CONGRATS to the first people who are taking possession today!

[anxious_f]

Greg!!

Did you get your keys today?? Are you the first ones to officially close?

Let us know how it went.

[Greg]

Howdy.

I got the keys, all 6 of them, so no need to go to CT to get more cut. Andy and I went through the house and I initialed all the things on the PDI that were complete, outstanding items include cabinetry fixes and exterior/seasonal stuff.

I left one key with Andy and signed a form, that way if they need to go in to fix things they can do so during the day when I'm not there, after giving me a call and getting permission of course.

Next big day is Saturday... Moving Day.

[babymaeby]

Congratulations! This is a big day! :)

[newhomeowner]

congrats!!!

[Dave]

Congrats Greg!

[DanielleandCody]

Congratulations!!!! How exciting!!!! Good luck with your move on Saturday!:)

[anxious_f]

That's great news. Congrats again!

Hopefully they don't start construction too early in the morning for you.

I have met the people who live right next door to you (24 Sharpe - Lot 164) and I THINK that they take possession next week...but I'm not exactly sure.

Do you know when they're coming back to finish your railing?

[Greg]

Thanks everyone.

No word on when they will be fixing the railing or the sofit gap created by switching from round columns to square ones.

Construction noises weren't a problem, we get up just after 7 and although there were people there things weren't in full swing yet. The bigger problem is lack of window coverings!

[K.C.]

The bigger problem is lack of window coverings!

Hi Greg, you can buy paper blinds while you wait to put up proper window coverings. They're cheap and you can cut them to fit your windows. Buy the widest available size and you should be able to at least do the windows in the rooms that require privacy the most. I think Rona and Home Depot both sell them.

When you want to put the paper builds all the way up just use clips like the ones you would use for hanging laundry outside on a line.

[smartsexystylish]

Howdy.

I got the keys, all 6 of them, so no need to go to CT to get more cut. Andy and I went through the house and I initialed all the things on the PDI that were complete, outstanding items include cabinetry fixes and exterior/seasonal stuff.

I left one key with Andy and signed a form, that way if they need to go in to fix things they can do so during the day when I'm not there, after giving me a call and getting permission of course.

Next big day is Saturday... Moving Day.

Wow Congrats Greg :)

6 keys??!! That's alot lol Is that normal?

I'm hoping they fix all of your stuff in a timely manner and with minimal interruptions to you and your family.

[jrb]

Congrats on the new house!

I think the Thompson is a great model......and I really like the elevation you picked, much better than the model. [the model was beautifully decorated]

The wait is the toughest part.

Great tip for temporary window coverings!

My southgate end townhouse has tons of windows and they are large............

I will measure the windows once I have walls....LOL....right now all i have is dirt....LOL
........but not sure how to incorpoarte the window cranks..............do the blinds hang inside away from the cranks..........and not sure how much space to leave on each side of blind.....LOL

jason

[K.C.]

Congrats on the new house!

I think the Thompson is a great model......and I really like the elevation you picked, much better than the model. [the model was beautifully decorated]

The wait is the toughest part.

Great tip for temporary window coverings!

My southgate end townhouse has tons of windows and they are large............

I will measure the windows once I have walls....LOL....right now all i have is dirt....LOL
........but not sure how to incorpoarte the window cranks..............do the blinds hang inside away from the cranks..........and not sure how much space to leave on each side of blind.....LOL

jason

Jason, If you're talking about the paper blinds in reference to the window cranks you can cut them to be any shape you want but if you plan on opening the window you really should use clips to put them all the way up or your blinds are going to fly right out the window. They're very fragile. You can hang the paper blinds inside or outside of the frame. I tend to hang them on the inside of the frame ... attach the sticky tape side to the frame not the window. The only time I would hang them on the outside is if there is no frame like on french doors as your entry doors.

If you have very large windows to cover you may need to put two sets of paper blinds side by side. I think the widest paper blinds available are about 4 feet.

[Greg]

For blinds I think I'm just going to go with Costco wood blinds for the front of the house and the master bath/bed right off the bat, and then worry about the rest later. The cranks should come out, I haven't tried it yet but I sure hope they do.

This elevation really is my favorite, though there is a couple of things I would do differently. I think it wouldn't require much of them (structurally speaking) to put the bay window in the bedroom over the garage where it would be more useful than in the bathroom. They could then have brick over the rest of the upstairs frontage because there is brick on the ground floor underneath to support it.

One reason for the 6 keys may be that they open 3 sets of doors (front, garage and back). If each lock comes with 2 keys, there is the 6. If people who have sliders on the back door get 4 keys, we have our answer.

[smartsexystylish]

One reason for the 6 keys may be that they open 3 sets of doors (front, garage and back). If each lock comes with 2 keys, there is the 6. If people who have sliders on the back door get 4 keys, we have our answer.


Ohhhh It all makes sense now haha. For some odd reason I was thinking only about the front door haha

[Phase 4 Greenway]

I am a little late with my response, but, Congratulations! Good luck with the move on Saturday!

[anxious_f]

For blinds I think I'm just going to go with Costco wood blinds for the front of the house and the master bath/bed right off the bat, and then worry about the rest later. The cranks should come out, I haven't tried it yet but I sure hope they do.

