Belleville Real Estate >>> Trenton Real Estate Blog

Canada Housing Market - Royal LePage Predicts

2007-12-18T13:28:04Z

Royal LePage announced yesterday that the Canadian housing market will see a modest price increase of 3.5% across the board raising the average price to $317,288. The primary reason for the lower increase is that affordability is becoming an issue, especially with first-time Buyers, which in turn will result in less demand in 2008.

I think if interest rates take another drop in the new year and employment stays strong then home prices next year will exceed this 3.5% forecasted increase. Although inflation crept up in November to 2.5% annually (up from 2.4%), the core inflation rate which most economists are concerned about fell to 1.6% annually from 1.8% in October. If the core inflation rate continues to hold steady or even decrease there will be pressure on the Bank of Canada to continue to reduce interest rates.

When you look at houses prices nationally, Quinte Real Estate seems relatively inexpensive with an average house price of $197,561. With house prices 1/3 less than the national average, it's no wonder there has been increasing interest for Quinte Real Estate from the larger urban areas in Ontario and beyond.

As the aging baby-boomers prepare for retirement, many are deciding to retire to smaller centres. Prince Edward County and other Quinte Real Estate has become popular with this age group as a place to retire to and the lower house prices make it even more attractive.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate.

Just saw "Sicko" by Michael Moore

2007-12-17T18:19:32Z

I sat down and watched Michael Moore's film "Sicko" and it really made me stop and think. I know that he's giving his side of the story and sensationalizing parts for the benefit of the movie. I realize that more than 80% of Americans have health insurance but do the HMOs and medical insurance companies really treat their clients this way? Do they try to find loopholes so they won't have to pay?

I consider myself and my family very luck to be living in Canada where we have universal healthcare. I know we pay more taxes than our American neighbours but I will gladly pay it if helps provide free medical services. As indicated in the film, we as Canadians love to complain about our healthcare system - long waits for services, not enough doctors, etc. - but when all is said and done I wouldn't trade it. It's not something which we give much thought to in our everyday lives but when the need arises you get a whole new appreciation for it.

Recently my eldest son was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma and had to go through many painful and elaborate tests to determine the type of cancer as well as its extent. At no point did we have to wait more than 2 days for tests to be done including cat-scans, MRIs, as well as biopsies. The medical staff has been extremely caring and compassionate to my son. I couldn't imagine the costs involved in treating him including the chemo but it would far exceed anything that my wife and I could afford. At no time has anything regarding his treatment not been done because of the cost. Even the drugs he must take at home are fully covered by our system.

Granted the waits can be much longer for some people who do not have life threatening illnesses but when it comes to the very sick the system works. Our system is far from perfect but I'm glad that Tommy Douglas had the vision and the passion to push the Government of the day to implement our universal healthcare system.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate.

Quinte Real Estate - November 2007 Statistics

2007-12-17T17:07:51Z

The sales figures for November are out and one figure is quite surprising. The average residential price for Quinte Real Estate in November 2007 was $204,900 up 17.1% over November 2006 and exceeding the year to date average of $197,561. That said, the Quinte Real Estate market which has been primarily a Sellers one has softened slightly since the highs seen in the Spring and Summer. Overall the average residential price for the year is $197,561 up 10.6% when compared to the same period last year ($178,625).

For the first time this year the total number of listings (6,546) is greater than the same period last year (6,457). Prior to November the yearly total of listings had been running a couple of percentage points behind last year creating additional upward pressure on home prices. Now that things have slowed down a bit the Quinte Real Estate market seems to be more stable with less urgency among Buyers. In Belleville Real Estate the average market time for a residential property (Belleville Ward) is 59 days.

Proudly selling Belleville Real Estate.

Quinte Real Estate Market - Where is it going in 2008

2007-12-12T16:30:10Z

Here we are near the end of 2007 and I'm trying to figure out where the Quinte Real Estate market will be heading next year. In order to see the future I pulled out the old crystal ball from storage, dusted it off, tied the scarf onto my head, and focused intently on the the large orb (What? You thought I was going to pull the predictions out of a hat?)

