Information provided by the Barrie and District Association of REALTORS® Inc., June 2009
MLS® home sales reached topped 500 units in May 2009 in the area served by the Barrie District Association of REALTORS® Inc. This is the highest level for sales activity in a year, although sales remain below year-ago levels
Transactions remain below year-ago levels, but the trend is improving. According to statistics provided by the Association, MLS® home sales activity totalled 505 units in May 2009. This is down 3.4 per cent from a year earlier, the smallest year-over-year decrease in activity in 15 months.
On a monthly basis, sales activity in the Barrie region was up 23 per cent in May 2009 compared to April. This is the largest seasonal increase in sales activity between these two months in eight years. The stronger than normal seasonal rebound lifted seasonally adjusted sales activity by 13 per cent in May compared to the previous month (seasonal adjustment removes normal seasonal fluctuations). Seasonally adjusted sales activity in May 2009 stood 64 per cent above the recent low recorded in January 2009
The total dollar value of MLS® residential property sales amounted to $138 million in May 2009, five per cent below year-ago levels.
Total MLS® sales activity in the Barrie region numbered 515 units in May, declining 2.8 per cent year-over-year. The total value of all MLS® properties sold in May 2009 was $141.6 million, which is 4.1 per cent below May 2008 levels.
The average price for MLS® home sales in May 2009 was $273,296. This is down just two per cent from the record average price a year earlier, and the fourth highest on record for any month.
New listings on the Association’s MLS® system declined eight per cent year-over-year to 814 units in May. This is the second decline from year-ago levels in as many months.
The number of active residential listings in May 2009 fell one per cent from levels in May 2008. This is the first time in 14 months that active listings have fallen below year-ago levels.
“Improving consumer confidence and affordability is drawing buyers back to market,” said the President of the Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®. “Listings are being drawn down by rising activity as fewer new listings come onto the market, which will further stabilize prices if these trends persist.”
The Barrie and District Association of REALTORS® Inc. covers a geographical area that includes the City of Barrie and part or all of the surrounding townships, including Springwater, Oro-Medonte, Innisfil, Essa, Bradford-West Gwillimbury and Clearview. The Association provides continuing education, Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®), statistical information, and many other services to its members.
For more information regarding the Barrie Real Estate Market please contact us...no obligation!
Thanks,
--
Peter & Patricia Clarke
Broker of Record/Owner - Real Estate Sales Representative/Owner
ELITE ACCESS REALTY INC. Real Estate Brokerage
English Direct: 705-716-7611
Espanol: 705-796-7211
Office: 705-737-2750
Toll Free: 1-977-795-6448
www.Barrieproperties.com
www.InmobiliariaEnBarrie.com
Your Home is our Business!
Full Steam Ahead for the Second GO Station
The Allandale Station will be the second train station in Barrie. The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario announced a $3 million investment in public transit for that new GO Station in Barrie's City Centre.
Design is expected to begin in the summer of 2009, and construction will follow from 2010 to 2011.
As we mention before, the GO train is attracting young commuter families to Barrie from the Greater Toronto Area and provides a great travel option for commuters from the Barrie area that don’t want to drive to their jobs in the GTA but prefer the comfort of the train.
Barrie Welcomes New TD Data Centre
According with the Corporation of the City of Barrie, TD Financial Group has recently purchased 37 acres in south Barrie and plans to build a Data Centre.
This is a significant opportunity for the city providing new jobs and other benefits during construction of the project, and subsequent to its completion. The City has begun preliminary planning work with the expert team from TD.
Barrie Housing Market
The opening of the GO train station is attracting young commuter families to Barrie from the Greater Toronto Area, specifically young professionals are choosing to live in Barrie as here their dollar goes further.
Many first time buyers are demanding for entry-level properties.
An increased number of empty nesters are looking to downsize by selling their homes to move into condominiums.
Two waterfront condominium projects began construction and are attracting interest with the first building completely pre-sold.
New home construction is increasing and by year-end 2009, the number of homes sold and the average cost is forecast to match 2008 levels.
