Are Independent Women Too Strong for today's Man?

• Can strong women be too independent?
• Should married women have their own bank accounts or does that mean they aren't committed to the marriage?
• Are strong women.... married or single... TOO strong for today's man?
• Should finances even play a part in relationships or does that kill the romance?

We have seperate bank accounts and one for house expenses. I much rather have it that way though I know a lot of people ask my why we do this. It's my Independence and I have my own earnings and don't feel I need to justify what expenses I pay. I pay for all the children's things (school supplies, lunches, sports, shoes, clothing, etc) and have my own business to run. I've set my own budget and if I want to buy a pair of shoes or pack of gum, I do so.

When we go for dinner, we go Dutch, or I'll treat or he'll treat. We have open communication in our relationship and trust me when I say it was a lot of growing pains and finding balance but after seven years, we've pretty much got all the kinks work out. Honestly, it causes less fights too and in my opinion, no, doesn't make me any less committed to my relationship.

Well that's my thoughts on that for now. It was late and just thought I'd blog because I couldn't sleep. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Don't forget, I'm never too busy for your referrals! If buying, selling, renting or relocating to Barrie, give me a call!

It's been incredibly busy for real estate and I've had to evaluate the best use of my time. I'm very customer service oriented and had to ensure my time was not taken away from that.

I cannot get over how things are going in real estate. I do not see any change in the season and real estate at all! Given the prices, it's a great time if someone is either thinking about investing or wanting to upgrade their present home. This seriously is not a sales pitch. It's the truth and I'm seriously considering upgrading to the bungalow and home I really want. Before the prices were much higher and seeing a really, really good balance and stabilization. And the rates? The best, historically they've ever been! I suggest a variable rate, if you're good at watching the market and then LOCK IN!

If you can, try keeping your existing house and rent it out! If you can't, ensure to have it priced just right, in comparison to others in the market and "competition". This will secure it's saleability and hopefully not sit on the market too long.

I am speaking from personal and professional experience. If you've been thinking about investing, now really is the time! We won't see this for too much longer as people are putting their faith in things again and we're truly seeing a lot of development here in the Barrie area.

Anyway, I'm linking an event I have every intention of going to. I'm a fan of the Celebrity Apprentice and watched the Executive from Zappos in the episode. Outside of the odd endorsement from Scott Hamilton for the girl "eeeeeeee" and Tom Green's emphasis and ridicule on that, it's really stuck in my mind the amazing transformation and success of this online company. I'd love to hear him (Alfred Lin) speak as he's one of the keynote speakers. I also love the opportunity of networking with other real estate professionals and keep up-to-date technology-wise to see what's going on out there. Sure, I can google online, etc but better to try and be ahead of the game and get some real insight. That's some of my reasons, if you're a fellow professional, what are yours?

Hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine and remember, if you're looking to buy, rent, relocate, sell or invest in Barrie, give me, Shannon Murree a call and feel free to utilize my resources, experience and knowledge!

Let's say you had the means and opportunity to purchase any one real estate investment (or personal) for any amount of money anywhere in the world. Where would it be an why?

I hear so much about Dubai. How about a nice, exotic, multi-million hotel? Or, perhaps a private getaway on a personal island when it's blustery cold and snowy here in my City I can escape to. Hmm...I don't know. Guess I should have thought of a location before I posted this blog. Ah well...I have time to dream, er, think about it.

Would love to hear from anyone else....

First of all my apologies for temporary absence from Active Rain. I was finding that I was becoming overwhelmed with the vast number of sites one, as a licensed Realtor® can be a member of. It was challenging to keep up on all the sites available to us PLUS be out showing & listing properties as a full-time real estate representative (thus why we're in the business) plus be a wife, mother (aka mom's taxi), friend and find time for either self-time or downtime with friends. However, I am here and back to basics and firm believer in networking.

That being said, I was browsing the active rain site and have to say how disappointed I am in the "Active Rain Referral Exchange". It clearly states: "Referring members can post details about their clients needs" and "members seeking referrals can browse referral clients". Okay, I understand that great. So I have someone I can think of because it's outside of my area of expertise. Okay...great. So I click on "post referral".  Before I type anything it clearly reads:

"The Referral Exchange is the place for members to effectively pass/share client referrals with one another. A referral is a 'live' client contact, someone who is seriously considering either buying or selling a home in the near future. The Referral Network IS NOT a place to advertise your listings, promote your development, or solicit 'potential' referral partners for some unknown possibility down the road. It is ONLY for members to share/pass actual 'live' clients who need a real estate professional to assist them now.

Content not meeting these guidelines will be removed by administrators."

Super! Got it. Okay so just to be clear on whom was posting, maybe there was someone posting in the area I needed so I perhaps may receive a referral and in turn can give him/her one. So, I clicked on "Browse Available" and selected "Ontario". I am dumbfounded. I believe the translation got lost. Am I missing something? No offense but where are the quality leads? I believe there needs to be some validity before this service would constitute "a flat monthly fee" as posted in the "About Section".