As many who sell Belleville Ontario Real Estate know, 2007 has been a banner year in the Quinte Region. Total number of sales to October 31st was 3,334, up 11.5% over the same period in 2006 - not bad at all. Using year to date figures, the average residential price in the Quinte Real Estate region increased 7.8% to $196,830. Can this continue?

So what is going to happen in 2008? Well, according to all the "expert" opinions that I have read, 2008 should be another good year for Quinte Real Estate. Nationally, the number of sales is predicted to drop about 5% - somewhere around 500,000 sales. Now, contrary to what you might expect with a reduction in the number of sales, house prices are likely to rise another 5-6% next year. So that means that the average price of a Quinte Real Estate property should rise above $200,000 - somewhat inexpensive when compared to other regions of Ontario as well as larger urban centres in Canada.

Of course this is all dependent on economic fundamentals holding steady. This includes interest rates remaining low, strong employment, increasing incomes, and strong consumer confidence. The Bank of Canada just lowered it's overnight rate to 4.25% and if inflation continues to remain low then I feel we can expect further reductions in the new year especially if the US Federal Reserve continues to lower rates south of the border.

I feel all the signs are there for 2008 to be good year for the Quinte Real Estate market. Although the Ontario manufacturing base has been weakened by the strong Loonie resulting in the lost of several thousand jobs, the overall local economy should remain strong. Many local businesses are expanding while others, like Kellogg's, are setting up brand new plants. This should result in strong demand for Belleville Real Estate and increased Quinte Real Estate prices.

Ok. I'm going to take the scarf off and put the crystal ball back in the closet - done for another year. Should I be proven wrong come this time next year, I'll blame it on faulty batteries in the base of the ball or that scarf was tied on too tight.

Proudly selling Belleville Real Estate.

Quinte Real Estate - October 2007 Sales Statistics

2007-12-04T16:06:32Z

The stats for October 2007 home sales on the Quinte & District Real Estate Board have been released showing that the number of sales is on par with the same month last year. The number of sales for the month including commercial and investment was 257 units compared with 256 for October 2006. Contrary to what some real estate professionals feel is a slower fall market, the numbers show that it is steady on a year to year basis.

The average residential price for Quinte Real Estate in October 2007 was $196,866. and increase of 7.8% over October 2006 ($182,525).

Here in the Quinte Real Estate market there have been 3334 sales this year compared to 2991 for the first 10 months of last year, an increase 11.5%. Although the demand has slowed down compared to the hot market earlier in the year, it seems to be typical when compared to previous years.

Today, the Bank of Canada cut it's key lending rate by a quarter-point to 4.25 per cent. This was expected by many analysts as the Bank is concerned about the slowdown in the U.S. economy and it's effect on Canada, in particular Ontario. Many experts expect a further reduction in lending rates over the next few months as long as inflation remains low. Although they have not changed yet, mortgage rates are expected to drop as well. It will be interesting to see if the reductions in interest rates will create an increase in demand for Belleville Real Estate come the new year. I'll keep you posted.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate.

Quinte Real Estate - Open House 102 Yeomans St. Belleville

2007-09-19T12:53:34Z

Looking for a great starter home under $140,000? This might be the Quinte Real Estate for you. Come visit us at:

102 Yeomans St. Belleville

Sunday, September 23, 1-3pm

Nice 3 bedroom home in West end. Many upgrades made within the last year - 100 amp electrical panel, copper plumbing, carport roof replaced, lower level vinyl siding, laminate flooring in living room, dining room & kitchen, oil tank replaced in 2003. All appliances are less than 5 years old. Worth seeing.

Directions: Moira St. to Yeomans St, south on Yeomans to the corner of Graham St

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate.

Quinte Real Estate - August 2007 Statistics

2007-09-18T13:43:55Z

The stats for August 2007 home sales on the Quinte & District Real Estate Board have just recently been released and it appears the market is continuing to be strong with some impressive increases over last year.

