How To Pick A Realtor

Applicable to anywhere you are. Here's a post from a Realtor in Toronto.

There are thousands of realtors in Toronto. Here’s how to pick one.

With more than 34,000 active agents working in the Greater Toronto Area, you should be able to find exactly the right person you need to help you buy a home. Here’s how.

BY: DAVID FLEMING

I’m not the right realtor for everyone. No one is. In a sea of more than 34,000 active agents working in the Greater Toronto Area, you should be able to find exactly the right person you need to help you buy a house or condo, or to help you sell your home. But I’m of the opinion that many of those 34,000 realtors aren’t worth their salt, and at the risk of angering my industry colleagues, I’ll go on record and say there are just too damn many of us.

You need to know how to sort through the crap. There are a host of considerations, but the most important one is fit. You’ll need to work with this person for weeks and weeks on end—the buying process can drag on for months, and the selling process, if done correctly, should include a month of preparation before a home goes on the market for one to four weeks. Would you feel comfortable driving around for hours with this person, or spending several evenings examining your home with them? Here are some other important factors you should keep in mind when choosing a realtor:

Experience. Sorry to say, but a scary number of twentysomething agents watch too many real-estate TV shows and think that drinking Starbucks and driving a Mercedes is all the job entails. Make sure your realtor has pounded the pavement for at least a few years. On the flip side, if your realtor talks about being the No. 2 salesman in the company back in 1988, perhaps the old-timer isn’t as in touch with today’s market as he or she should be.

Knowledge. A smart realtor knows the whole city and does not “specialize” in one particular pocket. Technology has changed the industry and made it easier to keep track of what’s happening across Toronto. What good is your buyer-agent if they know Riverdale and Leslieville, but have no idea what’s going on west of Dufferin?

Business model. Your agent is also a part-time nightclub promoter? Really? Is that who you want representing you in your largest purchase or sale? The idea of a part-time realtor is a dream, save for those sixtysomethings who sell two properties a year for their families. Make sure your realtor works full-time—and in this market, that means 50 hours a week.

Marketing/advertising. If your listing agent says, “This property will sell itself. There isn’t much to do here,” run. The reality is, a major part of a listing agent’s job is figuring out how to effectively market the property. The question you need to ask listing agents is, “How are you going to make my property look better than what it’s actually worth?”

Reputation. There are some realtors so well known that their names alone will bring in more for a property. Names and brokerages are brands that have value, like Nike or Coke. Cooperating agents know that you can’t mess around with them and you can’t lowball them.

Trust. There is a difference between a consumer advocate and a salesperson. Many realtors are just after the next paycheque. But there are also realtors who recognize the value in satisfying their clients. Do you trust that your realtor will give you brutal honesty when you need it most? Try getting a recommendation from a friend, or group of friends, who have all used the same realtor and would use him or her again.

Volume. You’re not out of line if you ask your agent how much business they do. It’s an important question, and you need to know if he or she only had one listing last year, or if he or she did 60 deals and is at the top of the company.

With almost no barriers to entry in our industry, I suspect that the number of active realtors will continue to grow, before shrinking rapidly if and when the market ever corrects. This is all the more reason to choose your realtor carefully, and ensure you’re in good hands when you make one of the largest financial decisions of your life.

Council Approves 2012 County of Simcoe Budget

Council Approves 2012 County of Simcoe Budget - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Simcoe County Council today approved a $400-million budget for 2012 which 
responds to the growing demand for regional human services, makes investments in needed capital infrastructure and addresses challenges from continued growth and the economy.


“Simcoe County’s 2012 budget is a sound financial plan that meets the needs of our residents across all 18 area municipalities,” said Warden Cal Patterson. 


“As we continue along our path of long-term fiscal stability, we also 
recognize the increased need for social assistance programs, required investment in our long term care homes, and continued improvement of our infrastructure.”


Residents will see a 1.5 per cent increase on the County portion of their municipal property taxes in 2012, an impact of approximately $7.97 on a property assessed at $200,000. While the increase is lower than the
Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Cost of Living influences, it still addresses the increasing needs of our residents and our growth related infrastructure.


