Hiking in the Dundas Valley - Canterbury Falls.Today was a beautiful day for a hike in the Dundas Valley, near Burlington and Hamilton, Ontario. The sun was shining and at 18C it was the warmest day we've had in quite awhile.As we hiked along the trail, we made our first stop at Canterbury Falls. Canterbury Falls is located on Sulphur Creek. It is a terraced ribbon waterfall, 3 m wide and 9.5 m high.After leaving the falls we hiked further into the Dundas Valley Conservation Area. We came across Sulphur Creek on many stretches of the trail. It sparkled in the late afternoon sun.The Dundas Valley Conservation Area welcomes horseback riders, as well as mountain bikers and hikers. With numerous kilometres of well-groomed trails, it is a horseman's paradise. There are even places at the Tra... 11/11/2012

Sherman Falls - Oakville and Burlington Area AttractionsOn a beautiful sunny day not long ago, we decided to go exploring in the Dundas area and view more of the area's myriad waterfalls.  Our destination on that lovely Sunday was Sherman Falls, in the village of Ancaster, Ontario.Sherman Falls is found on privately owned property near the Dundas section of the Bruce Trail. There is a short path leading to the falls from the road and it is open to the public.Sherman Falls is 17 m high and is known as a 'curtain waterfall' for the way it's water cascades over the Niagara Escarpment. The source of the falls is Ancaster Creek and it flows year-round.Named after the Sherman family, it is also known as Angel Falls and Fairy Falls. The Sherman family, founders of Dofasco Steel in Hamilton, ow... 11/08/2012

Oakville, Burlington Area Attractions - Tiffany Falls   Tiffany Falls, a beautiful 21 m high 'Cascade' waterfall in Ancaster, can be accessed by a short hike down a groomed trail through an enchanted woods. To access Tiffany Falls from Burlington or Oakville, travel down the 403 to Hamilton and take the exit on Main St West. Follow it where it veers to the left towards Ancaster. Approximately half way up the escarpment you will find a parking area on the left called 'Tiffany Falls Conservation Area'. Tiffany Falls is named after the area's first Doctor, Oliver Tiffany. Oliver came to the Ancaster area in 1796 and served the area for 40 years. He was well loved and respected and it is said that the there was a major traffic jam caused by horses and buggies at his funeral with over 600 pe... 11/03/2012

       Ok cats too! There are so many animal lovers out there. I'm one of them ;). My 10yr. old doggy wonder is asleep on my lap. Yesterday I did 3 staging consults with either a dog or a cat or both in the house. While as a person, I love meeting all these pets, as a Stager I know that they will be a problem while selling. Most buyers and Realtors would prefer not to be greeted by your dog or cat no matter how friendly. They don't want to listen to your crated dog crying or barking in a crate. It makes them rush through the viewing.                                        Some will skip the viewing all together.                                                   While they are dealing with your pup or kitty they are not focused on your house.                  The focus of the buyer shou... 08/11/2010

                         SOLD $464,900. CAD       Beautiful Ancaster custom built 4 bedroom home steps to Dundas Conservation Area. Hanover kitchen with large island with built-in desk. Lots of cupboards including pantry. Door to lovely deck overlooking gorgeous rear yard. Inviting family-room with wood panelling, newer bay window and wood burning fireplace. 5 piece ensuite and walk-in closet in spacious master suite. 2nd bedroom has ensuite privilege. All large closets offer plenty of storage plus 2 linen closets. Double drive way and double garage with newer garage door and opener. Handy ground floor laundry room with man door to garage. Unspoilt basement has convenient walk out to rear yard. Central air and roughed in central vac.  For more info on this home for sale, other Hamilton... 06/09/2010

Come follow me on twitter! click the follow me button & I'll follow you back. You'll receive the lastest Real Estate Information & New Listings in and around Southern Ontario. I LOVE REFERRALS! Do you have clients moving to the Hamilton-Biurlington-Ancaster-Stoney Creek & Surrounding areas? I would love to help You! Call Today! or Visit my WebSite. www.LisaTollis.ca Lisa Tollis SRES.Sales RepresentativeSeniors Real Estate SpecialistRoyal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.Hamilton OntarioOffice: 905 574 4600Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601www.LisaTollis.ca 10/06/2009

IMMACULATE & BEAUTIFUL!! TRY YOUR OFFER! • 2 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "BOASTS LOADS OF CHARACTER" - MLS® $239,900 CAD - MOVE RIGHT IN!! Central, Hamilton  -  Absolutely Gorgeous!This 4 +1 Spacious Bedrooms, 2 Bath Family Home is Located in a Fantastic South East Location Near Gage Park. This Beautiful Home Boasts Loads of Character with Original Wood Trim Throughout. A Large Foyer Entry Leads you to the Inviting Living Room & Dining Room with Hardwood Floors, Pocket Doors & Large Bay Window. Bright Up-Dated Eat in Kitchen with Laminate Flooring offers Plenty Cabinetry & Walkout to a Backyard Oasis Featuring Above Ground Pool, Deck, Natural Gas Hook Up for BBQ, Covered Porch & Beautifully Landscaped Yard Perfect For Summer Fun. The Lower level is Finished With A Large Bedroom or is Perfect ... 10/06/2009

