Happy Holidays!
 Well it is that time of year when good cheer and merriment abound!
If it has not already started, you will soon be swarmed with visitations by family & friends. Getting ready for those holiday gatherings is just like getting your home ready for sale. Remember that simple is better when planning your furniture layout for entertaining this holiday season. After all, who wants Uncle Frank tripping over that lovely antique iron scuplture in the middle of your living room (especially if he has had one too many Funky Monkey Hot Chocolates). For some tips, check out my Furniture Placement and Lighting and the Main Rooms videos on my site.
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Real Estate Culture
KW Market Update
Home sales on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for Kitchener-Waterloo reached a monthly high for the third consecutive month (September, October, November). In fact, November 2009 saw an impressive 87.8% increase in residential sales over the same time last year. Demand was strong for homes across all price ranges and types, but the most notable shift occurred in the higher-price ranges. Homes selling between $350,00 and $500,000 showed an increase of 233% compared to the same time last year and an increase of 67% compared to the previous month.
The Bank of Canada announced it would maintain an overnight rate target at 0.25% and reiterated its conditional commitment to hold the current policy rate until the end of the second quarter of 2010. The bank was widely expected to keep the low rate in place as part of an effort to provide monetary stimulus to the economy. The low central bank rates help keep the cost of borrowing low, thus making it less expensive for companies and consumers to make purchases.
(Sources: Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Board; and The Bank of Canada)
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Holiday Cheer
Keeping the Funky in Your Monkey
 One chilly day in a Stratford restaurant, I had a waitress ask me what I wanted to drink. Thus began the tradition of Brent's Funky Monkey Hot Chocolate. It was such a hit that by the time we left all of the servers had one of their own, and other patrons were joining in!
Keep in mind that the measurements below are approximate, so it's best made when you're feeling adventurous!
Brent's Funky Monkey Hot Chocolate Recipe
An oversized cup of hot chocolate
1 shot banana liqueur
2 shots creme de cacao
1 oz chocolate syrup
1 1/2 oz whipped cream
1 cherry
Blend liqueurs with hot chocolate and syrup. Top with whipped cream and garnish with cherry.
Enjoy, and remember: don't drink & drive this holiday season!
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limited time offer
Free Cruise for Two
 Yes, you read the title correctly. For a limited time, I'm offering a fantastic Free Cruise for Two for preferred clients.
How can you become a preferred client? Simply Buy or Sell Your Home with Me - Sign Up before Valentine's Day.
You and a companion will then enjoy a 5 day / 4 night Cruise. I've been on the Caribbean Cruise and can say it was an experience I'll never forget.
Certain conditions apply.
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