Barrie, ON

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.

Isn't it amazing what people have stashed away in spare rooms, basements and garages? So much of our initial consultation should be finding out what treasures homeowners have in their homes that is not being used to its greatest advantage.

All Home Stagers know the importance of that very first meeting with the homeowner to look at the property and see how it can be transformed into a more marketable product. However, I have seen many examples of stagers not knowing exactly what the homeowner has lying around, tucked away in the crevices of a home that will ultimately save the homeowner a lot of money in furniture rental either from the stager's own inventory or from an outside rental company. Let's face it, it saves us a lot of work too!

When we first meet with the homeowner, we get permission to be a little nosy around the place (although I don't use that term). I look everywhere - under beds, under blankets, in cupboards, behind furniture - anywhere that people manage to hide the things they don't use for whatever reason. I find if homeowners are hiring a stager, then they are giving you permission (and I write it in the contract) for you to use whatever is contained in their home first before having to resort to outside sources.

It's worth being curious about the contents of the home as they can then be incorporated into the overall plan. I have even had homeowners in tears of joy over the fact that they didn't believe their belongings were 'good enough' to use as part of the staging. Pride of ownership is a sensitive issue with all homeowners and we as professional home stagers ought to respect that.

Here is a recent example of one of our discoveries: Grandma's hand-me-down hall table.

The homeowners didn't think it co-ordinated with their existing home decor so they covered it over with a sheet and used it as storage space.

Once we found this beautiful piece, we included it into our overall plan for the room and found the perfect place for it in an alcove between the lounge and dining room. This piece now adds formality to the space. It's clean, functional and highly decorative!

So we used what the homeowner already had in the home, saved them some dollars and created a space that is warm and inviting with a bit of class.

Don't be afraid to be a little bit nosey!!

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.

We are at the peak of our local growing season here in Simcoe County. Area produce can be had in many grocery stores, farmers markets and road side stands. Make a point to seek out our locally grown foods and at the same time support our local economy. Nothing better than the fresh summer corn available right now.

Check out this site for some insight on local foods and some of the best places to find it.

http://www.simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca/index.php

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