HawthorneVillager.com

Guys, the stainless steel upgrades are about $1500 approx...thats what a representative said at DC.

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KBZ

I went to the Design Centre yesterday... I know, closing is so far away.. but it's fun to look at all our options. :)

Anyhow, I asked the same question and got a weird response. The rep I spoke with said the pricing for that upgrade isn't available yet, and that we had to wait and ask our design consultant about it.

I explained that we have 3 appliances included, and she confirmed the value of those is $1500, and we can use that as a credit to buy our own appliances, or pay for the stainless upgrade but she didn't know what that cost would be. I really hope the first rep was confused and it's not an additonal $1500.. because $3000 for lower-end appliances is outrageous. We would take the $1500 credit and buy our own for sure at that price, as you can buy a stainless set for much less at home depot. :)

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JLB

Do you guys know if the standard stove will be gas or electric?

Thanks

Hey Neighbors

Just wanted to make you all aware of a residents association the community is looking at putting together.

The original post states the association would "screen issues in the community, support the local councillor(s), share the research workload, and speak with a louder voice at council when necessary.".

I've been in contact with Annie who seems to have a big part in getting this idea off the ground and have explained to her that while my wife and I would not be living in Milton until November 2011 that I was still interested in participating in anyway possible. She responded encouraging me to become a member, limited to not being able to run for an Executive position until I become a resident. I found this more than fair and think I'm going to get involved.

I'm encouraging you all to get involved too! If you're interested or would like any more info I've attached the original thread.


http://www.hawthornevillager.com/phpbb/ ... hp?t=31566

Cheers!

Vince

Very cool, Vince. Thanks for the info!

And Icey, the standard appliances are either black or white (your choice) electric coil burner - At least that's what the sales agent who sold us the house told us.

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JLB

Hi all,

So great to see a thread for Chuchmach Crescent!
I just bought a townhome on Chuchmach yesterday and this being my first home purchase I am still a little overwhelmed with all the details and documents...
I was advised that I should contact a lawyer right away so that they can review the purchase agreement. I was under the impression that I only need a lawyer at the time of closing (my expected closing will be in Dec 2011).
Has anyone contacted any of the lawyers from the list that mattamy gave and what was your experience?

Thanks a lot!

Hey CHUCHMACH_Hillsview

Welcome aboard!

When my wife and I bought we got the same schpiel from Mattamy about having our contract looked over by a lawyer. I think you have 7 days after the purchase to do this.

Having a lawyer look over our contract was included in their closing cost fees. I don't know if all lawyers were the same but that is how ours operates.

I'm glad we did it cause I've heard horror stories of the builder (not Mattamy specifically) charging thousands of dollars upon closing for this and that.

I'd definitely recommend having a lawyer look over the contract. Even if its not included in the closing cost fee what is another couple of hundred dollars when it could save you thousands in the end.

Ciao!

Vince

Thank you Vince, I really appreciate the information. I will call the lawyer tomorrow. Definitely better safe than sorry with such a big purchase!
Thanks again.

HEY CHUCHMACH-HILLSVIEW,

Welcome, yes I strongly agree with Vince, you should contact the lawyer. hey anybody finished with design center things? isn't it tiring? anyone got a call from DC for appointment with designer???

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KBZ

Agreed! It's a good idea to get a lawyer now.. you'll need one for closing anyhow, and most lawyers' "contract review" is free/included in their flat rate for closing fees. Just make sure you cap the closing costs. Specifically you'll want to cap section 9. They'll definitely cap 9a&b (driveway, trees, meters, etc) at $1550, and 9c at 1000 (in case the city imposes any new fees). You may have luck with other ammendments too, but those are the ones they always approve, and might save you a few bucks.

It's definitely a bit overwhelming looking at all the options at the design centre, KBZ! We're still a long way off from deciding on everything we want, which is ok since I don't imagine we'll get our appointment for a number of months anyway. I was told last weekend that we won't be assigned a consultant for a while still.

Oh! And I drove by 'our' neighbourhood this morning... you can already see where our street's going to be!!

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JLB

Hi all,
Thank you so much for all your tips! I have booked an appointment with a lawyer for tomorrow.
I still have this worrying feeling that as new home buyers we don't have much control over the closing costs and I definitely dislike that. Can anyone tell me what the total closing costs would be on a townhome valued at about $300K?
So far I know there are lawyers fees, land transfer tax, utility connections, Tarion warranty... Dear God what else is there??? hehe

I don't know if there are any other first time homebuyers on this thread but I've never thought that I'd have this much anxiety with this. When I get past this I'll be ready to discuss the exciting part of the design centre choices!:)

Thanks again everyone!

Chuchmach_Hillsview - My bf and I are first time buyers too. I know exactly how you feel.. I had *A LOT* of anxiety that first week. Once we had the lawyer review it, and all the initial paperwork done, I felt so much better. Now I'm just excited!

For closing costs, here's some numbers to help estimate:
Lawyer fees (usually between $750 and $1000)
Trees/driveway/hookups/etc - $1550
Tarion new home warrenty - $892
Land transfer tax - $2855 (minus $1000 for each first time buyer)
plus property tax
plus HST on the CMHC premium if you mortgage less than 25%

So, I'm going to budget for for $5000-$6000. Which is a bit scary, but overall a good return on investment when you see what homes in Hawthorne Village list for on MLS.

If you use the 'search' function, there are some good threads on closings costs on this board. It's such a great resource!

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JLB

All I was informed is that because I was a first time home buyer we have 2k discount, rebate, something like that and the closing cost should be around 6K

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Usually closing cost is approximately 2% of house price excluding CMHC mortgage insurance if you are paying less than 20~25%.

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/moloin/moloin_005.cfm

One good news!!

Mattamy increased the prices of town houses in HVOP.

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KBZ

hey all, chuchmach street home owner too!1 Glad to see so many of them here.
Got a call from DC today morning to collect the booklet.

Thanks everyone for the input and advices. It is not my first home but a first brand new purchase.

There are so many surprises come my way during the purchase. Not looking forward for any more surprises in coming months. The budget is going to go sky high.