Mark it on your calendar! THE WEST PRESALE EVENT | 2-DAYS ONLY! Oct 15th & 16th, 2011 | 185-205 Dunlop St E. Barrie, Ontario.  New Lakefront Condos for sale.

Five tips to consider when purchasing a condo in Barrie.

When doing your initial searching for condos using the Barrie MLS, you will be narrowing your search down to the right unit for your budget and using other personal preferences, but you should also think about the resale strategy for the unit.  This is where a condo real estate professional will work with you.

Functional Layouts – ask your condo professional what floor plan layouts have sold well over time in the particular condominium building you are looking at.  Certain models are more popular than others.  Sometimes this is due to the functional layout in terms of fitting your furniture into the space.  People sometimes have a hard time with non-rectangular space where they can’t fit furniture. The space becomes unusable.

Barrie Condos For Sale - Natural Light & Functional Layouts

Closet & Storage Space – choose a unit with adequate closet space that includes a small linen closet for those essential items – especially for guests.   The kitchen layout will also determine how much space you will have for dishes and glassware.  Remember that you may have dinner parties for 4 – 6 people.

Unit Location – is the unit close to the elevators or the garbage chute?  Is the unit at ground level where traffic noise can be an issue if the windows are open during the summer months?

Natural light – corner or front units provide the most natural light in waterfront condos.  Depending upon your taste, you may like morning light or late afternoon light.  An abundance of natural light, especially to a buyer during the sales presentation, increases the chance of a sale.

Views – trees, green space, city landscape or waterfront – everyone wants a great view.  If you are interested in a waterfront view, there are many condos that offer different views that include both the waterfront and our historic downtown.

All of these factors should be taken into consideration when selecting Barrie condos for sale; both personally and for resale.   Your condo real estate sales representative will work with you to identify the right unit for the right market price.

Congratulations on your decision on moving to Barrie Ontario!  Barrie is a wonderful lakeside city located 45 minutes north of Toronto on HWY 400.  The Barrie waterfront on Lake Simcoe (Kempenfelt Bay) offers five kilometers of public walking trails, multiple parks and a marina.

Moving to Barrie - Downtown waterfront view

The historic downtown has many shops, restaurants and nightlife for everyone to enjoy.  With many cultural and festival events throughout the year, you can enjoy the community with sporting events to waterfront festivals.
Because of what the City of Barrie has to offer to residents, many condos have been developed along the waterfront.  You can learn more about Barrie Condos by visiting the Barrie Condo Team website and viewing our online guide to all the condominiums in Barrie.

You want to own a condominium in Barrie—you’ve decided that much. But you’ve still have a lot of decisions and factors to consider before you’re done shopping. Handing your wish-list over to a Barrie Condo Realtor is the fastest way to get exactly what you’re looking for.

Your first, and maybe, biggest consideration is location. Locking down exactly where you want to be is a quick way to shortlist your options.

“Maybe you just like the look and feel of some neighborhoods,” said Stephanie Adams of the Barrie Condo Team.

“Or maybe you want to be on, or close to, the waterfront. Or maybe you’re a commuter who needs to be close to Highway 400.  These are all big factors.”

Now let’s take a look at floor plans. Everyone has different architectural and functional needs, which is why most waterfront condos in Barrie have on average 6-8 different unit types, and the previous owners may have chosen different upgrade options.  This provides a lot of choice.

If you’ve found the building and the suite you like, don’t forget to ask your Realtor if the unit’s view of the lake and/or city is a factor in the price. Panoramic views are big selling features for most condos, but if it’s not a deal-breaker for you, perhaps you can get a better price on a more modest view.

Don’t forget to factor in parking. If you have more than one vehicle, make sure your building can accommodate your needs.  But bare in mind, a lot of people choose a condo in a central location so they can walk to more amenities and cut down to one car.

Also take a close look at the community that each condo offers. You may prefer a building with regular social events or parties.

Stephanie Adams is a Sales Representative at Hassey Realty in Barrie focusing on Barrie Condos, Barrie Waterfront Condos and Barrie townhomes sales.

