Real Estate in Barrie has been on fire!

It's been a ridiculously long time since I wrote a blog entry and all I can say is, I dropped the ball!

So, let's get right to the market in Barrie and area.  It has been a little crazy.  So far since this time last year, we have seen increases of 16-17%!  When things quite suddenly started increasing earlier in the year, I personally found myself with buyers competing with 15-20 other offers in a 24 hour period.  It was hard for me to wrap my head around, let alone expect my clients to.

Things have settled a little bit, but we still find ourselves in competition with multiple other offers on a regular basis.  And the lack of inventory continues to push prices up.

Low interest rates make it affordable for people to still get in the market, however the inevitable increase in rates in the future should be a warning to not bite off more than you can chew!  New lending practices will see to it that this happens as buyers will have to qualify for a higher rate now, even though they will get today's rate.  It's a little complicated, but they are calling it a 'stress test' and personally, I think it's a really good idea.  I would hate to see people lose their homes when their 5 year term is up because they have leveraged themselves so much that they cannot afford a 1 - 2 % interest hike.

On another note, the real estate papers and radio stations are dominated with ads by the massive teams that have developed over the last few years.  They are masters of self promotion, that's for sure. I like to call myself a 'house-promoter', not a 'self-promoter', but honestly, a little shameless self promoting is necessary to keep your name on the lips of buyers and sellers.

Despite the 'domination' (I'm being cheeky), there is no doubt a place for people like me in this market. I believe there will be for a long time to come.  I'm a hand holder.  I sit with my clients, have tea, explain the process, a dozen times if necessary.  I'll check and double check and triple check to make sure every detail is taken care of and to make sure you know exactly what is going on.  I really like my clients. They keep coming back over the years, so I'm thinking the feeling is mutual.

This business can beat you down sometimes, but the minute I started focusing on my own work, the way I have crafted my business to allow me to help others, make a living and feel good about what I do, is the minute I started enjoying my work. Truly. Sincerely.

This is me, and by working with me, this is what you will get.  I'm smart, but kind.  I'm empathetic, but not a door mat. I'll have your back, but tell you if your expectations are unrealistic.

That't why I'm writing this post like a letter to friends, colleagues or long time clients.  If you want an automated system, don't call me. If you like what you've read however, give me a call.

Before I go, this Chilton is going back to her roots.  My name in business will be Rebecca
Van de Worp (my birth name) in the new year.  I can't wait!

Barrie, Ontario is Canada's Safest City!

Barrie, Ontario - What a wonderful place to live!

 

As home values increase due to the draw to this beautiful city and surrounding area, we also get to boast about being Canada's Safest City!

 

There are so many reasons to consider Barrie your new home and when you do, don't forget to contact an experienced, full-time professional like myself to help you navigate the city, find the perfect neighbourhood for you and your family and the perfect house to make your home!

 

www.movingtobarrie.com / Rebecca Chilton, Sales Representative, Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage / 705-627-3530

 

 

Today's flag raising celebrates #Barrie being named Canada’s Safest City! @Mayor_Jeff @BarriePolice @StatCan_eng

 

 

 

courtesy of CTV news, August 26, 2014

 

Moving to Barrie has never been better!

With a stunning waterfront, a vibrant downtown and great parks and schools, Barrie is an amazing place to call home!

Affordability for first time buyers still exists in our area!  It is more affordable to carry a mortgage than it is to pay rent to your landlord every month - by far!  You may be surprised to learn that you could qualify for a mortgage, so don't be afraid to contact me and ask how to find out.

Whatever your real estate plans are, I have over 11 years of full-time experience to help you get there! 

Check out www.movingtobarrie.com ,  a simple website designed to highlight your home, the beauty of Barrie and area and to let you know a little about myself.  This is not a site cluttered with an over-abundance of information, on purpose!  This site is simplified because the most important things when selling your house or buying a new one are using an experienced, knowledgeable professional, and choosing someone who puts your needs and interests first!

Now, check out what's going on in and around Barrie in the month of June.  Details and more information on the listed events can be found at www.tourismbarrie.com.

