# **Selling Your House? 10 Things Your Realtor Should Do For You**

When a homeowner decides to sell their home, they usually have two major priorities – highest list price and lowest professional fees. While maximizing your profit is important, there are many other factors you should consider. Otherwise you could end up with a realtor that over promises and under delivers. 

If you’re looking for a real estate agent to sell your home, here’s what you should look for:

## **What To Look For In A Realtor When Selling**

Your realtor should have several skills and attributes if you want to make the most from selling your home. These are 10 important ones to look out for:

### **1\. They Know How To Price Your Home Correctly**

Knowing how to price homes is one of a realtor’s most important skills. Unfortunately some real estate agents will distort the truth or tell homeowners what they want to hear to get the listing. 

In both of these situations, you could end up listing too high, which can lead to serious issues. The first is that buyer’s may avoid the listing if they perceive the price as being too high. This can give your listing a bad reputation that lingers even after the price drops. It also increases the chance of getting low bids. That’s because overpriced homes often stay on the market for a long time and have fewer showings. 

Over time, the lack of interest and low bids can get disheartening. This leads many homeowners to accept a lower offer than what they would have received if they’d listed properly in the first place. 

A good realtor won’t just tell you what you want to hear. They'll use training, comparable sales, market knowledge and experience to recommend an ideal price range for your home. They’ll also show you how they came to their conclusion and will explain the risks and benefits of choosing a specific price.  

### **2\. They Should Help You Prep And Stage Your Listing** 

Staging your home not only increases its value, it can also shorten the amount of time it takes to sell. This is because a staged home makes it easier for buyers to connect with the space. 

It also helps photos look more professional, which will aid in your realtor’s marketing. We’ll talk a bit more about marketing plans in a bit. 

A high quality realtor will provide tips on how to maximize your home's look and feel. This may include tips on improving curb appeal, organizing and decluttering or defining rooms.

If there are repairs that need to be made, your realtor will explain whether you should do them to increase sellability and profit. If you decide to do repairs, your real estate agent should also recommend service providers. 

### **3\. They Have Good Communication Skills** 

Communication is critical in all areas of your life, including when buying or selling a home. That’s why you want to find a realtor that makes communication a priority. 

Poor communication isn’t just frustrating for you as the homeowner. It can also lead to lower interest and showing. That’s because a realtor with poor communication can develop a bad reputation with peers and prospective buyers. 

Yes, you should trust the expertise of your realtor. But your realtor should also understand that you need to be a part of the decision making process. You need an realtor who checks in regularly with updates, not just when an offer comes in. This includes sharing:

*   Feedback from prospective buyers
    
*   Tips for how to improve viewings 
    
*   Changes they’re making to their marketing plan
    
*   Traffic on listings 
    
*   The number of showings booked
    

That’s the only way to ensure you’re doing everything you can to maximize the sale. 

To be sure your realtor is a good communicator, you want someone who is accessible. Look for quick response times to your calls and emails. A realtor who delays early on will likely be a poor communicator. 

Once you find a realtor you feel comfortable working with, ask them to reach out with any new information. Don’t be shy. Your real estate agent is your partner, not your boss.  

### **4\. They Have A Great Marketing Plan** 

If you want to sell your home for the best price possible, you need a realtor with an excellent marketing plan. Marketing helps realtors build connections and find leads. After all, if they aren’t reaching potential buyers, how can they expect to garner interest in your home? 

One of the most critical aspects of a strong marketing plan is high quality photos. You’ve probably heard the saying, “pictures speak a thousand words” and this couldn’t be more true in real estate. 

High quality photos and videos are essential to selling a home. To get these visuals, your real estate agent should have high quality equipment or work with a talented photographer. 

If you aren’t sure whether your realtor is prioritizing images, don’t be afraid to inquire. Ask any prospective realtors how they will get photos of your home. You can also review past listings to see what they have done in the past. Look for:

*   Consistency across listings 
    
*   Wide angle shots that show more of the room at once
    
*   Natural light
    
*   Proper colours (make sure the images aren’t overly processed and don’t have any yellow or orange tints that can date your home) 
    

You also want to be sure your realtor isn’t solely depending on MLS. While MLS is a good tool, a strong marketing plan will take advantage of other channels. Do some research and make sure your realtor has a:

*   Clean and professional site that draws traffic
    
*   Great following on social media that will increase engagement and reach 
    
*   Good relationship with local organizations and peers 
    
*   Strong understanding of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) or works with a qualified team 
    

Again, look at past listings to see how they shared them or ask them how they marketed a similar listing to yours. 

Ultimately, you’re looking for an realtor who has a strong understanding of what works in their market. They should also know what works for specific audiences, which leads us to our next point. 

### **5\. They Know Their Audience** 

To maximize your home’s sale, your realtor should have a strong understanding of who they are selling to. They could have the best marketing strategy in the world, but if they're targeting the wrong audience, it means very little. 

That’s why, when looking for a prospective realtor, you should ask who they will be marketing to and why. A competent real estate agent will do research on their client’s location. They will know who lives there, who has recently bought and who is most likely to move in next. And they’ll know who will pay the most for your home. 

