Jamie Dann's Blog

Wondering if now is a good time to Buy??

2012-01-31T14:18:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

Recently I came across a very interesting article in "Moneyville" put out by the Toronto Star, talking about all the reasons why now is a great time to buy.

To summarize, it is a great time to purchase a home in Canada because:

1) Mortgage rates are at historic lows. As we know, when interest rates are low, they have no where to go but up. So, make sure you lock in your rate and get pre-approved so that you are guaranteed to get a lower rate when rates rise.

2) Canada has great appeal due to its stability both economically and politically.

3) There is a great draw of Immigrants to Canada, many of whom have sold homes in their country of origin and have money to spend.

4) It appears that Canadian's are really good at paying their mortgages as compared to those home owners in the States.

5) Similarly, when there are financial challenges in paying one's mortgage, it seems that Canadian banks are more apt to work with home owners vs. immediately foreclosing on the home

6) Canada has a healthy income to price ratio of 3.5 when you look at the Median Canadian income as compared to the Median cost of homes

7) Because the interest rates are so low, it is a great time to consolidate your debt. This will make the amount to service the debt much more manageable.

8) Given the US is having an election this year, it is likely that the economy will remain steady if not improve. None of the Presidential hopefuls want the economy to fail.

If you would like to speak with a GREAT mortgage specialist who can help you get pre-approved, consolidate your debt, or just give you a road map, please contact us, as we work with some awesome professionals.

To read the full article click here.

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

http://www.thejamiedannteam.com/
http://www.thejamiedannteam.ca/

Check out our newest listings!

2011-12-02T10:59:00.000-05:00

Hi All:

If you are thinking of making a move, please check out our latest listings. Or, if you are not wanting to make a move, please send these on to a friend!

For more details, go to www.TheJamieDannTeam.com and enter the ID numbers below.

ID# 25219BL, 6-39 Coulter St., Barrie, $205,000 1100+ sq ft condo 3 bdrm 1 1/2 baths with VERY reasonable condo fees.

ID# 25896BL, 231 Cundles Rd. West, Barrie,
$189,900 1400+ sq ft home linked only at the garage - 3 bdrm 1 bath - fully renovated.

ID# 26078BL, 13 Austen Lane, Barrie, $195,900 1300+ sq ft fully finished, 4 bdrm 2 full baths - Includes 5 appliances

ID# 26124BL, 67 Winchester Terrace, Barrie, $235,000 1474 sq ft, 3 bdrm 2 1/2 baths - Includes 5 appliances, Move-in ready!

Please remember, if you or someone you care about is thinking of making a move, or are just curious as to real estate trends in the area, please feel free to phone at any time. It's always great to hear from you!

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

Barrie Statistics - Oct 26/11

2011-11-02T15:12:00.000-04:00

Hi All:

I know that many of you enjoy reading about the Statistics from The Barrie Association of REATLORS®, so one of the goals of The Jamie Dann Team is to provide those stats to you on a monthly basis.

The statistics below are the total number of homes sold over the last 6 months, and is accumulated from data provided by the Barrie Association of REALTORS®. Our intent is to report the data as completely and accurately as possible. These stats are current and up to date as of October 26, 2011.

South West Barrie

South East Barrie

North West Barrie

North East Barrie

We hope you found this information to be helpful!

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

Barrie Statistics - Sept 27/11

2011-10-07T11:48:00.000-04:00

South West Barrie

South East Barrie

North West Barrie

North East Barrie

Hope you found this information to be helpful!

Until next time!
The Jamie Dann Team

Heating Issues....

2011-09-19T12:08:00.000-04:00

Hi All:

Many of you may not know that I, Jamie Dann, am currently in the process of moving. As it has been several years since I have moved residences, I am very much in the same process as many of you.

Given that soon we will all be turning on our furnaces, I was doing some research to post about furnace maintenance. In that research, I came across the Enbridge website and learned it actually has a wealth of information.

To view the website please go to http://www.enbridgegas.com/

What I specifically found interesting was under in the tab “Manage Your Energy Use” - here you will find info on how we can be more efficient with our energy use, as well as rebates and incentive programs. Also, check out the conversion calculator, especially if you currently have electric heat and are wondering if switching over to gas may be more cost effective. This info is under the tab "Stop, Start or Move Service."

The site also gives information about the basics regarding stopping and starting services, billing and more.

This is certainly a website that is worthwhile to check out and may end up saving you some money down the road.

Hope that you found this article to be informative and helpful.

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

Mould Matters

2011-07-07T14:42:00.000-04:00

Here is a re-print of an informative article I recently read that explained mould in very clear terms. During the summer months, people often see signs of mould and may want to know more about it...

While exposure to indoor mould doesn't always pose a health threat, it can cause problems for people with sensitivities. Spores travel easily through indoor air, triggering allergic symptoms like eye and skin irritations; runny nose and watery eyes; respiratory difficulties like coughing and wheezing; and even headaches and flu-like symptoms.

Mould requires certain conditions in order to thrive: lack of air circulation, humidity/moisture, and lack of light. It is no wonder then that mould is most commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens. To prevent it from growing in these areas, you need to address those conditions.

- LACK OF AIR CIRCULATION - Your kitchen and bathrooms should have exhaust fans; be sure to use them while cooking or showering. If you don't have fans, install them, or at least open a window.

-HUMIDITY / MOISTURE - Exhaust fans and open windows help, but where humidity / moisture is a significant problem, a dehumidifier may be needed. Don't let surfaces stay wet - squeegee tubs / showers and wipe down kitchen and bathroom surfaces with a dry cloth. Always hang damp cloths and towels.

- LACK OF LIGHT - Make sure your kitchen and bathrooms are well lit. Turn the lights on when showering and leave them on for 15 minutes or so after your shower, when your bathroom is most wet. Allow as much natural light as possible into rooms where moisture is an issue.

If you currently have mould in your kitchen or bathrooms, there are plenty of commercial cleaning products that claim to eliminate it. But why spend money on toxic cleaners when you likely already have products at home that will do the trick?

* Vinegar is highly effective in killing mould when left to sit on the problem area. You don't need to water it down, but if its odour is too much, just add a bit of essential oil.

* Bleach and ammonia work for non-porous surfaces of which there are many in kitchens and bathrooms, though you might not want to use them in small spaces due to harsh fumes.

* Solutions of water and either Borax or baking soda can also be used - both are natural deodourizers that, when left on to dry, help to prevent the regrowth of mould.

* Remember that serious mould problems are best tackled by a professional mould removal company. Consider asking someone on The Jamie Dann Team for suggestions of who to use.

Finally, did you know there is such thing as mould and mildew-resistant paint? Specially formulated for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms, the paint contains chemicals that won't kill mould (which is why it is imperative that surfaces be mould-free before this application), but will inhibit its growth. Look into this product as a preventative measure. *market connections 2011

Hope that you found this article to be informative and helpful.

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

Barrie's Housing Market Outlook for Spring 2011

2011-06-03T13:38:00.000-04:00

For those of you out there who LOVE statistics, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation recently released their review and predictions for Spring 2011 and beyond. The article states that given the amount of sales in 2010, 2011 is going to be a more moderate year - not as many listings, little to no price increases and much more of a balanced market. According to the report, sales shouldn't start to increase until late 2011 and into 2012. What I found to be interesting was the forcast that as the economy gets stronger in the next few years, along with the fact that more young adults will be moving toward home purchases, the occurance of first time buyers will increase.

This report says much more than I could write here, so, to check out the full document, click here.

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

EAT YOUR VEGGIES!

2011-05-02T15:26:00.000-04:00

Spring will soon be upon us! I thought this was a timely topic, as in the not too distant future, many of us will be outside playing in the dirt.

Is there a plot of earth in your backyard that's underused? If so, think about using it to plant a vegetable garden. The benefits of growing your own veggies are numerous - and delicious!