June

Lawn Chair Luminata - Outdoor Film Series
Event Start Date:06/04/2014 9:00 PM
Event End Date:08/27/2014 11:59 PM
more... Date: June - August, 2014 Location: Waterfront - Heritage Park and Centennial Park Contact: www.barriefilmfestival.ca Description:  The Barrie Film Festival invites you to enjoy a free outdoor screening in the park. Bring your blanket or lawn chair for a film under the stars. Seven free outdoor screenings this year in Barrie's downtown and on the beautiful waterfront. Select Wednesdays during JUne, July & August. Event Time: At dusk, approximately 9:15pm Admission: Free

 

32nd Annual Spring Automotive Flea Market
Event Start Date:06/05/2014 7:00 AM
Event End Date:06/08/2014 7:00 PM
more... Date: June 5 - 8, 2014 Location: Burls Creek Family Event Park, 8th Line of Oro, Oro-Medonte Contact: (705) 487-3663; www.burlscreek.com Description: Canada's Finest Automotive Flea market offers everything from collectibles & classic cars to those hard to find car parts. If you can't find it here, you can't find it here, you can't find it anywhere. It's a car lover's dream - Car Sales Corral, Sunday Auto Auction, Show & Shine and thousands of vendors. You won't believe your eyes, Bring your friends & Family and stay in our convenient campground. One of the largest of its kind in North America. Something for everyone, from t-shirts to Model T’s. Event Time: Thurs - Sat: 7am - 7pm; Sun: 7am - 5pm Admission:  $10.00 Daily Admissions $20.00 Weekend Pass (Thursday-Sunday) $5.00 Parking Fee per Vehicle

 

The Kool FM Barrie Jazz & Blues Festival
Event Start Date:06/05/2014 11:00 AM
Event End Date:06/16/2014 5:00 PM
more... Date: June 5 - 16, 2014 Location: Various Venues Throughout Barrie Contact: (705) 739-9444; www.barriejazzbluesfest.com Description: Featuring some of the best Canadian and International Jazz and Blues artists performing on over 25 venues throughout the Barrie area. Event Time: Various times, please visit www.barriejazzbluesfest.com for a full schedule.

 

Celebrate Barrie's Youth Battle of the Bands
Event Start Date:06/06/2014 7:00 PM
Event End Date:06/06/2014 11:00 PM
more... Celebrate Barrie’s Youth Battle of the Bands! Presented by the City of Barrie Friday, June 6, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Centennial Park The fourth annual Battle of the Bands will be kicking off Celebrate Barrie. Selected bands will take the stage and be judged by a panel of local musicians for the chance to win prizes. The event will feature up to six musical performances at Centennial Park from 7 to 10 p.m. and will highlight Barrie and area’s young musical talent. This free musical showcase promotes Barrie’s up-and-coming young bands while providing a fun and entertaining show. If you are a young musician, come out and show off your talent, and if you’re a fan of local music, come out and support our young artists. Interested in performing? Band members must be under 21 years of age Submit band bio along with recorded music or links to recorded music to the Department of Culture, 56 Mulcaster Street, or to adyke@barrie.ca (contact 705-739-4285 for more info) Submission deadline is 4:30 pm Wednesday, April 30th Great prizes for the winners, including recording time at One Star Studio, gift certificate from Music Pro and performance time at Canada Day or Kempenfest.

 

15th Annual Celebrate Barrie
Event Start Date:06/07/2014 10:00 AM
Event End Date:06/07/2014 5:00 PM
more... Date: June 7, 2014 Location: Barrie Waterfront, Kempenfelt bay Contact: (705) 739-4299; www.barrie.ca Description: Celebrate our community with free family fun! The festivities will include rides and inflatables, petting zoo and animal displays, local entertainment, historic village and re-enactments, and over 50 community groups providing hands-on activities for kids. Event Time: 10am - 5pm Admission: Free

 

