Many families enjoy skating outdoors in the winter. There are over 50 Outdoor ice skating rinks in Kitchener- Waterloo.

Most of the outdoor ice rinks in Kitchener-Waterloo are run by volunteers from local community groups and neighbourhood associations. Many of these rinks have lights and can be enjoyed in the evening.

So why not get out and enjoy the frosty weather this winter with your family and friends?

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Will we benefit from strong business investment in 2012?

We've invited Assistant Chief Economist, Paul Ferley of RBC, to give our most valued clients and associates his economic outlook for the US, Canada and the Region of Waterloo for 2012.

We would like to invite you to
join us for this free seminar.

By Invitation Only

Tuesday, February 7th

Choose from two sessions:
4:00pm to 5:00pm or 7:00pm to 8:00pm

In the Theatre at
Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty
508 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener

Please RSVP to reserve your seat at one of the two sessions. (Click here)

Space is Limited - RSVP today!

I'm sure that you have heard on the news about the extremely low rates currently available from some Canadian Banks right now!

While rate is important, it may not be the most important factor in your situation.

Here are some of the items you should take a look at when negotiating your next mortgage (and there are more...).

1. The maximum amortization period

2. How long will they hold the rate for you? Can I arrange this mortgage before I start looking for a home?

3. Can you be pre-approved for this mortgage? See #2.

4. Can you make lump-sum pre-payments? How many? To what maximum?

5. Can I choose to change payment size? How much?

6. Is the term closed? Can I refinance or early renew before the term is finished?

7. Can I skip a payment(s)> What if an emergency arises?

If you would like great mortgage advice from a mortgage expert, contact us today and we will be happy to connect you with a mortgage specialist to fit your needs.

Reach Tracey at (519) 500-1226 or Tracey-Appleton@ColdwellBanker.ca.

(From left to right) Tracey Appleton, Peter Benninger, David Tidd and Amanda Taylor at Coldwell Banker's annual Trees for Toys customer appreciation event and toy drive.

On Saturday, December 4th, Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty's Real Estate Consumer Centre on Riverbend Drive was visited by approximately 1200 guests who donated over 400 toys.

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Robert Hunsberger was a November "Achiever" at Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty.

The latest edition of Tracey and Robert's email newsletter was delivered recently to our clients and friends.

View the online version of the newsletter here:
Living in Kitchener-Waterloo.

You can subscribe to our newsletter below:

Below is the most recent press release from the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS (KWAR).

Kitchener-Waterloo, ON (December 5, 2011) - There were a total of 450 residential sales through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in November, with a total dollar volume of $134,889,762, a decrease of 1.7 percent relative to results in November 2010.

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The Canada Mortgage and Hosing Corporation (CMHC) has released their "Rental Market Report" for Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo and Guelph CMAs. The complete 2011 report can be downloaded (PDF) here.

Some highlights of this rental market documents include:

• The average vacancy rate in Waterloo Region and area (Kitchener CMA) moved lower to 1.7 per cent.

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As many of you are aware we are big supporters of this important community service. Tracey has served on the Board of Directors for a number of years and is currently the Chairperson. The organization offers a variety of services to help woman and their children move beyond violence. They operate two shelters; Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge plus regional outreach services for abused women and their children.

Recently Mary Zilney, the CEO, sent out a letter to supporters with some important news. This post is adapted from that letter.

"Back in early 2011, it was thought that the existing Haven House property would be appropriate for further expansion. Subsequently, a decision was made to proceed with a capital campaign to expand and renovate Haven House.  This information was disseminated back in June."

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We just listed and just sold this home in Laurelwood!

Have a look at our other listings: KW246.com

Open House every Saturday at the

REEP House for Sustainable Living

at 20 Mill Street (near Queen) in Kitchener.

Visit this super-insulated, water-wise century brick home and education centre. See demonstrations of an in-floor heating system, ground-source heat pump, tankless water heater, grey-water system, insulation options and more.

Guided tours of REEP House are available every hour on the hour. Receive free advice from a Certified Energy Advisor to your home energy savings questions.

Currently you can win A FREE Evaluation! Visitors to our Saturday Open House may enter our monthly draw for a free ecoENERGY Evaluation, Solar Potential Assessment, or Electricity Savings Audit!

Date: Every Saturday
Time: 10 am to 2 pm
Address: 20 Mill Street, Kitchener

More information: REEPgreen.ca

Parking: REEP House parking is limited. Please park at nearby Victoria Park.

Below is a recent press release from the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS.

October Residential Sales Up

Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario (Nov 3rd, 2011) --   The number of residential real estate sales through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) increased to mark a gain over October 2010 of 4.9 percent.

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We hope you enjoyed the Wine Tasting on October 27 at Hacienda Sarria as much as we did!

Many thanks to everyone that came out to this event, we raised over $5,000 for Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region to help fund Anselma House and had the opportunity to try some very fine wines.

Thank you for joining us on Thursday, and thank you for supporting Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.

If you wish to make a donation to Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, you can do this at this link: WCSWR.org/donate.html

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Here is an interesting infographic from the website 'One Block Off the Grid' (1bog.org).

With energy prices rising every year, what's a homeowner to do? Many green improvements can pay for themselves and more...

Most of the wines presented at the Wine Tasting Event on October 27 are not available in the LCBO/Vintages stores. However, they are available for delivery (by the case) to your home or office. The Vine delivers in Waterloo Region every Thursday.

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Here are some items to consider to better winterize your home in this video from Lou Manfredini and Marvin.com

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