Check out our new listing in South Barrie!

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!

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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