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Whether you’re a first‐time buyer or a seasoned homeowner looking for a change in lifestyle, there are a few things you need to research before you consider making an offer on a condo in Barrie.

Determine what building is right for you: As the City of Barrie has grown, so has the number of condominium developments giving us a wide range of buildings to choose from. Having your real estate sales representative take time to show you the suites and amenities in all the buildings will help you decide what building is right for you.

Obtain the Disclosure Statement for new condos or a Status Certificate for existing developments: It’s important to know that when you purchase a condominium you are not just buying a new home you are also purchasing part of a corporation. Have your lawyer review the Disclosure Statement or Status Certificate. These documents will outline all the condo features, the rules and regulations and will also help determine the health of the Corporation.

Check out the building’s Rules and Regulations: Each condo is its own little community, and each has their own set of rules and regulations that they expect residents to follow. You need to be clear on these regulations to be sure that the building is going to be right for you. For example, if you have children or pets, you’ll want to ensure that the building you’re looking at isn’t an adults‐only, pet free environment.

As soon as you’ve decided on a condo you wish to purchase, it’s important to start communicating with your lawyer so they have enough time to review all your paperwork. Following these 3 simple steps and working with your Barrie condo Real Estate Sales Representative and lawyer will lead to a smooth and successful transaction.

Stephanie Adams is a Sales Representative at Royal LePage First Contact Realty specializing in Barrie Condos and townhomes.

Do you want your Barrie townhome to get noticed by potential buyers and instantly make a great first impression? You need to create curb appeal by enhancing the best features of your home. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be expensive and some of the smallest things can make the biggest difference. Spending a little time fixing up your townhome will help you sell it faster and for more money.

Here are some low-cost, easy exterior home improvements you can do to help prepare your Barrie townhome to sell – fast!

Tidy the Yard
Eliminate items that may be perceived as clutter in the front of your townhouse. The backyard is less important, unless you are in an end unit and it can be seen from another street or yard. You may want to consider these landscaping tips:

Enhance the Exterior

Ensure your townhome appears to be clean and well maintained. Look at model homes or other desirable neighbourhoods for colour ideas, and carefully choose colours that complement the features of your townhouse. Also, remember to keep the yard well lit for evening showings, especially walkways. Don’t forget if your townhome is a condominium, please check with your property manager before doing any work.

You only have one chance to make a good first impression, and presentation is everything. A well-kept home exterior will not only attract potential buyers, it will also make them feel confident that they aren’t taking a risk on a property. The higher the perceived value of your townhome, the higher the selling price will be. So take the time to create some curb appeal, and sell your townhome in Barrie for top dollar!

Stephanie Adams is a Sales Representative at Royal LePage First Contact Realty Barrie specializing in Condos and townhomes.

Condominium ownership allows you to enjoy all the features of a fine home, with the added benefits of amenities, enhanced security, increased affordability and ease of maintenance. Amenities include high-tech security, recreation and fitness facilities, plus the convenience of not having to shovel snow or cut grass.

My personal top 10 Barrie Condo features – in no particular order - include:

Parking
It is a wonderful experience to park in a secure temperature controlled parking garage – with close access to the elevator. The garage is professionally cleaned and most condos provide an area to wash your car.

Storage
Having a storage unit in the lower level of a Condominium helps reduce clutter and the amount of things you need to have in your condo. Seasonal items can be easily boxed and stored for next year. Outdoor equipment can also be safely stored.

Fitness Centre
One of the many overlooked features of condo living is the fitness centre. Most condos have up-to-date weight training and aerobic equipment. You can easily work out around your work-schedule at your convenience.

Security
Peace of mind is important for everyone. Security guards not only watch who comes and goes but also manage security cameras at the garage door and underground parking.

Location
Most, if not all condos in the Barrie area are conveniently located to serve direct access to highway 400, local City bus and Go Transit trains and buses. This can allow for a more car free lifestyle.

Shopping & Dinning
Barrie's downtown condos have the most direct access to all the downtown restaurants. With all condos having close access to supermarkets and local pubs and neighbourhood cafes.

Entertainment & Culture
With so many cultural and festival events in the Barrie area – and in all seasons – it makes it easy to enjoy all forms of entertainment. Waterfront festivals, theatre, film and art exhibitions happen all year around.

Recreation
Recreation & Entertainment Centres, elaborate lobbies and beautiful landscaping create an advantageous lifestyle. This enables you to host parties, business meetings and even movie nights with friends!

Living Environment
Condo buildings are constructed to maximize comfort with modern air ventilation systems, noise-elimination construction and noise-reduction windows. It starts with delivering fresh air to all common areas and allows for in-suite seasonal personal temperature preferences.

Community
Condos are a great place to meet friends and socialize with like-minded individuals. Many people find friends to go for walk, run or to exercise with.

When considering condo ownership in Barrie it is important to understand all the benefits that can enhance your lifestyle. All condo buildings in Barrie provide the common features but they are all different. Explore, learn and understand the lifestyle features that would suit you before you start your real estate search.

Stephanie Adams is a Sales Representative at Royal LePage First Contact Realty specializing in Barrie Condos and townhomes.

Note: Published in Snap Magazine Barrie July 2009

Listen as Shelley and Mike share a few of the best investment tips you are likely to hear this year. You don't have to be Donald Trump to begin changing your current and future financial status. The home you live in now can provide you shelter in more ways than many ever stop to consider.

If you have children that will be leaving to attend college or University you will want to know about a strategy that could bring you peace of mind and offset the costs by half or even more.