First, vegetables you've grown yourself tend to taste better than those bought at the local grocer, because they're still fresh by the time they reach your plate, not having traveled days to get there. Additionally, store-bought have likely been treated with toxic chemicals intended to help them grow bigger and faster, and to keep pests away.

While making fruit and vegetables more attractive, those same chemicals can, unfortunately, sap them of their nutritional value. Having your own vegetable garden, on the other hand, provides a chemical-free boon to your health. When you can control how they're grown, you can eat vegetables that are nutritious - and eat them more often. After all, when they're right in your own backyard, veggies are more likely to become a bigger part of your diet. Plus, gardening is a great way to incorporate more exercise into your routine, relieve stress and get more sunlight - more vitamin D!

Economics can be another factor in people's decisions to grow their own vegetables. As the cost of produce has climbed, eating healthy has become more expensive. For some, backyard vegetable gardens aren't just money savers, but money makers, too! Grow-it-yourselfers are selling their own veggies at places like farmer's markets and co-ops. If you have a bumper crop of vegetables this summer, you might want to consider doing so yourself. Alternatively, why not can or freeze your surplus veggies and extend the taste of summer throughout the whole year?

Until next time!

The Jamie Dann Team

The Right Way To Complain About Taxes

2011-04-08T15:11:00.000-04:00

Now that we are all getting ready to file our Taxes, I came across an interesting article from the Globe and Mail about the right way to make a complaint.

I'm not talking about a complaint, just to complain, but rather, what if the Canada Revenue Agency actually makes a mistake.

Certainly ranting on the phone may not be the best approach.

If you follow these simple steps, you might actually be able to have your taxes re-examined and corrected, if that is what is found to be necessary.

1) Know your rights

2) Be prepared

3) Stay Calm

4) Keep a Record of your Communication

5) Ask the Person on the Other End of the Phone for Their ID

To read the entire article click here. In the article you will find other GREAT links as well.

Happy tax season!

Until next time,
The Jamie Dann Team

What is the CMHC?

2011-03-01T12:28:00.000-05:00

Did you know that the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) website is FILLED with tons of interesting articles?

The CMHC was developed as a government owned corporation in 1946 to address Canada's post-war housing shortage. Since then, the agency has grown into a National institution providing many mortgage loan insurance policies.

On their website, you can find many interesting articles about purchasing, maintaining, and renovating a home, as well as the obvious information about mortgages. They even have a great series of articles entitled "Home Buying Step by Step".

What we have also found really interesting is their Canadian Housing Observer which contains a yearly report of just about any statistic regarding housing trends and conditions, and outlines key factors that influence Canadian markets... To check out the Canadian Housing Observer for 2010 click here.

There is too much information contain in the CMHC's website to talk about here, but do take the time to explore it by clicking here.

Until next time,
The Jamie Dann Team

Toronto’s Most Expensive Listed Property

2011-01-25T14:35:00.000-05:00

We came across a great article recently, talking about the most expensive home currently on the Toronto market – listed at $26.8 million! This “mega mansion” is located in the Bridle Path neighbourhood area of Toronto, owned by Margaret and Lee Ka Lau (who made their money in technology).

The living space of this breathtaking home is more than 40,000 square feet and covers almost 4 acres of land (on a double Bridle Path lot). The home itself is 22,935 square feet and it has a sports complex that is about 17,645 square feet (including an indoor tennis court, bowling alley and indoor pool). The mansion also has a cinema, an indoor putting green and a tunnel from the main house to the sports complex. The home boasts 19 foot ceilings, a 46 foot arboretum and has 13 bathrooms!

To read more about this amazing house and to see beautiful photos, click here. It is truly a magnificent home!

This house is surely a big investment as you not only need to shell out a huge amount for the property itself but the property taxes are $115,341 per year (that works out to $316 per day in taxes alone) – oh it’s fun to dream!

Until next time,
The Jamie Dann Team

The Canadian Real Estate Industry: Wish List for 2011

2011-01-21T12:12:00.000-05:00

2010 was a pretty good year for the Canadian Real Estate market. Although there may still be some improvements needed in terms of the process of buying and selling homes, overall Canada is still one of the most preferred destination of immigrants. I found an interesting article outlining some of one writer’s (a Real Estate lawyer) wishes for improvements that could be made to the buying and selling process to make it less stressful for all involved. A few of his wishes are:

1. Accessibility of information – It could be helpful if insurance companies provided a 20 year history of any claims made on any home.

2. Home Appraisals – It could be helpful if banks conducted home appraisals within 5 days of receiving a home loan application, once an agreement has been signed.

3. Insurance policies – It could be helpful if buyers and sellers were required to have a 5-year insurance policy for structural defects, basement moisture issues, leaks in the roof and mold - perhaps also a 1-year policy to include electrical, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning systems in the home.

To read how these wishes could make the home buying and selling process less stressful and other improvements that could be made, click here. I think he has some good ideas!

Until next time,
Jamie

Mistakes Home Sellers Can Make

2011-01-14T15:32:00.000-05:00

Have you ever tried to sell your house and it seemed to take forever for it to sell? Is your house currently listed for sale and has been sitting on the market for quite some time without any interest? Are the offers you are receiving for you home far below your set price? If your answer is “yes” to any of these questions, then you may be interested in reading an interesting article I recently came across outlining five mistakes sellers can make when trying to sell their homes.

A couple of common mistakes sellers can make are:

1. Setting The Price Too High – There is no hard and fast rule in determining the price of a home, however some sellers overestimate the value of improvements made to their home. A REALTOR® will help you assist in assessing the market value of your home in comparison to other similar house listings.

2. Not Presenting The Home in It’s Best Condition – Before deciding to put your home on the market, consider hiring a professional cleaner to make your home show it’s best. De-cluttering the home should also be part of preparing your home for sale as a cluttered home may be perceived by buyers that it does not have enough storage space.

The article discusses other mistakes sellers can make as well. I hope you find this article interesting and helpful! To view the article, click here.

Until next time,
Jamie

Real Estate Sales for December

2011-01-11T15:33:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! 2010 saw a stabilization of the real estate market in Canada. It may be not have been the best year and did fall short of the previous year, however, overall the market was stable.

Based on the residential sales report from The MLS® System of the Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® Inc., last months sales were above a five-year average for the month. There were 193 units sold in December alone, a distinct increase as compared to the last 7 months. However, compared to December 2009, this data fell seven percent short.

The report also shows a pattern of annual sales. There were 4,105 units sold last year, one percent above 2008 but seven percent below 2009.

According to the President of Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®, Catherine Garbe, 2010 was a solid and stable year for home sales and December was the strongest month. To see more figures and data on December sales click here.

In conclusion, real estate sales in 2010 were satisfactory. Sales may have fallen short in comparison to previous years but there was no drastic decrease in percentage sales. In addition, sales performance for 2010 became stable, maintaining average sales and even increasing sales based on a month to month comparison. With good residential sales activity in 2010, we’re hoping 2011 will be great!

Until next time,
Jamie

Real Estate Sales for November

2010-12-21T15:48:00.000-05:00

We’re nearing the end of 2010 and, so far, the real estate market has remained stable since the second half of the year.

Let’s take a look on how the market looked for the month of November:

Similar to previous months, residential property sales in November remained below those of previous years. Although, comparing November 2009 to this year, the decline was not as steep as it has been in previous months. The number of sold residential properties was 17 percent below that of last year.
The MLS® System of the Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® Inc. recorded that over the past 11 months the average sale price for homes is 7 percent more than during the same period in 2009.
According to the President of Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®, Catherine Garbe, the market currently continues to stabilize and real estate sales continue to show signs of stabilizing at more normal and sustainable levels.
New listings in November 2010 were up 5 percent as compared to last year. On a year-over-year basis the number of active residential listings on the MLS® System at the end of November was up 9 percent.
To read more about the detailed statistics for November 2010 click here.