With the new Province of Ontario’s “Places to Grow” program, and as the largest city centre in Simcoe County, Barrie’s condo and townhome developments will continue to expand. The province’s growth plan under “Places to Grow” outlines the need for better policies and management to control growth and urban sprawl, while protecting the natural environment that includes Lake Simcoe.

One of the ways Barrie will work to control sprawl and protect neighbouring greenspace is through vertical development in the form of multi-family condo and townhome developments, offering current and future residents a range of housing options.

These developments can work within existing Barrie neighbourhoods by working with the natural features of the area, unique planning needs based on roads and current home designs and maximizing lifestyle features.  Many residents and new comers to Barrie want a maintenance free lifestyle, natural lighting, green construction and quality amenities found in new home designs – but want them in smaller open-concept living spaces.  Buyers of Barrie condos and townhomes want easy access to the downtown, shopping, cultural events and dining.  Therefore it will be easy to understand that the downtown and waterfront areas of Barrie will be where most of the vertical development will be focused.

Several condos have been developed along the Barrie waterfront in recent years, including Nautica condos, Waterview and Grand Harbour condos on Toronto Street,  Regatta and Marina Bay condos on Ellen Street.  Townhomes where added to the Nautica condo development to take advantage of urban living with the proximity to the waterfront.

An excellent example of an urban townhome development that has fit perfectly into the natural landscape of the area and neighbouring homes is on White Oaks Rd.  At the Minets Point and Lakeshore Dr. area of Barrie, located at the end of the waterfront walking/bike path, you will find a row of Barrie towhomes designed for urban living.

Future developments in the downtown area include a development called Blue Sails. Situated between the Toronto Street (Grand Harbour & Waterview) condos and the Nautica condo towers along Lakeshore Dr., the Blue Sails development will include two 24 floor condo towers. And feature a restaurant on the top floor and with townhomes and commercial space on Bradford St.

There is another downtown Barrie condo project on schedule for development called “Maple Condo Towers” by Auburn Developments Inc. Located directly across from the bus terminal at Mary St. and Simcoe St., this project will be 15 stories high and will feature easy access to downtown restaurants, marina and include lake views.

The Allandale Village / Train Station development will also be a mixed-use condo development.  The proposed plans state that the development will include: a hotel, condo development, loft-style work office spaces, retail, and GO station.

A recent Barrie Examiner article titled “Barrie Condo owners living the high life” recently highlighted a Pratt Homes condo development, called the Manhattan, in south Barrie that works well with the Places to Grow formula.  It is set into a unique area of Barrie where the units back onto an eco-park, forest and will have a “central park” like area and boardwalk.

Mason Homes is building a townhome project called Townhomes 4U in the south end of Barrie. These open concept townhomes are being built for the first-time home buyers or people looking for a condo lifestyle with upscale kitchen and bathroom amenities.  The layouts look good and the project layout with the landscape drawings look clean and modern.

The Barrie Condo Team focuses on condo and townhome real estate in Barrie.  The time is right in Barrie to have an experienced real estate team focus on a specific need.  Stephanie Adams, Sales Representative at Hassey Realty in Barrie (Hassey Realty Brokerage) is part of the Barrie Condo Team – her energy and focus has already produced positive feedback from customers.  Stephanie’s willingness to provide education around condos and townhomes has lead to publishing a Barrie condo guide and Barrie towhome guide.  Both are found online at our web site – www.barrieCondoTeam.com.  In the spring 2010, the Barrie Condo Team will begin offering seminars that will focus around condo buying and selling, mortgages, insurance, rules and regulations and inspections.  As Stephanie states “we want our clients to feel comfortable and informed during their entire condo real estate transaction”.

Supplemental: Barrie Waterfront Condo Developments Overview

Nautica Condos, Barrie Waterfront

Designed by Ian S. Malcolm, one of Barrie’s finest Architects, Nautica’s unique, full-glass design is a show-stopper and provides each suite with exquisite year-round panoramic views of beautiful Kempenfelt Bay and Barrie’s Waterfront.

