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Stay Updated With Current Barrie Real Estate News:


Barrie Homes: Mortgage Rate Update & Why it's a Good Time to Buy
By Peggy Hill on February 3rd, 2012

Thanks to our friends at Dominion Lending Centre www.MortgagetAndLifestyle.com we have an update for you on mortgage rates: Rates remained the same on both fixed and variable mortgages this past week. Bond rates continue to be extremely low and ... More »



Barrie Homes: 10 Money-Saving Tips for 2012
By Peggy Hill on January 23rd, 2012

When it comes to improving your financial picture, small steps can yield big gains. Whether you’re saving for a down payment or dealing with increased expenses having just moved into a new home, the following tips from SWparents.com are great ... More »



Barrie Homes: Renovating? Why Building Codes are Critical
By Peggy Hill on January 13th, 2012

We’ve all heard horror stories about the remodeling project that needs to be torn down or redone because it didn’t live up to code. While many believe that investigating building codes is too confusing, time consuming and costly, the ... More »



Barrie Homes: 5 Reasons to Refinance
By Peggy Hill on January 6th, 2012

While not everyone can afford to refinance due to little or no equity, refinancing is still a popular option for many, as it can be a smart way to simplify and save money. Below are five reasons why you might want to consider refinancing: ... More »



Barrie Homes: How to Keep Holiday Spending Under Control
By Peggy Hill on December 16th, 2011

Let’s face it—every dollar earned in today’s economy is a hard-earned one and blowing your budget on holiday spending is just not an option this year. While everyone is tempted to splurge during this festive season, you ... More »



Barrie Homes: 5 Expenses That Will Consume 50 Percent of Your Lifetime Earnings
By Peggy Hill on December 13th, 2011

I recently came across this article written by a contributor to Forbes.com, Manisha Thakor. I read the article and thought that it was something I should share with all of you. Money woes are common these days and they become even more prevalent ... More »



Barrie Homes: Must-Know Holiday Safety Tips
By Peggy Hill on December 9th, 2011

While this time of the year is packed with joyous moments and festive activities, holiday-related mishaps can happen in the blink of an eye. According to the national nonprofit Home Safety Council® (www.Homesafetycouncil.org), many popular ... More »



Barrie Homes: Winter Woes: Burst Pipe the Most-Feared Home Emergency
By Peggy Hill on December 8th, 2011

At this time of year, many take their car in for a pre-winter check to help it withstand the months of cold, damp weather. But how many people ever think to do the same for their most valuable asset—their home? According to the AA Home ... More »



Barrie Homes: Barrie Market Responsive to Mortgage Rate
By Peggy Hill on November 22nd, 2011

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a home, two of the biggest considerations are (1) Employment and (2) Mortgage carrying costs. High mortgage rates equal a higher monthly payment and vice versa for low mortgage rates. Higher ... More »



Barrie Homes: How to Make Your New House a Home
By Peggy Hill on November 18th, 2011

One of the most exciting moments of anyone’s life is buying their first home. However, after you wind down from the whirlwind of closing and cross that threshold for the first time, reality often sets in. For many new homeowners, it can be ... More »



Barrie Homes: 6 Tips to Successfully Manage Money as a Couple
By Peggy Hill on November 11th, 2011

While discussions regarding finances don’t make their way to the top of the to-do list as often as they should, it’s more important than ever that couples take the time to sit down and discuss their finances and financial goals. Whether ... More »



Barrie Homes: Fourth Quarter Outlook for the Barrie Real Estate Market
By Peggy Hill on November 10th, 2011

On Tuesday the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) released their real estate forecast for the fourth quarter of 2011 in Barrie. As you may have already read in my blog posting on Monday, there are two main elements to their forecast: ... More »



Barrie Homes: Variable or Fixed Rate Mortgage?
By Peggy Hill on November 8th, 2011