“County Council worked diligently through this challenging budget process while keeping the wellbeing of our residents at the forefront of every decision,” said Deputy Warden Harry Hughes. “Council was eager to approve the 2012 budget prior to the new fiscal year, which places us in a good financial position with respect to seeking tenders for capital projects.”


2012 Budget Highlights include:
Total County Expenditures for 2011: $400 million:

• Ontario Works $94 million
• Long Term Care $71 million
• Transportation and Engineering $45 million
• Solid Waste Management $47 million
• Social Housing $32 million
• Paramedics $37 million
• Children and Community Services $23 million

The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. 


For more information contact:
Lealand Sibbick, 
Deputy Treasurer
705-726-9300 ext. 1174


Jennifer Straw
Communications Co-ordinator
705-726-9300 ext. 1036

Top 10 Real Estate Investment Places of Canada

Top 10 Deals in Canadian Real Estate

Top 10 Deals in Canadian Real Estate

We may not have been affected by the mortgage crisis like our neighbours to the south, but not every real estate market across Canada is a low-risk investment. That's why a group called the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN) has released a list of the best investment cities across Canada, based on a series of key criteria. The worst thing to do would be to jump into the market because you believe everything you read, or you fall in love with a property on an emotional level, says Don Campbell, author of Real Estate Investing In Canada and president of REIN. Click through to see the cities which made REIN's top 10 list.

10. Waterloo

Home of Blackberry's Research In Motion and Open Text, Waterloo is the high-tech twin to Kitchener. It naturally attracts new immigrants and students to an area that is already a draw because of its post-secondary institutions. However, a proposed rental licensing system and tighter restrictions (which would result in higher costs for some landlords) could limit investment potential, cautions REIN president, Don Campbell. For that reason, Waterloo is in tenth place, well behind Kitchener.

 9. Red Deer

Because of its position between the growth spots of Edmonton and Calgary, it is impossible for Red Deer not to become a great place for real estate investment. The area has seen a lot of growth in the last seven years, becoming a hub of commercial and retail activity for central Alberta. Better transportation has meant job and population growth, drawing people from all over. REIN predicts growing pains, and suggests investors carefully review city plans for opportunities.

8. Simcoe Shores (Barrie & Orillia)

It used to be the gateway to Ontario's cottage country, but Simcoe Shores has developed into an economic force of its own. With the expansion of post-secondary institutions in the area, the job base is growing, and so too is the need for student housing. There is also a strong new housing market and demand for condominiums as the population ages and downsizes. That means a wealth of opportunity for investors.

 7. St. Albert

You might not have heard of St. Albert, Alta., the little area in the northwest corner of Edmonton, but it offers great investment potential. The suburban city is enjoying the spin-off of Edmonton's current economic boom, which will only get better once the city's Ring Road is completed. It will translate into better airport access, more jobs, more commercial and residential growth, and a flourishing economy for a town that has a generally well-educated population. The town has also developed a major retail centre for the northern region, and will continue to draw new companies.

6. Kitchener & Cambridge

The high-tech industry in Kitchener means jobs, which mean residents, which mean growth. Major companies like Google and Christie Digital have been the catalyst for other high-tech companies. As a result, there is a $35 million redevelopment of old downtown commercial property underway, with Facebook rumoured to be one of the tenants. The charm of heritage housing just adds to the appeal of a region that is ideally situated because of key transit links that include the GO train, Highway 401 and easy access to the airport. There is also a progressive economic development team in the region that helps to foster growth.

5. Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows

For a place whose development was stalled by a lack of connecting highways and bridges, the pastoral suburb sure has transformed itself. Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows has secured the No. 2 position on REIN's top 10 regions of B.C., and that's for the next five years. Companies and residents are moving into the region because of infrastructure that includes the Golden Ears Bridge and Pitt River Bridge, and the upcoming Port Mann Bridge. The ease of access to downtown and affordable housing is a major plus for commuters. There's also a major new mall, an indicator of growth. 'For a district of that size, I've never dealt with a more professional group,' says REIN's Don Campbell. 'That means they are working hard to bring companies in. The Port Mann Bridge is set to open in 2013, meaning the region will continue to have strong investment potential.

