:: The Barrie spring Real Estate market

The weather in the first week of April is as confused as the Robins and those optimistic drivers who took their snow tires off in March.

The Real Estate market has been about as predictable as the weather has been over the past year. Finally the buzz around my office has returned and my cohorts can once again look you strait in the eye without their voices going up two octaves when they reply on being asked "how's things going?"

It is getting busy once again.

Buyers have left the den, seen their shadows, yes and more importantly they are seeing mortgage rates are at record lows and the neighbourhoods are thick with an abundance of listed properties containing anxious vendors waiting for an offer to come to them.
Average prices are down over last spring and this spring's market is the first one in a dozen or so years where the buyer is in control at the negotiating table. (click links below for detailed statistics)

Now is the time to begin the hunt if you are planning a summer time change of address. If you are serious about a move, go to HotBarrieListings.com and start receiving instant updates on newly listed properties that match your custom search criteria.

After a long hibernation I am well rested and ready to help you buy your new home. Give me a call.

MLS® Statistics

Employment Trends

Interest Rate Changes

Consumer Confidence

Migration

:: City of Barrie Housing & Cost of Living Statistics ::

Housing Costs (June 2007 Estimates)

Housing	Second Quarter 2007	First Quarter 2007	Second Quarter 2006
Detached Bungalow	$252,000	$247,000	$235,000
Executive Detached Two-Storey	$475,000	$485,000	$500,000
Standard Two-Storey	$242,000	$235,000	$230,000
Standard Townhouse	$192,000	$186,000	$182,000
Senior Executive	$817,000	$840,000	$860,000
Standard Condominium	$255,000	$247,000	$240,000
Housing Type	Typical Description
Detached Bungalow	3 Bedroom single storey, 1.5 bathrooms, one car garage, 1,200 sq.ft. structure on a 5,500 sq.ft. lot.
Executive Detached Two Storey	4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom, two car garage, 2,000 sq. ft. structure on a 6,500 sq. ft. lot
Standard Two Storey	3 bedroom, 1.5 bath, single garage, 1,500 sq. ft. structure with 3,500 sq. ft. lot.
Standard Townhouse	Condo or Freehold 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom, one car garage, 1,000 sq.ft. of living space.
Senior Executive	4 or 5 bedroom, 3 bath, two car garage, 3,000+ sq.ft. on a 6,750 sq.ft. lot.
Standard Condominium	2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, 900 sq. ft. Living space

Housing Prices for Selected Ontario Municipalities

			Standard Two Storey			Standard Town house
Municipality		Apr - Jun 2007		Est. Taxes	Est. Monthly Rent		Apr - Jun 2007	Est. Taxes
	BARRIE	$242,000		-	-		$192,000	-
	Brantford	$214,000		$3,481	$1,300		$137,000	$2,230
	Burlington	$350,000		$3,100	$1,950		$225,000	$2,300
Etobicoke	(North)	$392,000		$2,600	$2,500		$295,000	$2,300
	Georgetown/ Halton Hills	$326,042		$2,400	$1,400		$196,202	$1,700
	Hamilton - Mountain	$290,216		$3,662	-		-	-
	Kitchener	$242,500		$3,750	$1,500		$199,500	$2,950
	Markham	$450,000		4,446	$2,000		$325,000	$3,211
Mississauga	(Meadowvale/Streetsville)	$329,000		$2,500	$1,500		$262,000	$2,100
	North Toronto	$638,500		-	-		$470,000	-
	Oakville	$350,000		-	-		$260,000	-
	Ottawa	$418,000		$4,350	$2,300		$269,000	$3,350
	Richmond Hill	$350,000		$3,000	$1,600		$245,000	$2,600
	St. Catharines	$189,000		-	-		$168,000	-
	Sarnia	$130,000		$2,160	$900		$110,000	$1,782
Scarborough	(West Hill)	$355,000		$2,700	$1,600		$250,000	$1,700