Friday, September 30, 2011

Barrie Market Overview with Shannon Murree By Andrew C. MacDonald

Barrie Market Overview with Shannon Murree

Thanks to Andrew C. MacDonald!
In the Real Estate Investment Network’s new Top Ontario Investment Towns Report for 2011-2015, Barrie has once again come in as the #3 town (alongside Orillia). Last week, I had the opportunity to interview Shannon Murree who is an investment focused Realtor in the Barrie area. In this brief  (3min 40sec) Shannon shares her local expertise by covering the following:


  • What’s going on in Barrie?
  • What’s going on with the GO Train?
  • What are the best investment areas?
  • Which areas should investors stay away from?
If time is a constraint for you, I’ve also summarized some of the key points below the video.



Video Summary
Here are a few facts from my interview with Shannon which anyone interested in learning more about investing in Barrie will find useful.

What’s going on in Barrie?
  • Park Place – one of Canada’s first “open air” mixed use centres
  • New malls & retail in development
  • Expanding student residences
  • Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) expansion
  • Laurentian@Georgian partnership
  • What’s going on with the GO Train?
  • Currently resurfacing the stage of the Allendale GO station
  • Recent GO Train improvements have already had a positive impact
  • What are the best areas for investment in Barrie?
  • Freehold properties or downtown waterfront condos are some of the preferred property types for Barrie investors
  • Great income properties exist all across the city depending on what tenant profile investors wish to target
  • What areas should investors stay away from?
  • There are bad pockets scattered throughout Barrie so it is important to work with a geographic specialist

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Are Women Too Independent?

Are Independent Women Too Strong for today's Man? Can strong women be too independent?

Should married or coupled women have their own bank accounts or does that mean they aren't committed to the marriage/relationship?

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?

From a personal view (and know my business partner Amber feels the same), as business women we believe in having seperate bank accounts and one for house expenses. Personally for me, I much rather have it this way (though I know a lot of people ask my why).

There are many reasons and one, itt's my Independence and financial freedom. I have my own earnings and don't need to justify what personal expenses or purchases I pay. I pay for 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 nine years of partnership, 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. Money and finances are just an additional fuel and if this can be eliminated from an argument, well all the more power to you!

I am certainly in no means a relationship expert. This is what has worked for me and after speaking with other women and learning the downfalls they have had in their relationship or the same sentiments of keeping seperate accounts where partners know or they don't (guys, some hidden so don't fool yourselves thinking they're not smart cookies!), it's truly up the individual.

So, would love to hear your feedback and what you find what works and doesn't work. Creating a network and support is a wonderful thing and benefit as additional resource in today's world.

Also, from a business standpoint, don't forget that my team and I are never too busy for your referrals! If buying, selling, renting or relocating to Barrie, give me a call! Oh yeah I have to fulfill my obligations by including this disclaimer - for informational purposes to inform and provide insight. I'm not intending to solicit you and most especially if you have a written buyer agency agreement with another Realtor. Other than that....Much success in health, health and happiness!

Shannon P. Murree, Sales Representative RE/MAX Chay Realty Inc, Brokerage

"It's not just about buildings, it's building relationships"

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Ready, Willing and Able...



In a few days I will be challenging myself with a physical test.  Hitting a certain age - things become surreal and for the most part, it's just a number. In others, gentle reminders of things you set out that you want to do at certain stages of your life.


I will be participating in an event called "Warrior Dash". It's never come here to Canada. It's over 3miles or rather, over 5 km of running through rough terrain at Horseshoe Valley Resort. Not even that, it's through various obstacles that are meant to challenge you throughout the grueling course.


Laurie Watt, reporter with the Barrie Advance wrote an awesome article about it found here: 

Realtor gets down and dirty to help abused women

That's right. That's my why...I'm going to get "down and dirty" and step out of my element, my little 'box' of wearing pretty dresses, shoes, makeup nicely done, nails painted and be a WARRIOR. Warrior for those women and children caught in a daily life of suffering at the hands of an abuser. 


Abuse can be at the hands of anyone. It can affect anyone. It could be a friend, co-worker, aunt, mother, sister, daughter...anyone.


So I will wear my warrior gear, have a black eye, bruised lip and carry on and persevere through the rough terrain all the while thinking about those that feel they're stuck and can't leave. Those that are being abused mentally, physically, financially. There is another life, there is another way and even with one baby step, it is possible to flee and start a new life...just have to be a warrior!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Quick Thoughts for the day to leave you with...

How to conquer evil with good-Buddha style:

One day a man walked up to Buddha and said insult after insult to him.

Buddha just turned to the man and said: "If someone offers you a gift and you decline to accept it, to whom then does it belong?"

The man said: "it belongs to the person who offered it."

Buddha smiled and said "That is correct. So if I decline to accept your abuse does it not then still belong to you?"

The man was speechless and walked away.

Awesome strategy to live by don't you think? Don't be afraid to decline that "gift".

Love, be loved, live your life on your terms.
Wish you much success in health, wealth and happiness :)

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Barrie Women - Are You Wealthylicious?

Women: Last opportunity for you to sign up for Barrie Wealthylicious! I have been asked to be one of the "expert" speakers on the topic of real estate investing. There are two other experts in their field/industry speaking as well. Please click on the link


It's at SuiteWorks Barrie Tues June 14th from 7-9. Investment of only $10 when you reserve online. Could change your life, your future!