 4. Surrey

British Columbians are well aware that Surrey is a success story. The second largest city in B.C. has totally transformed its image from mere suburb to one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. In the next few years, it's forecast that Surrey will overtake Vancouver as the largest city in the province. It is an excellent investment region because of two border crossings to the U.S., infrastructure that includes links to five major highways, four railways, sea docks, a population boom and a strong rental market. As well, under the helm of mayor Dianne Watts, the city has dedicated itself to reducing crime and improving its overall image. The REIN report advises that investors look at neighbourhoods on a micro level, even looking at a street's characteristics before deciding to buy.

3. Hamilton

This former steel town is now the No. 1 investment town in Ontario, according to REIN. The town is enjoying a bit of a renaissance thanks to forward-thinking government and an economic development team, as well as expansion by way of a major industrial park and at McMaster University, not to mention industrial, commercial, residential and recreational developments throughout the city.

 2. Edmonton

Edmonton scores points for having a 'perennial over-achieving market,' as well as neighbourhoods that are affordable, central to jobs, and easily accessible by transit. Job growth is on the way, which will draw more migrants to the city, says REIN president Don Campbell. 'We will begin to witness market norms and balance being achieved in the coming years, without the frenzy of the last boom, or the fear of the last downturn.' Edmontonians will be pleased that the forecast is for the city to be at the top of the country's list, in terms of economy, resale housing and rental stock. As well, infrastructure improvements, including a light rapid transit line, mean positive investor potential.

1. Calgary

In the aftermath of its real estate boom, Calgary has now entered a stable and more realistic correction phase. The Real Estate Investment Network sees the provincial economy about to enjoy another growth spurt, which means, coupled with this phase of affordability, Calgary is an ideal city for investment right now. And when the growth spurt does happen, it won't be the crazy unstable boom of that recent real estate peak. It needed a correction, and it got it, which is a good thing for Calgary.

Re-Post Growth Trend of Simcoe County/Simcoe Shores

Thinking of Relocating to Barrie, Innisfil or other location in the County of Simcoe Area? Growth Trend Info Here... (*note this was an original blog post back in 2007 so interesting to see the relevance it still has today!)

I'm posting this in case you're not familiar with the Barrie, Innisfil, Springwater, Horseshoe Valley and County of Simcoe Area.

If you're thinking about relocating,  or have clients which are thinking of this area. I'm posting an article which was also noted a few weeks ago in the Barrie Advance. Simcoe County did a housing needs assessment which analyzed the population, growth trends, socio-economic data and housing to determine what Simcoe County must plan to do to address short-term shortages and long-term challenges. 

In case you don't know where we are, we're just a little North of Toronto and not a bad commute. We also have the implementation of the "GO" Train which apparently should be here in late fall of this year (2007). There's much going on here and there's also talks of surrounding areas being developed.

According to the City of Barrie and Census done:

Demographic:

•    Simcoe County population increased 58 per cent between 1986 and 2001. The fastest-growing areas were Wasaga Beach (142.4 per cent), Barrie (114 per cent) and Innisfil (87 per cent). They account for over half of the county’s population growth.
•    Population aging: The under-34 bracket declined seven per cent, while the 45-64 demographic increased 4.4 per cent and the over-65 group increased 3.6 per cent.
•    Age distribution varies by municipality: Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Ramara and Orillia have more seniors, and the northern areas are attracting older adults who are retiring. For example, one in five people in Wasaga Beach is a senior.
•    Southern municipalities have a larger proportion of children and youth; Innisfil, New Tecumseth and Adjala-Tosorontio each have over one-third of their populations between 20 and 34.
•    Households are smaller, with one and two people representing 54 per cent. This shows a need for unit types to accommodated smaller households and singles.
•    Projections show highest growth in Barrie and Wasaga.
•    Manufacturing is the largest employment sector in the County, followed by retail, health care, social assistant, hospitality and food services and construction. The diverse labour market requires a diverse housing stock.
•    The number of full-time jobs showed a strong increase from 1996 to 2001, but some municipalities still have a higher percentage of part-time; Midland, for example, has almost 29 per cent of its labour force working part-time.
•    Income in Simcoe County is higher than the national average but lower than the provincial average, and income varies considerably by municipality. Northern municipalities have lower incomes (less than $30,000/year), while the more-southern ones have a higher average, as compared to the county and province.
•    Shelter allowances for Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program are well below market levels and have changed little over the past 10 years.

