Driving to Barrie early this morning, I've noticed some wild turkeys standing by the side of the highway... They were waving their wings and yelling: "Pick me! Pick ME!" Thanksgiving Weekend is here everyone, and most of us already think about that bird in the oven... some of you perhaps just envision the tasty bird on your plate, I'm still at the stage where I frantically think: "How will I cope with all those people coming over?!" No matter on which side of the kitchen island you stand... I want to wish you the most wonderful, safe, restful time with your Family and Friends. Take time to think about the past year, about things we've been through, obstacles we've overcome, goals that we've achieved and those who helped us get to where we are today. Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Jo...
If you’ve been part of a sales transaction for a detached home in Barrie, you’re probably aware of the inspection that’s completed by a certified professional inspector prior to the purchaser finalizing and accepting the deal. However, you may not be aware that there are inspectors that specialize in condos and townhomes in Barrie, and how they differ from traditional house inspectors. When buying a condo in Barrie, it is important to make sure you select an inspector that is knowledgeable in condominiums, since there are different areas and elements of condos that may require inspection where a house doesn’t. For example, common areas like recreation centres, swimming pools, patios, stairwells, parking garages, and other areas that are shared by all occupants of the building have spe...
The fall and winter months are upon us once again and with the colder weather comes increased demand for the resources of our local community services. This year, the BARRIE FOOD BANK is celebrating its 25th year serving our community, and the demand for their service has seen a huge increase as a result of the recent economic downturn. For further information on the Barrie Food Bank, please log on to www.barriefoodbank.org . Now here's what we plan to do. In recognition of this ongoing need and in an effort to support the community we have called "Home" for 32 years, we will be givng a $250 donation to the Food Bank on behalf of anyone who completes a FIRM SOLD listing or purchase through us (Gary or Candi) during the months of October, November, and December 2009. In addition, any cli...
What happened to my Client who Fell in Love with a home I showed him? He went back home to Toronto, to take a closer look at his financial situation, talk to his Family and his Mortgage Specialist. He wanted that home! I told him that he should take care of all of this as soon as possible, to get the ball rolling. The house was a secluded paradise with in ground pool, private, spa-like back yard and all the bells and whistles you could ever want in a luxury residence. In fact, during an office tour, we had a tough time leaving the house, every Agent in the office was talking about it and… drum roll please… I was the lucky one to… sell it?! I called my Client almost daily that week, and he was still not ready to make a move. There was not much happening with the listing, as it was the...
Few months ago I was contacted by someone who found my site by Google Search. I was impressed he said that each time he searched; I came up at the top, so he decided to give me a call. He was looking to buy in Barrie and currently lived in Toronto. He gave me his must-haves, and his price range and we set the time to meet over the weekend to view several properties that I was able to find for him. Weekend came and he arrived with his girlfriend. Each home I showed them had most if not all of the items on his list and yet… we couldn’t “put a finger on it”. Something was missing… the WOW factor was not there. To make the matters worst, quite quickly it became evident that those two people had a drastically different taste and quite frankly I could not imagine how I will ever find a ...
Hi Everyone! It's so good to be home. I jus had an opportunity to visit some European places from my childhood and it was great to see some of my family again. I was fortunate enough to travel to different cities and countries on the Old Continent and was amazed at the changes happening there. Eastern Europe is beaming with activity, new road construction, new, faster train connections, and basically every tiny town and village is a construction zone as people of all walks of life build their dream homes everywhere you look. On the way there I had an opportunity to talk to people from US and Great Britain who work there, helping develop infrastructures and those who work with farmers, creating new, more productive farms. All were amazed with possibilities that those Easter Europe co...
As we reached a point early in 2008 where Canadian news media began to report that we too were now seeing the symptoms of recession in our own economy, Realtors began to wonder how bad it might get and just what the business of Real Estate was about to endure. My expectations were that in the event of a full blown recession we were going to begin seeing homes listing far faster than they could sell and the result of that increased inventory would drive down the price of homes in general. Well we never really saw that happen here in Ontario. Instead what we saw was many would be buyers and sellers adapting a wait and see position. Buyer activity slowed towards the end of 08 and was late to pick up again in 09. By June of 09 sold signs were appearing with more frequency on dated listi...
To those looking into the Barrie townhome market for the first time, navigating your way around can be a bit confusing. For instance, what’s the difference between a condominium townhome and a freehold townhome? And why are some called ‘townhomes’, while others are referred to as ‘townhouses’? In order to clarify things a bit for those in unfamiliar territory, here are the basic differences. First, the easy one: ‘townhome’ or ‘townhouse’? These terms are used interchangeably, and mean the same thing, but the term I prefer to use with my clients is ‘townhome’, because it’s not just a building I’m referring to – it’s your potential new home. This building will become your personal space, where you go to escape, raise your family, and live your life. Now for the main difference between con...
