Established as a city in 1853, Barrie is the 34^th largest city in Canada, sitting on Lake Simcoe. It’s historic downtown and waterfront are at the heart of its tourist industry, and hosts hundreds of festivals, including a Jazz and Blues festival, Ribfest, Kampenfest and Barrie Film Festival.

Here’s a glance at what’s coming up this fall.

Ardagh Bluffs

In the Fall, many tourists and locals flock to Ardagh Bluffs to see the Fall colours. You get 17 km of trails over 524 acres. Since motorised vehicles are banned on the trails, the trail system is used by walkers and hikers. The trails run through the wooded area of County Rd. 27 and Ardagh Road in the south west end of Barrie.

Barrie International Comedy Festival

Running from September 15^th to 20^th, the Barrie International Comedy Festival is a project of the Talk is Free Theatre that is entering its third year this year. Some of this year’s performers include Brent Butt (Corner Gas), Andrea Martin (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and Chris Gibbs (Howie Do It). Other events include Q&A sessions, quizzes and a selection of comedic short films.

Chappelle Farms Pumpkin Festival

’Tis the season to get spooky at Chappelle Farms. Running from September 21^st to October 31^st, you can pick your own pumpkins, a themed “Haunted Adventure,” and attend magic shows. The farm also features hay mazes, a craft barn and a petting zoo. Tickets range from $6 (on weekdays) to $11 (on weekends). Children under 2 enter for free.

Screen One Monthly Film Series

Running on the Wednesday and Thursday of the month, the Screen One film series plays a showcase of international gems all year. October will host Learning to Drive, a comedy with Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley who bond over driving lessons. Tickets cost $10 for adults, and $8 for students and seniors.

Autumn Harvest

On October 3^rd, you can enjoy a fresh autumn afternoon at Memorial Square in downtown Barrie. With free face painting, wagon rides and games, as well as free apple cider between 10am and 2pm. It’s fun for the whole family.

18^th Annual Barrie Film Festival

Now in its 18^th year, the Barrie Film Festival runs for 10 days, from the 16^th to the 25^th of October. Featuring more than 20 of the finest films from Canada and around the world, with an opening Night Party on October 16, a Short Film Competition showcase/awards presentation the 17^th with Q&As with special guests. They have yet to release the full schedule, so be sure to check back.

Think About Moving to Barrie, Ontario

Simply pick up the phone and call the experts at Previn Court Homes.

Scheduling an appointment is the best way to get all of your questions about the real estate market answered. It’s the first step to purchasing the home of your dreams. Why not get started today?

We all know and have probably experienced the “phantom bid.” “I know you need to think about it, but I’ve already got a lot of interest from different people.” “You really should buy now, it probably won’t be here next week.” Even though it can be easy to spot the scam artists, proving it’s a scam was a different story. Until now.

Under new Ontario legislation, it is illegal to imply any kind of offer has been made, unless the offer is in writing and is signed. No offer is valid until it is signed, regardless of individual circumstances. Agents will also be required to keep record of every offer on file for 12 months, so that any customers who suspect they were duped can make sure one way or another.

New Laws for the “Phantom Bid”

The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) have been tasked with enforcing these new rules and protecting customers from unscrupulous real estate agents. Prior to this, they did receive complaints about phantom bids, but very few: “We don’t believe that it’s a rampant practice. But if it happens, it’s very serious and we would take it very seriously,” according to Joseph Richer, RECO registrar.

The current chaos in the Toronto housing market is being credited with creating the surplus of phantom bids by using the surplus of buyers and dearth of properties on the market to cover their tracks. Under this new legislation, anyone caught can be fined up to $50,000 or face two years in jail. On the other hand, they could simply face a disciplinary committee, who can order them into educational courses or fine them $25000. These are very harsh punishments for an agent to potentially face.

