TrentonRealEstate

Coming to Trenton on an HHT?

2012-01-20T06:07:00.000-08:00

For those military clients needing accommodation during the week of Trenton's annual motorcycle rally, you really should book early. Check out the details here ... vroom, vroom.

FREE Saturday Matinee

2012-01-18T18:11:00.000-08:00

The Annual Client Appreciation Movie has been scheduled! Team Weir is inviting its real estate clients to join us for a family movie at the Empire Theatre in Belleville on Saturday, 28 January 2012. The movie, popcorn, and a drink are compliments of David!

This year, the feature presentation is 'Puss in Boots 3D'. We have purchased tickets for the 2:30 PM showing so be sure to reserve your tickets early as seats are limited. 4 tickets maximum per family please. Send Robyn an email at robyn@davidweir.com or give her a call at 613-885-9347 to pick up your tickets. Enjoy!

New for 2012!

2012-01-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

As always, Team David Weir is looking for ways to minimize the stress associated with packing up and moving. With that in mind, we're offering one of three different services to help you get your home ready to sell faster and, hopefully, for more money!

Not buying or selling this year? Feel free to pass these coupons on to your family, friends, or colleagues who may be on the move. They'll be glad you did!

Click here for your coupons and, don't forget, they're 'On the House'!

Howie's Favorite Realtors!

2011-10-14T07:49:00.000-07:00

Chelsea and I had the pleasure of meeting Howie Mandel backstage at the Empire Theatre during his recent performance in front of a packed house. As usual, Howie didn't fail to entertain! Great fun and plenty of side-splitting laughs were had by all!

Fall Update

2011-10-12T19:56:00.000-07:00

On the surface, it would appear that the real estate market has had a few good months compared to the same period last year. However, given the weaker third quarter in 2010 these numbers may be a little deceiving. For more information check out this article or give me a call at 613-394-4837.

New Play Equipment for Forest Ridge!

2011-10-06T13:22:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Mayor John Williams for coming out to be presented with a large 'Thank You' card from the kids in the subdivision for his assistance in acquiring new playground equipment for their neighbourhood. Branden Duguay and his committee, along with Chelsea Weir, will work on getting more equipment again next year. Kudos to all!

Buy into the Fall

2011-08-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

In an area such as Quinte, one might believe that the majority of home sales would occur during the spring or summer. This would be particularly true in the vicinity of CFB Trenton where a good part of the House Hunting Trip (HHT) season happens in the spring . However, you may be surprised to learn that in the Quinte & District Real Board (QDREB) … the Board that encompasses Trenton … the fall is also a very active time for home sales. In fact, October was the fourth busiest month for home sales in all of 2010.

Given some of the factors noted below, this fall may also be very active and thus be a great time to invest in your family’s future or to improve your quality of life.

As you may be aware, over the past couple of years the military posting season seems to have taken place over a longer period than in years gone by. This has resulted in some homes staying on the market longer than usual. In other words, there are still some homes available for sale that may have originally been listed for sale at above their appraised values but are consequently now priced below that number.

Buying or selling in the fall market is typically less stressful given that moving companies, lawyers, home inspectors, etc are less busy and can be more accommodating to your needs. Of course, not being on a four day ‘run and gun’ HHT may also relieve some pressure as well, particularly if you are now more familiar with the Quinte area.

If you have children you now know where they’re going to school and therefore know the best catchment area in which to purchase your home … that is, if you don’t plan to change their schools.

Some home sellers have already moved and left their homes empty, making the normal issue of ‘possession date’ a non-issue. If this is the case, you can probably get the home on the date you want with little or no argument.

Mortgage interest rates are still at an all time low and given the ‘global market volatility’, the forecast rise in interest rates is now on hold … at least until the end of the year. In fact, mortgage experts are now predicting fixed rates will go down instead of up and that variable rates will remain the same. Perhaps some of the money you may have lost in your RRSP portfolio can be re-couped with the purchase of your primary residence or an investment property.

Those of us with an uncertain annual salary or with uncertain job security may be more inclined to stay on the sidelines during these tumultuous economic times. However, those with a secure job and a regular salary may be able to take advantage of these times, and this fall season, to buy into the Quinte housing market.

Home Ownership in Canada Still a Safe Bet!

2011-08-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

Want to know more? Check out this moneyville article and be sure to give me a call if you have any questions or if you would like to discuss home ownership in the Quinte area!

