One Minute With The One Group: Recent Episodes
The One Group Barrie
Barrie's only Real Estate podcast! Produced by The One Group at Keller Williams Realty Experience, Brokerage, we post new episodes about Barrie's Real Estate scene and the city every Wednesday!
Despite what you might hear in the news, Ontario is still booming with Real Estate investment choices.
In this week's One Minute With The One Group podcast, we reveal 3 of the best destinations for investment in the province
One of the most common dilemmas owners face when it comes to home improvement projects is whether you should hire a professional or go the DIY route and potentially save some money.
While there is no one size fits all answer, there are a number of questions you can ask yourself to help decide whether to swing a hammer or write a cheque.
The most important aspects to consider before you begin are things like,
Do you enjoy physical work? Are you reliable, and patient, meaning once the project is started will you finish it? Do you have all the tools, materials and skills to safely complete the job? Do you have the time? Are you familiar with the building codes and the permits needed?
If you answered no to more than one or two of these, than it might be in your best interest to explore hiring a professional.
A Renovation project may pretty up your home, but have you thought about the effect it might have on the air you breath?
Chemical Pollutants released from common things such as finishings, paints and even carpets can potentially cause issues with your home’s air quality, especially if it’s an older house.
But you can safeguard yourself and your family with a few easy preventive measures.
First off, check the label of all the products you are using. Look for a Green Seal or Global Organic and other safety certifications. Anything that says it uses formaldehyde or lead should be avoided.
Make sure every room is properly ventilated before you start working; the buildup of particles from even the safest paint and finishing liquids can be mildly harmful if the air isn’t flowing.
And finally, be vigilant on dusting; contaminants in the air mixed with ordinary household dust are a recipe for allergic reactions.
If you have questions about Barrie Real Estate or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it! Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
As sale prices rise and mortgage rules tighten, it is becoming more challenging for first time buyers to get into the Real Estate market.
And for some, a Rent To Own program might seem like a path to ownership.
But what does it entail?
Basically, a homeowner rents to a tenant with a portion of the rent counting toward a deposit, with the tenant having the option to buy the home for a predetermined price at the end of the lease.
But there are potential pitfalls. For the investor, the downside is that if a tenant decides to break the rent-to-own agreement, or decides the home is not suitable, you risk losing money on re-sale while being left with a vacant property.
For the tenants, if the deal doesn’t come together they may lose their deposit, and depending on how the contract is written, may lose all the money that was put aside for the down payment.
The bottom line is that while Rent-to-own home ownership isn’t a bad option, it can be risky for those who don’t understand exactly what they are signing up for. Do your research.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, we have answers! Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
When you’re looking at potential homes, there is much to consider, things like how many bedrooms, and the state of the roof, but one important aspect that we tend to ignore…and that’s your commute time.
Recent studies have discovered that people with the longest commutes tend to have lower overall satisfaction with life, and that even high paying jobs don’t provide enough wealth to comfortably offset the costs of vehicle maintenance and transit.
Longer hours away from home also mean commuters are more likely to miss children’s school activities and less likely to eat dinner with friends and family.
So when it comes to finding your forever home, make sure the distance to office is reasonable … both for your finances and long term health.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it! Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
FIRST TIME REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TIPS
Real estate investing has produced some of the world’s wealthiest people, so there are plenty of reasons to view property ownership as a money maker.
But like any investment, it’s vital to do research before diving in with your hard earned cash.
Here’s a few starter tips…
DON’T BUY A FIXER UPPER - It’s tempting to look for a house that you can get at a bargain and flip it into a rental property. But in that case, you’re likely to pay a lot to renovate. Instead, target houses that needs only minor repairs.
FIND THE RIGHT LOCATION - Look for houses with low property taxes, a good school district, and amenities like parks, malls and restaurants nearby.
GET A LOW COST HOME - The more expensive the home, the higher your ongoing expenses will be. Some experts recommend starting with no more than a $250,000 property.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we’d love to hear it!
Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
April marks the return of warmer weather, but it also marks the return of an unwanted guest; Spring Flooding. But does your insurance cover a potential deluge?
There are two major types of insurance against flooding in Canada: regular and overland
Flood insurance generally covers you for damage in the event of a basement leak or burst pipes, but isn’t normally included in a normal house policy.
Overland is the kind that protects you in case of a river or lake flooding, but can be very expensive and in some cases not offered at all.
In the event you can’t get insurance at all due to the age or location of your home, you can still make a claim to the Public Safety Minister if the house sustains water damage.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it!
Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
As house prices have risen over the last decade, owning a home has become more challenging for first time buyers, and one option to help the younger generation to get property, is for parents to co-own a house with their kids.