According to an article published by the Globe and Mail on October 31st, variable rate mortgages are just not worth your while any more. The banks haven't been making enough money on variable rate mortgages and thus have taken away the discount ... More »



Barrie Homes: Barrie Housing Market Outlook: 2011 into 2012
By Peggy Hill on November 7th, 2011

The Fall housing market outlook for the remainder of 2011 and into 2012 was released on Friday from the Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation (CMHC).  The general consensus is that the housing Market will remain balanced and that there ... More »



Barrie Homes: Safe Shopping Strategies for the Holidays
By Peggy Hill on November 4th, 2011

In today’s financially challenging climate, identity theft and credit card fraud are crimes to be very aware of, especially as the holiday shopping season descends upon us. While many now have a heightened awareness regarding online shopping ... More »



Barrie Homes: Generation X Aren't Slackers!
By Peggy Hill on October 27th, 2011

A new study by the University of Michigan has ruled the widely held belief that Gen X-ers are lazier than previous generations is simply not true!                         ... More »



Barrie Homes: Rock 95 & Peggy Hill's Birthday Bash!
By Peggy Hill on October 21st, 2011

This past Wednesday we celebrated Peggy and Rock 95's birthday with a live radio broadcast from our Barrie real estate office at 431 Huronia Road. From noon to three on October 19th Craig Ross broadcasted live from our office and we invited ... More »



Barrie Homes: 5 Important Steps for First-Time Home Buyers
By Peggy Hill on September 30th, 2011

As you've probably heard, today's market offers many opportunities for first-time home buyers. While shopping for your first home is an exciting time, it can also be a stressful experience as you navigate today's market. Before you ... More »



Barrie Homes: Home Sales Up in August
By Peggy Hill on September 13th, 2011

For the second consecutive month this year property sales from the Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® MLS® system were up considerably over last year. The Association covers the City of Barrie and part or all of the surrounding ... More »



Barrie Homes: How to Repair Your Credit Post Bankruptcy
By Peggy Hill on September 2nd, 2011

From losing a job to losing a home, many Canadians have suffered the slings and arrows of the recession over the past few years. This has forced many to make the difficult decision of filing for bankruptcy. While bankruptcy is the least desirable ... More »



Barrie Homes: Water Damage & How to Prevent it
By Peggy Hill on August 26th, 2011

If water damage is something that you've found in your Barrie home, you know how frustrating and costly it can be to deal with. Water damage can be caused by anything from storms and flooding to broken water pipes and lines and leaking washing ... More »



Barrie Homes: Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Identity Online
By Peggy Hill on August 19th, 2011

While the Internet is increasingly becoming our go-to source for instantly connecting with others, conducting business, shopping and more, there are certain safety precautions we need to consider. Whether we’re at our desktops at the office, ... More »



Barrie Homes for Sale: Time to Sell? Home Sales up in July
By Peggy Hill on August 16th, 2011

If you've been thinking about selling your home, now just might be the right time. Home sales in July from the Barrie & District Association of REALTORS® MLS® system were up 23% over 2010 at 380 units and in the city of Barrie ... More »



Barrie Homes: Remodeling? Know which Projects Will Increase Your Home's Value
By Peggy Hill on May 20th, 2011

With many home buyers choosing to stay put as opposed to selling their home in the current marketplace, remodeling projects are gaining new ground. However, before you set out on your remodeling project, the National Association of the Remodeling ... More »



Barrie Homes: Home resales fall on tighter mortgage rules
By Peggy Hill on May 18th, 2011

Some breaking news about the Canadian real estate market from Rueters and the Business News Network: "Sales of existing homes in Canada fell 4.4 percent in April from March as activity dropped off after a first-quarter rush to buy before the ... More »



Barrie Homes: 5 Easy Steps to Utilize Home Security Systems
By Peggy Hill on May 13th, 2011

With the official start of the summer season right around the corner, homeowners across Simcoe County are beginning to anticipate the longer days, warmer weather and family vacations that define the season. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate ... More »