QUINTE REAL ESTATE

2011-08-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

In July, there were 118 residential sales between $150K and $249K in the Quinte & District Real Estate Board. This represented 52.68% of all residential sales for the month.

Quinte ... a great place to live ... and reasonably priced homes as well!

Your Spring Market Update!

2011-05-19T03:45:00.000-07:00

As you may have heard, the Quinte & District Real Estate Board (QDREB) reported that there were 25% fewer properties sold in April 2011 vs April 2010. Granted, some of this decline in sales may be attributed to the poor weather so far this spring. In addition, we recognize that last year’s sales were brought forward as buyers wanted to purchase in advance of the introduction of the HST which took place on 1 July 2010.

The May 17th issue of the Toronto Star also reported a 14% reduction in home sales nationally for the month of April 2011 versus the same period last year. In addition to the points outlined above, it was also noted that changes in the amortization rules may have cooled the market. That is, the reduction of the maximum amortization period from 40 years to 30 years effectively took some buyers out of the market and it reduced the amount some buyers can spend on a home.

For those of you who are hoping for a military buyer for your home, please be aware that many military personnel have already been to the area and purchased their homes. While there will undoubtedly be more to come, I would suggest that the 'door to door' move policy has effectively dragged our normal spring market into a spring and summer market. In other words, homes may not sell until June or July when, in the past, they may have sold in April or May.

With all of these factors in mind, please be aware that competitively/realistically price homes always sell first. The average sale time of a typical in-town home should be 30-60 days and it will usually sell within 95-99% of its final list price (not necessarily the original list price). Please keep in mind that appraisals are still only one person's opinion and represent a snap shot in time. For example, a home that was appraised at a certain value one month ago may be worth less a month later as more comparable sales occur. Moreover, if a home has been on the market 20-30 days without a price reduction it will look stale to a potential buyer.

While the information in the previous paragraph is not new information, it is even more important to remember it given the sales data reported by the QDREB and Toronto Star noted above. In other words, times are becoming more challenging for sellers. Those homes that are priced properly and reduced in price regularly will be the most likely to sell. In fact, if the number of sales continues to drop in the month of May, prices will likely fall as well.

If you are selling and staying local, you will reap the benefit of any price drops when you buy in the same market place. If you are selling and moving out of the area, you will have a better selection of homes the sooner you sell here.

If you would like to read the full reports from the QDREB or Toronto Star article please check out our Facebook Page at Team David Weir. If you would like further information or clarification please contact me anytime via our private line at 613.885.9347 or david@davidweir.com

Driver & Vehicle Online Services

2011-03-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

No need to stand in line at the Vehicle License Bureau this year. You can now get service online quickly and securely. Some of the online services include:
• renewing your licence plate validation sticker
• obtaining an electronic driver or vehicle abstract
• ordering a personalized licence plate
• ordering a Used Vehicle Information Package

Check out the official website for more!

Moving to Trenton?

2011-03-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

Check out these great vignettes showing life in the Trenton and Quinte regions. Lots to see, do, and love about this fantastic community! Give me a call if you need any information about real estate in this area ... waterfront, executive homes, retirement developments! You need it, we have it all!

Support Our Military Families!

2011-03-09T07:42:00.000-08:00

David Weir BA, CD of Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty and Doug Comeau of Timberwolf Gallery present Susan Sweetman, Executive Director of the MFRC and Wendy Synott of the MFRC with a donation of a framed limited edition print. David and Doug have been supporters of the MFRC Invisible Ribbon Gala since its inception. If you would like to donate an item for auction at the Military Family Resource Centre’s annual fund raiser or to buy a ticket to attend the Invisible Ribbon Gala on Saturday May 7th, please contact Wendy at 613.392.2811 local 3557.

Rising Electricity Costs in Ontario!

2011-03-07T08:47:00.000-08:00

Considering a home with electric heat? How about programming your appliances to run during the 'off-peak' time of use period? Check out this article about Ontario's drastic increase in electricity costs over the next five years.

FREE Home Staging Seminar!

2011-02-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

Home Staging Seminar Tuesday night (March 1st) at the CFB Trenton MFRC behind Timmies. All welcome for the 7:00 PM start. A professional Stager will be there ... you don't want me to suggest paint colours and how to arrange your furniture :>)

JTF Move Still a Go!

2011-02-25T05:28:00.000-08:00

According to a recent article in The Intelligencer, the JTF move to Trenton is still in the works ... although not as early as 2011 as originally anticipated. One more land deal to finalize and, hopefully, one step closer to making it a reality for 2012. Read the entire report here.