If you’re considering this route, here’s a few important aspects to consider…
If you are Buying together as an investment as a way to secure a mortgage for the kids, a capital gains tax will be triggered when the home is eventually sold. However, you can structure ownership so that their interest is nominal, and work with a lawyer to place that interest in a trust for the benefit of the kids.
It is a good idea to enter into co-ownership with a solid agreement in writing about who will be responsible for what payments, and what happens in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
And keep in mind that joint ownership exposes any house to claims from personal or business creditors or spouse in the event of a divorce.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we'd love to hear it! Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
Here in Barrie we are lucky enough to have one of the country’s most progressive healthcare facilities in our own backyard. As RVH approaches it’s 121st birthday, here’s a few things you might not know about it…
The forerunner, called the Barrie General Hospital was nothing more than a small cottage with just four beds when it opened on Duckworth street in 1891.
The hospital was renamed Royal Victoria in recognition of the Queen’s jubilee in 1897, and the unit’s first X-Ray machine took up an entire room and was powered by a Water motor!
Today 435, 000 patient visits RVH every year, including many thousands who attend the Cancer centre, one of the most cutting edge facilities in the province.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it!
Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
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Audio version from the first ever Talking Barrie, a live stream round table discussion of all things Barrie, presented by The One Group!
See the video version on our YT Channel! http://ow.ly/5Jq230iR88M
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Tax season getting you down? In this week's #OneMinuteWithTheOneGroup, Erin Jones reveals rebates and credits available to homeowners!
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You know that houses cost money, but this time of year you can maybe get a few of those costs back. As you trudge through this year’s CRA filing, here’s a few tax breaks that can lighten your bill.
If you just bought a house and you haven’t owned a home in the four previous years, you can get the Home Buyers’ Tax Credit, you’ll get a 15% credit and potentially reduces tax load by $750
Renos that make a home safer or more accessible for seniors and the disabled—including installation of wheel-in showers, widening doorways and lowering cabinets—qualify for a new tax credit that offers a rebate of 15%.
There are plenty of rebates available to make your home for eco-friendly, including insulation improvements, draft proofing and adding ductless heat pumps or gas furnaces.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it!
Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
Winter in Barrie is hard enough, and it gets even tougher when Hydro bills eat away at your wallet. Here’s a few ways to cut down on your heating costs while you endure Simcoe County’s colder months..
Keep Electronics like TVs, computers and phones plugged into a power bar which you can turn on and off. This limits the amount of “phantom power” that your house uses when items are plugged directly into the outlets.
Use LED bulbs; according to Hydro One, switching to these can cut your usage by as much as 75% because they last longer and stay cool.
Install and use a programmable thermostat; these handy tools can moderate the temperatures so that not as much heat is used when you are sleeping and away from the house.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it! Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
January and February in Barrie can be harsh, and trying to sell your home in the midst of the colder months is no easy task. But it’s not impossible! Here’s 3 things you can do to sell your house in Winter...
Show Buyers What It Looks Like in Summer - Showcase all your home has to offer when the snow is gone with a digital slideshow or photo album during showings. Highlight gardens, patios and decks with furniture and Barbecues to heighten the seasonal potential.
Hike The Curb Appeal - Slush covered sidewalks and front steps can make even the most beautiful homes look sloppy. Keep everything shovelled and salted and if possible keep the snow covered property boundaries defined with coloured flags.
Finally check windows and doors for drafts, and seal any cracks. Nothing will deplete your home’s value more than a cold room.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate or an idea for our next podcast, we'd love to hear it! Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
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OneMinute - Energy Efficiency Tips
Last week we went over a few tips on how to winterize your home, and today we’ll delve a bit deeper and reveal some easy ways you can improve your house’s energy efficiency, and save a few dollars on your hydro bill.
Programmable Thermostats One of the most painless ways to cut your heating bill, it’s as easy as pre-setting the heat to go down for the hours you aren’t home, which can save you upwards of 5% every month.
Adding Insulation If your house is prone to huge temperature swings, chances are you don’t have enough insulation. Topping it up in your attic and basement is an easy fix
And finally make sure all your phone and computer Chargers, are only plugged in when connected to a device, because even when they’re off they do draw current.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear from you! Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
Like many older cities across Canada, Barrie is rich with old buildings…and old stories. Many detailing grisly histories, sparking tales of hauntings and ghostly appearances.
Ghoulish tales about the the Barrie Jail, first built in 1841 and home to a lunatic asylum for a time, have been whispered around town for decades, including unconfirmed reports of faint screaming and the sounds of clanging chains being heard in the halls of the small penitentiary, perhaps the distant voices of the inmates who were hanged, and legend has it, buried in the Jail’s courtyard many years ago.
There is also the Uptown theatre, first built in 1937, that has been host to eerie encounters on many occasions; staff have reported doors opening and closing on their own, and one particularly terrifying night during which the manager Mike witnessed a bulb from this projector launch itself across the room, smashing against the wall, as if someone had thrown it.
