A Sign of Prices to Come?

A new Phase released in Stouffville by Mattamy. I found this of interest because I wanted to get a sense of the pricing they might be offering to us in Pickering. I'm hoping that the prices in Pickering won't be overinflated (yeah right) and I have a spending limit in mind that hopefully tops out no more than $350k. Ideally, a nice 43' lot will go for around $300 mark (again wishful thinking)...that'll leave me a bit more room for upgrade costs, move-in fees, lot premium, etc. I don't know if its wishful thinking on my part but I'm hoping that recent changes in the market and Pickering's low-profile in the housing market works in my (and your) favour.

Oh, and I didn't just go ahead and move to Stouffville because its too far and inaccessible to the places I have to be (ie. work, play, family, friends, major 400 highways, etc.)


Anyways, towns, 30', 36', 45' and 50' lots released Jan 26th in adjacent areas of Stouffville.

From mattamyhomes.com website:

Wheler's Mill was one of two mills in the area that grew to be Stouffville, one of Ontario's most charming towns. You will discover a tremendous variety of WideLot" homes in Wheler's Mill. With about 40 different designs and floor plan variations available, our Stouffville Community is all about giving you the choice.

and pricing starts as follows...

WideLot™ Towns
From $252,990
Click for Details

30' WideLot™
From $299,990
Click for Details

36' WideLot™
From $319,990
Click for Details

45' WideLot™
From $379,990
Click for Details

50' WideLot™
From $448,990
Click for Details

Opening Date

I called the GTA east office for Mattamy and I forget the name of the lady I spoke to but I was able to find out a very vague timeline for when the site will open up their sales. She said "February or March, if not, April or May." mmmkay thanks. Since that call they've updated their site to say "COMING IN SPRING" which usually falls between those months :P

Anyone else have any info from someone who works with Mattamy?

I think i'll shoot them an email and see what's up.

Upgrades, Premiums, Arms, Legs, etc.

I've been trolling the Hawthorne Villager forums and have found some interesting (and not-so-interesting :s) numbers regarding upgrades

Theses are approximates, not specific to any model, nor will be applicable to Seaton Creekside:

• 9' ft ceilings on the main floor ($5000)*; 2nd level ($8300)



• Hardwood on mainfloor* ($5000+)



• Stained Oak Stair Case ($9000)



• Maple Stairs with Wrought-iron spindles* ($6-8000)



• Granite Kitchen Countertops ($5000+)* (this one is will be my 1st maybe)



• Potlights ($200-250/ea)* (this one is a tough decision, may do this after closing)



• Garage to House Door* ($1200)



• 3 Piece Basement Rough-in* ($580)



• Kitchen Backsplash ($1000+)



• Smooth Ceilings 1st Floor* ($1000), 2nd Floor ($2300)

What I've read about lot premiums:

• $20-25k for a lot backing onto greenspace


• $5k for a lot with a look out


• $20k for something backing onto a school or park

Again, all estimates and not from 1st party sources...but definitely something to consider into budgeting and choosing a lot.

Some of these costs I really didn't think of before I began looking for a new home. Some prices seem fair to me however, some seem crazy and overpriced...so now comes the task of choosing what I feel would be worth it and can't be revisited with a reno in the future. I've indicated with asterisks which I feel I may/will be adding to my home purchase price. And i'm working with a budget around $20000...so we'll see how this plays out in the end.

Why I'm doing this...

I'm finally shopping for my first home after having started working full-time for about 2 years. I decided that I would start saving up some money to finally move out from home and invest in a house. The thing is when I set a goal to do something, I'll tire myself out researching, preparing, thinking, planning, etc. So I thought I would make my own blog to document my progress from start to finish. I got this idea from some folks who started an online community for their community in Milton called Hawthorne Village and decided I wanted to do my own.

So feel free to add comments to anything I post and hopefully one day we can have our own forum for our new community.

Coming soon to Pickering: Mattamy Homes

Mattamy is coming to North Pickering (Taunton Rd. and Brock Rd.) and offer this teaser on their website:

COMING THIS SPRING. Seaton Creekside, where homes and nature live together.Soon, the sun won't be the only thing to rise in the east. Seaton Creekside is a special new Mattamy neighbourhood adjacent to natural greenspace and a winding creek. Seaton, on the eastern edge of the city will feature Urban Townhomes and Urban Singles as well as 34', 36' and 43' detached WideLot homes. Biking/walking paths and park spaces will further enhance the natural feel of Seaton and provide gathering places for friends and neighbours. Seaton Creekside offers easy access to major shopping and recreation facilities and is close to major highways such as 401 and 407.