The cranks DO come out. We tried it when we through the framed walkthrough because my mother-in-law is a child safety nut and wanted to make sure that our girls wouldn't be able to open the windows.

[Greg]

Ohhhh It all makes sense now haha. For some odd reason I was thinking only about the front door haha

Just to be clear, each of the 6 keys opens all 3 of the exterior doors. I've been giving these things away like candy!

[anxious_f]

Just to be clear, each of the 6 keys opens all 3 of the exterior doors. I've been giving these things away like candy!

Can I have one? I can watch your place when you need to go away and water the plants for you.

[justmed]

Thats awesome...

we're doing the same thing and moving a week after close as Im going to take the week off and take care of some stuff... painting, backsplash etc.

Question... was your driveway ready?

I thought some townhouses had closed already, and we didnt see anything cleared when we stopped by our house last night so the question came up

[smartsexystylish]

Just to be clear, each of the 6 keys opens all 3 of the exterior doors. I've been giving these things away like candy!

Lol .... oh wow


Thats awesome...

we're doing the same thing and moving a week after close as Im going to take the week off and take care of some stuff... painting, backsplash etc.

Question... was your driveway ready?

I thought some townhouses had closed already, and we didnt see anything cleared when we stopped by our house last night so the question came up


I don't think the driveways are being paved til the spring/summertime right?

[Greg]

Ha, all the keys are gone already.

The driveway is ready in that its plowed and you can park on it, asphalt doesn't get done till the spring. Lisa and I managed to park our cars on it one behind the other without sticking out onto the street, so we're happy about that, but I still want to get a double wide.

[smartsexystylish]

Ha, all the keys are gone already.

The driveway is ready in that its plowed and you can park on it, asphalt doesn't get done till the spring. Lisa and I managed to park our cars on it one behind the other without sticking out onto the street, so we're happy about that, but I still want to get a double wide.

Greg, that's perfect. I was really hoping that you could fit 2 cars one behind the other! I really wanted confirmation about that haha.
Now to just double the width and I'd be a happy camped :)

[justmed]

Ha, all the keys are gone already.

The driveway is ready in that its plowed and you can park on it, asphalt doesn't get done till the spring. Lisa and I managed to park our cars on it one behind the other without sticking out onto the street, so we're happy about that, but I still want to get a double wide.

nice... thats what I would have thought...

just hope it doesnt snow too much, would be a pain to clear I think no?

[Greg]

It would be a gigantic pain to clean, though since Mattamy does the plowing I hope that they would do the driveway now and again.

As for the length of the driveway, you have to be careful. Our house is set back from the road more than some others, and we don't have a sidewalk. I think that anyone with a sidewalk or with two large cars won't fit. As it is when we park there is less than 10cm from the front car to the garage, the same mount of space between the two cars, and that barely makes it so we don't stick out on the street.

[anxious_f]

If you have a sidewalk, there is no way that you could fit two deep...we have a sidewalk.

[newhomeowner]

so greg, if you dont mind me asking, what can we expect as far as closing costs?

[JFiolek]

Howdy.

I got the keys, all 6 of them, so no need to go to CT to get more cut. Andy and I went through the house and I initialed all the things on the PDI that were complete, outstanding items include cabinetry fixes and exterior/seasonal stuff.

I left one key with Andy and signed a form, that way if they need to go in to fix things they can do so during the day when I'm not there, after giving me a call and getting permission of course.

Next big day is Saturday... Moving Day.

Hey Greg we were up there on Saturday didnt realize we were so close Lot 103 or 104 Callaway. We took a peak to see if you were there but I guess we missed you, wasn't sure if maybe you needed a hand moving lol.

[Greg]

Closing costs were as follows:

Land transfer tax $920.31 (I'm a first time buyer so I got the $2,000 refund)
Credit to vendor for land tax $1,400.00
Hydro energization inspection $472.50
Water meter install $147.00
Tree planting $420.00
Survey $367.50
Driveway $315.00
Tarion $565.00

For a total of just over $4,600 plus the lawyer fees.


The move went very well thanks to Lisa's large and strong family, I was actually surprised as how quickly it all went, but thanks. :)

[smartsexystylish]

Hey Greg,

Thanks for letting us know what costs to expect :)

That is really helpful!

-D

[anxious_f]

Thanks for the letting us know what the closing costs will be...big help.

One question...do you know what the "Credit to vendor for land tax" is? It's sounds pretty self explanitory, but is that the portion of the property taxes that Mattamy has already paid for the year? Further to that, do you know what the property taxes are for you? You can PM me, if you want.

[smartsexystylish]

Thanks for the letting us know what the closing costs will be...big help.

One question...do you know what the "Credit to vendor for land tax" is? It's sounds pretty self explanitory, but is that the portion of the property taxes that Mattamy has already paid for the year? Further to that, do you know what the property taxes are for you? You can PM me, if you want.

Good Question Anxious_f :)
Thinking about it, I also am curious to know what it is.

I'm worried to hear what the property tax is up there as I've heard it's pretty high compared to other places in the GTA. (I think people were discussing it in another thread a while ago)

[justmed]

Good Question Anxious_f :)
Thinking about it, I also am curious to know what it is.

