Some people adore the look and feel of an older, heritage home that exudes history and character. For others, nothing compares to something brand-new and fully customized.
That’s one of the many things we love about Barrie real estate; a wide mix of options means there’s something to satisfy every taste and preference. If you’ve got something modern on your mind, here is an overview of a few of our top, upcoming pre-construction homes in Barrie.
Buying a house is personal, and we have no doubt that you have plenty of questions, especially with so many new and upcoming developments in Barrie. Book a complimentary Buyer’s meeting with us to get some answers.
Barrie, Ontario: A City of Constant Innovation
As an evolving city, Barrie is always home to numerous developments that you can really get excited about. The selection includes houses of all structures and styles. Modern, bright condos with wide-open floor plans. Majestic, new detached homes. Townhouses, customized builds… you name it, it’s on the way.
The nice thing about pre-construction homes in Barrie is that the price points tend to be far more accessible than what you’d find in the GTA. You potentially get a brand new home with sprawling square footage and a premium lot size for what you might pay for a Toronto condo, if you’re lucky.
When it comes to outstanding amenities, parks, schools, entertainment, dining, and everything else that makes life exciting and worthwhile, Barrie has it all. If you must get to Toronto, it’s an easy and stress-free train ride away. Hop on at Barrie Go and head straight to Union Station.
Where to Find New Construction Homes in Barrie
If you’re in the planning stages of finding a brand new home, it doesn’t hurt to check out sites like Livabl.com to see what’s available. You can browse the best of the best from the who’s who of developers, including Mattamy Homes, Dunshire Developments, Mason Homes, CountryWide Homes, Gary Silverberg, Brookfield Residential, Pratt Homes, Deer Creek Fine Homes, Sorbara Group, and more.
Is it ever a good idea to approach a builder directly? To be fair, you will receive satisfactory service from the company representative most of the time. However, remember that they are there to serve the builder’s best interest, not yours. Plus, those beautiful model homes exist for a reason: to make you fall in love not just with the house, but all the upgrades that drive the price higher.
To ensure you know exactly what you are buying and that you get the best value and terms, it’s better to have representation of your own from a dedicated buyer’s agent. Since members of the Peggy Hill Team work directly with many of these top developers across Simcoe County, we can skillfully negotiate on your behalf.
Wondering what homes are available in Barrie and the surrounding areas? Find out by browsing our featured listings.
What to Consider Before Buying a Pre-Construction Home
As with any transaction, there are nuances and even potential downfalls to be aware of before committing to a purchase. New construction comes with a unique set of considerations, including:
Extended timelines and delays. The builder will often give an estimated date of completion, but it is by no means a guarantee. If you’re counting on a specific move-in date, you may need to explore other alternatives.
Hidden fees and extra costs. The listing price is just the beginning with pre-construction. Your real estate agent will help you determine a realistic budget that includes occupancy fees, development levies, HST (minus any possible rebates), and other expenses associated with new construction.Â
The model home isn’t always what you’ll get. If you’re not careful, your unit might look very different from what you expect. This is yet another reason to work with a real estate agent who advocates for your needs.
The neighbourhood is also in development. New homes are often constructed in up-and-coming areas that are not yet fully established. It could take a while before the trees and landscaping mature, and the amenities you wish for might be further away than you’d like.
Pre-construction purchases can be legally complex. Be sure you work with a real estate lawyer who has experience with new development.
Looking for more tips to buy your first (or next) house? The posts below are full of helpful insight:
- Buying a Home in Simcoe County? Here’s Why Buyers Love The Peggy Hill Team
- 6 Innovative Ways First-Time Homebuyers Can Beat The Tough Market.
- What Is the Best Way to Help Your Child Buy a Home?
Do the Benefits Outweigh the Downsides?
Pre-construction may not always be the best fit for someone looking for a home right away. However, for a first-time home buyer who is planning early, a retiree, or a family seeking to move up and is willing to be flexible about the timeline, a brand-new, never-lived-in home can be an absolute dream come true.
It isn’t just the stunning, spacious, bright, contemporary lifestyle that awaits (although it is all that and more.) There are other tangible and financial advantages that go along with owning a newly constructed home or condo in Barrie.
A Tarion warranty. Obtaining a home that looks beautiful but hides a host of fatal flaws is every buyer’s nightmare. All new homes are covered for seven years under a Tarion warranty as mandated by Ontario law. A manufacturer’s defect is unlikely, but if it happens, the builder covers the repairs.
Lower upfront costs. The overall cost to purchase a new build may be higher; however, the barrier to entry is typically lower as you can spread the down payment out over time. This makes them ideal for many first-time buyers.
The price is the price. The endless back-and-forth is the part of the buying process that many people hate most. With a new build, the price is more or less set, although your Realtor® might be able to negotiate extra perks for you.
Potentially higher resale value. If you choose to sell a few years from now, a modern, well-constructed home by a reputable builder tends to appreciate and hold its resale value very well.
When it comes to buying a house anywhere in Simcoe County, one thing is for certain: you have no shortage of options. All that’s left is to find the best fit for your needs and lifestyle.
Do you have questions about living in Barrie or buying or selling a home here? Get in touch with The Peggy Hill Team today at (705) 739-4455 or email info@peggyhill.com. We are happy to help you get started!