Like I stated above, it's about time. We all value our time and worth. It took me quite awhile to filter through them. To the US people, I applaud you for providing valid referrals sources for clients looking to buy or sell. Ontario people, please let's bring value to which it was intended as posted. We're not supposed to be posting about ourselves or solicit "potential referral partner for some unknown possibility down the road" and "ONLY for members to share/pass actual live clients whom need a real estate professional to assist them now".

I have no emotion connection to this at all. It's just unfortunate it's not being used for what it's intended for...which goes back to my first sentence. I want to be a member of quality sites....not just for quantity. If we can't read a little direction well frankly, I'm a little concerned to entrust my top clients whom I value to you when such a small detail is overlooked and is clearly posted and visible...all for a means of self-promotion. Perhaps Active Rain should make an exclusive section for this so it can be clearly defined?

Am I wrong? Your thoughts...

I refuse to listen to the media. I don't see "gloom and doom" and believe that things and opportunities are what you make of it. Why else would topics and things like "The Secret" and mastering your mind be so successful?

On that note, I'm a volunteer for an organisation in my community of Barrie, Ontario called "Ballroom Blitz". It is my time to give back. I'm a true believer in "what goes around, comes around"...whether negative or bad so I'd much rather do my best to be a positive influence and be a mentor. I've already created my blog on another site as part of my page so rather than re-typing, I'm just going to cut and paste. Hope you all enjoy and would love to hear your stories too of how you like to make a difference. There's no such thing as big or small as every effort makes a difference.

Ballroom Blitz - My Time to Volunteer Again!
Well I can't believe this is the third year for the "Ballroom Blitz". I had been asked by Robin to coordinate volunteers again for this wonderful program.

We have a dress drive and collect brand new or gently used Prom Dresses for girls that are less fortunate otherwise. Costs for one night of prom and graduating can be quite costly and those girls that work very hard, financially challenged family...miss out.

I could reinvent the wheel by retyping my thoughts on this, why I believe in it so strongly and why I volunteer my time and $....but I'll sum it up by an interview I just recently gave. If you can...please donate today...whether your time, cash donations or a dress will make a difference.

*******my interview******

I like the opportunity of giving back to young girls and my community.

My mom was a single mom and tried her best to give me every opportunity I could. Unfortunately, we didn't have things like this and I didn't go to my prom.

I'm proud to be part of something like because I can watch it from it's infancy period and grow. I'm amazed at the growth, success and increase in awareness and donations in the last three years alone. I'm grateful to be part of it and coordinate the volunteers. I look forward to see how big the Ballroom Blitz organization is in 10 years even!

Actually, it's sad that parents and families are in the financial situation they are and that there's the need for Ballroom Blitz at all. However, the girl's work hard and every girl, no matter what financial background deserve to celebrate their successes and probably have to work even harder to get there. They should be able to enjoy that one special night and not be segregated. They deserve it as much as anyone else...if not more for the challenges they face. I just hope they remember and give back and the "pay it forward" system. All good things come back around.

I realize we're not saving the world but we're changing one. We're giving back and ensuring the girls know they're special and deserve to be princesses for more than just a day. I hope this empowers them as they enter College, University or the work force.

Sincerely,
Shannon P Murree, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Chay Realty Inc, Brokerage
Office/Pager: (705) 722-7100
Toronto#: (416) 362-7100
Fax: (705) 722-5246
www.MovingSimcoe.com

****Empowering Women, Inspiring Change****

What's right? How long is it going to last?

We all knew the "bubble" couldn't last and standard economics tells us that "what goes up, must come down" and vice versa.

Being a Realtor (r) in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, I receive a lot of emails now from colleagues in the United States encouraging me to get my clients to invest in their City in the States. With our strong Canadian $ it makes sense.

My questions are as follows: I've visited many places in the US and other Countries but how do I best advise my clients to invest? They trust me. The requests are overwhelming from other real estate professionals and I totally empathise. How do I make the right referral for my customers? What stats can I look at when I don't know personally the neighbourhoods? I'm a very relational person and professional. I've sincerely established relationships with my clients that they trust me for my knowledge and experience. I would never want anything to happen negatively and affect any future business with my clients.

Buying or Selling a home in Barrie, Ontario (we're just a little north of Toronto, Ontario) is good right now. We've got the GO train which makes a little easier commute. Should I continue to advise clients to invest in our market or go abroad?

 Your thoughts?

I'm posting this in case you're not familiar with the Barrie, Innisfil, Springwater, Horseshoe Valley and County of Simcoe Area.

If you're thinking about relocating,  or have clients which are thinking of this area. I'm posting an article which was also noted a few weeks ago in the Barrie Advance. Simcoe County did a housing needs assessment which analyzed the population, growth trends, socio-economic data and housing to determine what Simcoe County must plan to do to address short-term shortages and long-term challenges. 

In case you don't know where we are, we're just a little North of Toronto and not a bad commute. We also have the implementation of the "GO" Train which apparently should be here in late fall of this year (2007). There's much going on here and there's also talks of surrounding areas being developed.