I'm worried to hear what the property tax is up there as I've heard it's pretty high compared to other places in the GTA. (I think people were discussing it in another thread a while ago)

one of the highest from what I've read...

1.41620%

http://www.city.cambridge.on.ca/relatedDocs/TaxRates2008.pdf

[Greg]

No problem.

I do not know what my property taxes will be, but they should be just north of $3,000. A friend of mine has a 1,500 square foot semi in the other Cambridge Mattamy community and he pays about $2,800.

I am not 100% sure of the land tax credit details, but it is a credit to Mattamy for the land taxes that they have paid for the property. It is an amount that will be adjusted to its actual value later because the $1,400 is just an estimate. My understanding is that this is only for the year that I took possession in, so the number seems very high to me seeing as I took possession on January 14 so they should only be paying taxes for 13 days of the year. If anyone knows more about this I would love to hear it.

[anxious_f]

I would look into that, Greg. I paid that when I bought my first home, because the previous owner had already paid the taxes for the year and I took possession in August. When I closed, I had to pay him the amount of taxes that would have been due from August to December and this number was figured out by the lawyer and accurately calculated. It seems strange to me that you would have to pay $1400 upfront and they'll "give it back" later? I would contact the Mattamy sales office maybe and ask them or email Sofi and see if she can get an answer for you.

[smartsexystylish]

Greg,
Did you get Mattamy to cap your levies at the time of sale?

[ShaunnNRachel]

I think that the 1400 dollars would represent the amount of tax Mattamy had to pay while building your home also. They have had that land for a while now and had to pay tax on it even though was only dirt. Thats something I have never thought about until it came up in this thread. But land tax is "land" tax and my guess is you have to pay with or without a structure on it. Seems funny but it kind of makes sense. Anyone else have thoughts on it cause this is a really interesting topic.

[ShaunnNRachel]

I currently live on the "other side" of the Speed river in Hespeler and I can honestly say that Cambridge is heavily taxed. Compared to Kitchener and Waterloo we are higher. For my 850 sq ft bungalow on a corner lot I pay 3145 a year in tax. I have a 100 by 100 foot lot approx. Thats a lot of tax!

[JFiolek]

On your tax bill you will find your property tax class and the assessed valuation for your home. The tax class determines the tax rate and which school board your taxes will support. To determine the total dollars you will pay in property taxes to each level of government and to your school board take your assessed valuation and multiple by the tax rate.

Review your property valuation and tax class

In this sample tax bill we have a residential taxable english public school supporter with a tax class “RTEP” and a home assessed at $200,000.

The taxes payable are as follows:

For the City of Waterloo $200,000 X .393400% = $ 786.80

For the Region of Waterloo $200,000 X .639842% = $1,279.68

For the School Boards $200,000 x .296000% = $ 592.00

The Total Tax Bill for this Example is $2,658.48

[anxious_f]

I think that the 1400 dollars would represent the amount of tax Mattamy had to pay while building your home also. They have had that land for a while now and had to pay tax on it even though was only dirt. Thats something I have never thought about until it came up in this thread. But land tax is "land" tax and my guess is you have to pay with or without a structure on it. Seems funny but it kind of makes sense. Anyone else have thoughts on it cause this is a really interesting topic.

The only problem with this is that you don't OWN the property until you close the sale. You have a deposit on the property, but Mattamy owns it. You can't pay taxes on something that you don't own.

If you had purchased the lot and then had a house built on it, that would be different, then you would have been the owner of the land and the house through the various stages of construction. Because you don't own the house until Mattamy signs the completed product to you at closing, they cannot hold you responsible for the taxes that they have been paying.

[ShaunnNRachel]

But it sounds like they ARE holding us responsible......no?

[Greg]

Greg,
Did you get Mattamy to cap your levies at the time of sale?

I did not, no. Live and learn.

[DanielleandCody]

But it sounds like they ARE holding us responsible......no?

Could it potentially be that Mattamy pays the taxex outright for the entire year? Meaning that we would have to pay them from the time we take possession and on??? I don't know just a thought. I know you can pay quarterly but I can't see Mattamy going through all of that every quarter. It makes more sense that they would pay for the entire year for all the properties. I don't know just a thought. D

[anxious_f]

Could it potentially be that Mattamy pays the taxex outright for the entire year? Meaning that we would have to pay them from the time we take possession and on??? I don't know just a thought. I know you can pay quarterly but I can't see Mattamy going through all of that every quarter. It makes more sense that they would pay for the entire year for all the properties. I don't know just a thought. D

I don't think that $1400 would be enough for the entire year and it's too much for just a quarter.

I will mention it to my lawyer when I go see him today and see what he says.

[smartsexystylish]

I did not, no. Live and learn.

I was curious if you did. Exactly Greg, you live and learn. We sometimes find out about things afterwards and their is not much we can really do about it then right.


I don't think that $1400 would be enough for the entire year and it's too much for just a quarter.

I will mention it to my lawyer when I go see him today and see what he says.


I'm also meeting with my lawyer tonight and he said to bring along the contract to see if he can give us estimates about what to expect to pay on closing from Mattamy.

[Greg]

Which of the levies did you guys have your lawyers cap?