Last month marks best September on record(October 5, 2009 - Hamilton, Ontario) The Hamilton-Burlington area resale market reported a total of 1,216 units sold in September, indicating an increase of 20 per cent over the same month last year.  The total unit sales for the first three quarters of 2009 are being reported at 2.6 per cent lower for the same period last year, while new units listed are 8.8 per cent lower for the year-to-date, according to Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) statistics released by the REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB).  "The third quarter of 2009 saw the most number of sales during that period since 2005," said Bruce King, RAHB President.  "The September numbers continued the positive trend set in July, with sales and average price up, year over... 10/05/2009

The hot real estate market has cooled and most cities across Canada are experiencing a "buyer's market." While many homeowners have chosen to stay put rather than chance losing money on their investment, those homeowners who have no choice but to move must put in extra effort to make their homes more appealing to buyers. "Home staging helps create an environment that will lead a buyer's eye to your home's most attractive features, while minimizing its flaws," says Julie Panasiuk, sales representative, Royal LePage. "There are many quick fixes you can make to your home to help it stand out to potential buyers." Panasiuk offers the following home staging tips: Make a Good First Impression - Increase the curb appeal of your home by planting flowers or placing planters in the front and back... 10/02/2009

Water Heater 101 Many homeowners will admit they don't know a whole lot about the water heater down in their basement. Dave Walton, Direct Energy's director of home ideas, offers up some information to help homeowners become a little more familiar with their water heaters, along with a few suggestions for those thinking of switching to tankless water heaters. Longevity - Homeowners can expect their conventional water heater to supply hot water for approximately sixteen years, depending upon a number of factors including, without limitation, the use of the water heater, the water temperature and the type of water in the premises. A tankless unit can last in the neighbourhood of twenty years, depending on water quality and usage requirements. Capacity - For both conventional and tankless ... 10/02/2009

That the Multiple Listing Service, MLS.ca Is Now Realtor.ca! Thats Right! But Don't worry! The website is still the same with exception of a few minor changes, you will still be able to search for your next home the same way you always have been. Check it Out! Click the Realtor.ca Logo and begin your Search. Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in the Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas. Lisa Tollis SRES.Sales RepresentativeSeniors Real Estate SpecialistRoyal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.Hamilton OntarioOffice: 905 574 4600Toll Free: 1 877 574 4601www.LisaTollis.ca 10/01/2009

Affordability Guide How much can you afford? This depends on a number of factors. The most important are your gross household income, your down payment and the mortgage interest rate. The first affordability rule is that your monthly housing costs shouldn't be more than 32 percent of your gross monthly income. Housing costs include monthly principal, interest, taxes and heating expenses (p.i.t.h.). If applicable, it also includes half of monthly condominium fees. Lenders add up these housing costs to determine what percentage they are of your gross monthly income. This figure is your GROSS DEBT SERVICE RATIO (GDSR).The second affordability rule is that your entire monthly debt load should not be more than 40 percent of your gross household monthly income. This includes housing costs and... 10/01/2009

Affordable upgrades for every homeowner (NC)-With all the government grant opportunities available today for home renovations, homeowners have been able to carry out their planned home improvement projects. While some homeowners have used the opportunity to improve the aesthetic qualities of their homes, others have focused on long-term investments such as improving their home's energy efficiency. "Home renovations that help improve the energy efficiency of a home don't need to be difficult or costly," says Cheryl West, an insulation expert at Owens Corning. "Energy efficiency and energy cost savings can be achieved through simple do-it-yourself projects such as insulating your attic and topping up on the amount of insulation you already have in place." If you're interested in improving... 10/01/2009

Furnace upgrade not mandatory, but will save you money Home Efficiency Q&A: (NC)-Here's the answer to a frequently asked question, courtesy of Dave Walton, director of home ideas at Direct Energy: A: The new standard, which applies to new purchases only and goes into effect December 31, 2009, will require all new gas furnaces meet a minimum efficiency of 90%.  It does not require that existing furnaces be upgraded until homeowners make the decision to do so. But there's more: • Upgrade benefits - Upgrading from a 17-year-old furnace, to a new high-efficiency furnace is going to save money on gas bills and also help the environment. This new standard is part of a federal initiative to reduce greenhouse gases and raise energy efficiency standards for Canadian homes, old and new. • Savings... 10/01/2009

Enjoy hot water... but don't get burned at the door (NC)-Chances are, you probably use hot water dozens of times a day. Whether it's tackling the dishes or a soak in the tub, hot water plays a key role in your daily routine. But most consumers never think about it until it stops working or when a door-to-door salesperson comes knocking. Some door-to-door salespeople take advantage of the fact consumers have a limited understanding of their home's equipment, signing homeowners up for contracts with long-term commitments, exit fees and high rental rates. To help prevent this, Reliance Home Comfort, Ontario's expert on water heaters, dispels common myths about the natural gas water heater in your basement. Myth: A new water heater will save me money. In reality: New water heaters only off... 10/01/2009