The average residential price for Quinte Real Estate in August 2007 was $204,586. and increase of 8.2% over August 2006 ($181,084). The number of residential sales was 318 compared to 315 in August 2006.

One of the reasons for the increase in value is directly related to the laws of supply and demand. There has been an overall drop of 4.4% in the total number of listings on the board so far this year when compared to 2006. With the strong demand for homes across all price ranges and a smaller supply of homes (in the number of listings) has result in significant price increases. This, along with a strong economy has helped push prices up. Here in the Quinte Real Estate market the total number of sales so far this year is 2,791 , up 12.8% over the same period in 2006.

Back in June and July of this year many analysts believed there would be a further 1/4% increase in the Bank of Canada's overnight rate resulting in higher mortgage rates but with the economic problems being experienced in the United States as well as a possible interest rate drop down there, analysts now believe that the rate here in Canada will hold steady over the short term.

If the Fall market continues like the rest of the year, we could be in for some amazing annual figures come December 31st. It will be interesting to see if the econmic problems south of the border will start to effect us up here in Canada and what the impact will be on the housing market.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate.

My 100th Post - A Dedication To My Wife

2007-08-22T21:44:43Z

100 posts, it's been a long time coming. While many of you have far surpassed this mark, I for one have been much slower. So after completing my 99th post I felt I had to come up with something creative to mark the milestone. I tried starting a few times but nothing seemed to come together. But then the light bulb went off above my head. I decided it had to be something that I was passionate about and it also had to be easy for me to discuss. The answer was then quite simple, I decided to write about my beautiful wife, Lori, and dedicate this 100th post to her.

I met Lori 26 years ago when we both worked in the IT group of a major Canadian bank. We didn't work together but our paths crossed occasionally. As a group some of the us would get together after work and through this I got to know her. I still remember the time when Lori and I were sitting in our cars talking through the open windows and she told me she "needed a hug". Who was I to turn that down. Well needless to say that was the beginning of our lives together.

We married Nov 19, 1983 and it' been amazing ever since. We have 3 terrific children, the youngest of which is going off to college next month. We have moved a total of 7 times in 23+ years although we have remained put for the past 10 here in the Quinte Region. We've gone through the highs and the lows like any other family but I wouldn't change it for anything.

I almost lost Lori 21 years ago in a major car accident. She was critically injured and had to be taken by air ambulance from the local hospital in Whitby to the trauma unit at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. One of the most difficult things for me at the time was to see her lying on a trauma unit bed, unconscious and not responding to me. I thought our lives together was going to end but thanks to the amazing surgeons and other doctors at Sunnybrook, she recovered over time.

So here it is in 2007 and I'm totally in love with this woman. She is not only my wife, the mother of our children but she is also my best friend. I look forward to being with her each and every day and I know she feels the same way about me. Lori is dedicated to our children and me, providing encouragement, support and love without conditions. She is thoughtful in her choice of words, diplomatic with family matters and never demanding. We have had our differences of opinion but she gets her point across effectively in a caring and gentle manner. Lori has encouraged me in all aspect of my working life, from leaving the bank and going out on my own, not once but twice. She was the one who felt I should get my real estate license because she knew I would enjoy it and be good at it. Of course she was right.

I am so looking forward to the rest of our lives together and truly hope that each day will be as full as past ones.

Finally, I would like to quote a poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning titled How Do I Love Thee as it says so well what is in my heart.

How Do I Love Thee

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of every day's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

The Trent Severn Waterway - A National Historic Site

2007-08-19T21:43:45Z

Stretching 386 kilometres from the Bay of Quinte off Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay, the Trent Severn Waterway has been called one of the best interconnected waterways in the world. The system is a national historic site administered by Parks Canada. It's a true wonder.

The system is comprised of 36 conventional locks, 2 sets of flight locks, 2 of the worlds largest lift locks as well as a marine railway. It takes an average of 7 to 10 days to navigate the system depending on how quick you wish to travel and the number of stops you make along the way. It rises to a maximum height in Balsam Lake at 253 metres above sea level.