Housing supply:
•    Single detached dwellings comprise 76 per cent of the housing stock in the county.
•    Lower mortgage rates helped increase the level of ownership; in 2001, 78.5 per cent of the dwellings were owned, up 4.5 per cent from 1991.
•    Proportion of renter households is greater in Barrie and Orillia; at 28 per cent in Barrie and 37 per cent in Orillia.
•    Youth and seniors account for half of those who rent.
•    The age of rental housing is older. Over one-third was built prior to 1961, which includes 20 per cent built prior to 1945.
•    Average house prices continue to rise; between 1996 and 2005, prices rose an average of 8 per cent per year.
•    Average price in 2005 was $223,299; forecasts show the price will reach $285,424 in 2009.
•    Over half the homes listen on MLS were priced at over $250,000 in November 2006.
•    Habitat for Humanity is providing options in Simcoe County; the agency has built 23 homes so far.
•    Vacancy rates are at or below 2.8 per cent and most are at the higher end of the market (over $800/month).

Much success in health, health and happiness!
Shannon P. Murree, Sales Representative RE/MAX Chay Realty Inc, Brokerage


"It's not just about buildings, it's building relationships"
Follow Shannon on:
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Barrie and Orillia Remains Tops In Real Estate Report!

Barrie and Orillia tops in real estate: report

Posted 7 months ago

Barrie and Orillia are once again near the top of the list of the best places in Ontario for real estate investment.
Simcoe Shores follows Hamilton and the Kitchener/Cambridge areas as the third best place for residential real estate investment, in an analysis of top Ontario investment towns.
And even though it's expected to outperform other markets over the next three to five years a local realtor who specializes in real estate investment said the third-place ranking for the second consecutive year shouldn't be taken for granted. Barrie has to ensure all aspects of the city remain desirable to investors.
Every year the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN) releases its top-10 list of Ontario cities and towns and Barrie, along with Orillia as Simcoe Shores, once again made the list.
"Real estate investing is driven by the economy, job growth, in-migration, infrastructure," said Melanie Reuter, a co-author of the report.
She points to the many projects currently on the go that make Barrie desirable for people looking to invest in residential real estate: the expansion and new cancer care centre at Royal Victoria Hospital, infrastructure upgrades, attention to downtown, the GO train and Barrie's second GO station in development and Georgian College with its expansion and university partnerships.
"In times of recession people go to school and in good times people go to school," said Reuter. "And we love transportation. You can afford to live in Barrie and commute elsewhere."

The city's designation as a growth centre will also help attract jobs and its economy overall, according to the report. And it's considered to have one of the lowest business cost environments in the country.

Shannon Murree works exclusively with residential real estate investors in Barrie through Remax Chay Realty Inc., offers property management is also a member of REIN and occasional speaker. REIN's ranking, she said, reflects the appeal of the city on many levels.

"Definitely, with whats going on in the development in Barrie... you can see the cranes, the construction," she said. "People want to come live and play here.

"If Barrie wants to stay on the radar of the top-10 places to invest in, they need to make sure they make it investment friendly."

Restrictions in residential areas could restrict investors, she warns, pointing to crackdowns in east-end neighbourhoods known to be occupied by college students.

REIN is a real estate research organization. Its report analyzes the current and future prospects for real estate investment opportunities in Ontario, picking the top regions.