 Huntington Park Area, Hamilton East Mountain  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 160 BRENTWOOD DRIVE on October 4 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Property information Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in the Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas. Lisa Tollis SRES.Sales RepresentativeSeniors Real Estate SpecialistRoyal LePage State Realty, Brokerage.Hamilton OntarioOffice:  905 574 4600Toll Free:  1 877 574 4601www.LisaTollis.ca   10/01/2009

  • 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story "TOWNHOUSE ROW UNIT" - MLS® $229,900 CAD Glancaster, Hamilton  -  DON'T MISS THIS! IMMACULATE 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH TOWNHOUSE MINUTES TO ANCASTER. THIS HOME FEATURES A LARGE BRIGHT OAK KITCHEN WITH CERAMICS, SPACIOUS FAMILY ROOM WITH GAS FIREPLACE & A WALK OUT TO A LANDSCAPED YARD WITH CONCRETE PATIO, REAR ACCESS THRU GARAGE, MAIN FLOOR LAUNDRY ROOM, SPACIOUS MASTER BEDROOM WITH WALK-IN CLOSET. BONUS INCLUDES 5APPLIANCES. TASTEFULLY DECORATED & READY TO MOVE INTO. EASY ACCESS TO SHOPPING, PARKS, THE LINC & QEW. RSA. LOOK NO FURTHER, YOU JUST FOUND YOUR NEW HOME! CALL TODAY TO VIEW.Features: Automatic Garage Dr, Highspeed Internet Access, Satellite, Roughed-In Central Vac, Walk-In Closet, Main Flr. Laundry, Main Flr. Family Rm, Eat-in KitchenInclusions: FRIDGE,STOV... 10/01/2009

PERFECTION AT IT'S BEST! • 2,733 sq. ft., 4 bath, 3 bdrm 2 storey "EXECUTIVE CONDOMINIUM " - MLS® $469,900 CAD Meadowlands, Ancaster  -  ABSOLUTELY STUNNING EXECUTIVE 3+1 BEDROOM CONDOMINIUM-BUNGALOFT IN UPSCALE STARWARD LANDSCAPES COMPLEX-2733 SQ.FT. approx. + A PROFESSIONALLY FINISHED LOWER LEVEL (2008) THAT WILL AMAZE YOU! FABULOUS MAPLE KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTER TOPS,BUILT-IN STOVE TOP, OVEN & MICROWAVE. MAIN FLOOR MASTER BEDROOM WITH A 5PC ENSUITE, GORGEOUS LIVINGROOM WITH GAS FIREPLACE, FINISHED LOFT, CALIFORNIA SHUTTERS, HARDWOOD FLOORS. SHOWS IMPECCABLY WITH MANY UPGRADES! RSA.INCLUSIONS: ALL LIGHT FIXTURES, WINDOW COVERINGS, COUNTER COOKTOP,OVEN BUILTIN, C/VAC & ATT EXCLUSIONS: DINING ROOM LIGHT FIXTURE & FRONT HALL LIGHT FIXTURE Property information Visit www.LisaTollis.ca... 10/01/2009

  NICE STARTER HOME-CLOSE TO EVERYTHING!! • 1 bath, 3 bdrm 1 1/2 story - MLS® $149,900 CAD - GREAT VALUE!! Hamilton Centre, Hamilton  -  EAST END CHARMER. SPACIOUS 1 1/2 STOREY, 3 BEDROOM HOME IN A FAMILY FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD. LARGE LIVINGROOM & DININGROOM WITH COVE CEILINGS, LAMINATE FLOORS, EAT-IN KITCHEN WITH WITH WALK-OUT TO DECK. NEW ROOF '07, BATHROOM '09, FURNACE '08 (RENTED@$89.99/MO). INCLUDES 4 APPLIANCES. CLOSE TO ALL AMENITIES, SCHOOLS, PARKS, THE REJUVENATED CENTRE MALL & PUBLIC TRANSIT. A PLEASURE TO SHOW. TRY YOUR OFFER TODAY! Property information Visit www.LisaTollis.ca for more information about Real Estate & Listings in the Ancaster-Hamilton-Burlington Ontario and All of the Surrounding Areas. Lisa Tollis SRES.Sales RepresentativeSeniors Real Estate SpecialistRoyal L... 10/01/2009

-(NC)Renovations like a new roof, upgrading electrical wiring and bathroom remodels are eligible expenditures and qualify for the Home Renovation Tax Credit. The Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) is  available for the 2009 tax year. It is a temporary, non-refundable tax credit. Here are a few things you should know about the HRTC as well as information about what renovations qualify and how much you can claim: · The tax credit is 15% of eligible expenditures over $1,000 and up to $10,000 on home renovations made in respect of eligible buildings.· The maximum tax credit amount is $1,350 per family ($9,000 x 15%).· The tax credit will apply for costs incurred after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010.· Costs related to an agreement entered into before January 28, 2009 are not eli... 08/23/2009