But nowhere is the scare metre higher in Barrie than at the Simcoe Hotel…which is said to be home to the lost soul of a woman who haunts the historic building…but if it’s true, how did she get here?
This story begins a long time ago; in 1872. In those days Barrie was a rough and tumble town with plenty of taverns and houses of ill repute, and the Simcoe Hotel, first built in the 1850s was often frequented by both travellers and locals looking for a lively place to drink or a warm bed for the evening.
It was on a frigid January night that a woman named Elizabeth Meyer, embarked on a journey from the rowdy Hotel to her home. A journey…she would never complete.
Elizabeth had been indulging at the Hotel, and as such her senses were dulled by drink, rendering her virtually defenceless when a menacing figure emerged from the darkness to strike her.
There was nobody around on the deserted streets to help, and sadly it was a quick death for Elizabeth as her broken body slumped to the cold street, while her attacker disappeared into the windy darkness.
Early the next morning, a passerby made the terrible discovery of Elizabeth’s Meyer’s corpse, and her body was dragged in to the Hotel, and placed right about here. The coroner was summoned and strangely, rather than move poor Elizabeth to a morgue, he conducted his Inquest right here.
Incredibly, the death was officially ruled an accident. To this day, nobody can say for sure why the Coroner made such an obviously false ruling. Did he have something to do with her death? Did he know the killer? We’ll never know.
The story of Elizabeth’s tragic demise soon faded from the public spotlight, as people lost interest in the crime. But according to some…she never left the Hotel. At least, her spirit didn’t.
In the years since that night, stories of eerie activity at the Hotel have circulated through the community. Sometimes, the stories say, it’s nothing more than the unsettling feeling that someone…or something is watching. Or unexplained cold spots or footsteps in empty rooms.
But on rare occasions, people report sightings of a haunting spectre of woman lurking in the shadows outside the building.
The description is always similar; a tall woman, pale skin, standing motionless
It seems Elizabeth Meyer is condemned to spend eternity at the spot where she died more than a century ago.
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about winter, and just as importantly winterizing your house to avoid the cold from sneaking into your living room.
Here’s a few tips to get you started.
Clean The Gutters - get rid of the leaves and debris in the eavestroughs to ensure they will drain all the snow and rain that’s coming.
Reseal the Windows - An easy way to test if you do have a drafty window is by putting a candle in front of it, if it flickers, then it needs to have the caulk around the frame redone.
Prep the Furnace - It's going to get used a lot, so do a few test runs to make sure it’s in good working order and replace the filter to get set for the colder months.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it! Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
It’s a simple question, but one that sparks alot of debate...should you live in a house or a condo?
There’s really no right or wrong answer, and ultimately there are ALOT of factors that will influence your decision...but we can help you by laying out some of the benefits for each.
First up is the House; the traditional one or two storey with a garage and a backyard is always at the top of most people’s wish lists.
A big advantage to buying a house is that you have total control over the property to renovate and make changes without the consent of others.
Houses offer far more space, both indoor and outdoor, which is makes it easier to accommodate families, children and pets.
And Houses include more privacy, because neighbors do not live in as close quarters as in condos.
So what about Condos? We’re not discriminating! Be here next week when we’ll highlight some Condo Benefits.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it! Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
Here’s a great pub trivia question....when was the First Condo built?
The best information we have points to the first Condo ever popping up New York City in the 1881, that’s according to a book called High Life: Condo Living in the Suburban Century,
About 30 years later, Puerto Rico passed the first modern condominium statute, called a Horizontal Property Act and in the 50’s North American developers soon picked up on the concept. Remember Mitt Romney? His cousin Keith was almost solely responsible for bringing the Condo to North America when he pitched the idea of building them in Salt Lake City to a national developer.
The first Condos here in Canada arrived On December 20, 1967 it was a 56-unit townhouse complex known as Brentwood Village in Edmonton.
Today there are more than 30 million condominium units in North America, including approximately 2000 in Barrie...a number that will continue to grow in the years ahead.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it! Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
A new GO station is coming to Innisfill in the next few years, and that announcement has brought up a lot of questions about the impact a rail station could have on home values in the nearby vicinity. So is living near a train a death sentence for your valuation? Based on studies conducted in areas where rail stations have been built, the most accurate thing to say is that many homes within one quarter of a kilometer from a station are actually more likely to increase in value due to the upward pressure of being near transit. Some homes outside of this zone might decrease in value due to what is usually reffered to as “ nuisance factor”; meaning that they are close enough to hear the sounds of a train, but too far to enjoy the benefits of close proximity to transit. Similar concerns were voiced in Barrie when the Allandale GO Station was built in 2012, but as we have seen, a strong Real
Estate market will always bring up the values of all well- maintained homes.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it! Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
It’s an unfortunate truth that like other industries, Fraud exists all most levels of the Real Estate industry.
