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 Royal LePage in Barrie(First Contact 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 Royal LePage in Barrie focusing on Barrie Condos, Barrie Waterfront Condosand Barrie townhomes sales.

Price – This is a major point that will affect the sale of your townhome. If your townhome is priced competitively according to the local market, your days on the market should be relatively short. Your real estate professional is your industry resource, and they know the local market best, so it’s a good idea to follow their advice about where to price your townhome.

Effective Lighting – Good use of lighting will help make a dark or small room seem larger, and help open up the space. Using light strategically throughout your townhome for photos and showings will not only ensure the unit is well-lit, but that it’s showcased it at its most appealing.

Bust the Clutter – Knickknacks, pictures, magazines, and other items you like and live with may be scattered throughout your townhome, but by reducing or removing the clutter entirely it will help prospective buyers see more of the home and not your stuff. Tuck extraneous ‘extras’ into drawers, or get your packing started early with items you don’t need that may help de-clutter your townhome’s appearance.

Garage – removing clutter from your garage and organizing it properly will enhance the appeal of your unit.  People want to know that they have “space” to move in and that they have room for their belongings.

Furniture – If you think you’ve got too much, put some into storage. You may want to reorganize your furniture so that larger items are situated around the outside walls to add space, and guests see the focal point from the room’s entry.

Odours – Plug-in air fresheners and scented candles can add pleasant smells and atmosphere to your townhome. When you’re living in your home while it’s on the market, try odour-neutralizing products to reduce any cooking odours that may linger.

Pets – Send Fluffy to a day spa or take her out while your townhome is being shown, and move any pet dishes, beds, and toys. Additionally, pets can have a distinct odour that can be challenging to remove. Pet stores have specialty products designed to deal with pet odours that will help.

Wall Accessories – When items are proportionate to the room and wall’s size, it further helps to open up the space. Adding mirrors will not only help with this, but will also reflect light to brighten the room.

Organize Closets and Storage – Storage and closets are important to all buyers, and they’re sure to be a place that will be looked at. Organize this space as well as you can, clear out some of your clothes if necessary (again, get a head-start on your packing) to create a neat, uncluttered presentation.

You don’t have to completely reorganize your life to sell your townhome, but incorporating some or all of these tips will help make the process quicker and easier for you. The Barrie Condo Team will work with you to help you prepare your Barrie townhome for sale, including open houses, photos and showings, and can recommend services such as professional cleaners and stagers if needed.

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

Barrie Townhomes

In order to clarify things a bit for those in unfamiliar territory, here are the basic differences.

First, the easy one: ‘townhome’ or ‘townhouse’? These terms are used interchangeably, and mean the same thing, but the term I prefer to use with my clients is ‘townhome’, because it’s not just a building I’m referring to – it’s your potential new home. This building will become your personal space, where you go to escape, raise your family, and live your life.

Now for the main difference between condominium and freehold townhomes: freehold townhomes are those for which you pay no monthly fees, and are responsible for all maintenance like shovelling snow, mowing the lawn, etc. Condominium townhomes include a monthly maintenance fee, but the trade-off is that you don’t need to worry about cleaning the pool, or maintaining your driveway in the winter or lawn in the summer – it’s all looked after for you.

If you’re a professional or retiree who just doesn’t have the time or interest to invest in the upkeep of a house, a condominium townhome might be a good option for you.

Affordable luxury

Whichever you choose, both freehold and condominium townhomes usually offer upgrades and amenities that are often cost-prohibitive when looking at a detached home. Items like ceramic or hardwood floors, upgraded cupboards, granite countertops, and whirlpool tubs are just a few options that generally have a large price tag attached to them in detached homes, but are often more affordable in a townhome. It boils down to value for your money, and the lifestyle you want.

An appreciable investment

Like a detached home, townhomes are an investment that will (or should, depending on the market conditions) appreciate in value. And, again like a detached house, the more amenities and upgrades the townhome has, the higher the resale value.
When it comes right down to it, choosing a freehold or condominium townhome is simply a matter of personal choice based on lifestyle and affordability.

Published in SNAP Barrie Magazine.

Stephanie Adams is a Sales Representative at Royal LePage First Contact Realty focusing on Barrie Condo and townhome sales.

barrie-townhomes

Here are some low-cost, easy exterior home improvements you can do to help prepare your townhome to sell – fast!

Tidy the Yard
Eliminate items that may be perceived as clutter in the front of your townhouse.  The backyard is less important, unless you are in an end unit and it can be seen from another street or yard.   You may want to consider these landscaping tips:

Enhance the Exterior

Ensure your townhome appears to be clean and well maintained.  Look at model homes or other desirable neighbourhoods for colour ideas, and carefully choose colours that complement the features of your townhouse.  Also, remember to keep the yard well lit for evening showings, especially walkways.  Don’t forget if your townhome is a condominium, please check with your property manager before doing any work.

You only have one chance to make a good first impression, and presentation is everything.  A well-kept home exterior will not only attract potential buyers, it will also make them feel confident that they aren’t taking a risk on a property.  The higher the perceived value of your townhome, the higher the selling price will be. So take the time to create some curb appeal, and sell your townhome in Barrie for top dollar!

Stephanie Adams is a Sales Representative at Royal LePage First Contact Realty specializing in Barrie Condos and townhomes.
Email: Steph@barriecondoteam.com
Phone: 705.716.0299
Web: www.barriecondoteam.com
Royal LePage First Contact Realty - www.rlpbarrie.com
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