Tips for a Successful Kitchen Remodel
By Peggy Hill on May 6th, 2011

There’s no way around it—everyone gathers in the kitchen. Often the heart and soul of our home, the kitchen is also one of the critical areas that contributes—or detracts—from the value of your home. As a Member of the Top ... More »



Barrie Homes: RBC Reports Young Canadians are postponing home purchases
By Peggy Hill on April 12th, 2011

In today’s recovering economy it's not surprising that RBC's Annual Home Ownership study found that young Canadian's today are postponing their home purchases, 55% of them, or 10 points higher than the national average, think that ... More »



Barrie Homes: How to Qualify for a Mortgage in Today's Credit Crunch
By Peggy Hill on April 4th, 2011

There may have never been a better time to buy a home than right now. Earlier this month, interest rates dropped again -- the average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 4.79% from 4.93%, according to ... More »



Barrie Homes: World Autism Awareness Day 2011
By Peggy Hill on March 31st, 2011

Please join me in raising awareness for World Autism Awareness Day this Saturday April 2nd. Each year this day is used to raise awareness around the globe about Autism and the growing number of children being diagnosed each year. Early diagnosis ... More »



Barrie Homes: How to buy your kids a house
By Peggy Hill on March 28th, 2011

If you've come to that point in your life when your children are contemplating renting or entering the housing market, then you've come to the right place! Our friends at the Financial Post have written a great article on the different ... More »



Barrie Homes: Keeping up with the Industry
By Peggy Hill on March 28th, 2011

We've all experienced the hectic pace of business today, and there are many reasons or "excuses" you can use to justify the fact that you're too busy, but in today’s connected society I believe it's more important than ... More »



Barrie Homes: Easy Energy-Saving Ideas for Spring
By Peggy Hill on March 24th, 2011

Spring is finally upon us, which means things will be heating up in no time...including your electric bill. In today's economy and in the Barrie real estate market, it's important to reduce expenses wherever possible, especially those costs ... More »



HST: Less than expected Impact on Income
By Peggy Hill on March 20th, 2011

In a paper written by Michael Smart and released by the University of Calgary it has been determined that the Harmonized Sales Tax implemented in Ontario had less of an effect on consumer’s wallets than expected. The introduction of this tax ... More »



Barrie Real Estate: Canadas Biggest Banks Lowering Rates for Fixed Mortgages
By Peggy Hill on March 18th, 2011

In February many of Canada's banks raised their mortgage rates as investors grew more confident in equity markets and the global economy appeared to be growing stronger. However it's no secret that the tragic events in Japan and the ... More »



Barrie Homes Top 5 Ways to Make Moving Less Stressful
By Peggy Hill on March 18th, 2011

Moving into your brand new home is one of the happiest, most exciting moments of your life. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most stressful. The perils and pitfalls of packing up your possessions and safely moving them to another ... More »



Barrie Homes: Know your credit score
By Peggy Hill on July 1st, 2010

 Do You Know What Impacts Your Credit Score? Take This Quiz and Find Out According to credit experts, 42% of U.S. consumers have credit scores between 550 and 699. As a result, these consumers typically don’t qualify for preferred ... More »



Barrie Homes 9 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor
By Peggy Hill on February 17th, 2011

When your heating and/or cooling system breaks down, it can be an overwhelming experience to find a contractor if you don't have someone you already trust. You need to find someone quickly but don't want to make the wrong choice. As a ... More »



Barrie Homes Top 5 Tips for Tackling Home Improvement Projects
By Peggy Hill on March 11th, 2011

In the do-it-yourself age we live in, many Barrie homeowners are ready and willing to take on home-improvement projects themselves. But while you may be ready and willing, the real question is, are you really "able?" I have access to ... More »



March Break Activities in Barrie March 14th to 18th 2011
By Peggy Hill on March 10th, 2011