Here’s how you can avoid a few of the worst Real Estate scams
TITLE FRAUD - though it’s relatively rare, this is one of the most devastating realty scams, when a crook uses false documents to pose as the property owner, and transferring a property to their own name. Title insurance is the best protection against this, it will guard new owners against any liens or loans that exist on the home.
DOOR TO DOOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS - The most common way this is perpetuated is whenOperators knocks on your door, and claims to be able to repave a driveway or repair a roof at a cheap rate for cash up front. You can Avoid being taken in by asking any contractors for references and for a written contract before starting work.
And keep in mind, the best way to protect yourself is by with a little legwork and alot of common sense.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we'd love to hear it! Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
Many of us thought about building our own dream house. And although it’s an exciting idea, it does present a few challenges, the biggest of which might be how much it actually ends up costing. Here a few important things to consider before putting a shovel in the ground...
When it comes to a new build, there are really two types of costs; Hard costs and soft ones. Contractors will talk about the hard costs; they include things like materials, equipment and trades.
There are also soft costs; Expenses that could include building application fees, architect fees, engineer fees, municipal permits, and inspections.
Also consider the land you are planning to build on; Has it been surveyed? Does it need servicing, like hydro, gas, or connecting it to a water source and sewer system?
The bottom line is, building your own home is rewarding, but it’s also requires a lot of work. Take your time, and do your research to avoid a financial and construction nightmare.
We’ve got a helpful checklist with even more information you can use to help plan your own Build, you can download it right now at the OneGroup.ca/NewBuild.
Technology continues to be a catalyst for change in all areas of life and business, and the real estate industry is no exception.
Here’s a few interesting ways that new tech is changing Real Estate....
Commercial Rent is Peaking - 20 years ago, even small companies needed a brick and mortar headquarters, but with the rise of telecommuting and e-commerce, many businesses are operating remotely which is lowering demand for office space.
Private Hospitality Market is Booming - Services like Airbnb, and websites like Kijjij are prompting more and more owners to rent out their homes for vacation and short stays and
Houses are Closing Faster - The explosion of mobile Apps and instant information sharing mean that realty professionals can market homes on a huge scale, generate more interest and complete sales faster than before.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it! Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca!
Whether you’re purchasing a starter home or adding an investment property to your portfolio, buying a home is a thrilling time in your life. And it’s easy to get swept up in that excitement and forget about the additional fees that need to be covered before you get the keys. Here’s 3 of the biggest costs you should plan for when buying... Land Transfer Tax - In Barrie, this is usually calculated on a scale of up to 2% of the home’s value, and can add a few thousand dollars to your purchase. Mortgage Costs - Depending on your lender or bank, there might be an additional set up fee to establish your new mortgage, so it’s best to hold back some money in case this applies to you. Legal Costs - Probably the biggest of your closing costs, your lawyer will conduct a series of searches and registrations to ensure there are no legal impediments to you taking ownership.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast we want to hear it! Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
In Part 3 of our Real Estate Myth Busting Series, Erin Jones of the The One Group in Barrie tackles the biggest one out there...how Real Estat Commission actually works. Got an idea for our next podcast or a question about Barrie Real Estate? We want to hear it! Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
The road to selling a home can be a long one, and even if you aren’t planning to move in the near future, continually adding value to your home is a great strategy to ensure that when you do need to sell, you’ve got a valuable asset.
And it’s easy to get started! Here’s 3 easy ways you can add equity to your home...
Plant a Tree - Plan for the future with a landscaping improvement that will mature over time. Properly placed shade trees will up the curb appeal, and can cut your a/c costs by as much as 40 percent.
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Install a water filtration system in your kitchen. Not only do these systems purify your water, they will also lower your grocery bills — no more bottled water.
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Light Up The House by Adding cost efficient lighting fixtures. They’ll brighten up your home’s best features, and help to decrease your monthly power costs.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it! Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
Barrie is growing both as a city, and as a centre of commerce, and that’s reflected in the wide range of diverse businesses that have popped up here over the years. Here’s 3 amazing local businesses that you should get to know a little better…
BJ Records! Barrie’s premier destination for all things vinyl, you can also find old movie posters, T-shirts and other music memorabilia on their shelves, they’re located on Clapperton street.
ENTREE LAUNCH: This organization provides youth age 11 to 29 with entrepreneurial learning with the goal of empowering youth to establish entrepreneurship as a viable career option.
DIGITAL GIANTS: Helping businesses right across the globe transform the way they communicate, Digital Giants provides you with all things web marketing, from site designs to generating online sales.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it! Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
Last month we talked about one of the most common Myths about Real Estate agents...that all of us are rich.
