Agent Blogs

MLS® home sales activity climbed to the highest level on record for the month of October in the area served by the Barrie District Association of REALTORS® Inc. Improving demand and fewer new listings continue to firm up the market. According to statistics provided by the Association,... [ more ]

Homebuyers and sellers will pay 8 per cent more on legal fees, appraisals, real estate commissions, home inspection fees, and moving costs, adding about $1,500 in new taxes to the average residential real estate transaction in Ontario. A HST will also add 8 per cent more tax on a series of home... [ more ]

The Canadian Real Estate Association announced today they have revised their forecasts for national activity for an even larger increase than originally thought.  CREA now forecasts national activity will reach 6.6 percent from last year.  National MLS home sales is forecast to increase... [ more ]

This past weekend my husband Geoff and I took my dad to Las Vegas for a few days.  The weather was perfect, 78 degrees and sunny everyday.  Flying out of Buffalo seemed the wisest choice since dad lives in Niagara.  No direct flight, so makes for a long day coming and... [ more ]

As reported by Tavia Grant of the Globe and Mail today, its reported that housing starts advanced 5.4 per cent last month to the highest level this year showing that consumer confidence and the Canadian residential construction market is improving.  In October housing starts were at... [ more ]

I was at Spa Scandinave in Blue Mountain on Saturday for the hot baths.  After I was finished, I went to the locker room.  En route to my locker I saw a beautiful engagement ring that had 4 fairly large diamonds, set in a white gold band.  Of course, my first thought was,... [ more ]

The Real Estate Investment Network (REIN) ranked the Barrie-Orillia area third, in the top places to invest in Ontario, behind only Kitchener-Waterloo and Hamilton. The list is part of the 102 page report entitled Top Ontario Investment Towns. The Top Ontario Investment Towns report list: 1)... [ more ]

I had written our Premier expressing my concerns about the proposed Harmonized Sales Tax - that hadn't been decided on at that time yet. I just received this response.  I wanted to post it because it contains a link with information on the HST. It is proposed that, effective July 1, 2010,... [ more ]

Although my 9 year old son, Max, has been involved in hockey since the wee age of 4 or 5, it is only now that I can truly appreciate and understand the intricate balance of passion, dedication, patience and perserverance required to be a hockey player...and a hockey parent.  It's not that... [ more ]

CREA CLARIFIES MEDIA INACCURACIES OTTAWA (November 3) – The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) today released the following statement in response to the various media reports regarding the proposed resolution between CREA and the Competition Bureau: “The media has inaccurately... [ more ]

  Great News! The Real Estate Investment Network (REIN) ranked the Barrie-Orillia area third, in the top places to invest in Ontario, behind only Kitchener-Waterloo and Hamilton. The list is part of the 102 page report entitled Top Ontario Investment Towns. The Top Ontario Investment... [ more ]

Did you know that there were 224 Residential resale home sales in Barrie for October 2009? Last year there were 168. I would have to say that the Real Estate Market is strong folks. Don't miss your opportunity. Call me today 1-705-796-LIST(5478). [ more ]

Anyone looking for a great getaway should certainly consider Jamaica as one of the contenders. I just returned yesterday from a relaxing 7 days away in beautiful Jamaica, where the credo of the locals is “No problem”, which is said in almost every other sentence, along with... [ more ]

The best apples in the world are out right now!!! Honey Crisp apples.  I just got a bag from Zehrs. I know that apple orchards will have them too, so if you really like apples, make sure you try these - they are crunchy, juicy and deeeelicious!!! [ more ]

     Just got back from Hunting week and I had a blast. Every thanksgiving I leave my family behind and head 6 hours Northbound to the beautiful woods of Northern Ontario.  I hunt moose with 9 of my best High School friends.  We have a great time hunting, fishing,... [ more ]