Protecting Home Buyers

President and chief executive of Royal LePage, Phil Soper, believes other provinces will introduce similar laws. “What tends to happen is that one province will put something in place . . . and it’ll spread to other provinces,” said Soper. “The regulators in the provinces tend to keep in pretty tight step with each other in terms of how legislation is developing.” Despite this, officials across the other provinces have been quick to point out that they haven’t received that many complaints, and do not believe that their real estate agencies are in need of tighter regulations.

So far, the pre-existing legislative tools have proven sufficient to police the world of real estate in other provinces, and there is no sign of further interference from provincial governments.

Looking for a New Home?

At Previn Court Homes, we know that home buyers are looking for a residence that will make them feel both physically and financially comfortable.  Learn more about our beautiful affordable new homes to buy, or contact us to register for priority updates and special offers, and find the perfect home for your budget.

Race to the Bottom

There isn’t a single buyer who benefits from a bidding war. When two or more purchasers enter into a bidding war for a home, only the sellers win. Real estate markets with intense competition, in particular big cities like Toronto, can result in a difficult buying process that ends up inflating the cost of real estate.

The economics are simple: demand for a limited resource always ends up in a price spike, regardless of whether or not the commodity is worth the price. In order to get the best bang for your buck when buying a home, avoiding competing buyers helps to reduce the cost of your investment.

Have Your Own Home Built

Get a new home built just for you, without the need to worry about other people bidding it out of your clutches. You can lock up your dream home in nearly developed areas, such as the ones we offer.

These types of homes are built strategically to provide fantastic quality and a neighbourhood plan ideal for families. Since many of these projects take place on parcels of underdeveloped land, builders choose locations that are far enough from hectic locations, but close enough to enjoy the conveniences of the big city.

Previn Court has been creating custom homes and building neighbourhoods from scratch since the 1970s.

Avoid Hot Markets

For several years, Canadian real estate has been in a continuous boom, with prices and demand for homes rising on a consistent basis. Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary have witnessed some of the strongest gains, which have resulted in skyrocketing prices, restricted availability and frantic development of condos to help cater to rising demand.

As a whole, over the past decade, the Canadian real estate market has accelerated rapidly, party due to Canada’s reputation as a steady economic performer during times of international economical strife. The influx of foreign investment attracted by Canadian economic stability, especially in Vancouver and Toronto, has resulted in massive quantities of real estate inventory snapped up in expectation of profit.

When you attempt to enter incandescent markets, you increase the risk of being burned by the intensity of the competition for limited housing stock. Finding areas that are adjacent to hot markets can result in a solid investment, particularly when buying a newly constructed home that guarantees you don’t have to worry about previous occupants.

Are You Interested in Buying a Home in Alliston?

Are you tired of living in downtown Toronto? Are you considering buying a home in Alliston? We can help. With over 35 years of experience, we have built homes for over a thousand families, including detached, townhome, and unique attached single units, and we can help you find the perfect home for you.

Contact us to let us know your desired number of bathrooms and bedrooms, as well as your budget, and we’ll send you priority updates and special offers on our beautiful new homes.

Many homeowners dream of having a yard of their own. There are many benefits to having and maintaining a yard with your house, that are both private and public. Although a yard can be aesthetically pleasing, they also come with a few other upsides that often get glossed over or forgotten:

If You Have Kids

The first, and most obvious, is play. If you have kids, yards are a great way to let them play outside safely. Rather than having to pack and unpack for a trip to the park, you can leave your kids outside in the yard with their own toys and under your supervision.

Similarly, if you have a dog, taking him or her for a walk can be awkward depending on your schedule, but a yard could cut down on walktime without cutting down on playtime. They can also be educational, teaching children about the seasons and about growing vegetables and other edibles. Gardens provide people an important opportunity to maintain their cultural heritage through growing plants that are important in their culture’s food or rituals.

Going “Green”

Several psychological studies have found that exposure to green plants has a positive effect on stress levels, especially in urban areas. They allow the mind to rest, something we rarely get to do today. In the American Journal of Community Psychology, researchers Brogan and James write that plants contribute substantially to psychosocial health.