March Break gives kids and parents alike a chance to explore the activities and events in their local community. If you’re looking for ways to entertain your kids this March break there's plenty going on in Barrie and the surrounding ... More »



What You Need to Look for in a Real Estate Professional
By Peggy Hill on March 3rd, 2011

Let's face it -- in today's challenging economy, every penny you can save matters. That's why some homeowners go it alone when it comes time to sell their home. However, according to a recent survey conducted by the Multiple Listing ... More »



Freshen Up Your Home This Winter with 3 Simple Projects
By Peggy Hill on February 10th, 2011

It's easy to understand why the harshness of winter can slow you down. From the inclement weather to the treacherous roads, winter's mighty bite is fierce. While we cannot predict or control the weather outside, we can make the most of what ... More »



Housing Sales Activity Forecasted to increase in 2011
By Peggy Hill on February 9th, 2011

Yesterday the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) announced a revised and extended Real Estate forecast for 2011 into 2012. Since the market rebounded more quickly than expected in the second half of 2010 CREA has revised their Real Estate ... More »



No Down Payment Breaking News from RBC
By Peggy Hill on January 24th, 2011

Last week RBC launched two new default insured mortgage programs for clients with little to no down payment available when purchasing a home. The program allows Mortgage Brokers, through RBC Royal Bank Mortgages, to use a cash back or borrowed ... More »



Buying a fixerupper Great new Program from Laurentian Bank
By Peggy Hill on January 28th, 2011

So you've found your dream home, in the right area for a great deal, but it's just a little bit "less than perfect" and you didn't budget for improvements. Well for buyers with good credit there's no need to worry! A great ... More »



How to Make Real Connections with Buyers During an Open House
By Peggy Hill on January 21st, 2011

In today's technology-centric world, the idea of hosting an open house to help find a buyer for your home may seem antiquated. As a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, however, I have learned from experience that an open house -- ... More »



The Changing Mortgage Rules the Real Estate Market in 2011
By Peggy Hill on January 18th, 2011

It was announced yesteray, Monday January 17th 2011 that there will be a few adjustments in terms of rules for government backed insured mortgages. The changes have been made in an effort to support the long-term stability of Canada's housing ... More »



New Mortgage Rules from the Department of Finance
By Peggy Hill on January 18th, 2011

Jim Flaherty announced yesterday morning that there are 3 new rules coming into effect March 18 and April 18, 2011 a copy of the announcement is below   The Harper Government Takes Prudent Action to Support the Long-Term Stability of ... More »



How to Secure a Sizable Down Payment
By Peggy Hill on January 13th, 2011

While today's real estate market presents challenges for many, it still remains an optimal market for first-time home buyers. Reasonable home prices, a healthy inventory and still-low interest rates create a winning combination for those ... More »



How to Make Sure Your Remodel Fits Your Lifestyle
By Peggy Hill on January 6th, 2011

According to a new consumer poll from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), 49% of homeowners consider outcome and design as the greatest determinant of project satisfaction. According to NARI National President-Elect Michael ... More »



How to Enjoy Your Fireplace Safely
By Peggy Hill on December 30th, 2010

As we enjoy this holiday week and invite friends and families to our home, the fireplace often serves as the iconic focal point of our get-togethers. In fact, according to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), approximately one-third of Americans ... More »



Tips for Saving on Heating and Cooling
By Peggy Hill on December 16th, 2010

With the holiday season now in full swing, you are undoubtedly busy ... whether it's shopping for gifts, preparing for guests or gathering with friends. What you probably won't notice through the hustle and bustle of the season is your ... More »



Warning from the Bank of Canada
By Peggy Hill on December 14th, 2010

Courtesy of the Newsroom at the Propertywire.ca: The Bank of Canada has issued a stern warning for those carrying high household debt; there is trouble waiting down the road in the form of looming high interest rates. Canadians have enjoyed a ... More »