Nautica’s stunning two-storey centerpiece, the Garden Terrace Lounge, anchors the two residential towers, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views of Kempenfelt Bay. The Lounge provides a resort-style getaway from the daily grind, with an indoor pool, whirlpool, saunas, and opulent banquet room.
Location: 37 Ellen Street, Barrie, Ontario

Regatta & Marina Bay Condos, Waterfront

One of Barrie’s first waterfront condominium projects, Regatta Condos are still one of the most popular choices for would-be residents due to its’ convenient central location, oversized terraces, and soaring views of Kempenfelt Bay.

Regatta Condos is a crowd-pleaser, offering entry-level pricing and low monthly fees. A must-see for the condo enthusiast!

Location: 65 & 75 Ellen Street, Barrie, Ontario

Grand Harbour & Waterview Condos, Lakefront – Toronto Street

One of Barrie’s luxury condo developments, Grand Harbour’s sophisticated elegance includes two-storey front suites overlooking Barrie’s marina and yacht club. All suites provide sparkling panoramic views of the City and the Waterfront through floor-to-ceiling windows and glass-enclosed balconies.

Grand Harbour’s luxe amenities extend to the games room, banquet hall and lounge featuring a cappuccino bar with full kitchen.

Location: 2 & 6 Toronto Street

Bayshore Landing, Downtown Barrie

One of the most sought-after condominiums in Barrie, Bayshore Landing is conveniently located in Barrie’s historical downtown, just steps to restaurants, fine shops, Talk Is Free Theatre, MacLaren Art Centre, City Hall, and more. Open-concept suites provide panoramic views of the City and the Bay, and the marble and leather-appointed lobby welcomes guests with a luxurious touch.

Location: 140 Dunlop St. East, Barrie, Ontario

Stephanie Adams is a Sales Representative at Hassey Realty in Barrie focusing on Barrie Condos, Barrie Waterfront Condosand Barrie townhomes sales.

If you’re a first time Barrie condo buyer, you may not know what a status certificate is. Trust us, it’s definitely in your best interest to find out– They’re there to protect you.

Your condo status certificate ensures all your questions are answered, and all your expectations are met. It’s a document that maps out all the operational, legal and financial details of your would-be condominium corporation.

“Most importantly, an up-to-date status certificate can help give a prospective purchaser
the peace of mind of knowing the corporations financial affairs are in good order,” said Colin Hassey, of Hassey Property Management.

Once you have it, your lawyer needs to review it to ensure that you don’t need to be concerned with any aspect of the document, and ensure that all key parts of the agreement show up in the status certificate.

“He or she will advise you to either waive or not waive that condition. Like other conditions such as home inspection, financing or sale of the buyer’s property, the status certificate condition is provided for the benefit of the buyer,” said Cesia Green, of Wall-Armstrong and Associate.

The status certificate gives you crucial information about:

Your Barrie Condo Fees: It outlines the amount payable, by unit, for common expenses. It should also tell you about any recent increases to the fees, as well as the reason for that increase.

Your Barrie Condo Corporation: You will also be warned about the status of any legal action currently being taken against the condo corporation. The certificate should also list information about any applications of amendments to the declaration or outstanding judgments.

Your Barrie Condo Culture: Your status certificate gives you a copy of declaration by-laws and rules. It should also list information about any proposed additions or improvements to the common elements.
You will also be given information like the number of leased units for the fiscal year, as well as a certificate of insurance policies.

A buyer normally asks for the certificate during an offer. Your condo corporation in Barrie is required to prepare a status certificate within 10 days of the request and at a cost of no more than $100.00. Again, the status certificate’s purpose is to protect, you, the buyer. First-time Barrie condo buyers dislike surprises. Your status certificate is the best way to eliminate any surprises, and give you an idea of exactly what you can expect, and what’s expected of you.

Stephanie Adams is a Sales Representative at Hassey Realty in Barrie focusing on Barrie Condos,Barrie Waterfront Condos and Barrie townhomes sales.