We are currently seeing the market continue to stabilize. Let’s wait for the statistics in December to conclude the residential property sales activity for the year 2010.

Until next time,
Jamie

Transferring a Loved One to a New Home

2010-12-10T14:59:00.000-05:00

Let me begin by saying this is not about ones typical transfer to a newly bought home or apartment, today I am addressing the topic of transferring a family member to a new home where they can be taken care of by professionals. This usually involves placing a family member in a Nursing Home due to physical illness such as a stroke or mental illness such as dementia.

Some people do not want to even consider sending a loved one to a new “home”; rather they prefer the idea of using a family caregiver to take care of their loved one in their own home. This is most understandable, however the stress put upon that caregiver can be overwhelming. A Nursing Home can be a safer, more comfortable and more interactive place for your loved one.

I found a good read about Nursing Homes which may change your thoughts about them. It is a conversational article allowing the reader to read a discussion between Linda Jackson, a social worker at Baycrest (one of the world's premier academic health sciences centers focused on aging) who organizes caregiver support groups, Donna Macdiarmid who had her husband put in a new “home” and members of the general public with questions regarding Nursing Homes. To read this interesting article please click here. I found it very informative and learned a lot from the conversations.

Until next time,
Jamie

2010 Canadian Housing Observer: An Update

2010-12-07T15:40:00.000-05:00

“Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canada’s national housing agency. Established as a government-owned corporation in 1946 to address Canada’s post-war housing shortage, the agency has grown into a major national institution. CMHC is Canada’s premier provider of mortgage loan insurance, mortgage-backed securities, housing policy and programs, and housing research”.

The Canadian Housing Observer, an annual publication put out by the CMHC, now in its eight year, provides a comprehensive report of Canadian real estate activity which plays an important part in the Canadian economy. The report addresses the impact of housing activity on employment and on Canada’s financial situation. In the most recent report released, it shows that new home construction, rental, buying, selling and renovation for 2009 accounted for more than one-fifth of Canada’s total gross domestic product - which translates to $307 billion!

The report also details factors which affect real estate activity in Canada such as governmental regulations, consumer behaviour and industry practice. It also gives a comprehensive analysis of housing statistics for 2009. To read more about CMHC and The Canadian Housing Observer click here.

Until next time,
Jamie

Century 21 on Your Mobile: The Next Generation

2010-12-03T14:31:00.000-05:00

Great news! Your well trusted real estate franchise company, Century 21, has created a new innovation that can reach more users worldwide! Introducing Century 21 on your mobile phone! The software application will soon be available to download onto your iPhone 3G (or higher) mobile phone! Once the app is downloaded you will be able to check for property listings, find a property in your area and even help you find a REALTOR®! Click here to watch a short video clip about the new Century 21 iPhone app.

Until next time,
Jamie

Century 21 Canada: What’s in store?

2010-11-30T14:56:00.000-05:00

Century 21 Canada is the most trusted company that offers homes for sale throughout Canada. Century 21 is also recognized globally with franchises in 72 countries and territories worldwide. With its experienced brokers and professional REALTORS®, Century 21 has become the Real Estate Company of choice for hundreds of thousands of clients over any other brand.

“Connected to More™” is the slogan of Century 21 - with this, clients can expect more from Century 21 over the years to come - with more technology and more innovation, there are exciting features on the horizon! To watch a video clip to see what Century 21 has to offer, click here.

Until next time,
Jamie

Knowing About Your Real Estate Privacy

2010-11-26T14:19:00.000-05:00

Once a home is sold in your neighborhood, people tend to talk about it - they want to know how much the sellers were asking, what the buyers paid for it, what the seller paid in the way of commission, and many other details about the home. Not all sellers want to divulge this information, especially if they did not give their consent for this information to be released.

There is a privacy law in Canada that can protect you from having information regarding the sale of your home given to others. The purchase price is considered to be private information and permission must be given to allow it to be advertised. To learn more about the privacy legislation by the federal government, click here.

This is a good read. As a seller, it gives information about some of the legal issues of real estate, including what information is determined to be “Personal Information”. It gives information regarding how to protect your privacy, even how the buyer can keep the sale price off the title registry.

Until next time,
Jamie

REALTOR® Fees

2010-11-23T15:46:00.000-05:00

Have you heard the news about the consent agreement between CREA (The Canadian Real Estate Association) and the Competition Bureau of Canada? The agreement followed a prolonged negotiation between CREA and the Competition Bureau of Canada as the Bureau claimed that CREA’s Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) was a monopoly.

Well, what does this agreement mean? It simply means that now any home owner wanting to sell their own home can pay a fee to a REALTOR® to have their listing put onto the MLS site and then sell their house themself. This agreement may be advantageous to some, most especially if the home owner has solid real estate knowledge and marketing skills. However, for those selling their own homes without these skills, the agreement may be dangerous.

REALTORS® are well trained and educated professionals. They have a great deal of knowledge of contract law, mortgage financing, land laws and negotiation skills. It is not an easy profession. All REALTORS® must carry professional insurance and must continue their learning in order to annually renew their Real Estate license. It is also important to note that the REALTOR® does not keep the entire commission – the commission must be split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent, then must be split again between the REALTOR® and their sponsoring company. REALTORS® pay a substantial cost for marketing of their client’s homes including advertising, websites, flyers, newsletters, etc. They spend time and gasoline taking clients to see properties, sometimes to no avail as the potential buyers, at any time, can decide they don’t want to buy a home. REALTORS® can also spend countless hours in back and forth negotiation between buyers and sellers.

To read more about the agreement and how REALTORS® earn their fees, click here

Until next time,
Jamie

CREA Adjusts Its Estimation of Annual Housing Resales for 2010 and 2011

2010-11-19T15:05:00.000-05:00

CREA (The Canadian Real Estate Association) has recently revised its annual resale housing forecast. This reduction of annual forecast was due to weak sales activity in third quarter of 2010. However, it is important to note that sales have improved so far in the fourth quarter, suggesting a stabilizing resale housing market. CREA also noted that based on a year to year comparison, resale levels may remain reduced into 2011 due to strong activity in late 2009 and early 2010.

CREA reports that housing supply and demand is stabilizing. This is an advantage to home buyers and sellers as it will result in price stability as the housing market is balanced. If interest rates continue to be low and stable the resale housing market is likely to remain balanced.

To read more about the figures and forecast of CREA, click here.

Until next time,
Jamie

Real Estate Sales for October

2010-11-16T14:04:00.000-05:00

We’ve entered the last quarter of the year, it's hard to believe we are almost at the end of 2010 already! In the Real Estate world, home sales have been stable since the third quarter of this year. The average price for homes sold in Barrie and District over the past ten months is up seven percent from the first ten months of 2009. What’s next? Will the market continue to be stabilized? Well here’s an update on sales activity for October in Barrie and District.

Since August 2010, residential property sales have consistently increased, edging up one percent in October over steady increases in August and September, on a seasonally adjusted month-to-month basis. However, the data also shows residential sales remained below last year’s record levels for the month of October. These records are from the MLS® System of the Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® Inc.

According to the President of the Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®, Catherine Gabe, the Real Estate sales market is now calmer as compared to early this year and buyers seem to be taking their time in making their buying decisions. To read more about the figures of real estate sales, click here.

At the present time it seems like we’re looking at a continuous balance of supply and demand in the real estate market, although in comparison to last year at this time sales remain lower than those record levels.

Until next time,

Jamie

The Power of Social Media Sites

2010-11-12T14:24:00.000-05:00

Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln and MySpace - Who doesn’t know any of these? Most probably know at least one. Did you know that there are 550 million users of Facebook, 98 million users of Twitter, 67 million users of MySpace and 41 million users of Linkedln? Interesting isn’t it? But did you also know that in the 3rd quarter of this year, the number of users have declined on each of these social media sites, except for Twitter. In the case of Facebook, the number of users has dropped from 550 million to 540 million. The number of Twitter users did not drop, however, their numbers didn’t make a drastic increase either, from 96 million users in the 2nd quarter it only gained 2 million users in the 3rd quarter of this year.