RENOVATED OFFICE OFFICIALLY OPEN!

2011-02-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

Suzanne Andrews, Quinte West Chamber of Commerce, David Weir BA, CD Top Sales Rep for Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, Mark Rashotte, owner of Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, and Mayor John Williams are seen cutting the ribbon in celebration of the newly renovated second floor office space at 253 Dundas Street East in Quinte West.

The $125K renovation represents the first phase of the 25 year old building's revitalization. An additional $500K will be spent in the local economy when the second and third phases are completed over the next two years.

Rashotte, who is also owner of The Empire Theatre in Belleville, will also house one of his Dominion Lending Mortgage franchises in the Trenton office. This will allow for one-stop shopping as far as real estate and mortgage business is concerned. Royal LePage ProAlliance is the closest real estate office to CFB Trenton and captured more than 50% of the local real estate market in 2010.

Coming to Trenton? Reserve Early!

2011-02-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

Going to be in Trenton the weekend of 7 - 8 May 2011? Book a room now because fishing takes over the area! http://www.kiwaniswalleyeworld.com/v2/

My Crystal Ball is Telling Me ....

2011-02-14T12:34:00.000-08:00

In our profession, we are constantly asked "how's the real estate market doing"? At this time of the year, we are more likely to be asked for a prediction as to what's "going to happen this year".

From my perspective, it would appear that the first half of 2011 will be similar to the first half of 2010 ... steady sales and very modest price changes ... good things. In other words, the market is stable and predictable. The days of large price increases are behind us and, hopefully, dramatic price decreases are not awaiting us.

New home construction history is a good argument for this analysis. For example, Reed Construction Data Canada reported that housing starts in Canada averaged 222,000 units per year between 2002 and 2008. However we dipped dramatically to 112,000 units in 2009. Since early 2010, the national monthly [housing] start level has averaged slightly below 200,000 units on an annualized basis.

For those selling this year, we would suggest that by March or later your asking price should be 'on the money' as opposed to 'fishing for a higher price'. As you go forward into the spring more and more homes come on the market to compete for the limited amount of buyers. More importantly, the fear of increased mortgage rates (which has already started to happen) will encourage buyers to get into the market place earlier as opposed to later in the year. We love to talk pricing strategy.

For those buying this year, get a mortgage commitment letter from your lender as early as you can. Try to get the interest rate 'promise' for as long a period as possible. Keep in mind that you have to be in your new home before the commitment runs out. The rules for insured mortgages from Canadian lenders has become more restrictive and, as mentioned above, the interest rates are on their way up. No need to help the banks make 'record profits'. We can help you get better rates and terms on a new or renewed mortgage.

Finally, our team is off to a great start in 2011 and we hope to be your 'go to' real estate source this year. Our advice is free and is available in both official languages!

Plan Ahead!

2011-02-10T07:22:00.000-08:00

Buyers should be locked in & sellers should be thinking price reduction. Check out the Globe and Mail's recent article on rising mortgage rates. Give me a call to discuss how we can help!

Interest Rates Going Up!

2011-02-07T14:35:00.001-08:00

TD Bank just boosted their 5-year mortgage interest rate. Buyers get pre-approved before the rest of the banks follow suit!!

Everyone Wins!

2011-02-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

Captain Ken Hannon of CFB Trenton and David Weir of Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty present a $500 cheque to Sue Rollins of the Canadian Cancer Society of Hastings Prince Edward. Ken was the winner of David's fall contest to sponsor a favourite charity. Over the past several years, Ken and his colleagues at the the Air Traffic Control Unit have raised over $60,000 to help fight cancer. Sue Rollins can be reached at 613.962.0686 if you would like to make a donation.

Did You Know?

2011-02-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

... that the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals, which represents the mortgage brokerage industry, released a study late last year that showed mortgage debt in Canada surpassed $1 trillion for the first time in 2010. About 22 percent of all new mortgages had amortization rates longer than 25 years, up from 18 percent the year before.

BUYING A HOME WITH A RENTED HOT WATER TANK?

2011-01-23T17:21:00.000-08:00

In 2002 Direct Energy signed a consent order with the Federal Competition Bureau that protects customers from long-term contracts and exit fees related to hot water tank rentals.

The consent order expires in 2012 but Direct Energy asked for relief based on the intense competition from door-to-door rivals using the same tactics.

