Agent Blogs

If any Realtors are looking for a great website with a built in business solution, take a look at RealtySitesPLUS promo video!     [ more ]

What is a Buyer Agent? If you are a First Time Buyer, new to the area you are moving to, or an old pro - whatever your experience buying a house, having your own representation is vital.  The Listing Agent works for the Seller.  The Buyer Agent strictly represents the Buyer.  You... [ more ]

Your thinking of buying a house... so you start looking on MLS, call the numbers on the For Sale signs, make appointments with whoever is available to show you the house... If this is the way you are looking for a property, you won't be getting the house for the best dollar, and you sure aren't... [ more ]

My Review of the Pad Thai recipe: Yesterday I posted a Pad Thai recipe and had promised to give you my honest opinion.   It was awesome.  Very simple to make. I added some chili pepper flakes and some curry powder :) Will definite enable 4 people to enjoy this tasty dish! [ more ]

OK, my collegue Rob has been bragging about his "special" Pad Thai recipe for about 2 months now.  So before he gets outrageously mad at me (and to get him off my back), I've decided that I am going to make it for dinner tonight for my guests... He's going to be realll mad at... [ more ]

The bond rate continued to drop the past week. It's now at the lowest level in 2010. Weak economic news from around the world has been the main driving force. If this continues to stay in these ranges, I expect the Bank of Canada may halt the projected increases in prime rate.   The recent... [ more ]

A little while ago, I wanted to find somewhere that rented bikes.  I haven't been biking for a long time and wanted to try it out again. Well, unfortunately, the weekend I was able to try it out, I couldn't find a place that rented bikes.  Then a co-worker of mine came into work and... [ more ]

Residential property sales recorded through the MLS® System of the Barrie District Association of REALTORS® Inc. were down considerably in July 2010. A slowdown in demand in Ontario had been widely expected in July, with many purchases having been brought forward... [ more ]

As expected the Bank of Canada raised their rate by 1/4% this morning. Bank prime is now at 2.75%.   They comment that inflation is in line with their projections. Also, that overall economic growth is weaker than previously anticipated. Hopefully this will mean rates staying in... [ more ]

When thinking what colour of mulch to top your gardens with, consider a number of things first. Is the colour going to take away from my front entrance? Or from another feature (ie. water, pond, landscaping). You want people to admire your gardens and the plants in it, not the mulch.... [ more ]

Mike: A home inspection is a visual examination of the structure and function of the home and major appliances. The time taken depends on the size of the home. We encourage you to attend, and we show you any problems or issues and discuss maintenance items. If you have specific questions, you can... [ more ]

Well it finally happened, the Bank of Canada raised it's rate by 1/4% this morning. This is the start of an upward trend with them. Their last paragraph in the announcement speaks as to the uncertainty in the markets. They are acknowledging that they will be cautious on more rate increases... [ more ]

Variable Rate: 1.65% wow!! (Prime -.60) 1 Year Rate: 2.64% 2 Year Rate: 3.15% 3 Year Rate: 3.75% 4 Year Rate: 4.10% 5 Year Rate: 4.35% wow!! 7 Year Rate: 5.00% 10 Year Rate: 5.45% Open Line of Credit: 2.85% wow!! Benchmark Rate is 6.10%. This is the rate used for qualifying all variable... [ more ]

I just want to provide a head up for anyone who may be in the market for an upcoming mortgage and who may not be watching the Bank of Canada announcements or long term rate predictions. If you haven't been following them closely, they are still near the lowest in History however this will not... [ more ]

Prices for some services in Ontario will rise as of May 1, as the province starts phasing in the harmonized sales tax. The eight per cent provincial sales tax will be eliminated July 1 and replaced with the 13 per cent HST. However, goods and services bought after tomorrow for use after July 1... [ more ]