Today we’ll examine another one...the myth that Realtors collude with each other to drive up prices.
Unfortunately it’s true that this has happened in a few rare, but well publicized cases. But for the vast majority of Realtors it never happens because it’s unethical, illegal and not worth the effort.
When you consider the amount of time and effort a Realtor puts into a sale and the costs they have to assume to complete it, such as marketing, staging and inspections, it’s far more advantageous to let the open market determine a house price.
The idea of colluding to arrive at given price is in fact more dangerous to an agent because they could lose their license and risk jail.
Fraud does occur in Real Estate, as it does in other industries...but it’s perpetuated by a dishonest few, and not by the majority.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it! Reach out anytime, to Hello@theonegroup.ca
Has there been a For Sale Sign on your house for a while, but it’s not selling?
There are several reasons that might be holding it back.
But you might be surprised to learn the most likely reason it’s not selling...is because it’s overpriced!
Overpricing is the most common reason a home doesn’t sell, and it can become a big problem for your sale if it’s not corrected.
Here’s a few tell tale signs your house has the bar set too high...
FEW SHOWINGS
An inflated price can scare away buyers before they even have a tour of the home.
NO OFFERS
In a market as strong as Barrie’s, a properly priced home should receive at least 1-2 offers in the first few weeks on the market.
OPEN HOUSES FALL FLAT
Buyers are busy and only interested in looking at homes they might want to purchase.
NEIGHBOURS HOMES ARE SELLING & NOT YOURS
Most frustrating for you, if your home is overpriced, it will sit idly while other houses on your street sell quickly.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
If any of these things are happening with your sale, talk to your realtor...they will have research to draw on to help you understand how they came up with the price. After that, the two of you can determine if it’s time to adjust your price point.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next show we'd love to hear it! Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
Selling and buying are never easy, and it can get even more complicated (and expensive) when a house sale falls through in the final stages.
There are a number of reasons this might happen, but when it does the question we get asked immediately is what happens to the deposit?
That depends on what stage of the sale you were in when the sale went sour. If it’s during the ‘conditional’ part, then the buyers will get the deposit returned, as long as the reason the deal died was due to one of those conditions not being met.
If the deal collapses after the conditions have been met, we call that being‘firm, than it’s the seller who keeps the deposit, as a form of compensation.
In both cases, the brokerage of record will hold the deposit until both parties sign a mutual release to return the money to whoever is entitled to it.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it! Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
Our incredible country just turned 150 and we’d all agree that a big part of what makes us the best nation in the world is our giving natures.
With that in mind here’s 3 amazing Barrie charities that you can get involved with right now.
CANDLELIGHTERS SIMCOE - This organization helps families who are dealing with children battling cancer, they provide ongoing support groups, therapy sessions and education programs. http://www.candlelighterssimcoe.ca/
YOUTHHAVEN BARRIE - This is the only shelter in the area specifically for homeless youth, working with displaced teenagers and providing housing and programs to help them get off the street. http://youthhaven.ca/
NEW PATH BARRIE - They are the lead agency in Simcoe County in delivering accessible services for children and their families suffering from mental illness. http://newpath.ca/
You can find out lots more about all of these charities and their contact information on our blog at the www.onegroup.ca
And if you have an idea for our next podcast, we'd love to hear it! Send us an email anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
You’ve probably seen or read one of the thousands of articles or blog posts that claim to reveal “the secrets Real Estate agents don’t want you to know”
Articles like these have led to many misconceptions about the Real Estate industry which are generally accepted as true, even though they’re mostly false. Today we’ll do some Real Estate Myth Busting by looking at the most common one...that all Realtors are Rich.
While it’s true that a select few in most cities are earning a great income, what you probably didn’t know is that the average annual salary for realtors in Canada is about 62,000/year.
And you probably didn’t realize that the majoriyt of Realtors only close 1 - 3 home sales per year, and usually need to work other part time jobs to keep themselves afloat.
The fact is, Real Estate isn’t any different than other industries when it comes to wealth...conscientious and hard working people who deliver results over a long period of time are the ones who succeed.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear it! Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
With the kids getting out of school next week, it’s the perfect time to start planning family fun for the summer. Luckily, Barrie is driving distance to a ton of interesting destinations, here’s 3 Day Trips
STRATFORD -
Justin Bieber’s home town is about 2 hours away and in addition to hosting it’s annual theatre festival, the city is home to oodles of interesting history, plenty of little shops and some of the best ice cream in the province.
HALTON TRAIN MUSEUM - This is the perfect spot for any Trainspotters in the family, only an hour and a half from Barrie, the museum includes a 20 minute train ride in an old streetcar and a whole host of locomotives from the last 100 years
COLLINGWOOD SCENIC CAVES - Just up highway 26 there’s the Eco Adventure tour including a zipline through the forest, Tree Top canopy walk, and the chance to explore caverns.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast we'd love to hear it! Reach out anytime, to Hello@theonegroup.ca
If you live on a busy street and are thinking about selling, you might also be thinking...is all the traffic and noise around here going to drag down my house value?