Most importantly, they won’t just expect you to take their word. When asked, a good listing agent will be able to provide an explanation for why they chose a specific audience.  

### **6\. They Understand That Sometimes They Need To Pivot** 

Realtors use past experience and industry knowledge to make the best possible recommendations. Most of the time, a qualified realtor will get it right. But even the best realtors experience situations that don’t go as planned. 

Sometimes it makes more sense to stay the course and push past obstacles. Other times your real estate agent will need to pivot. If they aren’t getting the response they expected, they should be willing to change their plan. 

This may include:

*   Reaching out to a new market
    
*   Increasing ads
    
*   Using a new marketing channel 
    
*   Contacting more realtors and agents
    

No matter the solution, you want a realtor who is flexible. 

When vetting prospective realtors, ask them how they have pivoted in the past. A good real estate agent should be able to tell you how they took a hard to sell home and helped it sell for top dollar. 

### **7\. They Manage Scheduling** 

Most people have little experience with selling a home. This may even be your first time doing it. 

Your realtor, on the other hand, has spent years learning the ins and outs of selling homes. That’s why a good real estate agent won’t expect you to take the reins. Instead, they will help you understand the process, keep you informed and let you know what role you need to play. 

This includes taking the lead on showings and open houses. A good realtor will schedule all showings and communicate when they’re happening. This will give you time to tidy up and make plans to be out of the house. 

To find out how a realtor manages their showing, ask them about their process. Find out how much notice they give, how they will contact you and whether they have recommendations for what you can do during showings. This will give you a good idea whether they’re prepared and have thought about the process in advance. 

### **8\. They Make Sure The Buyer Is Qualified** 

When you sell your home, you’ll have many different people interested in seeing your space. Some will be pre-approved for a mortgage, others will be pre-qualified. There will also be some who are just interested in looking but have yet to speak with a financial institute. 

A good realtor will vet interested parties to make sure they’re ready to buy. They’ll also confirm that anybody making an offer is pre-approved … not just pre-qualified. 

You want a buyer who has already gone through all the paces. This includes a credit check and income verification. While there will still be conditions the buyer needs to meet to get funding, those who are pre-approved are more likely to receive funding. Those who are pre-qualified or just looking can run into more problems and are more likely to fall through. 

### **9\. They Will Explain Home Inspections** 

There are two types of inspections that can happen when selling a home. The first is a seller’s inspection. This inspection happens before you list the home and will tell you what issues you may need to address. This saves time during closing, increases saleability and allows you to choose the inspector. 

The second type of inspection is a buyer’s inspection. This will happen after you accept an offer but before you close. After the inspection is complete the buyer will often renegotiate their offer or ask for repairs. 

In most markets, buyers will want a home inspection as part of their offer. As a seller, you want to be ready for this. 

That’s why your realtor should be able to explain the process and help flag issues that need to be resolved prior to listing. Following the inspection, your realtor should help you understand the findings. It’s also important for your realtor to have an understanding of inspections so that they  can manage buyer expectations. This includes protecting you from unreasonable requests. 

### **10\. They Successfully Negotiate The Deal** 

This is your realtor’s time to shine! Once they receive offers from prospective buyers, your realtor will review each one. They will then provide you with advice on how to proceed. If the buyer asks for concessions, your realtor will explain what repairs you should pay for and what repairs are the buyer’s responsibility.

Once you have made your decisions, your realtor will then help you negotiate the best deal. This means your realtor needs to have strong negotiation skills. 

After a deal has been finalized, a top notch realtor will guide you through the paperwork. They will also tell you about any loose ends you need to be aware of. 

## **Choosing A Listing Agent**

Realtors have several duties to sellers beyond getting the best price. That’s why, when looking for a realtor, you should consider several criteria. 

Look for a realtor who is willing to share information and communicate effectively. They should provide advice and explain the process to you. 

Once you have found someone with these qualities, ask them lots of questions. Find out how they will manage showings and how they help with closing the deal. Make sure they have an excellent marketing plan, know they’re audience and have experience adapting to obstacles. 

This is the best way to ensure you get the most money possible for your home.

Selling Your House? 10 Things Your Realtor Should Do For You

Whether you play competitively or for recreation, taking part in organized sports has many benefits. For youth, it can help improve grades, teach important skills and boost self-esteem. It’s also a great way to improve physical and mental well-being. 

For adults, playing sports helps with confidence, motivation and staying fit. It also gives you an excuse to be social, which can be great for mental health.  

That’s why, when looking for your new home, you should consider a community with a variety of sports leagues and teams to join. Barrie is one of those communities. The City of Barrie has dozens of organized sports opportunities for athletes from hockey to cornhole. 

Here are some of the most popular …

## **Hockey** 

Barrie is home to the Barrie Colts, the only OHL (Ontario Hockey League) team in Simcoe County. While the Colts have existed since the early 1900s, the modern Colts didn’t start until 1970. 

Originally the team was a Junior B League but in 1995 they joined the OHL. Over the years, more than 50 Barrie Colts players have gone on to play in the NHL. That’s over and above the 11 players that went on to the NHL from the Junior B team. 