It is also interesting to know that each of these social media sites have different functions. Facebook is said to be more of a social sharing site, while Twitter is more of a learning network. MySpace is more of a social relationship network while Linkedln is more of a business-related site. For more interesting facts about social media sites, click here.

Until next time,
Jamie

CANADA - The Most Respected Country Brand in the World!

2010-11-10T09:16:00.000-05:00

Here is an interesting little article I found about branding. I know that companies are often concerned with their "Brand", but did you know that countries are as well? In this article, you will see that Canada has made it to the top spot in the Branding world. Pretty cool! That is why I'm proud to call Canada my home! To read the full article, click here.

Until next time,
Jamie

Tips to Help You Avoid Buying the Wrong Home

2010-11-05T14:58:00.000-04:00

Buying a home is a big investment, probably one of the biggest investments you will make in your life, therefore it is imperative that you be careful in choosing and buying one. A home purchase should not be based on what your heart desires, rather you should carefully inspect, plan and evaluate things before you decided to make the purchase. Here are some tips you may find useful to prepare for a home purchase:

Preparation: It is recommended to do some research first before starting the process of buying a new home. First and foremost, you must have the financial capability to buy a home. Speaking with a mortgage broker or with your banker is a good way of determining what you can and cannot afford.

Considering Using a REALTOR®: Another part of your initial research should include whether or not you want to work with a REALTOR®. REALTORS® have extensive connections and much experience when it comes to buying and selling homes.

Visual Inspection: Once you find a home, it is best to do an inspection of your chosen house. Not only do you need to inspect the house physically, you should also consider the surroundings. You may want to talk with the neighbours to get a feel for the neighbourhood. You may also want to return to the neighbourhood at some specific times of day in order to determine how busy the neighbourhood is at different times of the day.

To get more tips on home buying, click here, to view a great article which may be very helpful to ensure you get the best value for the money you spend on your new home.

Until next time,
Jamie

Real Estate Sales for September

2010-11-02T16:28:00.000-04:00

We’re already in the last quarter of the year. How are real estate sales so far? Here’s an update.

Residential property sales have remained almost the same as last month, rising 9 percent on a seasonally adjusted month-over-month basis. However, sales are still down by 8 percent from last year’s sales records.

The MLS® System of the Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® Inc. has recorded that the average price of homes sold was up 8 percent from last year for the period of January to September. New listings were recorded to be up by 5 percent as per year to year listings. For more figures and trending data, click here

According to the President of the Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®, demand for high end properties remained strong while demand has slowly weaken in low and mid-priced properties.

Similar to the past months, there is still a market balance between supply and demand. So far trends have been the same yet we should still look forward to what lies ahead in real estate sales until end of this year.

Until next time,
Jamie

Real Estate and Photography

2010-10-29T14:58:00.000-04:00

Photography is not just about fashion and the arts; it has evolved into something useful and practical. You can see various photography works in events such as weddings, parties, launches and many others. It can also be used online with blogs, news and real estate. Many home sellers don’t know that a picture of their house can say a lot about its value - it may even affect the selling price of their house.

According to a research done by Redfin Corp., a Seattle-based brokerage, real estate listing photographs that were taken using higher-end SLR cameras have more selling power than those with photos taken using “point and shoot” cameras. Aside from getting more attention online, homes with photos taken using a high-end SLR camera can ask a higher price - that is what the statistics show in the research. To read more about the research study and statistics, click here

So if you think you have a great home and you don’t want to lower down the price, try using professional photographs, it may improve your selling power!
Until next time,
Jamie

Be Rewarded!

2010-10-26T14:55:00.000-04:00

Isn’t it great to be rewarded for something you did with not much effort at all? How about buying or selling something and, at the same time, getting a reward? Sounds too good to be true? Well, it is true! Get reward Air Miles® when you buy or sell your home with Century 21 in Canada and, for a limited time, receive 100 bonus Air Miles® when you buy or sell. For more details click here.

Until next time,
Jamie

Tips on How to Regularly Maintain Your Home Without Hurting Your Pocket

2010-10-19T12:46:00.000-04:00

Home sweet home is a slogan you are most likely familiar with, but how do you have a really home sweet home? Aside from a harmonious family living, it is important to keep your home clean and well maintained both inside and out. Over time your house deteriorates, regular cleaning and maintenance is a great way to help prevent major repairs.

I came across an article from the CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) giving tips on how to maintain your home seasonally in inexpensive ways. Basically, you need to do regular preventive maintenance to keep your home in good repair. Checking for leaks, caulking, cleaning your carpets, and replacing filters are a few regular maintenance tasks which can save you from major home repairs. You may encounter minor repairs that are needed in your home while doing regular maintenance work but a few minor repairs can save you a lot in the long run. To learn more about recommended home maintenance (by season) you can do to keep your house home sweet home click here.

Until next time,
Jamie

To Renovate or Not To Renovate?

2010-10-15T16:26:00.000-04:00

Renovating a house is part of home improvement as it will enhance the look of your home. However, please be aware that not all renovations will be beneficial to you, especially if you have plans of selling your house in the near future. Before you begin a costly renovation of your home, consider these helpful tips that could save you money and could change your perception of renovations as an investment in your home.

One common improvement owners do is putting in a swimming pool. If you think that the addition of a swimming pool will make your home more attractive to buyers, you may want to think again. Swimming pools need regular maintenance which can be costly and some buyers may not want that added expense and work. Also, families with small children may think twice before purchasing a home with a pool.

Another common improvement to a home is elaborate landscaping. Although this helps to beautifying your home, some buyers may be uninterested and may perceive it as an additional expense, thinking that they must hire an experienced gardener for regular maintenance of it.

For more information about home renovations please click here to view a great article I recently came across.

Until next time,
Jamie

Improving Your Home with Eco Friendly Products

2010-10-12T16:08:00.000-04:00

Since climate change is a real concern these days, it is a great idea to keep your home clean using environmentally friendly products. Below are some environmentally friendly products you can use in replacement of your existing not so eco friendly products.

1. Using biodegradable products. Nowadays it’s quite easy to determine if a product is biodegradable or not as most of the time it is indicated on the label. Make sure to read the label carefully before purchasing any item. Harsh cleaning materials such as bleach are not only harmful to hands but also to the environment. One alternative to replace this product is to use lemon juice or white vinegar to wipe out those stains and remove odour. A salt and water or a cream of tartar and hot water combination are also useful as cleansers and very environmentally friendly.

Another common biodegradable product that can be used everyday is the recycled paper bag. Instead of using plastics as storage containers, you may opt for cartons or recycled paper bags to store your items. Besides being eco friendly, you can even decorate them or personally customize them in accordance to your homes decor.

2. Using natural disinfectants. In recent years, viruses, germs and bacteria that cause illness and disease seem to be spreading faster than ever. One way to protect yourself from some of them is by keeping your home clean using disinfectants. It is wise to use alternative natural disinfectants which can be quite inexpensive and may even be available in your home already. Eucalyptus oil, vinegar, borax, grapefruit seed extract, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and lemon juice are all alternative natural disinfectants. It is important to note that it is still advisable to use commercial disinfectants to clean common bacteria-induced areas such as toilets and doorknobs, but again there are several products on the market which are more environmentally friendly than others – just read the label.

3. Avoid using cleaning products that contain phosphate. Phosphate is a common ingredient in detergents which come in powder, gel or tablet form. Phosphate is known to promote algae growth in lakes and oceans which kills fish and other underwater creatures due to suffocation. The good news is that there are phosphate-free detergents available on the market which are safe for the environment. You may also opt for phosphate free liquid detergents rather than using powder detergents for cleaning your clothes - the same is true for your dishwasher detergents.