The truth is..maybe. Houses on quieter streets usually get a few more dollars on the open market, but busier streets aren’t all bad new for buyers..here’s how to maximize your house value.
Do everything you can to make the house more attractive to buyers; hire a professional stager, repair any defects, landscape and manicure the front and back yards, and minimize the furniture and clutter inside. Talk to your realtor about niche marketing the home toward first time buyers or working professionals without children who would be interested in living near the “buzz” of downtown. Produce a feature sheet for the house that include juicy tidbits about community events, organizations and nearby public amenities so you can highlight the benefits of location. And keep in mind, even on the busiest street, a properly priced house will always get you the most value when it’s time to sell.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we want to hear from you! Reach out anytime to hello@theonegroup.ca
Anyone who has spent a weekend at a cottage has probably entertained the idea of owning their own vacation home. And although the cottage lifestyle is very enticing, there’s a few things you should consider before diving in to a lakeside property.
For instance, even with a good size down payment, getting financing and insurance for a cabin in a remote location could be more challenging than a home in the city. And in the short term, a cottage isn’t likely to appreciate in value at the same rate as residential homes.
And if you’re thinking about a cottage as a legacy inheritance for your kids, keep in mind that a transfer in ownership will trigger capital gains tax and other fees, which could end up costing the next owners.
Ultimately, owning a cottage isn’t a bad idea, but better viewed as an long term and emotional investment rather than a short term monetary one.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
Open Houses are an important part of selling your home; it’s a chance to generate buzz in the neighbourhood and gives buyers a chance to imagine what it would be like to live in the house, so you want to do everything possible to make it a great experience.
Here’s a few tips on how to make your Open House amazing...
Let there be light! Open up all the curtains and blinds and turn on all the lights to make it as bright and cheerful as possible.
Clean Clean Clean - Nobody’s going to want to buy a home with ratty wallpaper or a sink full of dirty dishes, so it’s vital to get the house into pristine condition...including removing damaged furniture and taking up stained carpets.
Focus on the Front of House - Freshen up the lawn, put in a mailbox, paint the front door and clean the driveway so the first impression is a great one.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate or an idea for our next podcast we'd love to hear from you! Reach out anytime to Hello@theonegroup.ca
Technology has allowed us to make drastic changes to the way we communicate, and that change is being felt in the Real Estate industry as well.
It’s now quite common for Real estate professionals to save time and travel by sending purchase offers via email, and in some cases that’s necessary.
However there still is a real value in presenting an offer in person.
First off, if your agent has a professional relationship with the Realtors representing the sellers, that familiarity can help move a sale in a positive direction, just by being there to talk things over.
Secondly, although it’s rare, there is always a possibility a seller might want to know a little bit about who might be buying their home, especially if the home is in a residential area. Being there in person means your Realtor can perhaps assuage any concerns.
Presenting in person doesn’t guarantee you’ll win the house, but any advantage in a heated market as we’re seeing here in Barrie is worth the time.
When you’re selling, there’s nothing more exciting than receiving a good offer on your home.
But even when that happens, it’s likely going to take some negotiation before you finally hand over the keys.
The negotiation phase begins when you make a counter offer to the buyers, meaning you agree with some of their terms, but not all of them. This counter offer lays the ground work for both parties to try and come up with a new, mutually beneficial agreement.
Negotiating might lead to changes to the price and closing date, the inclusion or removal of appliances, or alterations to the house. And although it can be stressful, it’s a very common phase of a home sale.
As long as both sides are experienced, hard working and willing to bend just a little, negotiation is an effective and fair means to arrive at a deal.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
In a hot seller’s market like we’ve been
experiencing in Barrie recently, just about everyone who
puts the For Sale sign on their lawn can expect to receive
more than one offer for their home.
When that happens, it can be a bit overwhelming for you,
so here’s a quick rundown at how this process goes.
A realtor will usually pick one day and time to present the
offers to you, all of which are first registered with the
brokerage. Realtors representing potential buyers can
present them in person or by email/fax. All the registered
offers will be brought to you, regardless of their price.
You can then sit down with your Realtor to sift through the
offers,
The one thing to keep in mind when it comes to multiple
offers is, you are in complete control. You don’t have to
accept any of the offers, and you should never be
pressured by anyone to accept anything.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for
our next podcast, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out
anytime Hello@TheOneGroup.ca
Last month, we talked about the importance of setting the right price for your home, and today we’re going to talk about how we come up with the right price.