[smartsexystylish]

Which of the levies did you guys have your lawyers cap?

As quoted from Schedule 1:

9. The Purchase Price shall be increased or adjusted as of closing with respect to:

(a) any charges paid to a utility for the connection of services or the installation or meters;
(b) costs incurred bu the vendor for boulevard landscaping, fencing and asphalt paved driveway;
(c) any increase of an existing, or imposition of a new levy between the date this agreement is executed and the date upon which a building permit for the erection of the Dwelling is issued;
(d)the enrollment fee required by Tarion Warranty Corporation pursuant to the provisions of the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act; and taxes, fuel, water rates, assessment rates and local improvements to be apportioned and allowed to the date of Closing. In the event that realty taxes have not been broken down in respect of the Real Property, then notwithstanding that such en bloc taxes may be outstanding and unpaid, the Purchaser covenants to complete this transaction and accept the Vendor's undertaking to pay the en bloc realty taxes as the same fall due and agrees to pay on Closing a deposit to be readjusted and to be applied on account of the Purchaser's portion of realty taxes applicable to the Real Property. Realty tax re-assessment and/or supplementary tax bills relating to the Dwelling issued subsequent to the Closing Date shall be the sole responsibility of the Purchaser.

The Closing Date shall shall be apportioned to the Purchaser. If there are chattels involved in this transaction the allocation of value of such chattels shall be estimated where necessary by the Vendor and retail sales taxes may be collected and remitted by the vendor

The Purchaser agrees to pay after Closing any charges for water, hydro, fuel and other services. The parties agree to readjust any of the above items where appropriate after Closing.

The parties acknowledge and agree that, as part of and included in the Purchase Price herein, the Vendor has or will pay on behalf of the Purchaser, all taxes, levies, imposts, building permit fees (for permit obtained on behalf of the Purchaser), and all applicable development charges including education development charges applicable to the property. The parties acknowledge and agree that these amounts, at the Vendor's option, may be shown separately in the statement of adjustments to be delivered to the Purchaser prior to closing.


(We got it a - c capped not to exceed $1722.00)

[smartsexystylish]

Hey Greg,

Out of curiosity (again lol) when/where did you have to pick up your keys for the super mailbox?

I'm trying to update my address on everything, but I don't know how soon I will get mail from the companies I've updated.

What information did you have to provide to them?

Thanks!

[Greg]

Still no keys. I was supposed to have them by Wednesday but no one called me back. All I had to do was call Canada Post and talk to one of their people, give them my name and address and I think my drivers license number.

[smartsexystylish]

Still no keys. I was supposed to have them by Wednesday but no one called me back. All I had to do was call Canada Post and talk to one of their people, give them my name and address and I think my drivers license number.


Really?
Canada Post is supposed to provide them right?

I read on the HV site that people have gone to the post office and picked them up.

[Greg]

You have to pick them up from the post office, but they were supposed to get back to me when the keys were ready for pickup and with a location of which office I was to get them from.

[KM.]

Are there even mailboxes placed in the development yet? I don't recall seeing any when I was there last weekend...

[justmed]

anxious / smart, did you guys happen to bring the Mattamy credit or whatever it was called with the lawyers?

[smartsexystylish]

anxious / smart, did you guys happen to bring the Mattamy credit or whatever it was called with the lawyers?

Hey Justmed,
What Mattamy credit are you referring to?

[justmed]

the 1400 as a credit to vendor for Land tax Greg had to pay at close

[smartsexystylish]

Still no keys. I was supposed to have them by Wednesday but no one called me back. All I had to do was call Canada Post and talk to one of their people, give them my name and address and I think my drivers license number.

Hey Greg have you gotten your keys yet to the postal box?

I just did the Canada Post change of address and I'm hoping it won't be an issue to get our mail shortly after we move in.

[smartsexystylish]

the 1400 as a credit to vendor for Land tax Greg had to pay at close

To be completely honest I didn't get to ask as our lawyer was going through the Purchase agreement and other things. I completely forgot to ask about this until now.

But reading the agreement that I posted it seems to be a portion of the years property taxes - well that's what I think it is lol (I'm hoping so!)

Maybe anxious asked?

[justmed]

thats what Im thinking too. hope so as well.

We finally got our stuff to our lawyer. Things are moving so fast:)

[anxious_f]

I did ask, actually...sorry that I didn't post it on here yet.

My lawyer says that it's a bit of a bogus charge that the builder puts in there to cover themselves if they actually have to pay taxes on the property. It takes a year to a year and a half for the government to assess the property and actually put a tax value on it, so it's very unlikely that Mattamy has actually paid any portion of our taxes for it. They still collect it, however, as a means to build themselves a surplus in case they do need to pay some of the taxes.

The money gets credited to you after some time and comes off what you would owe for property taxes to the city.

[anxious_f]

Are there even mailboxes placed in the development yet? I don't recall seeing any when I was there last weekend...

I drove through the site today when I picked my kids up from their daycare and I noticed that the mail boxes have been delivered. The two that I noticed were on Baldwin, in front of the park, just before the houses start and another one at the corner of Sharpe and Silverthorne, right beside where the trail entrance will be.

There are likely more than this, but I didn't drive around to look for them.