The second is both aesthetic and financial. Depending on what you plant in your yard, it could affect the value of your home. For example, planting a tree could have a massively positive effect on your home across the board. In a study carried out by Indiana’s Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, a healthy 15 ¾-foot-wide silver maple could add two and a half thousand dollars to the value of your house.

According to a 2010 Forest Service study in Portland, trees added an average of nearly nine thousand dollars to a sale price, and reduced the time on the market by two days. They also remove dirt, smoke and other pollutants from the air, improving air quality so you can enjoy your garden.

Trees will also cut down on heat retention, enhance night-time cool downs and improve water conservation, allowing you to reduce your water bill and keep your garden beautiful. They also disperse water vapour through transpiration, lowering heat and supporting plants.

Want a Yard or Garden? Think About Moving to Alliston, Ontario

Simply pick up the phone and call the experts at Previn Court Homes.

Scheduling an appointment is the best way to get all of your questions about the real estate market answered. It’s the first step to purchasing the home of your dreams. Why not get started today?

Every year, so many people are drawn to the lights, the sounds, the people of downtown Toronto. As the song says “Things will be great when you’re downtown!” Unfortunately, many people are getting a sharp wake-up call due to sudden and unexpected rent hikes and a high cost of living.

Downtown condo realtor Andrew la Fleur estimates condo rents in the core have jumped 10 to 15 per cent just in the last year. Although an estimated 32,000 new condo units have been built in the Toronto over the last five years, construction hasn’t been enough to keep up with demand. Tighter mortgage lending rules and high house prices have forced many would-be buyers to rent longer, which is leading to a shortage of strong rental properties.

Escape Toronto Traffic

There are also the other issues of city life, from nightmarish traffic to the risk of crime to pollution. Traffic jams are an increasingly large problem, and the TTC is struggling to meet the demands of the citizens. If you own a car, you have to pay extra for parking, on top of paying your already high rent. For too many, this is too much and they are forced to make very tough decisions. Many choose to stay, struggling with debt, but others opt-out, giving up on downtown living in favour of something less stressful.

Consider Alliston in Simcoe

So, is it time to move out and up? The town of Alliston in Simcoe county is just ninety minutes away from Toronto, and enjoys beautiful scenery, affordable property prices and lower property taxes, making it an ideal candidate for those working in Toronto who are looking for something stable and secure. There are two public elementary schools, two Catholic elementary schools and one high school, with two parks, several pools and numerous residential areas, so young families can rest assured that they will be well taken care of throughout the year.

Commonly called the “potato capital of Ontario,” Alliston can boast of thousands of acres of farmland and is now the home of Honda Canada manufacturing, with three major factories, and numerous other businesses are proud to call Alliston home. In the 2011 census, the town grew by 23%, more than 4 times the average in the county of Simcoe. Many of them commute to and from Toronto, to avoid the costs and stresses of everyday life there.

With Alliston, it’s possible to have your cake and eat it, working in downtown Toronto while living affordably with much more freedom than city life offers.

Are You Interested in Buying a Home in Alliston?

Are you tired of living in downtown Toronto? Are you considering buying a home in Alliston? We can help. With over 35 years of experience, we have built homes for over a thousand families, including detached, townhome, and unique attached single units, and we can help you find the perfect home for you.

Contact us to let us know your desired number of bathrooms and bedrooms, as well as your budget, and we’ll send you priority updates and special offers on our beautiful new homes.

Are you planning on buying a home this year?

Buying a home is an exciting prospect, but it can also be overwhelming. There’s quite a bit you need to know as a home buyer, especially if you’re buying a home this year. We’ve gathered important facts for you about the housing market in 2015.