The Barrie Colts currently play out of the Sadlon Arena in the south end of Barrie. There are also 4 other arenas throughout the city. This means there are several opportunities for youth and adults to get on the ice and play.

### **Youth**

The primary hockey organization in Barrie is the Barrie Minor Hockey Association (BMHA). The BMHA has various leagues for youth 3 to 17 years old. This includes initiation programs for kids 8 years old and under, as well as competitive rep teams, a house league and a select league for older kids. Players in the BMHA rep teams are also called the Barrie Colts. 

Barrie also has an all-female association, the Barrie Women’s Hockey Association (BWHA). The BWHA is “the leading provider of female hockey opportunities in Central Ontario”. They have programs and leagues for females under 18 years of age. This includes a fundamentals program, house league and competitive team. 

They also have a team in the OWHL (Ontario Women’s Hockey League). The team is the Jr Sharks and is open to females up to 21 years of age. 

Finally, youth can play in the Barrie Christian Hockey League. They offer 3 on 3 recreational leagues for kids ages 9 to 16, as well as a house league. They also have a slingshot team for players at a higher competitive level. 

If your child is hoping to play hockey in high school, Barrie has 5 public secondary schools. Of these, 4 have hockey teams: Innisdale, Bear Creek, Barrie North and Eastview. 

### **Adults**

Adult women in the Barrie area can also play with the BWHA. They have leagues for women 19 and over. The league usually has 6 or 8 teams. The game format is 5 on 5 and games are on Sundays at the Sadlon Arena. 

Similarly, the Barrie Men’s Hockey League offers programs for men. The league is the #1 adult league north of Toronto. Men 30 years of age and older can also play in the Molson Sportsmen Hockey League. 

### **Special Needs**

Barrie has a special needs league for youth and adults with development related disorders. The Barrie Colts Special Needs Division is available through the BMHA. The program is also known as the Pushing Unique Changes in Kids Sports (PUCKS) program.

## **Baseball** 

Barrie’s amateur baseball team is the Barrie Baycats, who are part of the Intercounty Baseball League. The team started in 2001 and has won many league championships over the years. 

The Baycats play out of the Vintage Throne Stadium at one of Barrie’s 16 minor fields - The Barrie Sports Complex. The city also has 8 major fields located throughout the city. 

### **Youth** 

Barrie’s main baseball organization is the Barrie Minor Baseball Association. The association offers house leagues to youth 4 to 21 years old. They also have a competitive rep team in the York Simcoe Baseball Association, high performance elite teams and select teams. 

Kids 9 and under can take part in several programs. This includes BlastBall, which teaches baseball fundamentals, as well as T-Ball, and coach pitched games. Older children also have the opportunity to play games with pitching machines. 

Barrie also has a softball team for girls. The Barrie & District Girls Softball Association offer BlastBall and house leagues. They’re also home to the Barrie Storm rep teams for girls under 19. 

Secondary schools with baseball teams include: Eastview, Barrie North, Innisdale and Maple Ridge. 

### **Adult** 

Slo Pitch softball is one of the fastest growing team sports in North America for adults. Barrie has several Slo Pitch leagues and associations for men and women. 

If you’re interested in co-ed teams, check out the Sunday Night Co-ed Slo Pitch League. The league has approximately 50+ teams and 5 divisions. Games are played at the Barrie Sports Complex on Sunday night and teams are ranked by Slo Pitch National. 

Co-ed teams are also available through the Barrie Men’s Slo Pitch League and the Barrie Slo Pitch Association. 

For men only games, you can play with the Barrie Men’s Slo Pitch League or the Barrie Slo Pitch Association.

For a women’s only association, you can play with the Barrie & District Ladies Slo-Pitch League. Women only games are available through the Barrie Slo Pitch Association.

55 or older? You may want to connect with the Barrie Senior Coed Slo-Pitch League. This recreational co-ed league caters specifically to those 55 and over. 

### **Special Needs** 

The Barrie Integrated Baseball Association is a recreational baseball league. They offer programs for adults with special needs and their support people. 

## **Lacrosse** 

Up until 1994, lacrosse was Canada’s national sport. But in 1994, Parliament dubbed hockey Canada’s national winter sport and lacrosse our national summer sport. 

Barrie’s community lacrosse team is the Barrie Bomber’s. They are a Jr C Lacrosse Club and are part of the Ontario Lacrosse League. 

Like hockey and baseball, Barrie has opportunities for youth and adults to develop their lacrosse skills. 

### **Youth** 

The Barrie Minor Lacrosse Association provides programs for girls and boys 16 years and under. This includes development programs, box house leagues and field hockey leagues. There are also box lacrosse rep teams for boys 16 and under, as well as girls 14 (and under) to 16.

Two of Barrie’s newest community centres play host to indoor box lacrosse games. Field lacrosse programs take place at Georgian College Turf in Barrie and Orillia Rotary Place Turf.

### **Adults** 

Barrie Masters Lacrosse Club organizes non-contact, co-ed lacrosse games for adults. To join the league, you must be (or be turning) 20 years or older in the year you play. 

The Club is a member of the Ontario Masters Lacrosse Association and has weekly floor time with tournaments in the summer. 