One of the most fascinating points of the system is the marine railway at Big Chute which is
a large railway which carries boats over land nestled in a very large cradle. The Kirkfield lock just east of Lake Simcoe lifts and lowers boats 14.9 metres while the lift lock in Peterborough raises and lowers boats 19.8 metres, the highest in the world.

If you are ever thinking about taking a boat cruise, whether for a week or just a day, the Trent-Severn Waterway is sure to thrill everyone on board.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate

Brighton Ontario Real Estate - MLs #2074935

2007-08-19T15:47:04Z

Welcome to 15 Timber Ridge Drive in the beautiful community of Brighton, Ontario. Just a short one and a half hour drive east of Toronto leads to this terrific community on the shores of Lake Ontario and Presqu'ile Bay.

This 2 year old executive home overlooks the first fairway of Timber Ridge Golf Course. It offers all the features you would expect to find in a luxury home along with superior craftsmanship throughout including an amazing finished walk-out basement to the back yard.

The home boast 10.5 foot ceilings in most of the main floor rooms, accented with custom cove mouldings. The Great Room provides access to the large 500 square foot deck as well as terrific views of the golf course through over-sized palladium windows. There's a propane fireplace with granite surround to take the chill out of the air on those cold winter days.

The Kitchen has magnificent hand-made cherry cabinets with top of the line built-in appliances. There's a Sub Zero Fridge as well as a dual zone Sub Zero wine cooler. There's a Dacor ceramic cooktop along with Dacor wall oven, convection microwave and warming drawer. To clean all those dirty dishes is a Miele Incognito dish washer. The counter-tops are granite with a solid mahogany breakfast bar. A large walk-in pantry for all your kitchen storage needs and a Butler's Desk complete this chef's delight.

The Master Bedroom is located in a separate wing and boasts full length windows overlooking the back and side yards as well as a separate entrance to the back deck. There's large walk-in closet with plenty of built-in racking. The master ensuite features double sinks set in a granite top with cherry cabinetry. Theres' a two-person luxury jet tub and a separate over-sized shower with two shower heads. The toilet and bidet are located in a private enclosure within the ensuite itself.

Finishing out the main floor is a formal dining room, two secondary bedrooms along with a main bathroom, a two piece powder room and separate laundry room. From the foyer a custom designed staircase leads to the lower level where you will find a 39 foot recreation room, exercise room, den, hobby room, media room, and a large fourth bedroom. Also on the lower level is a full four piece bathroom. There are large windows in several of the lower level rooms which look out onto the back yard and patio.

The floors on the main level are hardwood except those in the bathrooms. In the master Bedroom ensuite as well as the main bathroom the floors are marble while the powder room flooring is ceramic. On the lower level there is ceramic flooring throughout.

If you are looking for the very best then this home is it. Everything was thoughtfully planned to ensure the most discerning homeowner would not be disappointed. You will not be disappointed!

Price: $995,000. (CDN)

Wayne McMullan
Sales Representative
Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, Brokerage
Independently Owned & Operated

Office; 613-966-6060
Cell: 613-969-7650

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate

Quinte Real Estate - July 2007 Statistics

2007-08-16T17:46:06Z

Here we are into the middle of August and the action on the Quinte & District Real Estate Board is very strong. The Board just released the July 2007 stats for the Quinte Real Estate market and one thing is very clear - there's still a very strong demand for homes.

The problem with this demand for homes is that the current number of listings is down almost 10% compared to the same period last year. Not only that but the average house price for July has risen almost 8% to $197,697 from July 2006. As an example, currently in the City of Belleville there are only 18 single family homes listed for under $150,000. This makes it very difficult for first time buyers to make that first step.

Even the 1/4% increase in the Bank of Canada overnight rate and the related increase in mortgage rates has not dampened demand. The lending rate was increased in an attempt to slow down the national inflation rate which is currently running over the 2% annualized rate that the Bank of Canada wants to see. The Bank of Canada has indicated that the overnight rate will likely increase again in September which will result in another increase in lending rates. Whether the next increase will slow down the demand, we will just have to wait and see.