Canadian Homes Are Expensive

If you’ve spent any time browsing ads for homes, this fact isn’t news to you. But, were you aware that over 40% of first-time home buyers can’t afford a house without their family’s help? In a report published by BMO in April 2015, nearly half of the respondents said that they would not be able to purchase a home without their family’s assistance. A significant factor in the unaffordability of Canadian homes is their rising prices. The cost of buying a Canadian home has risen since 2009.

Home Buyers Have Higher Incomes

In spite of rising home prices, the situation isn’t so grim for Canadians seeking to buy homes. A survey conducted by private mortgage insurer Genworth Canada showed that first time home buyers are wealthier than average. The survey showed that almost a third of Canadians buying their home for the first time had an income above $100,000. The number of first time home buyers with that income in Toronto was 40%, while it was 39% in Calgary. Twenty four percent of first time home buyers in Montreal and 21% of first time home buyers in Atlantic Canada fall into that category.

Down Payments Aren’t Always So High

Many first time home buyers are intimidated by the cost of a high down payment. The good news is, down payments aren’t high in every part of the country. According to a study by Genworth Canada, 63% of first time home buyers paid a down payment of less than 20% of the cost of their home.The median down payment across Canada was less than 12% of the home cost. There’s bad news for people in Vancouver and Toronto, though. The median down payment in Vancouver was 20% of the home cost, while it was 21% in Toronto. Toronto and Vancouver are Canada’s most expensive cities in which to buy properties, so people planning on buying a home in those two markets should save up.

Make the right choice, right away

Whether your buying new homes in Alliston or further out, keep your eyes open and make the decision that best suits your needs before your wants.

At Previn Court Homes, we know that house hunting is extremely important, and we strive to create beautiful homes that will provide long term value.  Since our inception over 40 years ago, we have constructed in excess of 1500 homes in Canada, and in the process made the dreams of 1500 families come true.

Take a tour of our incredible models, or contact us today for more to let us know your needs in terms of bathrooms, bedrooms and budget.

The first year of living in your first property can be a little tight financially but if you know how to set up a new home budget properly, you won’t have to worry.  If you purchased the house sensibly and handled your money intelligently up until now, don’t stop.  Just because you own the home doesn’t mean you’re home free.

For a rainy day

If you want to survive, the first step is to establish some money reserves.  Seriously, without a little extra in the bank you could set yourself up for some nasty surprises that are hard to recover from.

Consider that your home has to be maintained.  Heating, plumbing, electrical and structural damage can seemingly happen out of nowhere and a good maintenance schedule can definitely help.  You also have to think about the weather.

Seasonal expenses are a part of life and if you’ve got reserves set up to deal with them, you won’t go into a panic as the mercury drops.

Depending on the season you may have to think about certain expenses like:

• Winter:  Salt, shoveling, pipe damage, sealing structural holes
• Spring:  Aerating your lawn, landscaping, gardening
• Autumn:  Eaves troughs, roofing, leaf cleanup

Sometimes not knowing how to prioritize payments alone can cause you problems too.  Set up a budget that prioritizes your mortgage and life necessities.  Paying your debts and housing costs comes first.

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves

One important distinction you’ll have to make as a new homeowner is the difference between a repair and an improvement.  You can go all out and renovate to your heart’s content but is that wise during your first year?

House repairs that put you at risk or can lead to further damage are more important than anything else, no matter what your friends or spouse say.  Rushing in will only deplete funds better used as reserves.

That being said, if you do need to have work done, don’t try and save money by hiring a cheap contractor.  You get what you pay for and selecting a contractor who cuts corners can lead to further work being needed.  You also run the risk of violating code with certain unscrupulous individuals and at the end of the day, you’ll be footing the bill – not them.

An ear to the ground

Foresight can save you more money than you’d think.  By taking out comprehensive insurance, cashing in on as many tax credits and getting a professional to look over your taxes you can keep the momentum going from all the smart budgeting you did on the long road to getting your home.

A budget is nothing more than a plan.  When you’ve finally secured your new home you shouldn’t shift gears.  It’s a valuable investment and the best investments are nurtured right up until the end.  Don’t put a new home budget on the backburner unless you enjoy not being able to predict when you’re going to take significant financial hits.