## **Soccer** 

The Simcoe County Rovers FC is Barrie’s local soccer club. They recently formed in 2022 and play in League1 Ontario at JC Massie Field. 

Located at Georgian College, JC Massie Field is one of many soccer pitches in Barrie.

If you are playing soccer with a league or club, there are two major options for both youth and adults:

*   The Barrie Soccer Club 
    
*   The Barrie Sports Dome 
    

### **Youth** 

The Barrie Soccer Club provides several programs for youth 20 years and younger. This includes development leagues for youth under to 12, house leagues and a tactical goalie program. Competitive leagues are also available for males and females under 20. 

The Barrie Sports Dome opened in 2000 and is a huge draw for indoor golfing. It also provides indoor soccer programs for youth ages 4 to 17. 

If your children are looking to join a school team, all Barrie’s public secondary schools offer male and female teams. The Barrie Soccer club also offers college/university prep programs for high school aged students.  

There are also opportunities to play futsal in Barrie. Futsal is an indoor football-based game that uses a smaller, harder, low-bounce ball. While it is not as common as soccer, it is growing in popularity and helps with the development of soccer skills. 

The Barrie Futsal club has programs and leagues for youth 5 to 16+. Futsal is also offered at the Barrie Soccer Club during the off season. 

### **Adult** 

The Barrie Soccer Club and the Barrie Sports Dome both offer an adult league for men only and co-ed teams for adults 18 and over. The Sports Dome also has Women only leagues and a Men’s league for males 35 and over. 

## **Basketball** 

Barrie does not have a community basketball team but there are still lots of opportunities to get on the court. This includes self-organized games at one of Barrie’s 15 full outdoor courts. 

If you’re looking for organized play, here are some options for youth and adults. 

### **Youth** 

The Barrie Royals Basketball Club has several programs for girls and boys. This includes development programs and house leagues for girls in grade 2 to 6. There are also rep teams for girls 10 & under to 16 and boys 10 & under to 18. 

The Royals also have their JUEL Program. JUEL is an independent provincial league for female in grade 9 to 12 in Ontario. 

Next Level Basketball is another organization with programs for boys and girls. This includes a Je NBA Development Program for kids in kindergarten to grade 2. Youth in grades 3 to 8 can join a Jr NBA Youth Basketball League. Extra prep is also available to youth in grade 9 to 12+ to prepare them for highschool teams. 

If your child would like to play on their school team, all the public secondary schools offer boys and girls teams. 

### **Adult**

The East Bayfield Community Centre in Barrie hosts a men’s league for males 18 and over. The games are officiated by certified reps. 

## **Volleyball** 

Another popular sport, especially among youth, is volleyball. The sport has been in Canada since 1900 and many elementary and secondary schools offer both boys and girls teams. 

If you or your kids are looking to play volleyball, here’s what you need to know. 

### **Youth** 

There are three volleyball organizations in Barrie. The first is the Barrie Elites Volleyball Club, which offers rep leagues for boys and girls 17 and under. They also have a partnership with the City of Barrie to offer youth house leagues. 

The Georgian Cubs Volleyball Club is a females only organization for girls 11 & under to 17. 

At Spikes volleyball, your kids can join development programs and junior and senior house leagues. 

### **Adult** 

The City of Barrie offer co-ed volleyball programs including: 

*   Co-ed recreational league
    
*   Co-ed Intermediate League - attacking permitted
    
*   Co-ed Competitive League - certified refs 
    

Beach volleyball is also available at Tyndale Park and the Barrie Community Sports Complex. 

## **Other Teams & Leagues** 

If you don’t see the sport you are looking for, don’t fret. While these are some of Barrie’s most popular sports and clubs, there are many more available: 

*   Barrie Cricket League
    
*   Barrie Curling Club 
    
*   Barrie Rowing Club
    
*   Barrie Skating Club 
    
*   Barrie Speed Skating Club 
    
*   Barrie Bassmasters 
    
*   Barrie Baydogs Triathlon Club 
    
*   Barrie Canoe & Kayak Club 
    
*   Barrie Cornhole League 
    
*   Cheer Pride All-Stars
    
*   Huronia Stallions Football
    
*   Simcoe County Flag Football League
    
*   Barrie Rugby Club 
    
*   Barrie Pub Dart League 
    
*   Barrie Trojan Swim Club 
    
*   Barrie & District Ringette Association 
    
*   Barrie Pickleball 
    
*   Kempenfelt Bay Athletic Club (Wrestling) 
    
*   South Simcoe Dufferin Track & Field Club 
    
*   Barrie Ultimate League (Ultimate Frisbee)
    
*   Barrie Kempettes Gymnastics Club 
    
*   Barrie Badminton Club 
    
*   Barrie Community Tennis Club
    

If you’re looking to move to a community full of opportunity for athletes, then Barrie is a great choice. With so many community teams, venues and sports clubs and leagues, you’re sure to find an organization for everyone in your family.

Your Guide To Organized Sports: Why Barrie Is Great For Athletes

With more than 740 acres of scenic parks, a stunning waterfront and 88 km of trails, Barrie is the perfect place to call home for any outdoor enthusiast. But with so many great areas to choose from, which Barrie neighbourhoods are the best for hikers?