[Greg]

No keys or phone call from Canada Post yet, but if the boxes are there I'll give them another call and see whats up.

Good to know that we'll get a credit for the money we paid to Mattamy for taxes, but I would still rather have it in my pocket right now.

[smartsexystylish]

Greg, have you had the option of picking up your mail from an Cananda Post Outlet? Or did they not tell you anything other than they would call you back. Just want to know what I'll be doing/saying to them next week lol

[LEON]

I received a call from Canada Post yesterday, told me the box and key will be ready in 1-2 weeks. During this period, the mail can be pick up from Preston post office, 863 Kinig St.
By the way, I am closing on jan. 30th.

[smartsexystylish]

Thanks for the info Leon!

Wow, you close tomorrow :) Congrats! Excited?

[deonandlindsay]

I don't know if this has been posted before but we have just been told that we will not be getting our keys before the legal close. Just wanted to make everyone aware of that going forward.

[smartsexystylish]

Yea, I didn't think CanPost would give you the keys before closing. I just wanted to see if we can get them for closing or just after.

Did you try getting it before closing? :)

[deonandlindsay]

Sorry I should have clarified that I was referring to the house keys from Mattamy. I was told they won't release them before all the papers are signed. I know this was a courtesy but we had planned on moving in earlier in the morning and now it looks like we need to change our plans a week and a half before we move. I wish they had given us notice they were no longer releasing keys earlier in the day.

[smartsexystylish]

Oh my bad. I thought you were talking about CanPost lol

Oh, I never knew that Mattamy gave the keys in the AM. My lawyer said we would be getting the keys in the PM. However, we got permission from Mattamy to accept a delivery of our appliances should they arrive in the morning. (The company we purchased with only makes the trip to Cambridge once a week - Wednesdays of course!) so we don't want to go without appliances for a week. The company cannot provide a time when they will arrive so it may be early in the morning if we're the only delivery in Cambridge that week.
Can you not load your things into the garage in the morning of maybe? I don't see why it's such a huge problem if it's just a couple hours earlier than normal.... They probably just want to make sure all the finances and everything is in order..

[deonandlindsay]

Maybe I'm mistaken in which case I owe Jen an apology but I thought they mentioned you could get your keys the morning of the day of your close at the Mattamy University. Uh Oh.

[smartsexystylish]

Hmm, I never knew that they said that.
The only reference I was told is that my lawyer said he would get the keys to us in the afternoon. And we asked can it be earlier and he said probably not as they have to courier all the docs and money from the lawyer to Mattamy's end or something like that so it takes some time. But he said for sure in the afternoon sometime.
Would be a bonus if we get it in the morning though. We will most likely have to hang around all morning just in case the appliances arrive during then. I'm not getting dinged with a delivery fee because we missed them lol

[babymaeby]

Maybe I'm mistaken in which case I owe Jen an apology but I thought they mentioned you could get your keys the morning of the day of your close at the Mattamy University. Uh Oh.

You're not the only one...I totally remember them saying that. They kind of bragged about it, like it's one of the things that makes them better than other builders...."We don't wait for the lawyers to do their thing, you get your keys whenever you want."

Hmm....that makes me mad.

[smartsexystylish]

You're not the only one...I totally remember them saying that. They kind of bragged about it, like it's one of the things that makes them better than other builders...."We don't wait for the lawyers to do their thing, you get your keys whenever you want."

Hmm....that makes me mad.


Hmmm that's quite interesting. I don't think they ever mentioned that at our MU. Wonder why.
If the 2 of you definitely heard it then you should bring it up for sure! Why say something and then retract it without a a reason? Especially if all along you've been planning to move in in the morning (deonandlindsay)

[smartsexystylish]

Congratulations Leon on taking possession today :)

[LEON]

Thanks very much.
I didn't have a good sleep last night, anxious, excited....so much paparwork signed yesterday, funds transfer, hopefully can get the keys by the end of today.....
By the way, I am lot 169....

[smartsexystylish]

You're welcome!
That's too funny, I was just telling my co-worker that the night before closing I'm sure I won't get alot of sleep as I will be too excited and anxious about the following day! And then I come on here and read that you experienced what I thought would happen lol

Good luck with the move :) You moving in tomorrow?

It's so exciting lol

[babymaeby]

Congrats - Hope your day goes smoothly!

[Greg]

Welcome to the neighbourhood. :)

[smartsexystylish]

Greg - Another random question for you lol (Or Leon!)

On the day of the PDI, do you have to wear a hard hat?

[Greg]

No hard hat is required, no.

[LEON]

Today 03:39 PM
Greg Welcome to the neighbourhood.
Today 09:50 AM
babymaeby Congrats - Hope your day goes smoothly!
Today 09:43 AM
smartsexystylish You're welcome!
That's too funny, I was just telling my co-worker that the night before closing I'm sure I won't get alot of sleep as I will be too excited and anxious about the following day! And then I come on here and read that you experienced what I thought would happen lol

Good luck with the move You moving in tomorrow?

It's so exciting lol
Thanks for all your warm welcome. Everything went on smoothly, got the keys in the afternoon from Mattamy, checked a few finished/unfinished items from PDI.... Now prepare for the moving day, next Tuesday will be the big day....