The Competition Bureau agreed to long-term contracts and exit fees with water heaters installed after 16 September 2010, or in new homes built after January 1st, 2011.

Direct Energy refers to a 'buy-out schedule located on our website'. When offering to purchase a home with a rented water heater, ask for a copy of the contract to see if you are liable for an exit fee or long term contract. Find out if there's a termination fee to end the contract early and, if applicable, ask your REALTOR® to adjust your offer so the seller pays this fee.

Send me an email if you'd like to talk more about this. I'm at david@davidweir.com.

Cheers!

FREE Saturday Matinee!

2011-01-19T14:04:00.000-08:00

The Client Appreciation Movie has been scheduled! Team Weir is inviting its real estate clients to join us for a family movie at the Empire Theatre on Saturday, 23 February 2011. The movie, popcorn, and a drink are compliments of David!

This year, the feature presentation is 'Megamind', starring the voices of Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, and Tina Fey. The super-villain 'Megamind' finally conquers his nemesis, the hero Metro Man ... but finds his life pointless without a hero to fight.

We have purchased tickets for the 2:30 PM showing so be sure to reserve your tickets early as seats are limited. Send Robyn an email at robyn@davidweir.com or give her a call at 613-965-3637.

Until then, don't forget ... we're never too busy to help your family and friends with their real estate needs as well. Cheers everyone!

SPEED BRAKES APPLIED!

2010-07-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year I, along with others, predicted that the second half of 2010 would see a slowing in the local and national real estate markets. It would appear that this prediction is now a reality.

Fearing the extra costs associated with the HST, as well as forecasts of mortgage rate increases and tougher mortgage qualifications, it was inevitable that buyers would get into the game earlier rather than later in 2010. As a result, there are now fewer buyers in the market and consequently there are more homes listed for sale for longer periods of time. Inevitably, this combination of increased supply and reduced demand will cause prices to drop or, at best, to stabilize.

If you don’t need to sell in 2010 but think the prices will be better next year, remember that prices don’t always go up in the short term. For those of us who have seen the ups and downs of the real estate cycle over the years, we know that the next upswing may be more than a year away. For example, when the boom of the late 1980s and early 1990s ended, it took more than 5 years for local real estate prices to come ‘off the bottom’.

There may also be some who believe that the influx of additional personnel to CFB Trenton will force prices up in the short term. However, keep in mind that there are always other variables at work that influence the market and affect the value of your most important investment. These could include mortgage rates, the US economy, a change in government, or another unforeseen factor. Just ask the folks on the coast of Louisiana if they could have predicted the downturn in their real estate prices!

So how much has the market slipped? Here are some national and local statistics.

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), representing 99,000 REALTORS® nationwide, reported that in June 2010 national home sales via the Multiple Listing Service receded 8.2 percent from May 2010. Furthermore, sales activity was down 19.7 percent in June 2010 compared to June 2009. The President of the CREA suggested sellers should consult their REALTOR® on how to price and present their homes in these more challenging times.

The Quinte & District Real Estate Board reported more than a 12 percent drop in residential sales in June 2010 when compared to the same period in 2009. Furthermore, year to date, there are now almost 8 percent more homes on the market than there were in the first 6 months of 2009. Theoretically, you could also argue that the 5 percent drop in the number of local REALTORS® over the last year is another indicator of a turn in the market.

Are you a buyer looking to jump into the market this year? The interest rates are up slightly but the prices are coming down. Now may be the time to jump. The speed brakes won’t be applied forever!

TRENTON HOME SALES TAX aka HST

2010-01-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

As promised in my last posting, I am here to give my "biased" opinion on the upcoming provincial Harmonized Sales Tax. In case you’ve been busy canvassing for your local provincial Liberal candidate and haven't been paying attention to other real-time events, the HST is being touted as a cost-saving initiative for business owners and a “revenue neutral" tax for the benefit of all Ontarians. If you’ve bought into this party line, you may also be interested in a piece of ‘environmentally protected almost waterfront property’ - insert smile here.

Seriously, from where I’m sitting, this tax appears to be similar to the largest tax grab in Canadian history … yes, the GST all over again. In other words, a provincial consumer tax! Hopefully it will be more effective than the eHealth tax. You remember the one … that temporary tax that helped fund huge salaries for officials, some of who were forced to resign for incompetence. This time the Queen’s Park Highwaymen are going to rob you by applying tax on items that were never taxed at the provincial level before. These include home heating fuel, legal services, real estate services, home inspections, well driller reports, amongst many additional services that will affect homeowners and other consumers!