These are just few tips to help you start using environment friendly and safe products in your home. If you cannot avoid having toxic or poisonous products in your home, be sure to label them properly and keep them well out of the reach of children to avoid unnecessary accidents.

Again, it is useful to read the labels of all the products you buy for your home to determine if the product is environmentally friendly or not. With the use of environmentally friendly products I’m sure you will not only achieve the same cleaning effect as with toxic products but you may also save some money!

Until next time,
Jamie

New Partner and a New Listing of a Gorgeous Condo in Barrie!

2010-10-07T15:48:00.000-04:00

Well, The Jamie Dann Team has been keeping very busy these past few weeks and we have all been working diligently for all of our great clients! - To better serve our clients we recently added a new partner to The Jamie Dann Team - We enthusiastically welcome Caroline Doherty (Sales Representative)! Caroline brings a wealth of knowledge, eagerness and energy to The Jamie Dann Team and we could not be happier that she has chosen to join our awesome Team. In the next little while please view the "About Us" tab on our website read all about Caroline.

On the real estate side of things, we recently listed a gorgeous 1 bedroom condominium at 65 Ellen Street in Barrie with a lovely view of Kempenfelt Bay. Much to my delight we had two offers on this gem after only three days on the market! It is a great condo in a great building and I look forward to negotiating effectively and efficiently for my client. Please click here to view the listing.

Well, must keep it short as phones are ringing and "duty calls"! - LOVE IT!

Until next time,
Jamie

What is a Housing Bubble?

2010-10-05T15:04:00.000-04:00

According to the dictionary, a bubble is a “thin, usually spherical or hemispherical film of liquid filled with air or gas”. In other words, a bubble is described as something that has little firmness or solidness.

Economists describe a bubble as “the rapid increase in price due to some speculation on a particular commodity which will suddenly drop if it reaches an unreasonable level”. The sudden drop is often referred to as the bubble “bursting”. As an example, a bubble can occur when there exists a very attractive and “in demand” investment opportunity. Many investors take advantage of this great “deal”, causing prices to inflate (supply and demand), however, one never knows when the “bubble” will “burst” resulting in a drastic fall in the price, making the investment worth less than it cost the investor originally.

So what about housing bubbles? What does it mean?

A housing bubble is currently being talked about, especially in the Canadian real estate market. But what exactly is this bubble…and how does it affect real estate? According to a recent article in the Toronto Star, a housing bubble may not be a good thing. The article states “most economists agree that sales of homes have gone beyond historical and demographic norms and prices are likely over-inflated in comparison to income”. The article goes on to say “most economists at least agree that prices will have to fall or level off over the next several years”. To read further about the housing bubble, its cause and effect, plus tips on how to avoid it, click here. It’s a very good read and may be quite helpful.

Until next time,
Jamie

Why You Still Need a REALTOR®

2010-10-01T12:04:00.000-04:00

Buying and selling “stuff” can be easy, but it depends on the item. Sure, you can save some money if you sell something yourself, all profits go directly to you. However, buying or selling a house may be a different story.

It is not always advantageous to buy or sell a house by yourself without seeking the assistance of a REALTOR®. Buying or selling a house is most likely the largest financial decision you will make. REALTORS® are trained professionals who are very knowledgeable in all aspects of the real estate industry and whose job it is to assist you with any of your real estate questions and concerns. They are well versed in negotiating and may, in fact, SAVE you thousands of dollars.

REALTORS® have access to vast network of fellow REALTORS® and real estate listings which is very advantageous to most buyers. For sellers, REALTORS® are available to meet with various potential buyers at the buyer’s convenience, allowing the home owners to not worry about the inconvenience of “dropping everything” to show their home to a potential buyer who may or may not bother to show up for a scheduled viewing. For both buyers and sellers, REALTORS® guide their clients through all of the paper work (making sure everything gets where it needs to go), make valuable suggestions and keep track of important deadlines and appointments.

To read more about the benefits of using a REALTOR®, click here.

Until next time,
Jamie

Check out our new listing in South Barrie!

2010-09-30T10:20:00.000-04:00

23 Cunningham Drive in beautiful Barrie is a perfect home for first time buyers! This 2 storey, link home (attached only at the garage!) is a great home in a great area, close to many amenities! It is freshly painted and ready for your family to move right in! At the remarkable price of $219,900 it won't last long! Click here to view the virtual tour of this lovely home. Give The Jamie Dann Team a call at 1-877-252-5242 for more information or to arrange your personal showing of this gem!

Until next time,
Jamie

It’s Time to Check Your Credit Report!

2010-09-28T11:49:00.000-04:00

Why, you may ask? You may think that checking your credit report is not important as long as your loans are being approved. Well, that’s just it. Once your loan has been approved it is important you check your credit report from time to time as the report contains all the details of all of your loans. You can check if all details are correct. Should there be any discrepancy, you must report it to the credit company immediately as this may affect any future loans.

How do you check your credit report? Well, in Canada, there are two major credit companies that can provide you with your credit report: Equifax Canada and TransUnion Canada. You can request your credit report via fax, phone, or even online. These companies also offer your current credit score. It is important to note that your credit score is not a part of your regular credit report. The credit score is usually what the lenders are looking at as it determines if you have the capacity to pay your loan.

To learn more about how to get your credit report and other important details you may want to know, click here.

Until next time,
Jamie

The Fluctuating Housing Market

2010-09-24T12:16:00.000-04:00

When there was an offer of very low mortgage rates the past years, Canadians have rushed to get one. Well who could ignore that splendid offer? Unfortunately, these new home owners may not have taken into consideration that the housing market fluctuates and that low interest rate may have allowed them to purchase a home they really could not afford. When interest rates rise, these increased interest rates could cause those home owners to curb their spending in other areas, which could, potentially put a strain on the economy.

Although the low mortgage rate offer has helped the real estate industry in Canada and has aided in our recovery from the recession, in the future it may result in problems for some and may cause threat to other industry if people stop spending in other areas in order to pay their high debts and mortgages. To read more click here.

If people are not careful with regards to how they spend their money, they may find they have difficulty getting their feet back on the ground as their debt could consume them. So start saving and spend wisely!

Until next time,
Jamie

Let’s Take Some Time Off!

2010-09-21T15:45:00.000-04:00

There’s a saying that goes, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Of course working hard for the money will help you sustain your daily and basic needs and your whole well-being but it is also important to nurture other aspects of your life. The quote simply means that we should take some time off to take care of ourselves, spend time with family and friends, enjoy other simple things, and even develop or improve ourselves. Besides, you deserve a break after all your hard work!

I came across a wonderful and useful website which can help in developing your well-being. It gives information with various self improvement articles relating to success, love and relationships, health and fitness, spirituality and lifestyle. Aside from articles, the site also provides other resources for self improvement. They have directory of websites, trusted experts on different topics, self improvement products and much more. It’s basically a one-stop-shop for all your self improvement needs. You can also contribute your own personal self improvement articles. There are still some topics that need to be filled. To read more click here.

Until next time,
Jamie

Hydro Electricity in Ontario

2010-09-17T10:37:00.000-04:00

I’ve found an interesting read relating to hydro electricity in Ontario. The article says that there is an unlikely increase in consumer electricity rate due to the shift of large industrial electricity users to time-of-use pricing. Energy Minister Brad Duguid added that they give importance to renewable energy that will benefit not only the consumers but the environment as well. These changes will make large electricity users more competitive. It was also mentioned in the article that the maximum increase in electricity for a typical household should only be $1.65 per month. To read this article in it's entirety click here.