Remember, being a knowledgeable Buyer or Seller will help you make the right decisions for you and your family.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate

My First Year in Reflection - Tips for Other Newbies

2007-08-12T11:30:33Z

I became a licensed real estate sales representative in the Province of Ontario July 5th, 2006 and here it is a year later and I'm reflecting on the experience. I've had the highs as well as the lows but damn I'm having fun. Now after this first year I feel I can offer some advice to others starting out in this business.

Here are some tips, in no particular order, that might help other newbie's:

A signed Buyer's Representation Agreement is more critical to your existence than the air your breathe. At least you feel that way when those Buyers you've shown 20+ homes to decide to buy through another REALTOR®.
Clients don't grow on trees, you have to work hard to get them.
Expose yourself (no not that way) to as much training as possible.
Cultivate your contacts like a bountiful garden - but don't forget to pull the weeds.
Quickly understand some of the descriptive text that fellow REALTORS® use. That cozy 2 bedroom is no bigger than that tree house you built as a kid while that handyman's special is nothing that a match couldn't fix (now I'm not condoning anything).
Fancy listing presentations mean nothing if you come across as a sixteen year old taking your driver's road test for the first time. Sellers want a show of confidence.
Don't be afraid to ask questions when you're not sure. You'll sleep better at night.
And finally what I believe is most important. Relax and be yourself. If you are an effective, honest and professional person you will do well regardless of your experience. Most clients appreciate those characteristics.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate.

How The Rain Helped Me Get a Dream Listing.

2007-08-10T15:54:00Z

Last week I was fortunate to obtain my first million dollar listing ( well almost a million - $995,000 ). Now I know in some parts of the continent million dollar homes are the norm but here in the Quinte Real Estate market where the average price of a home is just over $200,000, getting one is a gem. I wish I could take all the credit but I can't because without the Rain I would never have gotten it.

I have learned so much about SEO here on ActiveRain that I have been able to get my site on page 1 of Google and MSN for a number of keyword searches. My clients found my site on a search which in turn led them to my blog here in the Rain. Now my blog is no great thing but it was enough to get my foot in the door.

Then panic set in! My listing presentation was good but I didn't think it was good enough to impress these homeowners. So off I went in search of some presentation info here on A/R. There were lots but nothing that directly related to a tried and true one. I was a little disappointed until I came across a post by Broker Bryant titled "Make your listing presentation a listening presentation" . I read it and it made so much sense. I decided that this was the way I would approach my meeting with my homeowners.

Off I went to meet the homeowners with no fancy pie-charts or Power Point presentation. I had done my research and I was prepared to ask questions and listen. It went off without a hitch. I spent almost 3 hours with them which might have been too long for some REALTORS® but I think it was just right in this case. They told me they would get back to me the next day but no sooner had I turned off their road than my cell phone rang and the homeowners were telling me that they wanted me to list their home. Not only that but they were going to cancel an appointment with another REALTOR®. YES!! Thank-you Broker Bryant.

So the next time you are planning that perfect listing presentation, take a step back. Maybe making it about the homeowners will inevitably lead to the same result - getting that great listing.

Proudly selling Belleville Real Estate.

Belleville Real Estate - 102 Yeomans Street

2007-08-08T15:35:53Z

Located on the west side of Belleville, this 2-storey home is an easy commute to downtown or Loyalist College. The home has three bedrooms and one bathroom , all located on the second floor. There have been a number of updates within the past 3 years including:

100 Amp electrical panel
Copper plumbing
Vinyl siding on the main floor
Front deck
Steel-clad front door
Laminate flooring in Livingroom, Dining room, and Kitchen
Stair and upper hallway carpeting
Bathroom
Carport roof - new deck and shingles

The fridge, stove, washer, and dryer are all less than 6 years old and are included in the price. More pictures and information can be viewed on the Quinte & District Real Estate Board - MLS #2074968

If you would like to view this home or any other Quinte Real Estate property, please contact me at 613-966-6060 (office)