Let’s dive in and take a look at the best areas to live in if you want easy access to trails you can walk or drive to.

**Sunnidale**

If you love spending time outdoors, Sunnidale is a great choice for buying a home in Barrie. This neighbourhood is home to Barrie’s largest in-city park with close to 50 acres of space to enjoy.

Sunnidale Park offers tons of great activities for individuals, couples and families. There are many graveled paths and forest trails that are great for hiking, biking, running and even cross country skiing in the winter. The park is also home to a 15 acre arboretum with stunning gardens, shrubs and trees. You can also take an [interactive tour](https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/44b3ca3ef390469f8047723757303f35) to learn more about the trees and wildlife.  

Want to take a break from hiking? 

The park has expansive grass lawns that are perfect for taking in the sun, having a picnic or running around with your family. If you’re visiting with children, they can enjoy the inclusive playground. This play set is for all children to enjoy, regardless of impairment or disability. It has wheelchair transfer stations and ramps, a cozy cocoon for children with autism and a metal slide for kids with cochlear implants.

Have a dog? This park is dog friendly and has a 7.15 acre off leash dog park with more trails to enjoy.

**Ardagh**

Ardagh is one of the newer neighbourhoods in Barrie. It has a variety of property types including detached, semi, towns and condos. It’s located east of highway 400 and is one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Barrie.

One of Ardagh’s biggest draws for hikers is the Ardagh Bluffs Natural Area. This environmentally protected space is 518 acres and has 17 kms of trails surrounded by lush greenery and wildflowers. The trails range from easy to moderate and are all dog-friendly. Like Sunnidale, the trails are open year-round for all-season activities.

Another fantastic outdoor space in Ardagh is the Bear Creek Eco Park. The 7.8 acre park is full of ducks, frogs, turtles, fish and more. For the best view, be sure to check out the boardwalk over the marsh.

**Neighbourhoods With Great Access To Local Trails You Can Drive To**

Looking for an area with access to many local trails and don’t mind a short drive to get to them? You should take a look at these two Barrie neighbourhoods.

**Innishore**

Innishore is another highly sought-after neighbourhood in Barrie. It's located on the south side of Kempenfelt Bay, and has many parks and trails to explore.

Some popular trails located in Innishore include:

**Warnica Trail (to Wilkins Beach):** This is one of the most popular trails in the Barrie area, according to [AllTrails](https://www.alltrails.com/canada/ontario/barrie). The trail has many different landscapes and offshoots. This means you can walk the path many times and always have something new to see. Ending at Wilkins Beach, you can plan to picnic or go for a swim.

**Waterfront Heritage Trail:** This trail runs along the shoreline of Kempenfelt Bay from Allandale Station Park. There are 11 stops along the 6 km trail, which share stories about Barrie’s history from the ice age to present day.

**Coronation Trail:** This 2.74 km trail is an easy out-and-back trail with gravel forest paths and bridged wetlands. It also passes Coronation Park, where you can find a soccer field, basketball court, playground and washrooms.

**Tollendale Loop:** Tollendale Loop is a 1.45 km trail that's used for hiking, biking, running and winter trail activities. While short, it has great views of the lake and is also dog, stroller and wheelchair friendly.

Innishore is also a short drive away from trails in other Barrie neighbourhoods. One hiking stop that should be on the top of your list is Friday Harbour. This 4.67 km trail is on a 600 acre Nature Preserve and is only 5 to 15 minutes from Innishore (depending on where you live). The Nature Preserve is open year round to hikers and is home to wildlife, nesting grounds, and the endangered butternut tree. It also has wetlands, an amphibian pond and off trails for even more exploration.  

**Barrie West**

Barrie West is on the west side of Sunnidale and north of Ardagh. This means the great parks in those neighbourhoods are just a short drive away. But those aren’t the only trails you will be able to enjoy nearby.

Both Lapman Ravine and Sandy Hollow Buffer are in Barrie West. But Barrie West is also a short drive away from Fort Willow Loop Trail and the Nine Mile Portage Heritage Trail.

Nine Mile Portage is a historical route used by early Indigenous people, the fur trade and explorers. It was also used as a supply depot in the War of 1812. The trail connects Fort Willow to Meridian Place in Downtown Barrie. As such, the trail is a combination of sidewalks, road allowances and paths through nature.

Barrie West is also close to the North Simcoe Rail, Trans Canada trails and the Ganaraska trail. The Ganaraska Trail is a 500 km long trail that links Port Hope and Collingwood. It also has side trails that go to Wasaga and Midland. Naturalists created the Ganaraska to have access to unspoiled countryside trails.

Barrie West also has access to dozens of trails less than 15 minutes North of the neighbourhood. These trails include:

*   Snow Valley Loop
    
*   Hickling Recreational Tract
    
*   Hunter Russell Nature Trail
    
*   Several Simcoe County Forest trails
    
*   Trails at Springwater Provincial Park
    

**Hiking Outside of Barrie**

Barrie is a wonderful city full of culture, entertainment, trails and other amenities. But if you want to leave the city boundaries for the day (or find a place to call home in the country), there are lots of great trails within a short distance of Barrie. 

