buy condominiums to rent them out.

skin the game they are experienced, passionate and work hard with their teams to create communities that make sense for todays buyers.

Each participant on this years panel provided excellent insight about the market in order to help you make your own personal decision as to whether its the right time to buy new and to buy now.


046-049 Symposium GTA New Home.WK.indd 46 3/8/12 1:45:33 PM

explain why now is a great time to buy a new home or condo in the GTA

Brian BrownVice-President, lifetiMe deVeloPMents; PrinciPAl, BlVd deVeloPMents

sam mizrahiPresident, MiZrAHi KHAlili

Over the last few years, we have seen economic markets change dramatically, going from a sense of optimism to scepticism to optimism once again. Yet throughout, the real estate market in Toronto has remained constant, stable and in many circumstances has delivered positive returns. Whether you are purchasing a new home or condo to live in or as an investment, there are fantastic opportunities today, with many more to come. Toronto is an incredible world-class city, and its growth and change over the last decade have had a profound effect on where and how people choose to live, work and entertain. Its an exciting time, and Lifetime is very proud to be a part of it.

It is a good time to purchase a new home or condo, as prices may not continue to rise overall as sharply as we have seen in the past many years, but the costs of materials to build will still continue to increase due to global demands and inflation. As a result, if you look at history being the best indicator of the future, you will see that real estate is still the best asset class over the long term, over any other asset class, and as our global and local urban cities populations increase, there will be a higher demand for housing.

Aside from of course its the right time to buy, this year our panel provides some excellent insight and information about the market to help you make your own personal decision as to whether its the right time to buy new and to buy now

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Paul Golini Jr.cHAirMAn of tHe Building industry And lAnd deVeloPMent AssociAtion (Bild), executiVe Vice-President of eMPire coMMunities

I read an article not too long ago that was written by a lawyer, who has worked in the real estate industry for 28 years, and in his first line he said he believes there has never been a better time to buy a home.

That sure got my attention and I agreed with all of his points: low mortgage rates have opened the door for many first-time and single homebuyers to take the plunge; in Canada, the banks have our backs, not lending homeowners more than they can handle; and evidently, the GTA condo boom has provided an affordable choice for homeownership.

I believe that this really is a great time to buy, and its a great time to buy a new home, whether its a condominium suite, a townhome or a single-detached house. In addition to the above reasons, a new home also comes with the ability to personalize and choose the features in your space. My favourite is the natural light and comfort you get thanks to larger energy efficient windows, but with the design and construction of new homes today, youre bound to reap the benefits of a number of energy efficient features.

A new home also comes with consumer protection covering everything from your deposit to delayed closings to workmanship and major structural defects, in a comprehensive mandatory new home warranty administered by Tarion Warranty Corp.

Advocating for future homebuyers is a huge part of what we do at BILD. We are not only the voice of the building and land development industry, but of our consumers as well. We have been at the table as changes to the Ontario Building Code, with respect to energy efficiency, were being hammered out, and we are at many different tables discussing affordable housing with our municipal and provincial partners, as well as with sister agencies and association. We want new homebuyers to have confidence whenever theyre ready to jump into the market.

Deena PanTalonedirector of MArKeting nAtionAl HoMes

The GTA is a unique market with a very limited supply of lots, due in large part to the Greenbelt and 200,000 new Canadians arriving here every year.

Those two facts together create a natural upward pressure on prices.

Right now, we have very low interest rates and I see that continuing for the near future, and I also see home prices trending upwards.

The demand is there, but the supply isnt, particularly in lowrise housing, and that would make me think that right now is a very good time to get into the market.



Boaz FeinerPresident, Housing diVision gerAniuM corPorAtion

There have been very few instances where buying a home has not proven to be a good idea. History has shown that, over time, the value of a home in the GTA has appreciated. Today, if you are fortunate enough to find a home that you can afford and that suits your familys lifestyle, my advice would be to go ahead and buy it. We are experiencing unprecedented low mortgage rates which are a further benefit to buying now. With available land for new development dwindling, the volume of new homes being built will decline in the years ahead.

Theres something very special about owning your own home, and when that home is new, you have warranty protection for the first few years you live there and fewer maintenance and repair surprises. Building codes are constantly being upgraded and improved and there are many cost savings to owners of new energy efficient homes.

When you buy a new home it will have been designed for todays family rather than the family of a generation before you. At Geranium, we are always adapting and updating our designs. Recently, we successfully introduced home designs in Stouffville and Pickering that have much less formal space and much more generous open concept family/kitchen/breakfast rooms than designs we sold a decade ago. This is how families want to live today.

anGelo DeGasPerisPresident & ceo of countryWide HoMes

If you purchased a home three years ago, youve likely seen a substantial growth in your home property. In the last year alone, homes have increased on average by nine per cent, and with land and development costs continuing to rise, coupled with all time low interest rates, home values will continue to increase for the near foreseeable future. If youre in the market to buy, now may be the time because the home that you desire will likely be less affordable next year.

Besides the financial benefits, new homes are better built due to more stringent building standards, are better designed for greater use and comfort and are also far more energy efficient.