Top 5 Ways to Spend Less This Holiday Season
By Peggy Hill on December 3rd, 2010

While the holidays should be a joyous time for all, unfortunately, financial pressures can make this time of the year stressful and depressing for many. There are countless ways, however, to stop holiday spending from spiraling out of control in ... More »



MLS Data for Barrie Real Estate for October
By Peggy Hill on November 26th, 2010

According to the MLS, seasonally adjusted national home sales activity rose 4.6 per % in October 2010. This monthly rise in activity continues the trend of similar increases in August and September.  So then, activity comes in at 13.3 % above ... More »



Top 5 Tips for FistTime Home Buyers
By Peggy Hill on November 25th, 2010

Today's real estate market presents many unique opportunities for first-time home buyers. From low interest rates to power of sale properties and short sales, the current economic climate puts homeownership within reach for many who ... More »



Barrie Still Recovering from 2010 into 2011
By Peggy Hill on November 19th, 2010

 Throughout 2010 the Barrie economy has been recovering from the recession, this trend will continue into 2011 but at a slower rate of recovery. According to the Housing Market Outlook from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), ... More »



6 Ways to Get Your Home in TipTop Shape
By Peggy Hill on November 19th, 2010

Understandably, the goal for any home seller is to sell their property quickly, while investing as little as possible in renovations. With a limited budget and a little effort, you can greatly increase your home's appeal by focusing on what ... More »



Video Satire Understanding the US Federal Reserve
By Peggy Hill on November 15th, 2010

 For a little fun take look at this cartoon to give yourself some insight on the Federal Reserve in the United States ...   Sincerely, Peggy Hill Peggy Hill & Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage Office: 705-739-4455 Mobile: ... More »



How to Rent your Vacation Property Fast
By Peggy Hill on November 11th, 2010

If you have a second home or vacation property you're looking to sell, this market may prove to be exceptionally tough. That's why leasing your property, at least for now, is something you should seriously consider. With the winter months ... More »



7 Moving Mistakes That Can Cost You
By Peggy Hill on November 5th, 2010

Keeping your household organized is a challenge in the best of circumstances, let alone when you're in the midst of dealing with the disruption of moving. As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I always take the extra steps ... More »



5 Tips to Keep in Mind When Selling a Home
By Peggy Hill on July 1st, 2010

    When selling your home, it is important to keep the following tips in mind so that you get the most money for your property in the least amount of time. Whether you are selling the home yourself or working with an experienced agent, ... More »



Top 10 Green Design Trends for Your Home
By Peggy Hill on October 7th, 2010

Top 10 Green Design Trends for Your Home As the green movement gathers steam, many homeowners -- and soon-to-be homeowners -- are exploring ways to become environmentally conscious within their living spaces. Greening your home is not only a ... More »



Fears of a Canadian Housing Market Crash Overblown
By Peggy Hill on September 30th, 2010

Some advice on the Candian housing market from my friend Jeremy Ridley at RBC: Fears of a Canadian housing market crash overblown You may have noticed a lot of stories in the press recently about a significant risk of a ... More »



5 Great Tips to Close the Deal
By Peggy Hill on September 23rd, 2010

5 Great Tips to Close the Deal In our market, competition for buyers is high and sometimes the seller may need to look at sweetening the pot, so to speak, to get the deal done. As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate ... More »



Credit Score Information you should know
By Peggy Hill on September 20th, 2010

What Is a Beacon Score? The biggest part of the score (35 per cent) is your payment history, This shows if you pay bills on time, have any unpaid debts or have been through bankruptcies, consumer proposals or debt management ... More »



10 Tips for Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor
By Peggy Hill on September 20th, 2010

10 Tips for Hiring a Home Remodeling Contractor Given the economic difficulties that still exist, it's not surprising that many homeowners are looking to home improvement and renovation, rather than buying a new home. When ... More »



Buying a Foreclosed Home Top Problems to Look Out For
By Peggy Hill on September 2nd, 2010