[Rachel125]

How much are all the extra fees and what are they for????
thank you:cool:

[LEON]

Pretty much the same as Greg mentioned before, but my land tranfer tax is $432 after $2000 rebate. In addition, I paid 3 days delay closing interest of $162 (Mattamy is so mean on this), So in total that's almost $4300 plus lawyer fee.

[Rachel125]

Thank you!!!!!!
but what if this is our first home do we still pay land transfer (sorry if thats a stupid question)

[Style]

Thank you!!!!!!
but what if this is our first home do we still pay land transfer (sorry if thats a stupid question)

As long as the two of you have never been on title for a home then you are ok! if not you don't qualify!
The maximum rebate is 2000.00 and that is equivalent to a home with a purchase price of 225,000! As long as your purchase price is less then that and you never owned a home before you will qualify! If its more then 225,000 then the remaining amount is taxed so therefore you would have to pay a small amount of money! But it pails in comparison to the 2975.00 when its a home at 300,000!

Every little bit helps though!

For a home at 250,000 it would be $2225.00
For a home at 275,000 it would be 2600.00
At 325,000 it would be 3350.00
at 350,000 it would be 3725.00
And at 400,000 it would be 4475.00

Sorry to ramble on just wanted to give you a general figure for each!

If you are a first time home owner as well as your spouse then its great to take advantage of the rebate!

[Style]

Thanks for the letting us know what the closing costs will be...big help.

One question...do you know what the "Credit to vendor for land tax" is? It's sounds pretty self explanitory, but is that the portion of the property taxes that Mattamy has already paid for the year? Further to that, do you know what the property taxes are for you? You can PM me, if you want.

i think it may be hard to pinpoint exactly what your property taxes are going to be until you get the assessed value of your home! Then you take that and tax it at the citys current rate and you have a idea!

In our current home we waited like 6 months before we had to pay back taxes after they assessed our home! Not sure how Cambridge will be but i imagine similar!

[K.C.]

i think it may be hard to pinpoint exactly what your property taxes are going to be until you get the assessed value of your home! Then you take that and tax it at the citys current rate and you have a idea!

In Cambridge they are going to be nightmarishly high! I'm afraid to look.

[Style]

In Cambridge they are going to be nightmarishly high! I'm afraid to look.

LOL! Its all good KC! I'm sure we all know what we are getting into or hope to,besides When you can afford to spend 70,000 on your basement the taxes should be the least of your worries!:D But I'm so jealous and Im sure it will look fabulous and your son will enjoy it for many years!

Besides I know the tax rate will be high but im almost positive your house will be assessed lower then it would in Mississauga or the rest of the GTA, so therefore you will save some money!

[K.C.]

I don't know what I'm going to do with that gigantic basement when he buys his own house. I think it's a good investment because it will keep him close and instead of wasting his money on rent he can save up for a down payment. He works for me upstairs so it's a very convenient way to live. He and I are going to be sharing a car so he has no real expenses. He's so frugal!

[anxious_f]

Conrats to Jason and Lynn and Geoff and Bree on taking position.

Let us know how it goes!

[anxious_f]

With our upcoming PDI, I'm wondering if any people that have already closed can offer advice to those of us that are about to, regarding things that we should be looking out for. Are there things that you noticed after you moved in that you wish you had pointed out during your PDI?

[smartsexystylish]

*Look for scratches/dents in the cabinetry
*Make sure everything is grouted/caulked properly
*If you got energy star - make sure you got the energy star bulbs
*Try all door handles a couple times (Sometimes they jam)
*Look at placement of door stoppers (They almost missed to door completely on one of our doors)
*Make sure the garage and front door close properly. (and all interior doors)
*If you got a fireplace - Turn it on in the very beginning of your PDI. Feel the wall/mantle to make sure it's not excessively hot. Also if you got the fan kit - you should hear it kick in. And it should smoke for the 1st use (You'll want to have it smoke while your not in your house! They say they will leave it on to get rid of the smoke before you move in but they didn't with ours!)
* Look for dents/gouges in the ceiling/walls/baseboards/trim
* Make sure your cabinetry handles line up
*Make sure your screens are in (They forgot to put in our screen door but all others were in)

That's all the small things I can think of right now. When I get home I can check over my PDI and 30 day list to see things that I have added on. Most things are obvious but I think everyone will still find a couple things when they move in that isn't correct!

Plus, Anxious_f You sound like a very thorough guy and I'm sure you will point out many things right there on the PDI (Especially since you are a previous homeowner - I think that will help a lot!) Good luck with your PDI and let us know how it goes!

[smartsexystylish]

Congrats to Jason and Bobbi-Jo who are taking possession today :)

I'm hoping the PDI went well!

[JFiolek]

Congrats to Jason and Bobbi-Jo who are taking possession today :)

I'm hoping the PDI went well!

Well PDI was OK, we are without a kitchen counter top for a couple of weeks, we have plywood. other then that a brick that they mistakenly drilled into, a cracked window 2 cabinet doors need to be replaced and some paint touch ups (thanks to whoever said to look out for drips). The handyman was great we noticed some thing and he fixed it.