It’s just funny how electricity rates can be lowered when there exists a new tax system in Ontario (HST). Many readers of this article say that they have experienced an abrupt change in their electricity rates because of the HST. Many find this article contradicting to what the truth is. I found it quite interesting reading the reader’s comments section of this article, maybe you will too!

Until next time,
Jamie

Real Estate Update

2010-09-15T11:22:00.000-04:00

I wanted to give you an update on real estate sales for August in Barrie - residential property sales increased in August as compared to July, but still remained 16 percent lower as compared to August 2009. The MLS® System of the Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® Inc. has also noted the decline of new listings by 3 percent as compared to last year, however this has been the trend in recent months as the demand has lessened as well.
According to the president of Barrie & District Association of REALTORS®, home purchases made from late last year to early this year somehow caused the downward trend of sales this spring and summer. However, they are still positive that the demand in home purchases are making a comeback due to an increase in sales last month. For more figures and trending data, click here.

Similarly to what was reported in the July sales, there is still a healthy balance between the supply and demand with new listings and sales, however this trend can still change. We will have to watch what the sales are in the coming months until end of the year.

Until next time,
Jamie

Summer's over

2010-09-13T16:09:00.000-04:00

Many of you may know that during the Summer months, my Team and I run a Reading Club. If a child reads a book and sends in a book report, we send them a $5.00 Chapters gift card. This year we had 28 book reports from 12 children. On behalf of our Team, I'd like to thank Lily and Ella M, Eric and Amanda M, Kristen, Ian and Ella L, Benjamin and Ian M, Claire, Jake and Kate for their wonderful book reports. When school began, we held a draw for those children who had submitted reports. The child who won the draw received a $50.00 gift certificate from Scholar's Choice. What fun! It was wonderful to let Ella L know that she had won!

We VERY much enjoy receiving these book reports, as we are able to give back, and it is lots of fun to see all the wonderful work the kids have done throughout the Summer.

My Team and I look forward to the Reading Club again next year!

Until next time,
Jamie

WOW! 2 More Listings in Barrie!

2010-09-03T14:13:00.000-04:00

Well, this summer seems to have flown by and, here in Barrie, we have had some of the best weather we have seen for a few years! I hope that September's temperatures are above normal as well. I'm sure that like me, a lot of you are gearing up for the new school year and all that that entails!

In the world of Real Estate, the market in Barrie has me and my Team very busy. Since returning from my trip at the end of July things have been humming right along! As they say..."Lots of things to do, people to see and places to go"! I am excited about 2 new lovely family homes that Rick has recently listed!

11 Fletcher Drive in Barrie is a wonderful open concept, raised bungalow (popular Appaloosa model) in a great family neighbourhood close to schools and parks! This home is offered at $237,500. For more information about this home please click here.

69 Quance Street in Barrie is a fantastic 2-storey family home in a great location. There is a walk-out to a deck in the wonderfully private backyard to enjoy all this beautiful weather we have been having! This home is offered at $223,900. For more information about this home please click here.

Until next time, Jamie

New Listing on 20 Acres minutes from Barrie!

2010-08-23T12:08:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone is having a fabulous summer! We went out of the country for 3 weeks to see amazing sights and have returned to beautiful weather and good work in Barrie. Now, things feel like they are winding down, getting ready for school and kid activities.

Here's a new listing for those of you looking for land and a large shop in the Barrie area. The house is a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom bungalow, situated on 20 acres of land. Also on the land, you will find a 40 x 60 foot wood/machine shop with a finished upstairs. These owners also built themselves 4 hole golf greens. Wonderful find 1/2 way between Barrie and Angus. To see the full listing, click here . Please call us at 877-252-5242 if you would like to take a private tour.

Until next time, Jamie

HST is coming....

2010-06-30T13:33:00.000-04:00

I was driving to work listening to the CBC the other day, and the announcer was talking with someone about the HST. Whether we like it or not, it is coming to everyone in Ontario in about 1 week. Now for resale real estate, the only people that it will REALLY effect is Sellers, as they will have to pay HST = 13% on REALTOR'S® commission. (For new home sales, there are rebates for homes under $400,000) Please remind yourselves, that this added 13% does NOT go to the REALTOR®, but to the government of Ontario. Other places you will find added tax during the process, is on the Home Inspection and Lawyer's fees.

I've come to realize that most things will indeed be taxed through HST. To read information directly from the Government of Ontario, click here. Here is very clear chart about what we all will be experiencing.

Until next time,
Jamie

Our NEW Team!

2010-06-15T10:40:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, I've been working hard to build a Team within Century 21, B.J. Roth Realty Ltd., Brokerage, for quite some time now. After much learning and taking my time to find the "right" people to work with, I'm happy to say that I've begun what I set out to do... The value of a Team for our clients is QUALITY and SEAMLESS service to all. So, without further ado...

I'd like to Introduce The Jamie Dann Team! (I'd love to have their pictures, but can't figure out how to add them to this blog - soon my new website will be up and running so you can check us all out there)

Rick Power, Sales Representative: has been licenced for over 13 yrs,
working in Toronto, Midland and happily in the Barrie area. He is
looking forward to continuing to provide knowledgeable and patient
service to his clients, in a Team environment.

Matt Borland, Sales Representative: has a great working knowledge
of the Barrie area with over 5 years of sales experience. He is excited
and motivated to bring our clients the best possible service, from
Barrie’s newest Real Estate Team.

Terri Tracey, Client Care Manager: has been an office administrator
for the past 16 yrs and has enjoyed providing exceptional customer
service to all of her clients. She looks forward to giving Clients and
REALTORS® stress-free assistance from the Jamie Dann Team.

Until next time,
Jamie

New listing!

2010-06-09T12:58:00.000-04:00

Here is a GORGEOUS home that I just listed. Located on beautiful Kempenfelt Bay, on Lake Simcoe. 60' frontage of shoreline ownership, almost 1/2 acre in town. Over 5000 sq ft of finished living space 4.1 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. Check out the virtual tour here!

On top of this listing, life has continued to be happily busy... An offer on one of my listings, another one firmed up - congrats to D and N! Also, offers written for C and R, and soon to write one up for C and J. Lots of Real Estate action going on!

Will keep you posted on other happenings in the days to come!

Until next time!
Jamie

New Listings!

2010-05-27T16:50:00.000-04:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I have last written. As Terri, my Client Care Manager can tell you, I have often thought about writing. Even at this moment, I have about 20 tabs on my internet open with interesting Real Estate news to write about, but unfortunately, my time has been limited.

Here are a couple of new listings that people you know might be interested in:

1) 698 Rose, Innisfil, ON for $209,900
Click here for virtual tour

2) 9 Lawrence, Anten Mills, ON for $369,000
Click here for virtual tour

Both houses have TONS to offer those who are buying.

On top of that, I have recently recruited 2 wonderful REALTORS® to work with me on my team. More news on that shortly.

As for the other interesting Real Estate news, I'll leave for another day...

Many of you are currently experiencing a phenomenal heat wave. For you, I hope you are able to stay cool, both physically as well as temperamentally :-)

Until next time,
Jamie

Interesting news about Facebook

2010-04-23T14:07:00.000-04:00

Today I read an interesting article describing changes that are soon to occur on Facebook. Looks like we will be able to "like" various web pages-outside of Facebook. This brings up some interesting issues re: privacy. According to the article if I was to be reading something about Real Estate on the Web, I could "like" it. Then others would see that I "liked" it with my picture and I guess the thumb's up sign that they currently use. Certainly, we have to consider whether we want EVERYONE in the world knowing what we like and dislike. I believe that there will be new privacy settings. I might have been skeptical about the validity of these changes, but the article I read was on cnn.com - a pretty reputable source. To read the article yourself, click here.

Until next time,

Jamie

Catching up...