Proudly selling Belleville Real Estate

What I Like About The Quinte Region

2007-07-30T19:42:55Z

I have come to enjoy all the great things that the Quinte area has to offer to my family and me including the things it doesn't have. Here are a few of my favorites:

Traffic delays that slow my trip by only a few minutes rather than a few hours.
I only have to travel a short distance to reach water. Whether it's the Trent and Moira Rivers or the Bay of Quinte and Presqu'ile Bay or Moira Lake and Lake on the Mountain.
The fact that I have great neighbours but they are not so close that I can hear their television through an open window.
Although our air quality could always be better in the Quinte region, I 'm glad I can't see the yellowish -brown cloud that hangs over the larger urban areas on a hot humid day.
I appreciate the fact that many in my neighbourhood feel safe to walk any street regardless of the time of day.
Relaxing on the banks of the Trent River watching those large cabin cruisers make their way along the lock system (and wondering how they can afford the cost of fuel).
Purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables from the roadside stands along our country roads. Nothing is better than something picked just a short while ago.
Going to Reid's Dairy and having a great soft ice cream cone. In my humble opinion it's the best!
Best of all are the terrific people who make you feel so welcome, whether you are just visiting or relocating to the area.

Thanks Quinte.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate.

Belleville Real Estate - First Time Home-buyers

2007-07-29T22:46:12Z

Yesterday, a young couple approached me at my brokerage's mall kiosk to ask about some listings. I gave them the information and started to ask them some questions about their needs and what they knew about the local market. I was surprised that they had not really thought about the details. They had been to the bank and were pre-approved for xxx amount of financing but that was the extent of it. Needless to say we spent over an hour discussing things and we will meet later this week to further our discussion.

If you are a first time home-buyer take some time before you start to research different aspects of home buying. Some of the items to consider:

Getting mortgage pre-approval. If you don't understand what this is, check out my post on Pre-Approval Versus Pre-Qualified.
Understand the costs involved with purchasing a home. These costs may include home inspection fees, appraisal fees, land transfer tax, title insurance, mortage insurance and lawyers fees to name a few.
Make a list of the home features you must have with another one listing your "it would be nice to have".
Decide the neighbourhoods you would like to live in with secondary choices.
Research information about the local market conditions. Understanding what type of market it is prepares you before you go looking.
Ask friends and relatives for REALTOR referrals. You need a professional who has a proven track record for superior service.
Don't be afraid to ask the Sales Representative questions. As an example, before you even go out looking at homes you should have an understanding of what type of representation you will have with your REALTOR - client or customer.

If you are an informed/knowledgeable home-buyer you will make the right decisions for you and your family.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate.

Belleville Real Estate - Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty Opens New Kiosk

2007-07-26T16:41:35Z

It's official, Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, Brokerage has just opened their new kiosk at the Quinte Mall in Belleville Ontario. It's taken about 6 weeks, since we closed the old one, to get the new one up and running but the wait was worth it. From the contemporary styling to the 3 large flat panel displays, the booth offers a relaxed viewing of current Royal LePage listings in the Quinte Region.

The Royal LePage kiosk is located beside Lenscrafters and Eddie Bauer in the main concourse. So if you're wandering the Quinte Mall stop by and review our current selection of listings. You never know, you're next home could be one of the properties we currently have listed.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate.

Belleville Ontario Real Estate Stats - June 2007

2007-07-23T17:07:07Z

The Quinte & District Real Estate Board released the June 2007 statistics for the complete Quinte Real Estate area including Belleville, Ontario and the results highlight how strong the month was for sale prices. Overall we have had a very fast paced first half and it will be interesting to see if it continues through the remaining 6 months.

Belleville's stats (including Thurlow Ward) continued to climb with an average residential sale price of $202,329.50. This is residential sales including condos and waterfront. The average Belleville residential sale price for the first six months of 2007 was $191,707.32 on sales of 540 units.

