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William (Bill) Rinehart, Realtor®/Salesperson HomeLife/Kempenfelt-Kelly Realty Ltd, Broker 705.436.5111

Where to buy? Prices quoted are average prices for residential sales by location as provided by the Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® More boring statistics, but look closely.

The Potential The chart above shows prices just prior to the crash in 1990 that sent housing values plummeting everywhere, in comparison to the peak prices paid for houses in the Barrie area in 2007. History has a way of repeating itself. If that also applies to the appeal of different areas to home-buyers, Oro-Medonte will continue to lead the way. If your objective is to maximize the growth in the value of your home, the data suggest that Oro-Medonte township is for you. Not only has it gained the most in the past 16 years, (see Who Made the Most? ) it also lost the least during the crash of the early 1990's. The Clearview statistics are erratic because of the limited number of sales reported there (only 36 sales in 2008.) Most Clearview sales are in Collingwood and Wasaga Beach and are not listed on the Barrie Board. If your priority is affordable housing, Barrie is the most affordable place to buy. Unfortunately it has also shown the worst return for buyers. Barrie lost the most during the crash of the early 1990's, and regained the least during the recovery. The excessive number of new-home builders in Barrie, competing against each other on price, has been responsible for Barrie's low prices. Low new-home prices have kept the pressure on resale prices. To a builder, the house is inventory that has tied up capital, and it HAS to be sold, at any price. There are fewer builders in the surrounding townships to cause the same problems there. The more rural township of Essa has traditionally lagged in average price because of the impact of the lower prices in Angus, next to the military base. In 2006 though, a new townhouse subdivision in Angus, plus resales on an upscale subdivision that was built a few years ago in Angus, has increased the average price for the township of Essa, and it has joined the big boys. The future prospects for Essa depends on where you live in Essa. The 427 extension is proposed to go through Essa. The current government put the 427 extension on hold, then rejuvinated it again but on a more limited basis. If that extension works its way north of highway 9, it will likely follow the existing Hydro tower right of way through Essa. Residential properties adjacent to the highway will go down in value, while the increased access will make properties a short drive from the extension more attractive to buyers and more valuable. Innisfil is also home to a large number of lower-priced homes, but they are offset by the large number of waterfront properties. The statistics are balanced and more reflective of average house prices in Innisfil. The restoration of GO-Train service into Barrie, through Innisfil, will make Innisfil a more feasible place to live for many more commuting buyers. The numbers will depend on how convenient and practical the service is. Springwater has always been at or near the top of the list in terms of prices. The lifestyle and recreational choices make it attractive for more exclusive living. The topography is much like the popular King Township north of Toronto, but it's remote location has kept prices in check. The potential highway 427 extension into southern Springwater will make it an attractive option for many more people commuting to the west end of Toronto, and will put even more upward pressure on prices over the next few decades. If the highway is extended, I suspect Springwater's market value increases will outpace all other townships in the area. A good Realtor will help you match your needs and objectives with what is going on in the marketplace. It's an essential part of the service that I provide to clients like you who get on the FAST-TRACK. Call me now.

Where should I buy a house?	When should I buy?
Where is the market going?	Who made the most?
How do I buy lower?	How do I sell higher?

Bill Rinehart

436-5111

Toll Free 1-877-436-5111