November stats & Happy Holidays!

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...

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

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

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

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!

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.