In This Issue ...

YOUR TRENTON & QUINTE REAL ESTATE CONNECTION

Welcome to the Christmas 2006 edition of the Team David Weir Newsletter!  As you have come to expect, enclosed you will find fun and interesting facts and information about topics that relate to the Real Estate industry.  In this edition, I am also very pleased to make two exciting announcements. 

First and foremost, I would like to welcome André (Andy) Martin to Team David Weir.  Andy has been a Realtor since 1990, earning numerous awards over the years including the Director's Platinum Award, President's Gold Award, and the Award Of Excellence.  Andy served with the Canadian Forces for 28 years and is fully bilingual.  Welcome aboard Andy!

Second, I would like to bring everyone's attention to the recent launch of Quinte West Connections, www.quintewestconnections.com, a website where local citizens, visitors, and vacationers can obtain information about of variety of topics from under one umbrella.  Just as importantly, this site offers a platform for local charities to advertise free of charge and for local businesses to promote themselves and to offer discounts to the public.

I hope you find this edition of the newsletter informative and, as always, I am open to suggestions and new ideas for future renditions.  Feel free to contact me anytime at david@davidweir.com.

Interested in Winning Accommodation at a Luxury Resort?

Beth and Steve Ireland won last year’s resort giveaway and stayed at the Westgate Lake Resort in Orlando.  If vacationing in warm, sunny Florida this winter sounds good to you, send donna@davidweir.com an email with your name and contact information.  Draw date is 14 February 2007!  The odds of winning depends on the number of entries but it is usually better than 1 in 200.

In January 2007, Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty will once again hold its Client Appreciation Day at the Empire Theatre in Belleville.  Last year, approximately 3,000 parents and children took part in this event.  I will be providing free tickets to anyone who is interested in attending.  In the past, movie titles have included hits such as The Incredibles and Chicken Little.  The January feature will be announced soon and one showing is scheduled for Sunday January 28th at 3:00 PM.  The movie, popcorn, and pop are on me! 

Free Labour or Staging

David offered an innovative and value-added service for all his buying and selling clients in 2006. Anyone who employed David as their REALTOR was entitled to 2 hours of complimentary 'Handyman' labour or 'Home Staging' by an accredited stager.  Haven't called for your 2 hours yet, or know someone who would be interested in these services in 2007?  Contact David at david@davidweir.com.

Home Sellers/Buyers Seminar

David will be hosting his 10th Annual Seminar for those contemplating the sale or purchase of a home in 2007.  The function will be held at the Military Family Resource Centre on Wednesday, 28 February from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM.  Guest speakers will include a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation representative, a local lawyer, and a highly experienced home inspector.  This is a complimentary service and open to all members of the community.  Refreshments and door prizes will be offered. Feel free to bring a friend!

AND WHAT ABOUT THE HOUSING MARKET?

"Gone is the sellers’ market that we have lived with for some years. We welcome the more reliable conditions that are characteristic of a healthy, balanced market."

Phil Soper, President & CEO, Royal LePage Real Estate Services

To date, the highest average price appreciation (nationally) has occurred in detached bungalows (+16.3%), followed by standard condominiums (+14.2%) and standard 2-storey properties (+13.2%)

To read the entire Royal LePage Press Release click HERE.

Did you know that you can save hydro, and money, depending on what time of day you use electricity for simple things such as running your dishwasher, doing laundry, or turning on the oven?

Check this out!
On-Peak Price = 10.5 cents per kWh
Mid-Peak Price = 7.5 cents per kWh
Off-Peak Price - 3.5 cents per kWh

Summer Peak Times (Weekdays)
On-Peak - 11:00 AM - 5:00
Mid-Peak - 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Off-Peak - 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Winter Peak Times (Weekdays)
On-Peak - 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Mid-Peak - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM                                     
Off-Peak - 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM

All Weekends are Off-Peak Times
Summer = 1 May to 31 October
Winter = 01 November to 30 April

Take advantage of your programmable appliances to maximize your savings!

With more airtight homes, families need to stay alert to carbon monoxide.  Make sure you know what the warning signs are and what to do if there's a problem:

• stuffy, sale air or an odour that smells like something over-heating or burning
• water condensation on your windows ... this might also mean your humidifier is set too high
• backdraft or soot from a fireplace, chimney or other fuel burning equipmment
• a yellow burner flame instead of the usual clear blue flame on gas appliances other than a fireplace
• a pilot light that keeps going out or the smell of unusual gases in your home

What to do if you suspect carbon monoxide in your home:

• sure everyone, including pets, leave the home
• seek medical attention immediately
• call your fuel supplier or a licnsed heating contractor for an inspection
• if your carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds but there are no medical symptoms, open all doors and windows and then call your heating specialist for an inspection.

During winter months, it is important to follow routine maintenance procedures by checking your home carefully for problems and taking corrective action as soon as possible.

• Monitor your home for excessive moisture levels, such as condensation on your windows, which can cause significant damage over time and pose serious health problems.
• Examine the attic for frost accumulation and check the roof for ice dams or icicles.
• Look at windows and doors for ice accumulation or cold air leaks and correct any problems in the spring.
• Check electrical cords, plugs, and outlets for all indoor and outdoor seasonal lights to ensure fire safety.
• Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working and to prevent them from seizing.
• If you have a plumbing fixture that is not used frequently, such as a laundry tub or spare bathroom sink, tub or shower stall, run some water briefly to keep water in the trap. Check the basement floor drain to ensure the trap contains water.  Refill with water if necessary.
• Vacuum fire and smoke detectors, as dust or spider webs can prevent them from functioning.
• Vacuum radiator grills on the back of refrigerators and freezers, and empty and clean drip trays.
• Clean your humidifier tow or three times during the winter season.

.... that the average payback range for renovations to the kitchen and bathroom is 75 - 100%?

.... that a single one-drip-a-second water leak will waste 10,000 litres of water a year? ... enough to fill over 60 bathtubs!

.... that many Canadians have never looked at their own credit report?  For a copy call Equifax Canada Inc at 1-800-465-7166 and Trans Union of Canada at 1-800-663-9980.  Best to get both reports to ensure accuracy.

.... that the 51 cent stamp will be honoured without additional postage indefinitely?

.... that you can buy 51 cent stamps at Costco for 49.8 cents?

• Space heaters leading cause of fire-related deaths in Canada.  Click HERE for more.
• Royal LePage glossary of Real Estate terms HERE.
• Want to learn more about conserving energy at home.  Check the Office of Energy Efficiency HERE.
• Are you an 'empty-nester' and wondering what to do with your vacant space?  Home & Garden can help HERE.

Best Wishes to Everyone for 2007

#1 OFFICE BROKER, 2001 - 2006 TOP 1% IN ROYAL LEPAGE CANADA, 2005 - 2006 Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated 253 Dundas Street East, Trenton, ON K8V 1M1 Telephone: 613-394-4837 FAX: 613-394-2897 Toll Free: 866-965-3637 Email: david@davidweir.com Web Address: www.davidweir.com