For more Barrie Real Estate Information contact Peter Clarke, Broker of Record/Owner at ELITE ACCESS REALTY INC, Barrie Real Estate Brokerage at 705-737-2750 ext 703 or go to www.BarrieProperties.com
Current interest rates, both variable and fixed, are so low than buying a house right now it's a no-brainer.
At this moment, first-time homebuyers have an opportunity to get their own home with greatly lower interest rates, more selection of homes, attractive prices and new government incentives. It is going to be probably cheaper for them to buy a home than renting one.
Government incentives for first time buyers include new tax credits of up to $1,350 for homebuyers to renovate their home, an increment of the amount first-time homebuyers can withdraw from their RRSPs from $20,000 to $25,000, and a tax credit for first-timers of up to $750 to help cover closing costs.
Also, for current home owners in Barrie and area now is a good time to move up. They have built up equity in their homes in recent years and this would be the perfect time to take into consideration upgrading because borrowing is amazingly cheap and they could get that home that they have been dreaming about for a long time.
If you are considering to buy your first home or to upgrade your current home please call Peter Clarke at ELITE ACCESS REALTY INC., Barrie Real Estate Brokerage at 705-716-7611 or go to our website at www.BarrieProperties.com.
According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, real estate prices in Barrie rose 2.5 per cent year-over-year in January 2009 and reached an average price of $259,672.
Although Barrie real estate sales activity is down 44 per cent from a year ago, unlike many other markets, the city hasn’t experienced a major drop in average prices.
For more information regarding the Barrie Real Estate market call Peter Clarke, Broker of Record & Owner at ELITE ACCESS REALTY INC. Phone 705-737-2750 ext 3 or visit www.BarrieProperties.com.
Home Buyers' Plan Withdrawal Limit
To provide first-time home buyers with additional access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a home, Budget 2009 proposes to increase the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) withdrawal limit to $25,000 from $20,000.
This is the first increase in the withdrawal limit since the HBP was introduced in 1992.
First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit
To assist first-time home buyers with the costs related to the purchase of a home, Budget 2009 proposes to introduce a First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit. A 15-per-cent credit will be applied to a $5,000 amount, and will provide up to $750 in tax relief to reduce the costs associated with first home purchases completed after January 27, 2009.
If you are interested in buying your first home in the Barrie area and want more information, please give us a call at 705-716-7611 or vist our website at www.BarrieProperties.com
A new tax credit of 15% can be claimed on any renovation expenses over $1,000 and under $10,000. The maximum amount that you can get back is $1,350. The Home Renovation Tax Credit expires on February 1, 2010.
The following renovations qualify for a tax credit:
- Kitchens, bathrooms and basements
- Floors and the roof
- Heating and air conditioning
- Insulation
- Paint
- Resurfacing the driveway or replacing your lawn with new sod.
- Expenses such as labour and building permits qualify too.
Remember that renovations can be a good investment; the more you improve your home, the better your chances to sell your home faster and for a better selling price tomorrow.
Gorgeous open concept cape code custom home by crescent park homes in exclusive area steps to the lake! Just 20 mins to barrie and 40 mins to gta this is the country setting getaway that you must put on your list.
You'll love cooking in the custom kitchen with stainless steel appliances and gas stove that features an island and opens to the great room and gas fireplace.
Two bedrooms and a full bath top off the spacious and airy first floor.
Master suite getaway with walk in, balcony & a stunning spa like 5 piece ensuite awaits you on the second floor.
The 4th huge bedroom could also be a spectacular family room/games room and the "cat walk" leads to a cozy sitting room to watch tv or curl up with a good book.
The award winning gardens and wrap around deck will keep you happily outdoors in the summer/spring months enjoying all that this neighborhood has to offer.
The over sized double garage has enough room for the vehicles and toys!
The unspoiled basement offer almost 1400 sqft for you to create your own custom space.
Call us today to book your personal tour of this oasis by the lake.
Property information
This is a once in a life time opportunity of getting that true “dream property”
This stunning, almost 5 acre, property is located only 7 minutes from Barrie. This private treed property is just like a resort with a gorgeous pond, beach volleyball court, cabana, soccer field, walking paths & much more.