The final deadline for the federal Home Renovation tax credit is closing in. You have until February 1st 2010 to take advantage. The Home Renovation Tax Credit applies to eligible expenses of more than $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum non-refundable tax credit of $1,350 [($10,000 - $1000) x 15%]. The Home Renovation Tax Credit is subject to Parliamentary approval. You can claim a non-refundable tax credit on your 2009 income tax return. This tax credit is based on eligible expenses incurred for work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009 and before February 1, 2010. Only agreements entered into after January 27, 2009 and related to a qualified dwelling are eligible. http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=1531
media release from BDAR President, Wendy Elzner. Home sales activity remains strong in August MLS® home sales activity in August 2009 was up from year-ago levels for the third consecutive month in the area served by the Barrie District Association of REALTORS® Inc. Meanwhile, active and new listings continued retreating from elevated levels. According to statistics provided by the Association, MLS® home sales activity totalled 394 units in August 2009, jumping 12 per cent from the same month last year. “August was another strong month for sales,” said Wendy Elzner, President of the Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®. “New listings also remain down from levels recorded last year, which continues to firm up the market.” The total dollar value of MLS® residential property sale...
The Winery Gable: An innovative solution to outdoor privacy. Barrie Home Stagers are always up for a creative challenge! When a Barrie agent came to us looking for a way to overcome the issue of privacy in a house that was going on the market for the second time, we couldn't resist the opportunity of turning the most negative feature of the house into a stunning focal point that the homeowners were proud to show off to any potential buyer in the local Barrie market. Before the transformation, Barrie buyers were faced with a good sized deck in excellent condition but with an obvious concern - it was very open to the surrounding neighbourhood including the local traffic on the street behind. It was the number 1 feedback to the agent and the reason why the house just wasn't selling. ...
Whether you’re a first‐time buyer or a seasoned homeowner looking for a change in lifestyle, there are a few things you need to research before you consider making an offer on a condo in Barrie. Determine what building is right for you: As the City of Barrie has grown, so has the number of condominium developments giving us a wide range of buildings to choose from. Having your real estate sales representative take time to show you the suites and amenities in all the buildings will help you decide what building is right for you. Obtain the Disclosure Statement for new condos or a Status Certificate for existing developments: It’s important to know that when you purchase a condominium you are not just buying a new home you are also purchasing part of a corporation. Have your lawyer re...
Isn't it amazing what people have stashed away in spare rooms, basements and garages? So much of our initial consultation should be finding out what treasures homeowners have in their homes that is not being used to its greatest advantage. All Home Stagers know the importance of that very first meeting with the homeowner to look at the property and see how it can be transformed into a more marketable product. However, I have seen many examples of stagers not knowing exactly what the homeowner has lying around, tucked away in the crevices of a home that will ultimately save the homeowner a lot of money in furniture rental either from the stager's own inventory or from an outside rental company. Let's face it, it saves us a lot of work too! When we first meet with the homeowner, we get...
Do you want your Barrie townhome to get noticed by potential buyers and instantly make a great first impression? You need to create curb appeal by enhancing the best features of your home. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be expensive and some of the smallest things can make the biggest difference. Spending a little time fixing up your townhome will help you sell it faster and for more money. Here are some low-cost, easy exterior home improvements you can do to help prepare your Barrie townhome to sell – fast! Tidy the Yard Eliminate items that may be perceived as clutter in the front of your townhouse. The backyard is less important, unless you are in an end unit and it can be seen from another street or yard. You may want to consider these landscaping tips: Flowers · Prune,...
We are at the peak of our local growing season here in Simcoe County. Area produce can be had in many grocery stores, farmers markets and road side stands. Make a point to seek out our locally grown foods and at the same time support our local economy. Nothing better than the fresh summer corn available right now. Check out this site for some insight on local foods and some of the best places to find it. http://www.simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca/index.php
Condominium ownership allows you to enjoy all the features of a fine home, with the added benefits of amenities, enhanced security, increased affordability and ease of maintenance. Amenities include high-tech security, recreation and fitness facilities, plus the convenience of not having to shovel snow or cut grass. My personal top 10 Barrie Condo features – in no particular order - include: Parking It is a wonderful experience to park in a secure temperature controlled parking garage – with close access to the elevator. The garage is professionally cleaned and most condos provide an area to wash your car. Storage Having a storage unit in the lower level of a Condominium helps reduce clutter and the amount of things you need to have in your condo. Seasonal items can be easily boxed...
media release from BDAR President, Wendy Elzner. Home sales activity remains strong in July MLS® home sales activity in the area served by the Barrie District Association of REALTORS® Inc. was up from year-ago levels for the second consecutive month in July 2009. Meanwhile, active listings continued to retreat from elevated levels. According to statistics provided by the Association, MLS® home sales activity totalled 449 units in July 2009, up four per cent from the same month last year. “July was another strong month for sales,” said Wendy Elzner, President of the Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®. “We’re also seeing fewer listings compared to last year’s elevated levels, which is firming up the market.” The total dollar value of MLS® residential property sales amounte...
Known and respected by Realtors in hundreds of markets throughout North America where he teaches his Leaders Edge Training seminars, Professional Real Estate trainer Chris Leader knows the industry as well as anyone. Have a listen as he talks about our current market in Canada and in his home town of Barrie Ontario. Chris also shares some practical yet often overlooked insights into insuring you receive top dollar when selling your home, at the same time he exposes some popular myths about the best ways to protect your pocket book when selling your home. http://www.leadersedgetraining.com/
Listen as Shelley and Mike share a few of the best investment tips you are likely to hear this year. You don't have to be Donald Trump to begin changing your current and future financial status. The home you live in now can provide you shelter in more ways than many ever stop to consider. If you have children that will be leaving to attend college or University you will want to know about a strategy that could bring you peace of mind and offset the costs by half or even more.