Find a house, within your budget

Clearly, finding a home that meets all your needs, and doesn’t break your budget is also crucial.

Finding the right home for your wants and needs can be very challenging, At Previn Court Homes, we recognize the peace of mind that a newly built home provides, and our friendly staff takes the time to introduce you to all of the features of our quality residences.

Buying a new home is one of the most expensive investments you’ll ever make.  It’ll pay off in freedom and increasing value over time, but getting the money together in the first place is a source of frustration for many. Borrowing money isn’t the only option, and by being resourceful and creative, you can save a significant amount of cash quickly to put towards your home.

Whether you’re interested in purchasing a new home as soon as possible, or it’s a consideration for the future, we’re going introduce you to some of the fastest ways to save your money.

Spend Less

This one may seem like a no-brainer but you’d be surprised how difficult it is to do.  The first thing you can do to start saving for your home is to spend less on what you’d typically buy.

This does not mean eating less and living beneath the poverty line.  What it means is to look for alternatives.  If you’re used to certain brands of foods, look for ones that are cheaper and put the difference between the two away as savings.

Sell More

Don’t think you’re a hoarder if you can’t stand to get rid of your stuff.  It’s hard for all of us to say goodbye to something we worked hard to pay for, but if you want to start saving money, you’re going to have to think about selling what you don’t need.

Luckily, this has gotten easier with the internet.  Put out ads on craigslist, kijiji and ebay and watch the money come in.  If you’re in a nice community, think about a garage sale. Every bit helps and you’d be surprised how much people are willing to pay for something you don’t need.

Secondary Revenue Streams

If you want to save faster, you’re going to have to double or even triple your sources of money.

This doesn’t mean working 80 hour weeks and sacrificing sleep.  If you have an extra room, consider renting it out.  Also consider your skills – can you do anything on the side for money?  Plenty of people write, design and repair things on a freelance basis and make money that way.

Set It Aside

No matter what you do, make sure to set the money aside as fast as you can.  Even if you don’t supplement your income somehow, make sure to put some of your paycheque in a savings account right away so you don’t accidentally spend it.

You’ve Saved Your Money.  Now Where Do You Look for a New Home?

Saving for a new home is only first of many steps to owning a home. Once you have some money in the bank and you’re ready to start looking, you’ll need to choose whether you want to move into an older home, or if a brand new home is your cup of tea.

When it comes to new home builds, Previn Court Homes is best in class.  With over 35 years of experience, we have built homes for over a thousand families, including detached, townhome, and unique attached single units, and we can help you find the perfect home for you. Contact us to let us know your desired number of bathrooms and bedrooms, as well as your budget, and we’ll send you priority updates and special offers on our beautiful new homes.

The hour is nigh and you’re moving on, either into a newly built home or a space you need.  The trick is knowing when to invest.  It’s a lot easier if you keep an eye out for a few simple signs.

1.  You’re constantly renovating your home

If you’ve ever tried to re-do, modernize or expand your living space then you know how much of a headache it can be.  Not to mention the hit in the wallet, a reno is a long and messy affair.  The cost of a new home would be offset by the savings in maintenance, long term.

So before you get worked up and set up camp, think about the freedom you’d get from a new home:  Zero labour hours and a cheaper, modern place that you can actually custom order.

2.  You’re at a new stage in your life

Sometimes you get to a new stage in life and it’s time to change.  This can be upsizing, downsizing and everything in between.  A new home has the benefit of being easily customizable, reflecting where you want to be in life.

3.  Your family is growing

Families have a tendency of getting bigger over time.  You can only repurpose so many rooms before it starts feeling a little tight in there.  You can take advantage of having to look and find one that’s close to schools, doctors and anything else a growing family would need.