Staging condos has become an important part of the condo marketing and selling process, and there are professionals that specialize in this area. There are a few things you can do yourself with your Realtor® to stage your Barrie Condo before listing it in the Barrie MLS that will add a professional touch.

Size matters – Especially when talking about furniture and wall accessories. If your furniture or accessories are too large, they’ll detract from that open concept condo look, making the room seem smaller. When choosing furniture, select smaller-scale condo furnishings that are now offered by many manufacturers.

Make good use of space – Most condos and townhomes have a smaller living space square footage, presenting you with the challenge of arranging your furniture and lighting that will present that space in the best possible way.  If something doesn’t fit, you can always move it into your storage locker.

Art & Colour – Some design schools of thought recommend you stay with neutral wall colours throughout a condo, and others suggest painting one or two walls a different colour to help highlight and add definition to an area within your condo, like the dining or living area.  Staying with one colour has the advantage of allowing you to use artwork to highlight your walls and space.

Georgian Estates Condos Barrie - Staging

Define the space – Do you have a home office in your living room? This can detract from the overall presentation of your condo, and confuse buyers somewhat as they try to imagine themselves living in your space. A living room home office can be pulled off when kept uncluttered and well presented. Small living spaces should perform double-duty while preserving the overall feeling and appearance of your condo.

Photos – Once you have things organized the way you want them presented, then take pictures for your condo listing in the Barrie MLS. Great photos help to draw people in for showings, open houses and are proven to boost sales.

These are just a few staging considerations when getting your Barrie condo ready to sell and work with your Realtor® for listing in the Barrie MLS. If you don’t have the time, talent or inclination to stage your condo yourself, your Barrie condo real estate Sales Representative will be able to recommend a professional stager to work with you.

Stephanie Adams is a Sales Representative at Royal LePage in Barrie focusing on Barrie Condos, Barrie Waterfront Condos and Barrie townhomes sales.

In Barrie, the condo manager acts as the corporation’s liaison so you, the unit owner, have a direct line to the building’s decision-makers. Barrie condo managers have a big job: they handle everything from owner issues, to ensuring payment is made to the professionals called in for maintenance and repair tasks.

Barrie Condo Team Office

It can be a tough job, since they have many responsibilities to make sure there’s smooth communication between you and the building’s corporation. Building managers are the link for any general correspondence between unit owners and the corporation, and it benefits your building community greatly if they’re outgoing and well liked overall. As the collective group’s representative, they’re your front-line person whenever there’s an emergency or issue that needs resolving.

Condo management also supervises the property’s employees, including maintenance and repair, and any contract labour that may handle landscaping and snow removal.

Building management handles any bookkeeping activities, including payroll and maintaining records of all correspondence between the unit owners and repair personnel. They’re responsible for creating and monitoring the annual budget and any reporting that’s required by the corporation. Management is responsible for arranging tenders on large projects and a competent manager can help keep costs down significantly.  Even a small property can be a lot of work to keep tabs on.

When owners of condos in Barrie, question a certain rule or restriction within the building community, the condo manager is the first contact to initiate an amendment, retraction or further explanation. It’s important that unit owner’s work with their building management to ensure their interests and collective position are well represented to the board of directors.

Colin Hassey, from Hassey Property Management in Barrie states that Condo managers are also responsible for working with the building consultant to develop and implement a reserve fund plan.  It is critical the reserve fund study accurately anticipates future major expenditures and that the plan is implemented in accordance with the study.  Having a well-funded reserve fund is something buyers are increasingly focusing on and it can have a big impact on value – something important to every Barrie condo owner.  Buyers want reassurance that there will be enough money to cover future expenses and your property manager is key to ensuring that an adequate funding plan is developed and implemented.

Stephanie Adams is a Sales Representative at Hassey Realty focusing on Barrie Condo and townhouse sales.
Email: Steph@barriecondoteam.com
Phone: 705.716.0299
Web: www.barriecondoteam.com