2010-04-16T14:25:00.000-04:00

It has been a long while since I have last posted. VERY busy spring in terms of work and life in general. I suppose kids keep you busy! Went to Orlando the end of the month for my daughter's cheer leading competition - they won 1st in their division so it was very exciting! While away, another listing of mine sold within a week of being listed. Very excited for D and J! Once I returned, I had purchasers who bought and others who are considering putting an offer in. At the same time, I am busy recruiting another REALTOR® to join Terri (my client care manager) and myself. This way, when someone is away there will be total continuity for my clients.

At any rate, you are probably saying "enough about Jamie, what is happening in the market?" Well, I just came across a very interesting article about Mortgages. The banks have begun to raise the rates a bit, so the article discusses some of the impact. To read the article, click here.

In terms of the Barrie market... According to the Barrie and District Real Estate Board, this past March has been the BEST March on record. There were 50% more sales as compared to last March and there was the largest "month over month" increase in the past 10 yrs! The avg sale price of a home in Barrie reached just over $274,000 for the first quarter which is 8% higher than the same period last year. To read the full article, click here.

Think I've written enough for one day. Hope to keep in touch sooner!

Until next time! Jamie

New listing!

2010-03-23T20:56:00.002-04:00

Great semi detached home in North Barrie! Close to public transportation, and shopping, with a playground across the street! Only $188,500! Check it out! Click here to see virtual tour!

Another home sold (conditionally) and another listed

2010-03-11T14:25:00.000-05:00

Congrats to my clients on Joseph Cr, as they were able to receive a conditional offer on their home in 7 days. We should be able to put a SOLD sign on the property by next Monday.

Along with working with this offer, I was able to list a very cute place on Beach Rd., in Innisfil, ON. About a 10 min walk to beautiful Lake Simcoe.
To see the virtual tour, click here.

Until next time,

Jamie - Real Estate for Real Life

The Market is DEFINITELY Picking Up!

2010-03-01T15:15:00.003-05:00

For those of you who do read my blogs, you will know that on Monday, Feb 22, 2010, I listed a home in Innisfil, ON. I am VERY pleased to say not only did we get an offer in 3 days, but the property sold firm in a week. So, for the last 2 listings, my average of selling firm is 7.5 days. This is incredibly good news for many of us. For the Seller, it says that they are able to sell their house and move on with their plans, in a quick manner. For the Buyers, it says that they need to make their decisions fairly quickly if they want a particular home. That is, if it is priced well.

I do have 2 more listings that have come onto the market.

1007 Sunnidale Rd, 10 minutes from downtown Barrie
click here for the tour of this home

and

78 Joseph Cr., in a lovely subdivision in South Barrie
click here for the virtual tour

New Listing

2010-02-23T16:17:00.000-05:00

Now that we are beginning to think of Spring, although snow fell thoughout the day today, homes are beginning to be listed.

Check out this one - Great family home for a great price! Please phone me at 705-252-5242 or 877-252-5242 if you would like more information.

Click here for the virtual tour.

Until next time!
Jamie

New Mortgage Rules for Canadians

2010-02-17T14:56:00.004-05:00

Yesterday (Feb 16, 2010), the Department of Finance in Canada announced changes to government-backed mortgages. There was talk that there would be changes in how much would be required for a down payment, or changes in the amortization period, but that never happened. The following changes were announced:

•Require that all borrowers meet the standards for a five-year fixed rate mortgage even if they choose a mortgage with a lower interest rate and shorter term. This initiative will help Canadians prepare for higher interest rates in the future.
•Lower the maximum amount Canadians can withdraw in refinancing their mortgages to 90 per cent from 95 per cent of the value of their homes. This will help ensure home ownership is a more effective way to save.
•Require a minimum down payment of 20 per cent for government-backed mortgage insurance on non-owner-occupied properties purchased for speculation.

These changes will take effect as of April 19, 2010. The purpose of the changes is to help prevent a housing bubble, and to aid Canadian home owners from becoming overextended.

Here are two great websites to learn more about the upcoming changes:

Deptartment of Finance is where the changes are stated by the government, and

The CBC News which has a video that discusses not only the changes, but the differences between Canadian and US financing rules. There is a written article on the site as well.

Hope you find this informative!
Until next time,
Jamie

January 2010 Stats

2010-02-16T14:28:00.000-05:00

According to the Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®, January has been another great month for sales. The number of sales in the Barrie region have risen 62%, while the total number of properties have risen 67% compared to January 2009. Even though these numbers have risen greatly, the average price has only increased 4% from last year at the same time to $270,340. To view all the stats, click here.

Until next time,

Jamie

Coping with Divorce and Separation

2010-02-12T12:14:00.002-05:00

In these days of high stress, caused by busy lives and economic struggles, unfortunately, many couples are finding it difficult to cope. As a result, the divorce rate remains high in this country. The interesting, and sad, thing about divorce and separation, is that the event effects so many different facets of a person's life. Not only are living expenses compromised, but investments, and insurance plans need to be reviewed. Any property needs to be divided. Although the couple is separating, this last task needs to be handled by both partners. Even if only one Seller is on the title, the other person in the relationship has to sign off on any of the paperwork if we are talking about the matrimonial home. How difficult a task it would be, to work with someone with whom you are ending a relationship?

It is important that emotional needs of all the family members are cared for as well. Sometimes parents will say "My kids are doing just fine," when in fact they are struggling privately. Kids often are confused, feel pulled between parents, feel responsible and don't know where to turn. Children who have behavioural changes often get help, but what about those who keep their emotions bottled up? It is extremely difficult to care for the emotional needs of children when a parent is going through their own emotional struggles.

Now, you might be wondering why a REALTOR® is writing about these issues. They are important to me, as I spent many years working with families such as those I've described. Recently, a group of professionals: myself, a financial planner, an insurance specialist, a family therapist, and the national director of Rainbows Canada, have come together to help families in this situation transition as smoothly as possible. By working together as a group, we are able to support individuals during a very difficult time in their lives. (For those of you who don't know, Rainbows is an international not-for-profit organization that fosters emotional healing among children grieving a loss from a life-altering crisis.)

If you know of someone in this position, please let them know that they can receive a free resource guide by phoning Family TLC at 705-737-3513.

To read an article that recently appeared in one of the local papers, click here. Also, if you would like to learn more about Rainbows, click here.

Thanks!

2010-01-25T12:24:00.000-05:00

I was raised by the addage "Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you." It is with this phrase that I try to live my life, both personally and professionally. That, along with the motto "Be a good person." So, now that I work in the private sector (many of you know I used to be a family therapist in the public sector), I am quite aware that clients and potential clients have many choices out there of REALTORS® with whom to work. It is for that reason, along with my life values that ensure that I'm the BEST REALTOR® I can be. Not a day goes by, that I am not thankful for those who have chosen to work with me in making one of the biggest changes they will make in their lives. As a result, I am always looking for ways to show my clients how thankful I am. This past Saturday (January 23, 2010), I was able to do just that, by having my 3rd Annual Movie Morning Client Appreciation party.

This year, we watched The Tooth Fairy. Cute movie that spent much time discussing the importance in ALWAYS "believing in your dreams." Pretty powerful message, especially at a time in our lives when kids grow up very quickly, and everything can be googled for varification. (And how can you dislike Julie Andrews!) We had about 50 families who were able to attend. Nice turnout! It is SO nice to be able to spend some fun time together, just enjoying something! My one regret is that I didn't have more time to chat with various people. I'll have to figure out a way to do that!

My movie morning is one of my ways of saying "Thanks!" Thanks for allowing me to be part of your lives! Thanks for trusting me with your business and that of your friends and family! Please remember, that my gratitude goes deep.

Have a wonderful week, and don't forget to pay it forward and let others know how you appreciate them!

Until next time!
Jamie

New Listing - Beautiful Family Home!