The charming 3 bedroom house has been beautifully renovated. The main floor offers 2 bedrooms, living room/dining room combination, 2 totally renovated bathrooms, a new kitchen with high end appliances, back splash, granite counter tops and lots of space for an island.
A spectacular loft upstairs offers a family room, a den (or nursery) and an astonishing master bedroom with gorgeous views of the pond and trees with a huge walk-in closet & a 3 piece Ensuite. Hardwood floors, ceramics and marble cover the entire home while original wood doors and, trim and baseboards are plentiful.
This beautiful home also offers a gas forced air furnace & electric humidifier, updated windows, wiring, plumbing & insulation as well as a huge paved circular driveway.
Some of the many outbuildings include a screened cabana/summer kitchen, garden sheds and outhouse with toilet & sink.
Exterior stucco has been re-done, as well as the original floors! This property allows a variety of uses such as Bed and Breakfast, nurseries, kennels, veterinary clinic, etc.
Don’t miss this one! Property information
Barrie continues growing and now more than ever is attracting business and home buyers from other areas of the region
This article from the "Canadian Real Estate" magazine of December/2008 (see pdf attachment), includes current Barrie real estate market information, Barrie real estate statistics and comments from the interview to Peter Clarke, Broker of Record/Owner of ELITE ACCESS REALTY INC. Brokerage.
The City of Barrie has once again been recognized as one of Canada's top cities to do business. Canadian Business Magazine released their top 40 list of Places to do Business in Canada and Barrie beat out a number of cities including Vaughan, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto.
Cities were ranked on five factors reflecting socio-economic health, the variable operating costs of doing business, cost of living, non-residential, unemployment and crime rates.
A growing number of businesses are attracted to Barrie for its central location, low business costs and excellent labour force. The City of Barrie offers a strong and diverse economic base and is a destination location for business. A young, stable, educated workforce, competitive location costs and a strong telecommunications network are just a few of the reasons why companies continue to locate to Barrie.
Source: City of Barrie. 2008.
Dear Clients and Friends,
This is just a quick note to share some really exciting news with you! After much consideration and planning Patricia and I have recently
opened our real estate Brokerage - ELITE ACCESS REALTY INC.!
As the Broker of Record and Owner of ELITE ACCESS REALTY INC., I am very excited and proud of
introducing a modern and technology oriented Real Estate Brokerage to provide support and guidance to all our present and future clients.
We have created a very attractive package of real estate services and products that I am sure will make a difference to your real estate experience.
As Realtors, Patricia and I have built an outstanding reputation in the Barrie area for providing superior service to buyers and sellers: both
residential and commercial.
I would like to invite you to share in our success and allow us the privilege of representing your interests in your next real estate venture. Whether as a
buyer, seller, or investor, you can count on our services and the expertise of our team of professionals at ELITE ACCESS REALTY INC.
If we can be of any assistance, please visit our Web site at www.Barrieproperties.com or call me direct at 705-716-7611.
We look forward to visiting with you!
Sincerely,
PETER CLARKE
Broker of Record/Owner
ELITE ACCESS REALTY INC., BROKERAGE
Direct: 705-716-7611
Spanish: 705-796-7211
Office: 705-737-2750 Ext 703
Fax: 705-812-2712
www.Barrieproperties.com
www.InmobiliariaEnBarrie.com
First Class Real Estate Service!
As of October 15th, 40-year mortgages with no money down will no longer be offered to Home Buyers since they won't be covered by Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC). Instead, the longest amortization period for a Canadian mortgage insured by CMHC will be 35 years.
In addition, a buyer insured by CMHC will have to make a minimum down payment of five per cent of the home's value.
The Canadian government says it is taking this action so Canada’s housing market “remains strong and to reduce the risk of a U.S.-style housing bubble developing in Canada.”
ATTENTION BARRIE HOME BUYERS AND BARRIE HOME SELLERS!
The Multiple Listing Service MLS.ca is now REALTOR.ca.
This national real estate database which is the first source of Canadian Real Estate Buyers and Sellers has been improved and is now better than ever and user friendly.