Some of the most popular trails include:

**Simcoe County Forest Trails Across Simcoe County**

Scattered throughout Simcoe County are forests planted as part of a reforestation project. Today they protect water and wildlife, provide education and supply wood for manufacturing.

They're also open for recreational uses including walking, hiking, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. There are more than 150 forests covering more than 33,000 acres.

According to [Alltrails](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/canada/ontario/innisfil?b_tl_lat=44.50843710945901&b_tl_lng=-80.02284276389513&b_br_lat=44.11520146662082&b_br_lng=-79.02128061348884&a%5b%5d=walking&ar%5b%5d=10162861), Barrie’s best county-owned forest trails are:

*   Midhurst Trail
    
*   Willow Creek Loop Trail
    
*   Hendrie Tract
    
*   Hodgson Tract
    
*   West Creek Trail
    
*   Rippon Tract  
    

**Springwater Provincial Park**

Springwater Provincial Park has 12 km of trails and is perfect for birdwatchers. The park also has picnicking and horseshoe pits. From May to October there are comfort stations and in the winter you can cross country ski and snowshoe. Because this is a Provincial Park, you will have to pay for daily use or have an annual pass to use the trails.  

**Copeland Forest In Oro Medonte**

Copeland forest is one of southern Ontario’s most stunning forests. Full of towering trees, wildflowers and lively wetlands, Copeland is perfect for a scenic day trip. This 4,400 acre forest offers several hiking routes, including the Ganaraska Trail. You can also use the trail for biking, horseback riding and cross country skiing.

And these are only some of the many hiking trails you can check out in Barrie and the surrounding area.

It’s not hard to see that Barrie is an ideal place to live for hikers. With hundreds of acres of green space in town and even more surrounding it, you’re sure to stay busy exploring new trails and making new discoveries.

Best Barrie Neighbourhoods To Live In For Easy Access To Hiking Trails

The housing market has certainly gone through a turbulent period over the past two years. Demand and prices surged as Canadians reacted to COVID and the changes it brought to how people think about their homes. 

Now with the pandemic waning, the market is repositioning and market fundamentals are dictating value again. But reports like [this one from the CBC](https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/homeowners-interest-rate-survey-1.6487137) come dangerously close to misrepresenting the health of real estate as an asset class. 

The report cites a Manulife survey that claims _"Nearly one in four homeowners say they will have to sell their home if interest rates go up further"._

The report does not show the survey question, sample size and reliability metrics. 

It is also not an independent survey. It was done by Manulife, which is a bank. Banks have agendas. Like getting nervous buyers to lock in at higher fixed rates, for example. 

Crucially, the report makes no mention at all of the fact that the majority of mortgage applications are subject to a stress test that makes sure buyers can afford to carry payments that are 2% higher than quoted rates, or 5.25% depending on whether your down payment is above or below 20%. This is not trivial. 

That stress test is often referred to as B-20, and it has been highly effective in protecting the sound underpinnings of value for Canadian real estate. Does it work? Well according to Equifax in 2021 the mortgage delinquency rate in Ontario was on average 0.4%.

That's right - less than half a percent. A balanced report might have mentioned that fact.

By the way in the Barrie area the delinquency rate was even lower at 0.37%

(I can recall a time when the CBC employed journalists. Now it seems the organization is content to regurgitate bank press releases. That's a topic for another day). 

The value of real estate is intrinsic. Yes, market tempo varies from time to time, so pay attention to that. And ask a local expert if you have a question about a specific property. 

Hastily posted media articles are a terrible basis for making sound real estate decisions.

Alarmist and Unbalanced Reporting Aims to Scare Consumers, Not Inform Them.

This year we are focusing our charitable efforts on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at RVH. And it’s personal.

Good friends welcomed their son Thomas into the world, who received life saving care at RVH’s NICU, and the great team there deserves as much support to help babies like Thomas, as we can give them.

The NICU touches the lives of so many local families, and we are proud to donate a portion of our revenues through 2022. And we encourage you to help also if you can.

_Lance & Anne Chilton, Broker of Record, & Sales Representative, The Chilton Team._

**For complete details** [**click here.**](https://foundation.rvh.on.ca/chiltonteamcampaign/)

Supporting the Advancement of the NICU at RVH

Barrie has become one of the most sought-after housing markets in Ontario for investors.

REMAX attributes this to:

● Climbing rental rates

● Supply shortages

● Recent by-laws allowing homes to be converted into duplexes

For investors, that means more earning potential.

In its new Official Plan, the City of Barrie projects its population will virtually double over the next 30 years.

But just like any city, some areas in Barrie are more suitable for investment than others. So let’s take a look at 5 of the top investment opportunities and which neighbourhoods to buy in.

**Properties You Can Rent To Students**  
If you're looking for property to rent to students, you should consider buying near Georgian College in the East End.

Buying investment property near a college or university has several benefits. The first is that there’s a large population of potential renters. These renters also tend to be long-term. This is especially true if the school offers multi year programs. If a tenant does decide to move out, you won't have to wait long for a new tenant.