Another interesting figure for Belleville was that 134 new residential listings were added in June 2007 while 106 were sold. As of the end of June, there were 293 active residential listings which results in an absorption rate of less than 3 months indicating a very strong Seller's market. The absorption rate determines how long it would take to sell the current active listings given the previous months sales number. In this case 293 (active listings) divided by 106 (number of sales last month) = less than 3 months. Any rate below 3 months indicates a strong Seller's market.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the year unfolds but if the previous 6 months is any indication we may have a record-breaking year when it is all done. Time will tell.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate.

Which Media Type To Use For Website Videos

2007-07-17T16:12:37Z

I came across a couple of really good websites ( in my opinion at least ) which had video clips on their homepage. In all cases the sites had the individual appear in a video introducing their services. They were well done and impressed me. I did a little web-surfing and found out that you can embed these types of vidoes in your site using a number of different methods.

The question I have for any member familiar with this is which media type should I use. Nothing I have read is definitive about this, so I was wondering if anyone has had experience with Windows Media Player vs QuickTime vs Flash vs Real Media. The process seems straight-forward, it's determining which one might be better than the others.

Any insight would be really appreciated.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate.

Quinte Real Estate

2007-07-16T14:23:15Z

The statistics for The Quinte & District Real Estate Board have been released for June 2007 and the strong market trends have continued. The first half of the year has seen strong sales along with a reduction in the number of listings resulting in a rather hot market.

The average residential price on the board for June 2007 rose to $208,123, an increase of 15.4% when compared to the same month last year. The average residential price for the first half of 2007 was $195,354, a 8.5% increase when compared to the $180,053 average price for the first half of 2006.

The absorption rate for homes, which is the number of months it would take to sell the current number of residential listings given the current monthly sales, is less than 4 months. This indicates a true Seller's market, a trend that has existed since the first part of the year.

Now that the Bank of Canada has increased the Overnight Rate by 0.25% to 4.50% with another anticipated 0.25% increase in September 2007 on the horizon, it will be interesting to see if the current market trends for Quinte Real Estate will continue.

I'll keep you posted.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate.

BRIGHTON ONTARIO - OPEN HOUSE - Sunday, July 15th, 1-3 pm

2007-07-11T15:15:42Z

Open House

11 Walas St, Brighton, Ontario

Sunday, July 15th, 1-3pm

A terrific family home located near Presqu'ile Bay.
There are 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms including a
master ensuite. The home boasts a mainfloor
familyroom as well as laundry room. The home is
heated by an energy-efficient natural gas furnace
and for summer cooling enjoy the on-ground
pool and 2-tier deck.

To visit this home take Prince Edward St. south
to Cedar St where you will continue south to
Raglan St. Turn right on Walas St. and the
house is the first one on the left.

Hope to see you there!

Wayne McMullan
Sales Representative
Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty, Brokerage
Independently Owned & Operated

Office: 613-966-6060
Cell 613-969-7650

Canada's Fascination with Tim Hortons®

2007-07-11T08:22:44Z

Every morning millions of Canadians pull up to a Tim Hortons® to get their morning coffee, whether walking in or going through the drive-thru. They'll order anything from a small black coffee to an extra large double double ( double cream and double sugar). I understand that some people will even order a quadruple quadruple! Many will grab a breakfast sandwich or a baked good to go along with their coffee. Tim Hortons® is the number one food services operation in Canada, larger than McDonald's® in both the number of outlets and total sales. There's even a Tim Hortons® outlet on the military base in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Now I enjoy the occasional coffee but definitely not on a daily basis so it's hard for me to understand this amazing fascination that we Canadians have for this beverage and everything Tim Hortons®. I know many people who absolutely must have their Tim Hortons® coffee each morning, not a Starbucks®, nor a Second Cup®, only Tim Hortons®. They crave it!. My brother-in-law even buys the Tim Hortons® brand of ground coffee so he can brew it at home in his Tim Hortons® coffee-maker.