With this in mind, is it any wonder that websites such as http://www.stophst.com/ontario-hst/ have been stood up and organizations, including the Ontario Real Estate Association and the Ontario Home Builders Association, have lobbied for months to have the tax stopped, revised, or delayed? Unfortunately, the estimated $313 million in EXTRA tax dollars lifted from Ontarians through resale home transactions looks like it will come to fruition in July of this year. The timing will undoubtedly coincide with an increase in mortgage financing which will certainly put a damper on the value of your most prized asset … presumably your house.

On the bright side, our ‘tax and spend’ officials have given new home construction a ‘break’. It seems that new homes under $400K will get a rebate on the HST. In other words, pay the tax and then apply for the ‘luxury rebate’. Yet another paper chase that will involve employing more government employees to make it all happen. We have trouble maintaining adequate health care services in this province, but we have no trouble employing more tax collectors and redundant procedures.

Before I end my rant, I have to pay homage to all the 'Timmy Regulars’ whose cry was heard on high. That is, food or beverages below $4.00 will NOT be taxed. Can you imagine the outrage if Dual Tone McGuinty had followed through and added another 8% on our morning fix? Tax on Timmy’s seems unconstitutional at any level of government, but tax on basic shelter seems to be unending and applicable at all levels. Hopefully, I stop seeing red after the 2011 election.

If you would like more information about how the HST will affect you, please drop me a line at david@davidweir.com.

TRENTON REAL ESTATE 2010

2010-01-18T14:33:00.000-08:00

The dust has finally settled on the local 2009 Real Estate statistics and what a finish we had to the year! Here are some numbers provided by the Quinte & District Real Estate Board that will make homeowners happy about their largest investment.

In December 2009, the total dollar volume of sales (for all property types) increased by an amazing 98% over December 2008 i.e, $34.8 million vs $17.5 million respectively. This represented 182 sales last month compared to only 106 in December 2008.

Unfortunately, there are other statistics that may turn that homeowner smile upside down. There were 25% more residential listings on the market last month compared to December 2008. In other words, more competition if you are thinking of selling. As well, the average annual residential sale price was down 1% from 2008.

I could talk endlessly about statistics, but we all know that figures lie and liars figure. So what should homeowners do if they are thinking of selling this year? Sadly, Santa didn’t bring me a crystal ball for Christmas so here is my best guess for 2010.

If possible, you might think about listing early to try and be sold before July 2010 when the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) takes affect and before mortgage interest rates begin to increase.

I’ll discuss the dreaded Horrible Sales Tax and how it impacts Real Estate sales on another occasion but, suffice it to say, this tax will steal hundreds of millions of dollars from the pockets of Ontarians who buy and sell Real Estate beyond 30 June 2010. I concede that the government’s plan to implement this unprecedented tax is not final, but we all know it’s coming despite massive lobbying efforts by groups such as the Ontario Home Builders Association and the Ontario Real Estate Association.

As for mortgage rates, the Bank of Canada has kept their overnight rate at an amazing .25% for a number of months, which, in turn, has allowed Lenders to hold prime at about 2.25%. However, there have been consistent comments from Canadian Banking authorities that suggest our “interest holiday” is going to come to an end mid-2010 or by the third quarter of the year at the latest.

Many Buyers who were keeping abreast of these two significant issues have wisely purchased a home recently or plan to do so before July. If you doubt the numbers provided by our local Real Estate board, just check out the hot markets of Toronto and Ottawa.

In conclusion, it might be that the strong 2009 year-end was a function of Buyers who jumped off the fence early, when they ordinarily would have waited to buy in 2010. Moreover, we might also want to consider that a strong start to the year may be followed by a stagnant second half to 2010, especially in view of the HST and mortgage interest scenarios discussed above.

Are you selling your most valuable asset in 2010? If so, list early and be prepared to move before 1 July 2010. Is your mortgage up for renewal or are you not yet locked into a fixed rate? If so, talk to your Lender about your long-term options. Oh, and by the way, I am looking for a crystal ball – preferably one in HD.

Proud to Be Canadian!

2009-12-23T18:05:00.000-08:00

I usually discuss Real Estate topics in my blog but, in this, my last post of 2009, I would like to mention one of the most exciting things I have ever done. On Tuesday December 15th 2009, I was honoured to have carried the Olympic Torch through part of downtown Trenton.