2010-01-20T14:19:00.000-05:00

Please check out my newest listing! It is a 3 bedroom home, with a bedroom in the lower level. 2 1/2 baths as well. This home, located on a quiet court in Barrie, ON, has had many renovations as well: open concept with rounded corners on the main floor, custom kitchen (2001), bathrooms (2005), shingles (2005), and air conditioning (2002). There is laminate throughout the main floor and berber carpeting on upper and lower levels. The house has also been freshly painted. It is located on a large pie-shaped lot, with a park around the corner. Great value, Great location! Asking $249,900. To have your own private showing, call me at 877-252-5242. In the meantime, Click here to see the virtual tour!

2009 Real Estate ended with a Bang!

2010-01-16T10:59:00.005-05:00

It is now well into January 2010, and I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and are as excited as I am about the upcoming year. Certainly 2009 had it's ups and downs, but I hope the overall experience was a good one.

Given it is a new year, it is time to report on the end of year stats for 2009. I'm very pleased to say that we ended the year quite strong. According to information provided by the Barrie District Association of REALTORS®, home sales had increased in units by 56% over December 2008. Not only that, but units sold during the entirety of 2009 were up 7% from the previous year. Similarly, the dollar value from 2008 - 2009 experienced a 7% increase as well. Interestinly, however, is the fact that the average price for a home in the Barrie area remained unchanged in the last couple of years - approximately $264,000.

Given this good news and the conversations I've been having with clients and potential clients tells me that 2010 is going to be a banner year!

To read the full report from the Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®, click here.

November stats & Happy Holidays!

2009-12-09T12:17:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been another wonderful month in the world of local real estate. According to the Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®, the number of residential sales in November has more than doubled that of November 2009. That is amazing! It was last fall, if you remember, when news of the economic crisis began. Similarly, the prices have been going up from last year. This November marked $86.9 million in home sales, which is up 110% from levels a year ago. In contrast, new residential listings in November was down 5% from November last year. Similarly, the number of active listings available for sale in November 2009 decreased significantly from 2008 during the same time period. I believe that given the economic status during the past year, many home owners have been more conservative regarding selling their homes. This not a bad thing, as it allows more homes that are listed to sell rather than become "expired" listings. This is also a factor in helping the market become more balanced. Again, to read the full article, as well as others about housing and the economy, click here.

Given the holidays are soon approaching, childern will be home from school and many parents will be home from work. If wondering how to spend what ever free time that there may be, there is a wonderful site at the Barrie Public Library, where you can find everything that is going on in the community. For that calendar, click here.

In the meantime, in case I don't write again next week, I hope you all have a wonderfully warm and happy holiday season, filled with much love and laughter!

Jamie

Barrie Stats and More...

2009-11-22T20:23:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted... Busy couple of weeks. To improve my service to my clients, I've recently hired a non-licensed assistant/client care manager, named Terri Tracey. She has had a great deal of experience working in an office setting, and dealing with the public. Terri and I look forward to working together to continue to bring high quality service to all of our clients.

In addition to that, last week, I attended the Real Estate Update course. As REALTORS®, we take this course every two years to make sure that we are all staying current on what is happening in our industry. Not only is it informative, it is a great way to touch base with other REALTORS® in the community, with whom I work on a daily basis. One thing I really enjoy about working in Simcoe County, is that it is a fairly small community (as compared to the GTA). We get to work with great colleagues from all of the different offices around the area.

Then, on Friday, I attended another seminar, to again further my knowledge in building systems into the way I work. By having outlined systems, we are then able to ensure that every step is taken care of for each client - nothing gets missed. By doing this, I'm then able to concentrate on each client's unique needs.

That, along with client matters has kept me very busy.

In relation to actual Real Estate news, I'm VERY pleased to have recently read the October 2009 Statistics from the Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®. This past October marked the highest level of sales on record for the area served by our Board. The sales activity jumped 39% from last October, in addition to being the 5th consecutive increase from previous year's levels. This is great news for those who want to make a move, and great news for our economy!

To read the full report, as well as other reports that talk about employment trends, interest rate changes, consumer confidence and migration, click here .

Until next time! Jamie

Hard to get financing - there is another way

2009-11-04T14:27:00.001-05:00

I know with the economy today, many people are wanting to get into the real estate market, and are having difficulties. Often times, the challenges don't result from not having a job. Sometimes, people are self employed or have had bad credit in the past. This credit issue could even be a bankruptcy that hasn't yet been discharged. Certainly if you can get financing through a mortgage specialist, that is ideal as you can take advantage of the great rates at the present time. But, if that is not an option for you, there is another way.

Not too long ago, I came across a very good Rent-To-Own program. After a fair bit of research of their documentation, I learned a lot. A prosective Buyer fills out an application, gets approved (or not), and uses that approval to "purchase" their home. What I like about this particular program is that they work with Buyers to help repair credit issues, work with them to ensure that they can pay their mortgage (even if rates rise), as well as helping them save toward the eventual down payment that they would need at the end of the term. Certainly, this program is not for everyone. The Buyers do need a down payment, as well as enough money to pay the monthly rent/monthly credit. The Buyers also must ensure that their payments are not late, as it jeapordizes the contract.

So, if this sounds like something that you would be interested in learning more about, let me know.

In the meantime, click here to read more about the program.

Tour of Barrie, ON

2009-11-02T14:37:00.002-05:00

Just came across this great video showing more pictures about Barrie, and the surrounding areas. Our beautiful city has SO much to offer in terms of nature, theatre, education, and more! What are YOUR favourite things about Barrie, ON?

Please click here to see the video

Historic Neighbourhoods in Barrie, ON

2009-10-30T19:08:00.002-04:00

Recently, the City of Barrie has put into place a plan to develop strategies for some of Barrie's more historic neighbourhoods. I think this is a great community outreach program that has involved individuals and families living in those particular areas. By involving residents, sense of community is strengthened. The Historic Neighbourhood Strategy worked to gather photographs from residents, as well as their thoughts about the specific characteristics of where they live. When you go to the site, if you click on "Neighbourhood Profile" you will see a map that outlines the various neighbourhoods, as well as the neighbourhood "names". (For some reason, the East End was not included) Then, you can click on each neighbourhood and learn more. There is VERY interesting information presented. There are also statistics from a survey that was given to area residents. Lastly, there is a page that describes how you can get involved. In fact, tomorrow (October 31, 2009) a Community Committee Member will be at the Barrie Farmer's Market at City Hall between 8 -12 p.m.

Kudos to Barrie for organizing such a site. I hope in the future, they will continue to add neighbourhoods. Again, this will give residents a way to feel heard by the "powers that be" in Barrie, as well as gaining a strong sense of community. I look forward to learning more about this project as it continues. To look at the site for yourself, go to http://www.hns.barrie.ca/Default.aspx

Also, when you are at the site, make sure you check out the photo section, as there are lovely pix of our beautiful city!

Until next time! Jamie

Jamie Dann, Sales Representative,
CENTURY 21 B.J. Roth Realty, Ltd., Brokerage
705-252-5242, 705-721-9111
www.JamieDann.com Jamie@JamieDann.com

New September Home Sales Record!

2009-10-26T16:53:00.004-04:00

Some people are talking about how poor the economy is, while others are saying that the recession is over. Hard to tell what is going on, but here is some good news! According to the Barrie and District Association of REALTORS®, September 2009 had the HIGHEST level EVER of home sales activity. Buyers are buying, while there are fewer listings available, thus creating a sense of urgency. To read the full article, go to http://creastats.crea.ca/barr/

So, whether you are thinking of purchasing real estate in the next while, or listing your house for sale, this is a great time to do so, especially as interest rates remain low. Give me a call/email me, and we can discuss your needs in greater depth.

Remember, if you don't live in the Barrie Area, I still can be of help to you. I have a STRONG network of REALTORS® from all over North America with whom I would happy to connect. These REALTORS® are not your average "Joe". Like myself, they strive for excellence in making sure your needs are met.