Timmys, as many Canadians affectionately call it, is now expanding into the U.S. with over 300 outlets so far. So to our American neighbours (yes we spell neighbors with a "u"), go lightly into that local Tim Hortons® outlet. As a nation you could find yourself yearning for your morning cup of coffee from nowhere else but a Timmys.

For some interesting real stories about Tim Hortons® visit www.15millioncanadians.com

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate

Belleville Waterfront and Ethnic Festival

2007-07-10T13:47:21Z

The Belleville Waterfront and Ethnic Festival kicks of this Thursday, July 12 and runs through July 15th at Zwicks Park, Belleville Ontario. There something for everyone ,from a Midway with rides and games to a Teen Zone to a Children's Village as well as various ethnic dance performances on the Ethnics Village stage.

This year there will also be wakeboard performances along with a boat show. On Friday night the schedule includes the Festival parade, an Ambassador Pageant followed by fireworks at East Zwicks Park.

For the first time there is free admission to all events throughout the week-end. Organizers were able to do this because of overwhelming support from local businesses and the hard work of the organizing committee.

So whether you make a day of it or a total week-end activity, bring your family and friends to enjoy the sights, sounds and food of the Belleville Waterfront and Ethnic Festival.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate

Repatriation of 6 Canadian Soldiers - CFB Trenton

2007-07-08T22:19:18Z

I live in the City of Quinte West, Ontario, home to CFB Trenton, the largest air force base in Canada. Like any other city or town in Canada that is home to a Canadian Armed Forces base, the men and women who work at CFB Trenton are respected throughout the community for the services they provide.

CFB Trenton is also the base where all our fallen soldiers from Afghanistan are repatriated to. From here they are taken for their final journey home.

There have been several repatriation ceremonies here at Trenton and they definitely do not get any easier. Today was one of those ceremonies when the bodies of our latest fallen soldiers were returned to Canadian soil. This past Wednesday 6 soldiers, along with an Afghan interpretor, were killed when the Nyala armoured vehicle in which they were travelling hit a roadside bomb in southern Afghanistan. So today at approx. 5 pm the bodies of Capt. Jefferson Francis, 36, Capt. Matthew Dawe, 27, Master Cpl Colin Bason, 28, Cpl Cole Bartsch, 23, Cpl Jordan Anderson, 25, and Pvt Lane Watkins, 20 arrived home.

I have witnessed the last 2 ceremonies. It is amazing to see the turnout of people, many wearing red in support of our troops. It is extremely emotional and my heart and prayers go out to the families of these brave soldiers. I do not know if I could do what these men and women face each and everyday when they are in Afghanistan but I truly admire their commitment and service to our country.

Pre-Qualified For a Mortgage Versus Pre-Approved For a Mortgage

2007-07-07T13:05:57Z

There seems to be confusion by both Buyers and Sellers as well as some REALTORS® concerning the terminology of pre-qualified, pre-approved and loan commitment as it relates to mortgages. Often the terms are interchanged when discussing mortgages but they are distinctly different and can affect a real estate transaction.

Being Pre-Qualified does not usually include a review of your credit report or an in-depth look at your ability to buy a home. It usually means that a loans officer or mortgage broker has calculated a debt service ratio for you which involves a review of your income as well your monthly expenses. Based on this ratio a lender can pre-qualify you for a maximum mortgage. Being pre-qualified helps you determine the price range you can afford.

Pre-Approved for a mortgage means the mortgage company has done a credit review as well as looked at your income to determine whether you are qualified. The lender will indicate the maximum amount of financing they will provide as well as the interest rate and available programs. Although you are now pre-approved for a mortgage it doesn't mean they will approve the financing as other factors must be considered such as the property you wish to buy.

Loan commitment involves the approval of both you and the house you wish to purchase. Just because you think the house is a great buy does not mean the mortgage company will. The lender wants to ensure that the value is there in the property (appraisal) as well as how easily it will sell should foreclosure occur. Once the lender is satisfied it will issue a letter of commitment to you indicating the amount of the financing as well as other terms that may be applicable.

I hope this eliminates some of the confusion between the different terms.

Proudly selling Quinte Real Estate