With 18 other runners, I started at CFB Trenton and ran my 300 metre leg not far from my Royal LePage office. The streets were lined with children chanting "Go Canada Go", as well as other onlookers of all ages who were beaming and wildly waving Canada flags. It was estimated that the crowd totalled 3,000 people; amazing for a town with a population of 16,000.

The size of the crowd, the excitement, and the children who wanted their pictures taken with a 'torch bearer' was truly thrilling and an event I will never forget. Go Canada Go!

Still Riding the Trenton Real Estate Roller Coaster!

2009-12-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

The Trenton Real Estate roller coaster ride continues! One minute things are looking up with the announcement of CFB Trenton’s upcoming multi-million dollar infrastructure expenditures and then we learn of yet another series of layoffs at Invar, a manufacturing company just north of Trenton.

In June 2010, 134 Invar employees will lose their jobs. When combined with the job losses at General Mills in 2007 and Pepsico in 2008, a total of 850 positions will have gone by the wayside over the past three years … a considerable number for a town of our size.

While the expansion at the Base is excellent news, we have to keep in mind that it isn’t bringing any permanent jobs to the area right away. However, the influx of 500 – 600 military families in 2011 should provide a greater demand for homes and should help re-energize the local economy!

FREE Saturday Matinee at the Empire

2009-11-13T17:06:00.000-08:00

Your Customer Appreciation Day has been announced! Team David Weir is inviting you to join us for a complimentary family movie at the Empire Theatre on Saturday, 23 January 2010. We have purchased tickets for the 2:00 PM showing so be sure to mark your calendars early! The movie, popcorn and a drink are all on David! Stay tuned for the name of our Feature Presentation and for details on how to move to the front of the line for tickets. Until then, don't forget ... we're never too busy to help your friends and family with their real estate needs as well! Visit the 'Giveaway' page at http://www.davidweir.com/ for other 'freebies'. Cheers everyone!

Home Energy Audits

2009-11-01T16:51:00.000-08:00

When you mention an 'audit' to Canadian taxpayers, there's a good chance the associated thought will be a negative one. However, the federal and provincial governments are now trying to put a positive spin on another type of audit; that is, a Home Energy Audit.

A Home Energy Audit shows how your home uses energy and where it is being wasted. It identifies improvements you can make to your home’s heating, cooling, and hot water heating systems. It also pinpoints other inefficiencies that COULD result in hundreds of lost dollars each year.

Given that everyone wants to save money and that protection of the planet is at an all-time high, why would you not want to reduce your energy bills and help the environment at the same time?

A typical audit comprises of 3 things: 1. an assessment of your home’s insulation, heating and cooling systems, as well as other energy uses. 2. a depressurization test to identify leaks and drafts in your home. 3. an Energy Efficiency Evaluation Report.

The cost of the audit runs about $300 -500 and Ontarians can get up to $150 of the energy audit cost back from the provincial government. The actual testing of your home takes 2 to 3 hours.

Energy-saving upgrades identified by your Home Energy Audit may qualify you for rebates under the Home Energy Retrofit Program. You could receive up to a maximum of $10,000 from the Governments of Ontario and Canada when you complete improvements identified by your audit. In addition to receiving monies back for energy savings upgrades, some of your improvements may also qualify for additional savings through the Home Renovation Tax Credit.
Is there something wrong with this Home Energy Audit picture? When the Ontario government floated this idea, they wanted to make the audits mandatory through legislation labeled the 'Green Energy Act'. Of course, making it mandatory would require that everyone go through the process at some point … and pay accordingly.

As it stands today, the government has decided the onus will fall on home sellers to initiate a home energy audit when they put their home on the market for sale. In other words, if this legislation is passed and you want to sell your home, you would need to have this audit completed – unless the buyers waive their right to have an audit done. Once again, the government mandates and the taxpayer pays!

You, like I, want to help the environment and, of course, we all want to reduce our energy bills so maybe we are okay with the mandatory energy test. However, I think that during the home sale process this audit, or lack thereof, could be yet another important variable in the marketability of your home, especially in a competitive market. Furthermore, the Home Energy Audit could become a bargaining chip during negotiations, or perhaps even a hindrance if you don’t have the report completed prior to listing.

I will discuss more of these issues in the next installment of my column. In the meantime, feel free to get internet links to the three government websites that outline home energy and renovation tax credits. Go to www.davidweir.com.