Buying a Foreclosed Home? Top Problem Areas to Look Out For Today's real estate landscape offers some great buys for savvy real estate consumers, especially when it comes to foreclosure properties. Unfortunately, even though ... More »



Peggy now Top 5 in Real Estate Network
By Peggy Hill on September 2nd, 2010

Thursday, September 02, 2010 Peggy Hill, of Peggy Hill & Associates Realty, Barrie, ON, Named a Member of Top 5 in Real Estate Network® Look for this article in your local newspaper! Local Realtor Earns Most ... More »



Remodeling New Lead Regulations You Need to Know About
By Peggy Hill on August 20th, 2010

Remodeling? New Lead Regulations You Need to Know About While we're all aware of the health risks posed by lead, you might not realize that even common renovation projects can be hazardous in terms of lead. According to the ... More »



Top 5 Tips for Buying a Luxury Home
By Peggy Hill on August 9th, 2010

Top 5 Tips for Buying a Luxury Home Despite the doom and gloom the media portrays regarding today’s real estate market, several unique opportunities exist for home buyers, in particular, luxury home buyers. While home ... More »



Tips for Boosting Affordability
By Peggy Hill on August 9th, 2010

Tips for Boosting Affordability For first-time buyers looking for a home of their own, there are some ways to further increase mortgage affordability and stretch one’s housing dollar.  Here are some tips to ... More »



Home sales down in July
By Peggy Hill on August 6th, 2010

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 ... More »



Looking for a Summer Remodeling Project
By Peggy Hill on August 6th, 2010

  Looking for a Summer Remodeling Project? These Tips Might Help Other than vacations, summer is the time of the year most popular for home improvement. The long days and warm, sunny weather make a great ... More »



RBC Royal Bank RateCapper Mortgage at Prime Offer Has Been Extended
By Peggy Hill on July 26th, 2010

  RBC Royal Bank® RateCapper® Mortgage at Prime Offer Has Been Extended   Recently, RBC Royal Bank announced the introduction of the RateCapper mortgage at prime.  Due to popular demand, we are extending ... More »



First time home buyers What you need to know before you start your home search
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

    First-time Home Buyers: What You Need to Know Before Starting Your Home Search With historically low interest rates persevering and prices starting to creep back up, more and more renters are grappling with the ... More »



Peggy Hill Associates Realty Inc Brokerage
By Peggy Hill on July 1st, 2010

It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I welcome you to my new site and blog. I would like to announce to you that I have started my own real estate brokerage name Peggy Hill & Associates Realty. Since starting out in Real Estate 6 ... More »



Why is Location so Important
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

Why is location so important? Location remains the single most important factor when choosing a home. It can make or break the value and desirability of a home. Because everyone's preferences vary, your lifestyle will determine the best ... More »



Where can I find foreclosure properties
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

Where can I find foreclosure properties? Look in the legal notices section of your local newspaper. A notice is also usually posted on the property itself and somewhere in the city where the sale will take place. However, ... More »



Should I buy a vacation home
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

Should I buy a vacation home? The second home market has more ebbs and flows than the primary home market. Sales are iffy in a bad economy except, perhaps, on the high-end. That said, there is a growing trend toward the purchase of vacation ... More »



What should I take into account when buying a new home
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

What else should I take into account when buying a new home? You can find out more about an existing property and neighborhood before you buy than you can a new home in a newly developed community. When the home is on the outskirts of town, ... More »



Should I hire a home inspector for a new home
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

Should I hire a home inspector for a new home? You would think not since it is new and the developer has to adhere to local construction guidelines. However, err on the side of caution - always hire an inspector, whether the home ... More »



Can you negotiate the price of a new home
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

Can you negotiate the price of a new home? In real estate, almost everything is negotiable, so it is certainly worth a try. Now, this does not mean the builder will fall down and roll over. It is very common for builders to claim ... More »



How can I finance work needed on a fixerupper
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