A Symposium for Women, by Women, on Wealth & Wellness Creation
Join us for an exclusive seminar where you will:
  • Learn the truth about money and cash flow that no one ever told you
  • Discover 3 proven ways to increase your wealth
  • Uncover the most common myths about women and money and bust them
  • Delve into today's financial realities and discover how you can be an exception to the statistics
  • Find out how to create optimal wealth and health simultaneously
  • Understand more about Residual Income Streams and ways to create them

Presented by Game Changers International.

Tuesday, June 14th, SuiteWorks - Townhall,
 92 Caplan Ave. 
Barrie ON
7-9pm. 
RSVP is required to attend this event.
We have an amazing lineup of speakers for this incredible evening!


*Leanne Grechulk - Founder of HealthyGirl & Author of "30 Days to Wealth"
*Shannon Murree - Real estate professional, multi-faceted business woman aspiring to empower women & all people in home ownership, rentals, rent to own or real estate investing.
*Shelly Matsos - Founder of Sexy Monkey
*Brittany Prentice - Wellness Coach & Enlightened Entrepreneur





Final Day - Please Support This Cause (No Money - Just a Click to Vote!)

Help choose |New Beginnings" for the Barrie Women & Children's Shelter for The Keg's 40th Anniversary Thanks a Million Grant Program. Voting ends today, Tuesday, June 14th! Click here to vote and see below about why the money is so important!


About "New Beginnings"

'New Beginnings' will provide Transitional or Second Stage Housing for both women & children leaving the shelter & transitioning to the community or to women & children remaining in the community who are leaving abusive relationships. Housing will offer affordable, individual family apartments and the support of Outreach Services such as Housing, Legal Advocacy, Group & Individual Counselling & Safety Planning on the Base floor of the building.

There is a severe affordable housing shortage in Simcoe County. New Beginnings housing will address the sobering reality we face when a woman returns to her abuser because she is unable to manage on her own financially. This project will help families move forward with Hope and Opportunity; a New Beginning.

Barrie Police receive 137 calls a month concerning violence against women. 1 in 4 children have watched their mother being abused. 75% of these children will become perpetrators or victims of violence themselves unless there is intervention, counselling and the opportunity to move forward.

Our shelter is most often over capacity. We have approximately 1500 families access our services annually from the the Barrie community. We regularly have to move families from Women & Children's Shelter of Barrie to another shelter as they have stayed for over four months and have yet to find affordable housing in Barrie.

With this grant funding, we will renovate an existing apartment building in Barrie to provide safe and affordable housing while at the same time providing a supportive environment for families to move forward on their own in our community. Families will be able to stay for a period of up to 1 year at which time they will be able to move forward safely on their own, with continued support from our Outreach team.

Renovations will take 8 months to complete and will include enhanced security and lighting surrounding the building as well as renovations to move our Outreach staff to the building of 'New Beginnings'.

We believe in the value of each life and empowerment through respect - 'New Beginnings' will show families in Simcoe County that the community is supportive of each life. The #1 reason influencing whether a woman will leave an abusive relationship is a visible increase in the level of community support - PLEASE show your support for this initiative!

For more about the Barrie Shelter (if you or know of anyone suffering abuse or perhaps would like to make a donation) go to the http://BarrieShelter.com



Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Click...Save Some Lives, Make A Difference - Doesn't cost you a cent!


'New Beginnings' will provide Transitional or Second Stage Housing for both women & children leaving the shelter & transitioning to the community or to women & children remaining in the community who are leaving abusive relationships. Housing will offer affordable, individual family apartments and the support of Outreach Services such as Housing, Legal Advocacy, Group & Individual Counselling & Safety Planning on the Base floor of the building.

There is a severe affordable housing shortage in Simcoe County. New Beginnings housing will address the sobering reality we face when a woman returns to her abuser because she is unable to manage on her own financially. This project will help families move forward with Hope and Opportunity; a New Beginning.

Barrie Police receive 137 calls a month concerning violence against women. 1 in 4 children have watched their mother being abused. 75% of these children will become perpetrators or victims of violence themselves unless there is intervention, counselling and the opportunity to move forward.

Our shelter is most often over capacity. We have approximately 1500 families access our services annually from the the Barrie community. We regularly have to move families from Women & Children's Shelter of Barrie to another shelter as they have stayed for over four months and have yet to find affordable housing in Barrie.

With this grant funding, we will renovate an existing apartment building in Barrie to provide safe and affordable housing while at the same time providing a supportive environment for families to move forward on their own in our community. Families will be able to stay for a period of up to 1 year at which time they will be able to move forward safely on their own, with continued support from our Outreach team.

Renovations will take 8 months to complete and will include enhanced security and lighting surrounding the building as well as renovations to move our Outreach staff to the building of 'New Beginnings'.

We believe in the value of each life and empowerment through respect - 'New Beginnings' will show families in Simcoe County that the community is supportive of each life. The #1 reason influencing whether a woman will leave an abusive relationship is a visible increase in the level of community support - PLEASE show your support for this initiative click here to vote for the shelter. It doesn't cost you a penny and only a few seconds daily of your life.....it can help save lives!