The value of your property will depend on things like the total square footage age of your home, the location, construction quality, features and even the number of bathrooms. A professional home appraisal can provide a good starting point.
To make sure we get the most relevant information, we apply a Comparative Market Analysis, which is a comprehensive report on recent sales in your area. This gives us a good measuring stick for where the market it is and how it will impact your home’s value.
In addition to all of those tools, the experience in understanding home valuations and market trends that a professional realtor brings to the table, will help immensely in determining the best and most accurate price for your home.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out anytime Hello@TheOneGroup.ca
Selling a home can be a long process, and it can get even more complex if you are selling a home that includes tenants.
So what are your responsibilities as an owner? Here are the basic rules according to the Landlord and Tenant board of Ontario •Landlords can sell their home at any time. •If the tenant has a lease, they cannot be evicted before the end of their term. •If the lease is over, a tenant must be given 60 days’ notice to vacate, provided that a buyer has already unconditionally agreed to buy the home. There are lots of things you can do as an owner to make a sale as smooth as possible. It might be a beneficial plan to help tenants find another place to live before putting the home up for sale. It takes away the stress of eviction, and the landlord can then fix up their home and make it more presentable to a wider range of potential buyers. When landlords and tenants understand the rules and co-operate, everyone wins.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Reach out anytime, to hello@theonegroup.ca
So the big day is here and you are ready to make an offer on your dream home!
Now comes the excitement...and the paperwork, where you have the option to add conditions under which you are willing to buy the home.
Here are a few of the more common, but important conditions you should consider including in your offer...
Financing - This is an absolute must, as not having secured the money to finalize the sale will lead to the offer collapsing, and the loss of your deposit.
A Home Inspection - Unless you are buying a tear down, this clause should be added to ensure the house is safe, and that you aren’t stuck with expensive repairs once you get the keys.
Any Fixtures and Appliances - Don’t rely on a verbal agreement or assume anything. If you want the stove or dishwasher, specify it in the contract.
At first, Conditions on house sale, might seem like a stumbling block, but in the long run they protect your dream home from turning into a nightmare.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out anytime Hello@TheOneGroup.ca
As you have probably noticed it’s a busy time of year in the Real Estate industry. Hundreds of families are on a quest to find their next home, and unfortunately, some of those sales might not come into place.
Whether it’s due to a home inspection turning up Mold or just a case of one party not being able to secure financing, there are a few different things that might cause a sale to go sour,
But the most common reason a sale is stopped dead in it’s tracks...is Over Pricing.
A home that is priced too high for the market will get few showings, next to no offers and sit idle for weeks while other homes are scooped up. And the longer it sits with that inflated price, the tougher it becomes to ultimately sell.
That’s why it’s so important to set the price correctly before the For Sale sign hits your lawn, and why we spend so much time researching and preparing to come up with the Right number for your home.
Spring is upon us, but amid all the happier signs of March and April, this time of year can also mark the beginning of of a most unwelcome tradition…Spring Flooding season.
Here’s a few suggestions on how to prepare for the yearly thaw and keep your basement from becoming a swimming pool.
Seal cracks in the walls and the floors and seal the window wells Clear gutters and eavestroughs of leaves and debris. Make sure downspouts are draining properly and well away from the house (at least 2 feet) Don’t put grease or objects (diapers, paper towel or wipes) that will get stuck in your drain down the toilet.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out anytime Hello@TheOneGroup.ca
OneMinute...3 Keys to Selling Your Home
There’s no doubt that we are in the midst of a terrific Seller’s market here in Barrie; homes for sale are going quickly and in many cases, for much more than the asking price.
But that doesn’t mean selling your home gets any easier; there is still alot of work needed to get the most value when the sign hits your lawn.
Here’s 3 keys to a Successful House Sale
1 STAGING - Buyers make a decision about a home within just 30 seconds of walking in the door, so you need to make sure that first impression is a great one.
2 MARKETING - What is your Realtor doing to get your home in front of as many potential buyers as possible? Innovative and fresh methods to advertise your home are key when there are so many to choose from.
1 PRICING By far the most important aspect of any sale, a properly priced home always gives you the best chance of standing out, and cashing in.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out anytime Hello@TheOneGroup.ca
Before you make an offer on a house, it's important that you check out the neighbourhood. Here's 3 Things you should look for around your home!
House Hunting can be fun, and it’s even more exciting when you find that one spot that looks like it could be your next home.
When that happens, we tend to focus on the qualities we love, but overlook smaller details that can have a impact on your day to day living.
Here’s 3 things to look for in a new Home...
1) LOCATION– Be sure to find out what else is in the neighborhood... Are there schools, shops and public transit nearby? Is there regular snow removal and garbage pickup? 2) SIZE OF ROOMS – A 4 bedroom house might look great at first, but if one of those rooms is the size of a closet, it’s not going to be useful. Check that each room has the right amount of space for whoever will be using it. 3) NATURAL LIGHT – A good amount of natural light can cut down on your electricity bill and impacts your mood. Have look at all of the windows and ask how much daylight regularly comes in; nobody wants to live in a dungeon.