Once upon a time, buyers had limited choices of finishes when buying a new home. Today, we offer our clients a 6,500-sq.-ft. design showroom where they can customize their homes to suit their own personal lifestyles.



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HOTEL LIVINGCHECK-IN TO

Condo & Hotel Residences

FALL 2011

UPSCALE CONDO MARKET HEATS UP

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO JET-SET STYLE

GLAMOROUSDCOR FINDS

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Meet our hero

In February 2011, Mackenzie was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

Mackenzie spent six months at SickKids undergoing aggressive chemotherapy. For 142 days, the Hospital was her home and her medical team became her new family.

She transformed her hospital room into a second bedroom. On one wall, she posted a Bristol board. As each new family member nurse, doctor, social worker came to see her, she encouraged the visitor to sign their name.

Determined not to let her summer to slip away, Mackenzie wanted to get well enough to attend camp. Her team at SickKids, recognizing how important this goal was for Mackenzie, did everything they could to help her dream come true. In August 2011, within 24 hours of discharge, she was up north, dipping her toes in the lake, enjoying her fi rst real taste of freedom with family by her side.

Today, Mackenzie is back at school with her friends in grade 6. She is learning piano, singing in the community choir, and

swimming competitively. She is home fulltime with a new addition to her bedroom - the Bristol board, fi lled corner to corner, with the names of everyone at SickKids who helped her triumph over cancer.

Thanks in part to ground-breaking research conducted at SickKids, children like Mackenzie are able to beat cancer. Survival rates have doubled in the last 25 years alone - today 80 per cent of children diagnosed with this disease at SickKids will survive; but cancer still remains the most common cause of disease-related death in children in Canada. For that reason, cancer research is a priority at SickKids.

SickKids is currently building a new facility to house this research. Designed by world-renowned Diamond and Schmitt Architects with LEED gold certifi cation, the new SickKids Research & Learning Tower will, for the fi rst time, house all SickKids researchers in the same location, allowing them to collaborate like never before. The vision of the Cancer, Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine area of the Tower is Better Outcomes, Better Lives - ensuring treatments that help kids like Mackenzie survive cancer have no long-term side eff ects.

Mackenzie

For ve months Mackenzie braved chemotherapy, nausea, and exhaustion. Like most 10-year-olds, she should have been playing outside in the sunshine with friends and cooling off in the pool in the heat of the day. But her life took a different turn.


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1. Each year, SickKids sees approximately 360 new cancer patients, representing more than 25 per cent of all new cases of paediatric cancer in Canada.

2. In 6 years, Builders Helping to Heal has raised $193,097 in donations. Funds have gone to help renovate our Cancer Clinic into a welcoming and ef cient space. In addition, donations helped fund the groundbreaking discovery of a brain tumour stem cell that unless stopped or removed will continue to grow back.

Readers looking to support SickKids Foundation can go to www.sickkidsleaders.com

PLATINUM SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

Why SickKids?

BUILDERS HELPING TO HEAL

Wall2Wall Media, the publisher of New Home Guide, New Home & Condo Guide and New Condo Guide, is teaming up with builders and their suppliers to help raise money for SickKids Foundation. The following companies have contributed generously to help give Ontario's children the world-class care they deserve. These pages honour these special people, and we thank them for their generous support.

Builders Helping to Heal and Friends of the Industry are Wall2Wall Media initiatives stemming from SickKids Leaders, a program at SickKids which draws on the support of over 230 volunteers across 20 industry sectors. www.sickkidsleaders.com

Again, we thank our generous sponsors and appreciate their ongoing commitment. These companies not only build housing, but they support the families in the communities in which they build.

www.mattamyhomes.com

www.monarchgroup.net

www.heathwood.com

www. fi eldgatehomes.com

over 50 years of excellence

www.branthaven.com

www.primonthomes.com


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Continued on pg. 72

Designer Advice

WITH EVERY NEW YEAR, TRENDSPOTTING IS

TOP OF MIND FOR THE FASHIONISTAS andthese style mavens infl uence the world of home dcor as well. It used to take weeks or months for fashion trendsto show up in home dcor, but in the digital age, socialmedia and other tools are bringing these worlds together almost simultaneously.

Here are my top picks for 2012 home trends: Materials

We are seeing reclaimed materials becoming increasingly popular. Reclaimed woods and refurbished industrial items and materials afford a weathered look that can add texture and interest to your home.

ErasSilhouettes from the mid-century period remain popular, with industrial designers such as Eames and Mies a source of inspiration. The design trend is to be eclectic in style, where modern elements of clean-lined sofas are mixed with an old soda crate from the 1930s and 1940s or a sideboard from the 60s.

