As uncertainty continues to define Ontario’s real estate landscape, one Barrie realtor says the local market may not be as out of reach as many residents believe—especially for first-time buyers.
Appearing on Barrie 360's What's Barrie Talking About podcast, Peggy Hill said that despite fluctuating mortgage rates, geopolitical tensions, and lingering economic instability, there is room for optimism in the region.
A Tale of Two Markets
Hill describes a split between lower and higher price brackets.
Homes under $700,000 - especially entry-level detached properties and condos - are being snapped up quickly. Inventory is so lean that “if no new listings were to get to the market, we'd have nothing in a month.”
Meanwhile, properties priced between $900,000 and $1 million are moving at a far slower pace, with Hill noting that “it would take 30 months to sell all the homes that we have listed in that price point.”
That imbalance is driving more interest to surrounding areas outside Barrie as buyers follow affordability outward. Still, Barrie remains positioned better than many cities due to ongoing development and relatively attainable price points.
Down Payments: Easier Than Expected?
For many aspiring buyers, the biggest mental hurdle is the down payment. Hill acknowledges that today’s numbers can feel overwhelming—but says the perception often doesn’t match reality.
“It's only five percent that they're looking for, and you can borrow that… from RRSPs, you can borrow from parents… there's so many ways to get into this market.”
And with condos in the city going for around $300,000, the entry cost is far from unattainable.
“At $300,000… five percent is fifteen-grand,” Hill explained. “So for twenty-grand you can get into a home - into a segment of the market that has nowhere to go but up.”
Hill also notes that when rent begins to equal typical mortgage payments, buying becomes a strategic long-term choice for many households.
Getting Creative—and Getting Advice
One of Hill’s recurring themes is creativity. Duplexes, income suites, and multi‑generational approaches are all becoming common ways to break into the market.
“You've got to be creative… you rent one spot, you live in one spot, or hell, you rent both spots and you stay at your mom and dad's.”
But the biggest mistake buyers make, she says, is assuming they can’t afford anything before speaking to a professional.
“A lot of times they don't realize that they can afford to buy because… nobody's saying, ‘Oh, it's a great time to buy a house.’ What they're saying is it's really hard to get into homeownership, and that is a myth.”
Free Weekly Sessions Aim to Demystify the Process
To help residents navigate their options, The Peggy Hill Team runs weekly drop‑in sessions every Tuesday at their Huronia Road office.
The events run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a mortgage broker on-site to offer immediate guidance.
“You have to do nothing but show up… at the end of the day, you're going to leave with a plan, some swag and maybe a slice of pizza.”
No appointment is needed, and the team also offers support online at PeggyHill.com or by phone at 705‑739‑4455.