Thinking of renovating? These 3 projects will add significant value to your house
Earlier this year we looked at renovation projects that you want to stay away from when it comes to adding value to your home, and today we’ll flip the switch and let you in on a few upgrades that WILL increase your home value.
FLOORING - Renewing the floorboards will trigger an immediate rise in property valuation, in particular if you are working with hardwood. If it’s in the bathroom, tile is always in demand
FIXTURES - Kitchens can sometimes look tired and dated, in large part due to old fixtures. Replacing or updating the lighting, counter tops and faucets will go a long way to upping your value.
An income suite - No surprise, but the single biggest way to increase the value of your home is to build an income suite within the property. Whether this is converting your basement into a rental, or another floor in the home, an income property will increase your home’s worth.
One question we get asked alot is... Why is Spring the Best Time to Sell?
To answer that, it’s important to make the distinction between the BEST time to sell and the most POPULAR time to sell.
Spring is definitely the most popular time to sell because the conditions are favorable for both sellers and buyers; the warm weather makes it easier to showcase and make upgrades to your home, everything can usually be completed before summer vacation and school registration, and it’s much easier to move in April or May.
But when it comes to The Best Time to Sell...that’s always Right Now. I say that because right now, you know what the market conditions are, you know what your home value is, and we know who is actively looking for a house in your neighbourhood.
Next month, or even tomorrow any of those things could change, so it’s best to go with what you know.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out anytime Hello@TheOneGroup.ca
There’s certainly alot of choice out there when it comes to choosing a real estate professional; in fact there are over 66,000 licensed agents in Ontario alone. But how do you pick the right one to work with?
Here’s 3 Questions you should ask a Real Estate professional before hiring them...
What’s Your Experience? Take some time to learn about the different type of real estate situations they’ve handled, who their previous clients are, and any other expertise or skills they bring to the table.
What Services are included? This is very important to outline early on, to avoid any misunderstandings when it comes time to settle up. A Professional realtor will have no problem providing a precise breakdown of what services are included.
How Will They Keep You Informed? Communication is key to any relationship, and it’s no different in Real Estate. Establish a timetable to ensure you are in the loop and informed throughout the entire process.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out anytime Hello@TheOneGroup.ca
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So you’ve thought about it, talked it over, slept on, talked it over again....and are ready to sell your home, or buy a new one.
It’s an exciting time and you want nothing more than to get going on this new chapter...but what’s the first Step?
Talk To Your Bank.
By Going to your financial institution first, even before you speak to a Real Estate professional, you’ll become aware of the different type of mortgage options available to you, get pre-approval for a mortgage, and determine how much debt you can carry in the future.
This will help you figure out exactly how much you have to spend on housing and roughly what your budget is for a home.
In addition, financial advisors and banks will have information on rebates or tax credits that you might be eligible for. All this applies if you are selling as well, because before your home goes on the market, you need to know how much money you can access to cover all the costs associated with selling.
If you have a question about Barrie Real Estate, or an idea for our next podcast, we’d love to hear from you! Reach out anytime Hello@TheOneGroup.ca
Not all renovations have to be budget breakers! There are a few DIY projects you can start right now that will add real value and equity to your home. For instance, adding a short table in the front hallway. Replacing a Showerhead with a low flow model. Painting or wall papering a wall. Staining or recovering a furniture piece. All of these additions will help up your equity and your interior design appeal. If you have questions about Barrie Real Estate or an idea for our next podcast, we'd love to hear from you! Email us anytime, Hello@theonegroup.ca
It’s fair to say we are in the midst of a mini Condo boom here in Barrie.
There’s no less than 11 projects on the go across the city right now, here’s what you need to know you about them...
Pratt Developments has two big projects; Junction on Cundles road in the East end, and the Gallery at the 400 and Essa road, units in both start in the high 200s
Right across the road from the Gallery, BHive Condos are coming in early 2018 that’s a new development from Bremont, they’ve already built units in Wasaga Beach which sold very quickly.
Seems like Harmony Village has been sitting on Bradford street drive forever, but they are still in the re-lanning stage try and get costs down for their proposed 5 buildings across the lakeshore and downtown, with no timetable as to when they will break ground.
And one that you might not have heard of, Podium Developments is in the early stages of building 73 townhouses near Georgian College, focusing on student living and investor.
We’ve got much more info on all of these developments on our blog, find it easily at www.theonegroup.ca
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Not all renovations are created equal! If you are thinking about upgrading the house, stay away from these 3 projects, because they will cost a ton while not adding much value to your home.