Fabric & PatternsWhen it comes to fabric patterns, we draw from a completely international infl uence. Think pop art and Bauhaus motifs infl uenced with a hand-painted look, to washed-out Shanghai fl owers with a smoky feel. Internationally, we see many fabrics that have a tribal or ethnic print in a handcrafted detail, as well as bohemian folk art with paisleys. A natural hand-aesthetic feeling, contributed by individual artists as opposed to mass production, is prevalent. Abstract patterns seem to be coming from natural elements such as microscopic close-up cells or organic matter with a tie-died feel.

by GLEN PELOSO

Design of the times: dcor trends for 2012


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Glen Peloso, design editor at Home Dcor and Renovations and principal designer of Glen Peloso Interiors, has been designing spaces for commercial, corporate and residential clients for more than 15 years. Youll recognize Glen as the host of such television design shows as Restaurant Makeover, Take This House & Sell It and Renovate My Wardrobe, to name a few, as well as from speaking engagements at home shows across Canada. glenpelosointeriors.com

55 New home guide gTA | feb 18 - mar 3, 2012

Colour Palette The colour palette continues to use a warm grey as a neutral. This is a grey that is sometimes called

taupe, containing a brown undertone. Accent colours, on the other hand, will include earth tones often seen in of the garden. Soft yellows, greens, reds and blues are part of the 2012 palette. In the red spectrum, look for fun colour that includes oranges and pink tones. Think pumpkins and the soft red blush of flower petals. In the yellow family, the golden and sunny hues seen in natural blonde hair and the colour of a marigold will be prevalent. In the green colour range, we are looking at a hue with a teal tinge, as well as more intense greens found in camouflage or soft leaf greens. In blues, deep, dark tones head toward charcoal, evoking the mystery of night. These are all colours that can easily be found in nature.

Fashionistas used to tell the world of home dcor to catch up, and now that it has, you can anticipate the colour palette and pattern influences simply by strolling down Bloor St. to get your inspiration from a little window-shopping. Enjoy a croissant and caf while youre at it, to make your trendspotting outing much more pleasant!

photos courtesy of Boconcept.com Check out their new location now open in Toronto.


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Finding a new home builder you trustEssential advice from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

WHEN YOU DECIDE TO BUY A BRAND-NEW HOME, choosing the right builder is as important as choosing your home. When you purchase a home, you also buy the company that will build it. Your satisfaction will depend on their experience, their skills and their commitment to customer service. An important part of the homebuying process lies in determining that you are dealing with a builder who has these qualifi cations and is able to meet your needs and expectations for the home and for the buying experience.

What you want to know

There are thousands of builders in Canada, ranging from small companies building a few houses a year to large builder-developers constructing thousands of homes annually. Whether you live in a large urban area or a smaller community, you will have a number of builders to choose from. Each company may offer a different selection of homes. Some may focus on specifi c market segments or neighbourhoods. Others may specialize in particular types of homes or have certain distinctive expertise, such as adult lifestyle design or energy effi ciency. And every company does business in its own unique way.

As you look at homes and communities, also think about the company behind them. Before choosing which one to buy from, take a close look at each builder you are considering and ask these questions: Who are they? Do they build a quality home? What are they like to buy from? What is their after-sales service like? Whats their reputation, what do others say about them?

Begin your search

01 Check your local newspaper (and New Home Guide) to fi nd out which companies are building in your area, the types of homes they offer and the prices you can expect to pay.

02 Ask friends, family and coworkers for names of reputable builders they have dealt with.

03 Call or check the website of the provincial builders' association and the Canadian Home Builders Association for the names of builders in your area.

04 Contact new-home warranty providers for a list of registered builders.

05 Visit the websites of builders in your community.06 Call builders to fi nd out where they are building, or where

you can see some of their homes.07 Check the Yellow Pages.08 Go to home shows to meet builders and to explore the

latest in features and fi nishes.09 Visit builders sales offi ces, model homes and communities.

As you go through your home search, collect as much information as you can pamphlets, brochures, builders packages, product literature, warranty information and so on. Read through it all and create a fi le of everything that interests you.

10 Always carry a notebook with you and write down information about the builders and the homes that you see. If you dont, it can be diffi cult later to remember the details of a particular home or discussion, or to recall which builder said what.

You may also want to bring a camera along. When you keep track, it is easier to remember to collect the right information from every builder you visit. It also makes it much easier to compare the companies, their products, their selling process and their reputation, when you are ready to make a decision.

Choosing a Builder


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Source: CMHC. For more information or a free copy of the About Your House fact sheet, Selecting a New Home Builder, or for information on any other aspect of owning, maintaining or buying a condo, visit the website at cmhc.ca or call CMHC at 1.800.668.2642. For more than 65 years, CMHC has been Canadas national housing agency and a source of objective, reliable housing expertise.

The type of builder you will be looking for depends on the area you live in, and the home you want. Here is a general overview of different types of home building companies.

Developers are responsible for getting large tracts of land ready for building. This can involve infrastructure and services (utilities, roads, sewers), community layout and design, including recreational spaces whatever it takes to turn the land into a neighbourhood. Developers may also construct the homes, or the lots may be sold to individual home building companies.

Large building companies specialize in building homes in bigger developments. These companies generally offer a selection of homes designed specifi cally for the development. Minor customization by homebuyers is usually permitted, but there are usually limits to the amount of change possible. Most will also have a set process for all aspects of the purchase, from the contract signing to the pre-delivery inspection.

Medium-sized companies range from 10 to 50 homes a year, depending on

the home builders' annual - gta 2012

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