Wheels & Tracks in Motion
Event Start Date:06/07/2014 10:00 AM
Event End Date:06/08/2014 4:00 PM
more... Date: June 7 - 8, 2014 Location: Simcoe County Museum, 1151 Highway 26, Minesing Contact: (705) 728-3721; museum.simcoe.ca Description: Browse through the vintage construction equipment, tractors, classic trucks and other historic pieces set up around the Museum grounds.  Take a wagon ride out to the gravel pits to see live demonstrations of steam powered rollers and shovels, vintage road building equipment, rock crushing, grading, hoisting and much more.  Kids of all ages will love the hands-on, up-close experience of watching these machines in action! In addition to the machinery displays and demonstrations, you will be able to stroll around the Museum grounds and see the permanent displays, as well as visit the indoor galleries and vendor area.  Refreshments are available at the concession booth.  Regular Museum admission rates apply. Get your inner kid in gear and join us at the Museum for an unforgettable day of historical construction equipment in motion! Event Time: 10am - 4pm Admission: $6.00

 

Legend Races at Sunset Speedway
Event Start Date:06/07/2014 6:30 PM
Event End Date:06/07/2014 11:59 PM
more... It’s that time of the week for you to feel the rush! This Saturday June 7th at 6:30 PM we are starting a grand day of races - It’s legends weekend at Sunset Speedway! Prepare for the most diverse day of racing this month as we are host to 4 different race series on Saturday. Prepare to enjoy our legends races where we pit rookies that have never raced before on the same track with veterans that have raced for years. The legends races are the most affordable, competitive and fun for amateur and advanced racers - its the series that fans want to see and drivers want to race in. Following our legends races are the Canadian Vintage Modifieds where you can see your favorite classic Canadian modified cars battling it out for the win. Stay for the exciting Hurricane Midgets. This unique series features ¼ scale sprint style cars powered by snowmobile engines! The hurricanes are just entering their 2nd race in the series. Come see the tension rise as current leader John Karley fights to keep his spot from 2nd place rival Brian Atkinson. Finally, the super fun mini stocks will be speeding down the oval track to bring in the night. Purchase tickets online or come down to Sunset International Speedway at 6918 Yonge St in Innisfil to purchase general admission tickets. It’s always smart to show up early to get your tickets and seats - gates are open 90 minutes prior to race starts. Want to know more? See our race schedule at SunsetSpeedway.ca or call us at 705 436 2445! You don’t want to miss this weekend - its going to be legendary!

 

Tribute to the Beatles
Event Start Date:06/07/2014 7:30 PM
Event End Date:06/07/2014 9:30 PM
more... Date: Saturday June 7, 2014 Location: Hi-Way Pentecostal Church, 50 Anne Street North, Barrie Contact: BarrieConcertBand@gmail.com Description: The band will pay tribute to the Beatles' 50th anniversary of their U.S. debut to appear on the ED Sullivan Show in February 1964. Music has never been the same since. Event Time: 7:30pm - 9:30pm Admission: Adults - $15; Seniors - $10; Student (with ID)/Children over 5 - $10; Children 5 and under - Free Tickets will be available at the door and the following outlets in May: - Tourism Barrie - Southshore Centre, 205 Lakeshore Drive, Barrie - Other Locations TBA: See www.barrieconcertband.org for updates

 

National Aboriginal Day
Event Start Date:06/20/2014 10:00 AM
Event End Date:06/20/2014 5:00 PM
more... Date: June 20, 2014 Location: Sainte Marie among the Hurons, 16164 Highway 12 East, Midland Contact: (705) 526-7838; www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca Description:  The Huron (Wendat) people are integral to the Sainte-Marie story, and the historic site continues to share aspects of Aboriginal culture today. Join us on National Aboriginal Day June 20 and at the Aboriginal Festival June 21-22, as we pay tribute to Canada's First nations with drumming, dancing, singing, special on-site activities, and displays. On-going activities throughout the day will include: Children's crafts, displays, First Nations food, 17th century fire-starting, bracelet making, clay workshop, basket making demonstrations, First Nations Games and much more. Event Time: 10am - 5pm Admission: Adults $12.00 Seniors (65+) $10.00 Students (13+) $10.50 Youth (6-12) $9.25 Children 5 years and under free

 