How can I finance work needed on a fixer-upper? According to the Millennial Housing Commission created by Congress, few lenders are willing to administer home improvement loans. Most prefer to make home equity ... More »



What kind of return can I expect from home improvements
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

What kind of return can I expect from home improvements? This will vary depending on the type of work that is done. Remodeling magazine publishes an annual "Cost vs. Value Report'' that can answer this question in ... More »



What guidelines should I use to find a contractor
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

What guidelines should I use to find a contractor? Chances are you will need plenty of help making those major repairs and additions. But the last thing you will need is someone who fails to complete the ... More »



How do I determine the value of a distressed property
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

How do I determine the value of a distressed property? One of the best ways is to get your hands on a comparable market analyses. See what price similar properties have sold for in the past and find out the listing price of others ... More »



Where can you find fixeruppers
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

Where can you find fixer-uppers? They are literally everywhere, even in wealthy enclaves. What sets them apart is price. They have lower market value than other houses in the immediate area because they have either been poorly maintained or ... More »



What are coops
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

What are co-ops? Cooperative apartments - known as co-ops - are not really owned by people as real property. Instead, people own shares of stock in the company that owns the building in which they live. But for all practical purposes, the ... More »



How do townhouses differ from condominiums
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

How do townhouses differ from condominiums? While most condominiums are apartments, a townhouse is attached to one or more houses and can run the gamut from duplexes and triplexes to communities with hundreds of homes. Buyers separately own ... More »



How do you choose a good condo
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

How do you choose a good condo? Seek ownership in a well-maintained building, and pay special attention to the financial health of the condo association. Lax maintenance may be a sign of financial trouble, which could result in higher ... More »



What is a condominium
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

What is a condominium? Condominiums are buildings in which individuals separately own the air space inside the interior walls, floors and ceilings of their unit, but they jointly own an interest in the common areas that they share - such as the ... More »



Can I contest my property taxes
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

Can I contest my property taxes? Many people do, mainly because determining value can often be tricky. This is especially true in a changing market when local prices either take off dramatically or plunge precipitously, like ... More »



Why do homeowners have to pay property taxes
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

Why do homeowners have to pay property taxes? Property taxes are assessed by city and county governments to generate the bulk of their operating revenues. The taxes help pay for such public services as schools, libraries, roads, and police ... More »



Is there anything I should know about closing day
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

Is there anything I should know about closing day? Yes. The following to-do list can help save you a few headaches and keep the closing on track: Keep extra money in your account. Something unexpected can pop up during the ... More »



What contingencies should appear in the offer
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

What contingencies should appear in the offer? When you look to purchase a home, anticipate potential problems. But protect against them so that if something does go wrong, you can cancel the contract without penalty. This is what ... More »



What are some negotiating tips
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

What are some negotiating tips? Know the seller's motivation to sell. This will enhance your negotiating position. Sellers who must move quickly due to a job transfer, divorce, or contract on another home, are more inclined to ... More »



Can you negotiate interest rates
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

Can you negotiate interest rates? A few lenders will negotiate the mortgage rate and number of points on a loan. However, this is more the exception than the rule with established lenders. As always, shop around and know the market before you ... More »



Are LowBall Offers a good idea
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

Are low-ball offers a good idea? Any offer can be presented, but a low-ball one that is extremely less than the asking price can dampen a prospective sale and prevent the seller from negotiating at all. Unless the home is overpriced to begin ... More »



Is it possible to buy a home below market price
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

Is it possible to buy a home below market price? Certainly, but do not hold your breath. It takes a lot of determination and time to find a real bargain. But if you are adamant, here are some likely targets to pursue: foreclosed ... More »



Is Private Mortgage Insurance Necessary
By Peggy Hill on July 15th, 2010

Is private mortgage insurance necessary? Lenders require private mortgage insurance (PMI) on most conventional loans with less than a 20 percent down payment. They believe there is a correlation between borrower equity and default. They have ... More »