Additionally, college neighbourhoods usually offer attractive amenities. These not only appeal to renters, but help stabilize growth and provide more consistent appreciation. Georgian College in Barrie is close to many amenities including:

*   Medical offices
    
*   Hospital
    
*   Public transit
    
*   Shopping
    
*   Dining
    
*   Gyms
    

But these aren’t the only reasons you should consider buying near Georgian College. The school itself has added benefits that make it a better choice than schools in other cities.

Georgian College attracts a high number of international students who will need housing. The college is also partnered with several universities. As a result, they have a growing list of 4+ year programs. This can lead to longer term contracts and even less tenant turnover.

**Properties To List As Vacation Rentals**

With the introduction of sites like Airbnb and VRBO, short-term rentals are booming. But the profitability of a vacation rental depends heavily on where it's located. In Barrie, a prime location is Downtown. 

The obvious reason for this is that Downtown Barrie is full of culture, shopping, dining and entertainment. It’s also central to popular landmarks and attractions that draw in tourists. This makes it even more attractive to potential renters.

But Barrie has one other factor that makes Downtown perfect for short-term rentals. There aren’t any hotels downtown and the nearest accommodations aren't close by. That makes vacation rentals the only option for tourists.

With that being said, the Barrie market and different areas within the community have different rental property rules. Not all communities make the best fit for vacation style properties. It’s important when looking at investing in a property, that you speak to a knowledgeable agent that not only understands this market but the rules around short-term rental properties.

**Newly Built Properties**

When it comes to real estate investing, buying new builds is a niche market that is growing in popularity. One of the main reasons? New homes are usually in promising neighbourhoods that are attractive to renters/buyers.

Newer homes are also less likely to experience leaky roofs, broken pipes and faulty electrical. Not to mention, they come with new home warranties, as well as new appliances that will be less likely to break down. If they do break down, they're covered by manufacturer warranties. This reduces risks for you as an investor, and makes renting and selling easier. 

If you’re wanting to invest in a new development there are a few areas in Barrie that you should look at.

The first neighbourhood is Lakeshore. There are many new condos in and around Lakeshore with stunning views of Kempenfelt Bay. The properties also have easy access to downtown and other amenities.

New condos are also being built in the sought-after neighbourhood of Ardagh. These condos are a short distance from Hwy 400, trails, schools and amenities.

If you prefer investing in houses, you should consider a townhouse development in Innishore. There are many builds in this neighbourhood and along its borders. Innishore is another highly-sought after neighbourhood and is located on the south side of Kempenfelt Bay. The neighbourhood offers good schools, natural outdoor spaces and waterfront access.

**Properties For Families**

Moving to Barrie with school aged children? You’ll want to head over to Barrie East End. This neighbourhood has the top schools in Barrie, according to [Fraser Institute](https://www.compareschoolrankings.org/pdf/ontario-elementary-school-rankings-2020.pdf).

In 2019, Codrington Public School received a 9.2/10. Its district covers the southwest corner of the Barrie East End. The next best school in Barrie is Algonquin Ridge with a 7.9/10 in the northwestern point of Innishore.

The main reason that Barrie East End wins out over Innishore is that it also has Eastview, Barrie’s [top ranked highschool](https://www.compareschoolrankings.org/pdf/ontario-secondary-school-rankings-2020-13482.pdf).

**Properties With The Highest Livability Ratings**

Livability is critical when choosing where to invest. It not only attracts renters/buyers, but also helps increase property values. If you’re looking for an up-and-coming neighbourhood with a high livability score, you should consider East Bayfield.

East Bayfield is in North Barrie, one of REMAX's [top up-and-coming neighbourhoods](https://blog.remax.ca/best-places-to-live-barrie/). East Bayfield has the [highest Livability Score in Barrie](https://www.areavibes.com/barrie-on/east+bayfield/) at 93/100. This is thanks to low crime rates, access to amenities and above average employment rates.

East Bayfields current pricing is also lower than average making it a great time to enter the market.

With Barrie’s growing population, livability and infrastructure, you can feel confident that any investment will be a lucrative opportunity. But like any investment, it’s important to consider your desired outcome so that you can be sure you’ve purchased the right property to meet your goals.

Best Real Estate Investment Opportunities In Barrie

Living on the water is a great way to improve your quality of life. It can help reduce stress levels and leads to more physical activity, fresh air and sunlight. Not to mention you get to enjoy stunning views and fun activities like fishing, swimming and boating.

But deciding where to live to get the best waterfront access in Barrie can be a challenge. Especially with so many lakeside locations to choose from.

Ultimately, the neighbourhood you choose will depend on your lifestyle and unique situation. To help narrow down the options, here are 5 waterfront neighbourhoods to choose from.

**Condo Living In Downtown Barrie & Lakeshore**

If you want to buy a condo close to the waterfront, Downtown Barrie and Lakeshore are great options. Both neighbourhoods offer condos that give you an excellent view of Kempenfelt Bay. They're also a short walk away from local food, shopping and entertainment.

Lakeshore is home to Centennial Park, known for its long sandy beach and large grass lawns. This makes it a great location for tanning, swimming, picnics and other activities. The park offers beach volleyball, recreational trails, barbecues and food concessions. It's also host to Kempenfest, one of Ontario’s largest waterfront festivals.

