CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY TIPS
It's that holiday time of year again with lots of bright shiny ornaments and loads of lights twinkling on the Christmas tree. But, did you know that Christmas trees are involved in about 300 fires annually, resulting in an average of about $7 million in property damage and loss? To prevent tragedy from happening in your home, take the following tips to safely choosing and caring for your Christmas tree:

• If you prefer a natural tree, choose one that is as fresh as possible. Freshly-cut trees pose less of a fire hazard than those which have begun to dry out. Signs of a fresh tree include flexible needles that bend but not break and a trunk that contains sap.
• Never place a tree near fireplaces or other heat sources. Did you know that even a television can be a drying heat source for a natural tree! Do not use lighted candles on or near your Christmas tree.
• Fresh trees should be used in a stand containing a water reservoir. Keep the stand filled with water to avoid drying of the tree. Your tree stand should also be large and sturdy enough to prevent accidental toppling of the tree by pets or children.
• Do not place breakable tree ornaments or those with small, removable parts near the bottom of the trees where they can pose a choking hazard for babies, small children or pets.
• Use safe, low-energy lighting on your tree. Be sure that your lights have been certified by a safety testing laboratory like Underwriters Laboratory or UL. Throw away lights if any cords are damaged or frayed. Always turn off lights before going to bed or leaving home.
• Never overload extension cords by attaching more than three strings of lights to one cord. Place extension cords along walls to avoid trips and falls, but don't run them under carpets or rugs.
• If you're using an artificial tree,make sure it is flame-resistant. If it is pre-lite, look for the seal UL safety testing laboratory seal.
• Never use electric lights on a metal tree. If the lights are defective, they can charge the tree with electricity, possibly resulting in severe injury or even electrocution.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy at all times and be sure everyone knows where it is located.
• Finally, when your tree becomes dry, dispose of it properly. Don't leave a dry tree in your house or garage.

LOCAL REAL ESTATE NEWS

November brought a significant increase in residential real estate sales activity, as first-time buyers rushed to take advantage of the tax credit that was scheduled to expire at the end of the month.

While the first time buyer tax credit has now been expanded and extended to April 30, 2010, the earlier deadline helped to spur a 48 percent increase in total sales for November over last year. Residential sales were up 33 percent over last year, while sales of condominiums jumped whopping 260 percent over November 2008! The average sales price of $176,543 stayed very close to last year’s average sales price of $183,738.

According to data from the National Association of Realtors, the tax credit has contributed approximately $22 billion to the general economy with each home purchase generating about $63,000, the equivalent of about one new job.

The recent expansion of the tax credit to include a $6,500 tax credit for qualified homeowners is expected to have a positive effect on real estate activity in the first quarter of 2010.