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Okay, we admit it!  Some of the real estate shows out there are really getting on our nerves!!  Oh for sure, many can be a source of information for potential buyers and sellers, providing some basic guidance and an understanding of real estate terms, however ALL of the real estate shows we've ever seen are taking place in a totally different market than ours and gives both buyers and sellers an unrealistic expectation of what their home is worth.


In the last few months, there have been a few times when a listing, new on the market has sold over the list price, but they are not the norm. When we establish a listing price for a property, we do our homework first!  We study the sales for comparable properties in the area that have recently sold, while taking into account any updates/upgrades that may affect property value.  An "in-law" apartment may not necessarily add value if it is not legal, a swimming pool is not always seen as a selling feature and trendy decor styles soon fade (remember the dusty rose or sea foam green carpet of the late '80's?)


When we suggest a listing price to you, we haven't just pulled a number out of the sky.  We know you want to make the most amount of money with the least amount of stress.  That's what we're here for! 


There are a lot of dangers in pricing your home above a realistic asking price.  For one, experienced professional agents will not show it!  They know it's overpriced!  Then when you reduce the price, maybe a couple of times, your listing has become stale and again, no one is going to show it. The general public may think there's something wrong with the house after driving by your "For Sale" sign for a couple of months.


So let us do our job.  We don't get paid unless you home sells right?  If your home is priced right at the start of the listing, chances are it will sell quickly and you will end up with more money in your pocket!


Give us a call anytime.  We're always happy to help!



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When we say that this summer was hot, we weren't kidding....and we are not talking about the temperature!!  Residential property sales recorded through the MLS system of the Barrie & District Association of Realtors Inc. numbered 434 units in August of 2015, a decrease of just 0.7 per cent (three sales) from August 2014.  This was above the five and 10 year average for the month and was also one of the best August levels on record.


The city of Barrie saw 254 residential sales in August.  A year-over-year increase of 17 per cent was recorded in surrounding areas, where sales activity totalled 200 units.  "Demand remains historically very strong, not far off the record for the month of August" said Bruce Shipley, President of the Barrie & District Association of Realtors. "By contrast, supply is running at the lowest levels in more than a decade, and the combination of lower supply and very strong demanbd has put the average sale price on track to post its biggest annual gain in a decade."


The year to date average price for ALL homes sold via the Association's MLS system in 2015 is $367,721, up 8.1% from the same period in 2014.  The year to date average price for homes sold within the City of Barrie was $342,721.  This is a 7.3% increase compared to the year to date average price in 2014.


New residential listings were down 10.6 per cent from August 2014 to 622 units in August 2015.  Overall supply is currently trending at the lowest levels in more than a decade.


If you have been thinking of making a move this year, there has never been a better time to list your home.  We would be pleased if you would give us a call.  We would be happy to give you a no obligation evaluation of what your home is worth in today's crazy market! 

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