4.  Your kids have moved out

You’ve done your due diligence and the children have left the roost.  Staying in a home out of love is a quaint idea but you could be saving a lot more by moving into a new, energy efficient home.  The extra money is yours to do with as you please, giving you some nice elbowroom from then on forward.

5.  It’s getting expensive

How was your appointment with the contractor this month?  Expensive, I bet.  If repairing and maintaining becomes as routine as a trip to the doctor then you should consider stepping off the treadmill.  A switch to a new home means everything isn’t falling apart.

Maintenance savings aside, this is a great way to focus your attention elsewhere without having to constantly look at the ceiling or pipes with trepidation.

6.  The master plan

You know exactly what you want and a new home is part of it.  Homebuilders are always willing to do more for prospective buyers with a particular home in mind.  You can let loose and tweak your home so that it matches what you have in mind for the next phase of your life.

Whether a newly built home happens because you feel it in your gut, or it’s all part of your master plan, knowing when to take the plunge is as simple as recognizing the signs that the time is right.

Do any of these apply to you?

If you’ve decided that buying a home is the right choice for you, the next step is finding a home that’s the right fit for you.  Buying a home is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make in your life, which will impact how comfortable your family is both in the house and financially in the future.

At Previn Court Homes, we know this decision is an important one, and we strive to create beautiful homes that will provide long term value.  Since our inception over 40 years ago, we have constructed in excess of 1500 homes in Canada, and in the process made the dreams of 1500 families come true.

Take a tour of our incredible models, or contact us today for more to let us know your needs in terms of bathrooms, bedrooms and budget.

If you’re looking at Alliston homes for sale or got property on the mind, you’re no doubt asking yourself the age-old question:  Do I buy new or used?  Both options have been argued ‘till the cows come home but there are some things you just can’t get unless you go for a place that’s new and shiny.

1.  It’s Easier

A used home doesn’t have to be a real fixer-upper for it to need some work.  The fact is, older homes are decaying.  The building materials could be nearing the end of their lifespan and may need serious repairs.

This goes for wood and ceilings which often need work.  New homes don’t have this problem.  In new homes, things like flooring, carpeting and trim don’t need replacing.

2. More Comfort!

There’s something called the ‘building envelope’.  This is the combination of insulation, windows, materials and seals that keep conditioned air inside and it plays a huge role in how energy efficient your home is.

Newer homes are built to newer code and have to be far more efficient than was the standard before.  The materials and construction of your new home will no doubt make for a comfier space.

3.  It’s Safer

Newer homes really focus on safety with features like:

• Hard-wired smoke detectors with backup batteries
• Circuit protectors
• Safety glass
• Fire retardant flooring/carpeting
• Hazardous areas like stairs designed according to the latest building code

4.  Get It Your Way

One huge advantage of buying a new home is getting the chance to tweak it.  A lot of homebuilders will allow you to decide on layout, colours and even the location if they have various lots!

Short of building it yourself, this is as much freedom as you’re going to get.  In an old home you’d be looking at an expensive renovation.  Speaking of money…

5.  Avoid Breaking the Bank

Let’s talk financial latitude.  Homebuilders do a lot to make sure you close on the sale like offering flexible financing.   Besides mortgage perks and other incentives, there’s the wiggle room.

You’re less likely to convince someone who’s lived in a house for years that it’s worth less than they think it is.  Big homebuilders are less concerned with making a few concessions and dropping the price by thousands because they don’t take as hard a hit.

6.  Peace of Mind

It’s hard to put a price on knowing that you’re making a safe investment.  Quality is always a concern with an old home and no matter how good the home inspection looks there are some issues that are almost guaranteed to come out of thin air.

Ready to Move into Your New Home?

When it comes to the best return on your investment, buying a brand new home is going to ensure that you end up with an entity that will have increased value in the future.  At Previn Court Homes, we know that home buyers are looking for a residence that will make them feel both physically and financially comfortable.  Learn more about our beautiful affordable new homes to buy, or contact us to register for priority updates and special offers, and find the perfect home for your budget.