If you prefer to spend your day on the water, instead of by it, the community marina is right beside the park. Alternatively, you can use the Tiffin Boat Launch for dry sailing on the south side of the park. 

Have friends coming in by boat? They can moore at the Bayfield Basin Transient Marina, located steps from Downtown.

For fishers, Kempenfelt Bay is a popular spot to catch smallmouth bass, lake whitefish, perch, rock bass and sunfish. Fishing by boat, shoreline fishing and ice fishing are all allowed. Kempenfelt Bay also feeds into Lake Simcoe for even more variety.  

**Mature Living In Little Lake**

If you’re looking for adult living or somewhere to retire, then Little Lake in Barrie North is ideal. The neighbourhood includes a park and two short hiking trails. It’s also close to medical offices, the hospital, shopping, dining and entertainment.

If you go fishing on Little Lake you can expect to catch pike, crappie, perch and largemouth bass. While there's no longer a public boat launch, you can rent boats at Lawrence Park to enjoy a day on the water.

You can find detached homes in this neighborhood, but newly built condos are the biggest draw. The two main developments are Lakevu Condos and The Landing at Little Lake.

Lakevu condos are a short walk from Little Lake. The current tower has a gym, pet spa, rooftop terrace, games lounge and outdoor lounge. Lakevu is not on the water but does offer a view of Little Lake.

The Landing was designed with active adults in mind and is right on the shores of Little Lake. The development will include a park, walking paths and docks for your boat. Inside, you will get to enjoy a swimming pool, spa, hair salon, fine dining and pub.

**Luxury Living At Friday Harbor**

Friday Harbour Resort is an all season resort on the shores of Lake Simcoe. It’s located just outside of Barrie in Innisfil, ON. It's a great location for buying a summertime getaway or a year round luxury home.

This waterside community offers a fitness centre, theater room and lakeside dining. You can also enjoy summer and winter trail activities in the 600 acre Nature Preserve. If you want to get on the water, the resort also has a marina, as well as kayak and canoe storage on the beach. If you don't own a boat, the resort rents motor boats, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards.

**Country Living In Oro-Medonte**

If you're looking for waterfront living away from the city, you should buy in Oro-Medonte.

Oro-Medonte is between Barrie and Orillia on the northwestern shores of Lake Simcoe. There are many communities within Oro-Medonte that span the 40 km shoreline. These communities include:

*   Shanty Bay
    
*   Oro Lea Beach
    
*   Roeberta Park
    
*   Oro Beach
    
*   Oro Park
    
*   Barilla Park
    
*   Bradens Bay
    
*   Parkside Beach
    
*   Simcoeside
    
*   Hawkstone
    
*   Waddington Beach
    
*   Baywood Park
    
*   Cashew Bay
    
*   Eight Mile Point
    
*   Cedar Beach
    
*   Moons Beach
    

Each community offers its own amenities but you can expect to find beaches, trails, launch ramps and parks in many. In the community of Hawkstone, you can also find the Hawkestone Yacht Club.

**Cottage Living On The Shores Of Kempenfelt Bay & Lake Simcoe**

Looking for a home away from home to enjoy during the summer and on weekends? The shores of Kempenfelt Bay and Lake Simcoe are scattered with great options in, and around Barrie.

The neighbouring communities of Shanty Bay and Innisfil offer many shoreline properties with direct and indirect waterfront access. Both offer launch ramps, fishing and beaches (or are only a short distance from beaches). They're also close enough to Barrie that you can enjoy the convenience of city living without being right in town. Best of all, you can enjoy waterfront access, without the long drive to cottage country. This makes them the perfect choice, if you're looking for a lakeside getaway.

No matter what you’re looking for in your waterfront property, Barrie and its surrounding areas have several great options.

Looking for something else from your waterfront property? Get in touch and we can help you find the neighbourhood that’s perfect for you.

Top 5 Places to Buy a Home in Barrie If You Want Waterfront Access

Enjoy a hot cup of hot chocolate and a bite to eat at The Chilton Team's new second location.

When the outdoor fireplace is lit that means The Chilton Team is there. Come warm up!

The new location is a freshly renovated classic Victorian-era church built in 1848.

### **This is a charitable event in support of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at RVH**

You can buy a Christmas tree with proceeds going to the NICU, and while you're at it take some family photos, and meet the team.

Project 2101

Curious to know what it’s like to renovate a church? Follow us on our journey!

Lance, Anne and the team have been creating videos documenting the process.

When you step into the building you will be surrounded by walls that are older than Canada, complemented by an interior renovation that stays true to the period, with a slightly modern twist.

The custom interior glass walls and cabinetry were created and installed by Ferndale Trim and Door, with interior design by our own design and staging expert Aija Keating.

There are six episodes in all, and you can see them on [our YouTube channel:](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3rWXmFdgS0&list=PLVbKryKh7c6gnoc_nezhY4dvTf6donW16) [youtube.com/TheChiltonTeamBarrie](http://youtube.com/TheChiltonTeamBarrie)

**Join Us For The Event**  
Come join us for this fun filled event with the team Saturday December 4th from 12-6pm.

And help RVH's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit help the littlest of the little ones!

See you there!

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