REIN's top investment towns:

#1 Hamilton
#2 Kitchener & Cambridge
#3 Simcoe Shores -- Orillia & Barrie
#4 Waterloo
#5 Brampton
#6 Ottawa
#7 Durham Region (Whitby, Pickering, and Ajax)
#8 Toronto
#9 Brantford
#10 Vaughan

Thanks to Marg Bruineman of the Barrie Examiner

Investment Ideal in Simcoe, Report Says

Investment Ideal in Simcoe, Report Says

Barrie and Orillia are once again near the top of the list of the best places in Ontario for real-estate investment.

Simcoe Shores follows Hamilton and the Kitchener/Cambridge areas as the third-best place for residential real estate investment, in an analysis of top Ontario investment towns.

And even though it's expected to outperform other markets over the next three to five years, a local realtor who specializes in real-estate investment said the third-place ranking for the second consecutive year shouldn't be taken for granted. Barrie has to ensure all aspects of the city remain desirable to investors.

Every year, the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN) releases its top-10 list of Ontario cities and towns and Barrie, along with Orillia as Simcoe Shores, once again made the list.

"Real estate investing is driven by the economy, job growth, in-migration, infrastructure," said Melanie Reuter, a co-author of the report.

She points to the many projects currently on the go that make Barrie desirable for people looking to invest in residential real estate: the expansion and new cancer care centre at Royal Victoria Hospital, infrastructure upgrades, attention to downtown, the GO train and Barrie's second GO station in development, and Georgian College with its expansion and university partnerships.

"In times of recession people go to school and in good times people go to school," said Reuter. "And we love transportation. You can afford to live in Barrie and commute elsewhere."

The city's designation as a growth centre will also help attract jobs and its economy overall, according to the report. And it's considered to have one of the lowest business cost environments in the country.

Shannon Murree works exclusively with residential real estate investors in Barrie through Remax Chay Realty Inc., which offers property management and is also a member of REIN and an occasional speaker. REIN's ranking, she said, reflects the appeal of the city on many levels.

"Definitely, with whats going on in the development in Barrie... you can see the cranes, the construction," she said. "People want to come live and play here.

"If Barrie wants to stay on the radar of the top-10 places to invest in, they need to make sure they make it investment friendly."


Restrictions in residential areas could restrict investors, she warns, pointing to crackdowns in east-end neighbourhoods known to be occupied by college students.

REIN is a real estate research organization. Its report analyzes the current and future prospects for real estate investment opportunities in Ontario, picking the top regions.

The Top 10 List
1. Hamilton
2. Kitchener & Cambridge
3. Simcoe Shores — (Barrie & Orillia)
4. Waterloo
5. Brampton
6. Ottawa
7. Durham Region - (Whitby, Pickering, and Ajax)
8. Toronto
9. Brantford
10. Vaughan

(originally posted May 12, 2011 Marg Bruineman, The Barrie Examiner)

Barrie and Orillia - Simcoe Shores Worth Investing In - Report Says

Housing started picked up in September due to an increase in multiple starts in the Atlantic region, Quebec and in British Columbia,” said Mathieu Laberge, Deputy Chief Economist at CMHC's Market Analysis Centre. Multiple housing starts are expected to move back towards levels consistent with demographic fundamentals in the near term. 

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased by 8.0% to 185,900 units in September. Multiple urban starts were up by 14.2% to 118,000 units while urban single starts decreased by 1.5% in September to 67,900 units. 

September's seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased by 47.0% in the Atlantic region, 32.0% in Quebec and by 18.6% in British Columbia while urban starts decreased by 3.5% in Ontario and by 12.1% in the Prairie region. Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 20,000 units in September. 

Residential property sales recorded through the MLS® System of the Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® Inc. came in well above year-ago levels for the third consecutive month in September 2011, and stood on par with some of the strongest September sales figures on record. 

Home sales numbered 387 units in September, an increase of 17 per cent over the same month last year. Within the City of Barrie, gains were in line with the overall trend for the region and showed 243 residential sales, up 19 per cent. 

The year-to-date average price for all homes sold via the Association's MLS® System in the first nine months of 2011 is now $289,254, up two per cent from last year. 

For the City of Barrie alone, the figure is $269,258. 

The Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® cautions that over a period of time, the use of average price information can be useful in establishing trends, but it does not indicate actual prices in widely divergent areas or account for price differences between geographical areas. 

The dollar value of all home sales in September 2011 was $113 million, up eight per cent from last September. 

The Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® covers a geographical area that includes the City of Barrie as well as part or all of the surrounding townships, including Springwater, Oro-Medonte, Innisfil, Essa, Bradford-West Gwillimbury and Clearview. 

Mark Wanzel photo

There have been a few articles written in The Barrie Examiner  in which I have had the pleasure of providing my experience of working with Real Estate Investors. Appreciate the opportunity of giving our "expert" opinion given over 90% of our business is solely working with Investors. ran under the headline, "Investment ideal here, report says."  The Real Estate Investment Network (REIN)ranked the Barrie & Orillia area third-best in the province for residential real estate investment, behind only Hamilton and Kichener/Cambridge. 

The report took into account such factors as the local economy, job growth, in-migration, and infrastructure.  The report's co-author, Melanie Reuter, cited many reasons that make the "Simcoe Shores" area attractive to real estate investors, including expansion of the Royal Victoria Hospital and Georgian College, infrastructure improvements, and the second GO train station.

This confirms what we all knew or at least suspected already - that our area is a great place to live, work, and invest in real estate!

County of Simcoe - One Of Ontario and Canada's Fastest Growing Areas

The County of Simcoe is one of Ontario and Canada's fastest growing areas located just north of the Greater Toronto Region.

Located in Central Ontario fronting onto the shorelines of Georgian Bay and Lake Simcoe, the County of Simcoe has long been seen as one of Ontario's premier outdoor playgrounds. The County of Simcoe is blessed with some of the province's most popular outdoor recreation attractions. Whether you are into skiing, fishing, boating, golfing, biking, hiking or just plain relaxing, the County of Simcoe can fulfil your every need.

The County of Simcoe has a very diverse economic base and benefits from its close proximity to Canada's major domestic and international markets. With a strong mix of industrial, commercial, tourism and agricultural sectors and strong post secondary institutions the County of Simcoe has everything you need to help your business grow and prosper. We look forward to speaking with you on how your business can prosper and grow in the County of Simcoe, "For the Greater Good".

Population by Age

2006 Age 14 and under:  47,490 Age 15 to 24:  33,095 Age 25 to 44:  67,020 Age 45 to 64:  75,215 Age 65 to 74:  22,425 Age 75 and over:  16,815 Total Population:  262,048   Source:  Statistics Canada, Census of Population 2006 NOTE: The Census of Population is collected every five years and the data is released over the following year. The last census was held in the summer of 2006.

Population by Education

2006 Total Population 15 to 65 years and over by highest certificate, diploma or degree: 212,020    No certificate, diploma or degree: 53,685 Certificate, diploma or degree: 158,290    High school certificate or equivalent 60,430 Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma 23,745 College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma 43,900 University certificate, diploma or degree 30,170   Source:  Statistics Canada, Census of Population 2006 NOTES: -   The Census of Population is collected every five years and the data is released over the following year. The last census was held in the summer of 2006.

Labour Force

2006 Total In Labour Force: 142,540 Total Out of Labour Force: 69,485 Total Population (15 years+): 212,030   Total Employed: 134,620 Total Unemployed: 7,915   Source:  Statistics Canada, Census of Labour Force 2006 NOTES: -   Total population; 15 years of age and over by labour force activity (20% sample data). -   The Census of Labour Force is collected every five years and data is released over the coming year. The last census was held in the summer of 2006.

Labour Force by Industry

2006 Mining: 335 Agriculture: 3,530 Manufacturing: 22,580 Construction: 13,095 Finance and Insurance: 3,200 Real Estate: 2,665 Wholesale Trade: 6,475 Retail Trade: 16,115 Transportation: 6,595 Professional & Scientific: 6,390 Health Care: 12,635   Source:  Statistics Canada, Census of Labour Force 2006 NOTE: The Census of Labour Force is collected every five years and data is released over the coming year. The last census was held in the summer of 2006. Source - Simcoe.com