Four Reasons to Rent Your Retirement Property
By Peggy Hill on July 14th, 2010

Four Reasons to Rent Your Retirement Property If you have a vacation home that you had hoped to retire to some day but have since changed your mind, don’t jump to sell it…consider renting it out instead. For ... More »



What about title insurance
By Peggy Hill on July 14th, 2010

  Title insurance protects the lender against unclear title to the property you are buying. It is almost always a requirement for closing on a home. If you desire coverage as well, buy an owner's policy, which will ... More »



What is condo and coop insurance
By Peggy Hill on July 14th, 2010

  This insurance protects your investment and personal belongings from most disasters. As an owner, you will need two insurance policies - your own to cover liability, living expenses, your belongings and structural improvements, and a master ... More »



What kind of home insurance should I get
By Peggy Hill on July 14th, 2010

  A standard policy will do in most instances. It protects against several natural disasters and catastrophic events. However, it will not guard against earthquakes, floods, war, and nuclear accidents. The policy can be expanded to include ... More »



What does homeowners' insurance cover
By Peggy Hill on July 14th, 2010

  It protects against disasters - whether natural, manmade or mechanical. A standard policy insures the home, as well as your possessions. Because this insurance is packaged, it covers liability for any harm, loss, and property damage that ... More »



Do I need to be at the inspection
By Peggy Hill on July 14th, 2010

  No, but it is a very good idea to be there. Following the check-over, the home inspector can answer your questions and discuss problem areas with you. This is also an opportune time to get an objective opinion about the home from someone ... More »



How do I select a home inspector
By Peggy Hill on July 14th, 2010

  Begin by only hiring one who is qualified and experienced, someone who belongs to an industry trade group, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). This organization has developed formal inspection guidelines and a ... More »



Should I hire a home inspector
By Peggy Hill on July 14th, 2010

By all means. Buying a home without getting expert advice is risky. Once a home inspector uncovers major plumbing and electrical problems, for example, you may decide you do not want to spend several thousand dollars on repairs. Always include an ... More »



What does a home inspector do
By Peggy Hill on July 14th, 2010

A home inspector is a paid professional - often a contractor or an engineer - who checks the safety of a home. Home inspectors search for defects or other problems that could become your worst nightmare later on. They focus particularly on the ... More »



What about appraised value and market value
By Peggy Hill on July 14th, 2010

A certified appraiser who is trained to provide the estimated value of a home determines its appraised value. The appraised value is based on comparable sales, the condition of the property, and several other factors. Market value is the price the ... More »



What is the difference between list price and sales price
By Peggy Hill on July 14th, 2010

The list price is a seller's advertised price, or asking price, for a home. It is a rough estimate of what the seller wants to complete a home sale. A seller can price high, low - which does not happen very often - or very close to what they ... More »



Are there standard ways to determine how much a home is worth
By Peggy Hill on July 14th, 2010

  Yes. A comparative market analysis and an appraisal are the two most common and reliable ways to determine a home's value. Your REALTOR® can provide a comparative market analysis, an informal estimate of value based on the recent ... More »



How do you determine how much a home is worth
By Peggy Hill on July 14th, 2010

The short answer: a home is ultimately worth what is paid for it. Everything else is really an estimate of value. Take, for example, a hot seller's market when demand for housing is high but the inventory of available homes for sale is low. ... More »



Residential Sales Stats for Barrie Surrounding Areas
By Peggy Hill on July 8th, 2010

Residential property sales recorded through the MLS® System of the Barrie District Association of REALTORS® Inc. came in well below last year’s record levels in June. Home sales numbered 461 units in June 2010, down 19 per cent from the record ... More »



Housing Market
By Peggy Hill on July 5th, 2010

Homeowner Confidence Rises Nationally, But Western Homeowners Remain Pessimistic   RISMEDIA, July 5, 2010—As some parts of the U.S. housing market work their way out of the housing recession, while the majority of markets continue to ... More »