As far as closing the ASSES that bought our old house have yet to transfer the $$ to my lawyer so we haven't bought our new home yet, looks like a late closing. I am at my parents place right now playing the waiting game.:mad:

[smartsexystylish]

Well PDI was OK, we are without a kitchen counter top for a couple of weeks, we have plywood. other then that a brick that they mistakenly drilled into, a cracked window 2 cabinet doors need to be replaced and some paint touch ups (thanks to whoever said to look out for drips). The handyman was great we noticed some thing and he fixed it.

As far as closing the ASSES that bought our old house have yet to transfer the $$ to my lawyer so we haven't bought our new home yet, looks like a late closing. I am at my parents place right now playing the waiting game.:mad:

Well I'm glad to hear your PDI went ok - Too bad you don't have a counter top. That must be a PITA!!! We're still missing a cabinet door in our bathroom among a couple other cabinet pieces throughout the house :s

That sucks that you have yet to get the keys! I can't believe they haven't transfered the money yet. Will the be able to do it today??

[K.C.]

As far as closing the ASSES that bought our old house have yet to transfer the $$ to my lawyer so we haven't bought our new home yet, looks like a late closing. I am at my parents place right now playing the waiting game.:mad:

That sucks. Are they already living in your old house? How long does it take to transfer the money? I'm glad we have 4 days between closings. I wonder if that will be enough. We should probably look into bridge financing just in case.

[babymaeby]

Hope you haven't given them the keys yet - that stinks!

[anxious_f]

Congrats on the closing, but sorry to hear about the other stuff. I'm sure that everything will sort itself out soon enough.

[K.C.]

Congrats on the closing, but sorry to hear about the other stuff. I'm sure that everything will sort itself out soon enough.

We just got off the phone with our lawyer's office. She said this sort of thing happens like twice in 30 years. Can't he sue the buyers?

We're going to line up bridge financing just in case. We have a million appointments lined up for the time of the move and a delay in closing would be a nightmare.

[JFiolek]

Thanks for all the concern, we got in around 5:30 our lawyer did a great job. But I have had it with some of the issues we have with the house, a whole lot of Mickey Mouse BS.

[smartsexystylish]

Congratulations to Phase 2 Lot 111 (Wayne) who closes today :)

I'm hoping your PDI went smoothly and your closing goes even smoother :D

[smartsexystylish]

Congratulations to gagnon777 (Karen & Steve) & actros (Cindy & Dong) who both close today :)

Hope everything goes well today for the both of you!

[gagnon777]

Thanks! We start moving stuff in tomorrow; finished on Saturday - whoohoo! :)

[smartsexystylish]

Congrats to babymaeby who closes today :)
Hope your closing goes well!

[Style]

Congrats to babymaeby who closes today :)
Hope your closing goes well!

Getting Closer DION! Then I can hear those famous Words! :D

[smartsexystylish]

Getting Closer DION! Then I can hear those famous Words! :D

LOL yes you are :)

[smartsexystylish]

Congratulations to A&O who close today :)

Hope you have a great day!

[A&O]

Congratulations to A&O who close today :)

Hope you have a great day!

Thanks so much Dion. Everything went well. We are thrilled to be part of the community. This neighbourhood is going to be fantastic! Yeah I am pretty much high on carpet and paint fumes right now.....:D

Amanda and Owen

[smartsexystylish]

Thanks so much Dion. Everything went well. We are thrilled to be part of the community. This neighbourhood is going to be fantastic! Yeah I am pretty much high on carpet and paint fumes right now.....:D

Amanda and Owen


You're welcome :) I'm glad to hear all is well. I think the community is shaping up to be a beautiful one with awesome people in it!

Hahaha Enjoy your high :p

[babymaeby]

Finally back online!

We had a successful move this Saturday. Beer and Pizza did the trick - nothing got broken!

I am even more happy with our home than I thought I would be! I love the layout and the finishes we chose. And our furniture looks great and fits!

Also, Mattamy has been super-awesome responsive with any small issues we've encountered. The day after we took possession we noticed one lightswitch didn't work, and a plumbing fitting in the basement ceiling was dripping. Within 5 minutes, there was an electrician and a plumber in our house. Amazing.

And two thumbs up to my husband... in the last 5 days he has installed the OTR microwave, water line to icemaker, water softener, central vac, filtered drinking water tap, dishwasher and flat screen mount over the fireplace.

[smartsexystylish]

A missed congratulations on closing to Justmed

Hoping all went well :)

(Sorry, the congratulation committee had a very busy day and forgetful mind on the 19th)

[smartsexystylish]

Finally back online!

We had a successful move this Saturday. Beer and Pizza did the trick - nothing got broken!

I am even more happy with our home than I thought I would be! I love the layout and the finishes we chose. And our furniture looks great and fits!

Also, Mattamy has been super-awesome responsive with any small issues we've encountered. The day after we took possession we noticed one lightswitch didn't work, and a plumbing fitting in the basement ceiling was dripping. Within 5 minutes, there was an electrician and a plumber in our house. Amazing.

And two thumbs up to my husband... in the last 5 days he has installed the OTR microwave, water line to icemaker, water softener, central vac, filtered drinking water tap, dishwasher and flat screen mount over the fireplace.

Great to have you back, and even better to hear things went well :)

Good to hear they had crew come out to you guys immediately!