Canadian All Truck Nationals
Event Start Date:06/21/2014 12:00 AM
Event End Date:06/22/2014 12:00 AM
more... Date: June 21 - 22, 2014 Location: Burl's Creek Family Event Park, 8th Line Oro Medonte Contact: (705) 487-3663; www.burlscreek.com Description: Big Rig Show & Shine, Antique Trucks, displays and more. Event Time: TBA Admission: $15.00 Daily

 

MEC Paddlefest Barrie
Event Start Date:06/21/2014 9:00 AM
Event End Date:06/21/2014 5:00 PM
more... Date: June 21, 2014 Location: Centennial Beach Park, Lakeshore Drive, Barrie Contact: barriepaddlefest@mec.ca; http://events.mec.ca/event/15373/mec-paddlefest-barrie Description: Dive into the world of kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding. We’ve got lots on deck at our paddling festival – and everyone’s welcome. You can go for a test paddle, learn skills at a clinic, browse exhibitor’s booths, and hunt for deals at the Paddle Swap.  Bring your friends and family, and celebrate the fun of floating. Event Time: 9am - 5pm Admission: Free entry/ $10 each clinic

 

Aboriginal Festival Weekend
Event Start Date:06/21/2014 10:00 AM
Event End Date:06/22/2014 5:00 PM
more... Date: June 21 - 22, 2014 Location: Sainte Marie among the Hurons, 16164 Highway 12 East, Midland Contact: (705) 526-7838; www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca Description: The Huron (Wendat) people are integral to the Sainte-Marie story, and the historic site continues to share aspects of Aboriginal culture today. Join us on National Aboriginal Day June 21 and at the Aboriginal Festival June 21-22, as we pay tribute to Canada's First nations with drumming, dancing, singing, special on-site activities, and displays.  On-going activities throughout the day include: Children's crafts, displays, First Nation Artisans, Make corn husk figures, First Nations Foods, 17th century fire starting, bracelet making, cly workshop, basket making demonstrations, First Nations games and much more. Event Time: 10am - 5pm Admission: Adults $12.00 Seniors (65+) $10.00 Students (13+) $10.50 Youth (6-12) $9.25 Children 5 years and under free

 

10th Annual Kids Fishing Day
Event Start Date:06/22/2014 9:00 AM
Event End Date:06/22/2014 1:00 PM
more... Date: June 22, 2014 Location: Heritage Park Contact: www.teachakidtofish.com Description: Our goal is to offer children an opportunity to experience fishing, learn about conservation, and have lots of fun, compliments of the Kempenfelt Rotary Club and our corporate sponsors. This event is open to children 13 years of age and under. Required: 1. A guardian. 2. A fishing rod. 3. Internet Registration. 4. A signed Release Form. 5. Appropriate clothing for weather (i.e., sunscreen, hats, rain gear, etc.) Provided: 1. Entertainment, games, fun park and crafts. 2. Bait. 3. Some fishing rods and tackle will be available on a loan basis by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters. Event Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm Registration begins at 9am and continues until 11am (Registration table located at the Spirit Catcher) Admission: Free

 

Colour Blast
Event Start Date:06/28/2014 9:00 AM
Event End Date:06/28/2014 5:00 PM
more... Date: Saturday June 28, 2014 Location: Hardwood Ski & BIke, 402 Old Barrie Road West, Oro Contact: info@canadiancolourblast.ca; www.canadiancolourblast.ca Description: A new colour-throwing run is hitting Canadian cities this summer! Canadian Colour Blast is a 5km non-timed colour throwing fun run that is suitable for all levels of fitness and all ages (yes, even the little ones can join you)! The philosophy behind the run is Maximum Colour. Maximum Fun. So, grab your best friends, family, or colleagues and join us! We are blasting through Barrie on Saturday, June 28th. The fun starts at registration and ticks into high gear at the starting line where our high-energy emcees will get participants dancing, singing, laughing and ready to run. Oh yeah...there might be some colour throwing there too. As the participants finish the race, they will head over to the festival stage for some more music, dancing and colour. To register visit www.canadiancolourblast.ca

 

38th Annual Promenade Days & Canada Day
Event Start Date:06/28/2014 10:00 AM
Event End Date:07/01/2014 7:00 PM
more...