Shopping for Insurance?

2009-10-07T05:20:00.000-07:00

If you're soon to be in the market for home or auto insurance and want to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck, check out this option. It allows you to compare different types of insurance with various companies based on your postal code. How efficient is that? No going through a long automated telephone procedure, no long conversations, and all from the comfort of your own home. The company is Kanetix. Let me know what you think once you've given it a try!

Talking & Driving?

2009-10-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

Confused about the new rules regarding multi-tasking behind the wheel? I know I was and so were a few other people I know. One person told me the new rules had come into effect June 1st, so clearly I was out of the loop as I continued to carry on business as I transited between appointments. Turns out the distracted-driving law comes into effect on 26 October 2009 but won't be enforced until 1 February 2010. For the full story, check out http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/703627. Oh, by the way, that's not me in the pic but I'd be happy to give you a call if you need to chat about buying or selling a home in the Quinte Area. Cheers!

YOUR TRENTON REAL ESTATE UPDATE

2009-09-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

Well, here we are edging towards autumn on the heels of a very 'interesting' summer in the Real Estate industry. You can tell from the 'bi-polar pontificating' of real estate, business, and political gurus that no one truly knows what's going to happen in the market next. Will home prices go up, will the next government change industry programs, will mortgage rates remain the same? ... and so on.

From the information provided by the Quinte & District Real Estate Board, you can see what's been happening locally. All is certainly not great news, but these are the facts nonetheless. My personal beliefs are that any positives in our little 'Quinte bubble' may be offset by a myriad of factors in 2010 such as an increase in mortgage rates and/or by the 'dreaded HST'. In other words, positives like the future expansion of the military base could be be negatively impacted by larger factors outside our market place.

The silver lining in all of this is that Buyers are happier with the more realistic prices, great mortgage rates, and potential upside to market prices. Consequently, our market has not seen the drastic slide in prices as has happened elsewhere.

Go Team Go!

2009-02-15T14:01:00.000-08:00

One of the most recent innovations in the Real Estate industry is the concept of 'Teams'. Teams have been in place within other professions for years to the point that there is an 'expectation' of team. For instance, when you go for your annual dental appointment you don't expect the Dentist to clean your teeth. You know he or she has likely hired someone to help with this part of the treatment.

The same concept exists within the Real Estate industry. Teams allow each member to focus on their area of expertise. For example, one REALTOR® may act as a ‘Buyer’s Agent’ and another may be a ‘Home Listing Specialist’. Another may be a Mortgage Specialist and, if you prefer to do business in French to fully understand the buying or selling experience, the Team may include a bilingual REALTOR® to assist you. And finally, another team member may be an Administrator or Client Care Coordinator. The point is, each team member has a specific role in which they are most skilled or that they enjoy the most, both of which allows them to best serve the needs of their clients.

Does this cost you more? Not usually. In fact, by pooling resources Teams can often offer you more services, at no additional charge, than a single REALTOR® can. This includes things such as greater local and national advertising for your property and 24/7 availability even when one REALTOR® is sick or on vacation.

Furthermore, REALTORS® initially go through their own pool of buyers to find a purchaser for your home and a Team will usually have a larger list of potential purchasers. Also, a Team can market your listing to their entire database of potential buyers. In other words, your home will receive more market exposure in a shorter amount of time. The more buyers who know your home is for sale the greater the likelihood your home will sell quicker and for more money

Why would you not hire a Team? Call me at 1.800.263.2177 for more information about Team David Weir and how we can help you with your real estate needs.

We 'BOLT' for our Clients

2009-01-11T07:55:00.000-08:00

Well, it's that time of year again when we, at Team David Weir, host a complimentary movie for our Client Appreciation Day. The movie this year is the Golden Globe nominated Disney movie 'BOLT' with the voices of John Travolta and Miley Cyrus. See the following link for a trailer http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/bolt/

The movie is being shown in Belleville on Saturday January 17th at 10:00 AM. For more information on the theatre and its location, etc go to www.theempiretheatre.com. As always, there is a limited amount of tickets and they will be given away on a first come first serve basis. Please contact David or Janet at 613.394.4837 or via janet@davidweir.com if you would like some tickets.

Chelsea Weir of Team David Weir (right) presents Eve Lawrence and Susan Stoddard of the MFRC with 25 complimentary tickets for any military family with a spouse serving in theatre. The tickets can be picked up at the MFRC.