 

According to the City of Barrie and Census done:

Demographic:
•    Simcoe County population increased 58 per cent between 1986 and 2001. The fastest-growing areas were Wasaga Beach (142.4 per cent), Barrie (114 per cent) and Innisfil (87 per cent). They account for over half of the county’s population growth.
•    Population aging: The under-34 bracket declined seven per cent, while the 45-64 demographic increased 4.4 per cent and the over-65 group increased 3.6 per cent.
•    Age distribution varies by municipality: Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Ramara and Orillia have more seniors, and the northern areas are attracting older adults who are retiring. For example, one in five people in Wasaga Beach is a senior.
•    Southern municipalities have a larger proportion of children and youth; Innisfil, New Tecumseth and Adjala-Tosorontio each have over one-third of their populations between 20 and 34.
•    Households are smaller, with one and two people representing 54 per cent. This shows a need for unit types to accommodated smaller households and singles.
•    Projections show highest growth in Barrie and Wasaga.
•    Manufacturing is the largest employment sector in the County, followed by retail, health care, social assistant, hospitality and food services and construction. The diverse labour market requires a diverse housing stock.
•    The number of full-time jobs showed a strong increase from 1996 to 2001, but some municipalities still have a higher percentage of part-time; Midland, for example, has almost 29 per cent of its labour force working part-time.
•    Income in Simcoe County is higher than the national average but lower than the provincial average, and income varies considerably by municipality. Northern municipalities have lower incomes (less than $30,000/year), while the more-southern ones have a higher average, as compared to the county and province.
•    Shelter allowances for Ontario Works and Ontario Disability Support Program are well below market levels and have changed little over the past 10 years.

Housing supply:
•    Single detached dwellings comprise 76 per cent of the housing stock in the county.
•    Lower mortgage rates helped increase the level of ownership; in 2001, 78.5 per cent of the dwellings were owned, up 4.5 per cent from 1991.
•    Proportion of renter households is greater in Barrie and Orillia; at 28 per cent in Barrie and 37 per cent in Orillia.
•    Youth and seniors account for half of those who rent.
•    The age of rental housing is older. Over one-third was built prior to 1961, which includes 20 per cent built prior to 1945.
•    Average house prices continue to rise; between 1996 and 2005, prices rose an average of 8 per cent per year.
•    Average price in 2005 was $223,299; forecasts show the price will reach $285,424 in 2009.
•    Over half the homes listen on MLS were priced at over $250,000 in November 2006.
•    Habitat for Humanity is providing options in Simcoe County; the agency has built 23 homes so far.
•    Vacancy rates are at or below 2.8 per cent and most are at the higher end of the market (over $800/month).

 

**article from the Barrie Advance and stats from The City of Barrie**

I usually don't like to discuss things that are controversial but I have to say that I'm happy about the new bylaw implemented by the City of Barrie about imposing the Cat By-Law.

I have a little guy who likes to innocently play in his sand box in the backyard. Before buying a covered sandbox (which the cats still feel the need to "mark their territory"), they'd forever be doing their duty in my child's play area. Okay, it's not like I send my child over to other people's yard to do his thing. I don't have animals that go on other's property to do their duty for others to step on. I appreciate if owners could take care of their animals so I don't step on anything I shouldn't be!

Okay, I don't want this to sound like a rant and just want to inform. So here they are from the City of Barrie:

New By-laws in place so be careful with your beloved pet. Cat Licensing and Regulation By-law in effect!!

Here are some examples:

4.14.15.13.1 No owner of a cat shall allow his cat to run at large.

4.14.15.13.2 No owner of a cat shall allow his cat to trespass on private property, even when on a leash.

4.14.15.13.3 Any person may capture any cat running at large on his property and may contain such cat for delivery to the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer or other duly appointed officer, who may impound the said cat.

Fees and laws online at the City of Barrie:

http://www.city.barrie.on.ca/docs/Bylaw2006-257.pdf

 

That’s right. This beauty has no screws or nails but is durable enough to withstand earthquakes AND hurricanes (you’ll probably still have to board up the windows). The secret is aerospace grade aluminum and a unique modular interlocking system.

Jeriko House is environmentally friendly and energy efficient, can be built in as little as 2 months (though usually 4-6), and cost around $175 a sq.ft. (shipping is included). There are 5 designs to choose from in every conceivable configuration. Sizes range from a tiny 600 sq. ft. to as “big as your imagination”. Oh my.

And check this out. Jeriko House can be built on virtually any terrain, including water (we’d have to see that). The main office is in New Orleans (where they probably learned to build on water). Others in Spain and Bali. Shawn Burst is the founder of this unique prefab.

 

 

For more information about, faq's etc: 

http://www.jerikohouse.com/about.html

To request a brochure:

http://www.jerikohouse.com/index.html

 

Hi there,

I just wanted to share the beautiful photos from my hotel room of the convention centre in San Diego. I've been to a lot of trade shows (from my previous job as a marketing manager many years ago) and I think this is truly one of the biggest Convention Centres I've seen! Also, isn't the view from my room beautiful? The Architecture is beautiful as well. You can see the water and view of Coronado! I'll share some more photos in a later blog.

I'd definitely go back to San Diego again and recommend visiting if you ever had a moment. (ps...you're really close to Mexico too....but that's another blog!) ;-)