WOW The hubby has been working like crazy! He is super handy and efficient!!

[smartsexystylish]

Another missed Congratulations to Tim & Sandra!

Also congrats to K.C. who closes today :)

[K.C.]

Thanks Dion. We got our keys. The house is clean. We're back at the hotel for the night because the movers are coming with our stuff in the morning. Stay tuned for pictures! I'll post them tonight.

We have many things that still have to be done but I'm ok with it since I'm home all the time.

I can't wait to meet all my new neighbors!

[smartsexystylish]

Thanks Dion. We got our keys. The house is clean. We're back at the hotel for the night because the movers are coming with our stuff in the morning. Stay tuned for pictures! I'll post them tonight.

We have many things that still have to be done but I'm ok with it since I'm home all the time.

I can't wait to meet all my new neighbors!

You're welcome :)

Good to hear things went well!

[smartsexystylish]

Congratulations to Gillian & Mike who closed yesterday!

I hope you guys had a wonderful closing! :)

[Gillian & Mike]

Thank you! Everything went well. We aren't officially moving in until next week, but I will be slowly moving the "fragile" boxes this week and of course cleaning!

[babymaeby]

Congrats! Hope to see you around the neighborhood. I love to hear that people are actually moving in. In our block of 5, we were alone for the first few weeks but now 1 other home is occupied. The rest are still empty....it's like a ghost town over here.

[Gillian & Mike]

Lol! Hopefully we will see you around, I'm sure we will. I wasn't surprised, but a little disappointed to see that our neighbor has their house up for sale. But I was told that the owner owns three townhouses in total and that was the reason they were purchased, to sell them.

I can't wait for the hydro pole to be gone in our backyard, I was told hopefully next week when it gets warmer they are going to remove it and start grading the land. It's an eye soar for me right now.

All and all everything has been good so far.

[justmed]

Congrats! Hope to see you around the neighborhood. I love to hear that people are actually moving in. In our block of 5, we were alone for the first few weeks but now 1 other home is occupied. The rest are still empty....it's like a ghost town over here.

the corner house just moved in, they need blinds:D... saw your neighbor for sale this morning

Looks like the other 2 have the exact same kitchen design, its kinda funny.

[babymaeby]

Yeah, on the one side of us it's for sale, and on the other side we think it's leased. At least, that's what the kijiji ad said...lol.

And to think, we bought our house to actually live in, silly us.

[smartsexystylish]

Thank you! Everything went well. We aren't officially moving in until next week, but I will be slowly moving the "fragile" boxes this week and of course cleaning!

You're welcome! Happy to have you in the 'hood :)





And to think, we bought our house to actually live in, silly us.

Haha You mean you didn't get the memo??

[smartsexystylish]

A Big Congratulations to "Style" who took possession today!!!

[Style]

Gee! Thanks Dion! You rock!:D

[smartsexystylish]

Haven't done this in a while so I thought I would start it up again!

Congrats to everyone who has closed since I last posted until now!!!


Today a big congrats goes to "PorterNines" Nicola who takes possession today :)

[babymaeby]

Haven't done this in a while so I thought I would start it up again!

Congrats to everyone who has closed since I last posted until now!!!


Today a big congrats goes to "PorterNines" Nicola who takes possession today :)




Let me be the first to welcome Nicola's wiener dogs to the neighborhood!

[K.C.]

Congratulations Nicola! So glad you're here.

[Porter Nines]

Hi Everyone....just back on the board now - it's been a bit hectic around here since Friday! Phew.

THANK YOU for the nice welcome! Simon, Oliver, Libby, Roxy and myself are VERY happy to be in the neighborhood! I've decided my fave part is hearing all of the frog songs at night! So far in our back yard we've seen a fox and deer in the field down the way. Heaven.

I hope to meet all of you soon!

Nicola

[K.C.]

I think we forgot to welcome some people to the neighborhood.

Joanne and Wade closed July 7th. Nice to have you here guys!

Dave and Erin are closing this week.

We probably missed a whole bunch of others. Maybe Dion can update the list soon.

[Claudia]

congrats

Bouclair has blinds onsale right now for 40% off

[smartsexystylish]

Sorry Everyone! I've been MIA for a while!! Since then, quite a bit of people have closed and/or joined this site after their home has closed :) Either way, I'd like to congratulate all of you on closing your homes and welcome to the neighbourhood!!!


Lot 8 - Tanya & Doug - Closing June 25th 2009
Lot 10 - Joanne (Joanne & Wade) -Closing July 7th 2009
Lot 11 - Dave (Dave & Erin) - Closing August 19, 2009
Lot 27 - Fletcher (Kevin & Dana) - Closing July 23rd, 2009
Lot 90 - Alex&Vanessa (Alex & Vanessa) - Closing May 29th 2009
Lot 93 - Karen P (Karen) - Closing June 30th 2009
Lot 101 - Phase 4 Greenway - Closing July 15th 2009
Lot 102 - StephanieB (Stephanie & Julius) - Closing June 4th
Lot 111 – Waqas&Fatima @ 131 Porter (Waqas & Fatima) - Closing April 23rd, 2009
Lot 135 - Zach - Closing May 2009

[Claudia]

we close on Wednesday