Barrie & Orillia Real Estate Investment Network

Barrie & Orillia Real Estate  Investment Network Connecting real estate investors, future investors and industry professionals across Barrie, Orillia and Simcoe County. Connect. Educate. Invest. Why?

Local insight, practical education and conversations about investing, opportunities and informed decisions. Welcome to REBORN! Real Estate: Barrie - Orillia Real Estate Network in Simcoe County

The intent and purpose of this group is to allow those looking at Barrie Real Estate as an Investment and have the opportunity to network, share ideas, suggestions and help each other. No matter what rang

e of experience whether beginner/novice or an experienced seasoned one, I would love for us to be together. Part of financial success is to be with supportive, like-minded individuals that share the same goals, passions and ideas. Real estate investing is a great way to create wealth. There are many pitfalls, it's work, it's a business and not a "quick, get rich scheme". If anyone tells you that, they're not the ones to most likely socialize with and would use extreme caution in forming relationships with those people that tell you it is. There are many rewards and benefits and it can get you certain liberations you never thought possible. Again, processes are learned over time and important to educate yourself and network.


****DISCLAIMER*****
You will not be solicited...we're all investors and enthusiasts and this group is purely for the networking aspect. Please only join if you're a fellow enthusiast. Mortgage brokers and other realtors may only join if personally an investor and with no ulterior motive to solicit the group. Please join this group if you are sincere and passionate about real estate investing. Do not join this group if your intent is to solicit your services and/or compromise the confidentiality of the groups members in any way, shape or form. If so, membership to this group will be revoked without question. Disclaimer: this group is monitored by Shannon Murree, Real Estate Representative with RE/MAX Chay Realty Inc Brokerage. Opinions expressed are her own and not intended to solicit. This group is purely for educational purposes for the intent to educate the consumer looking for strategic wealth creation strategies.

The Real Estate “Red Pill” | The truth behind building wealth through property.The real estate “red pill” is realizing t...
09/08/2026

The Real Estate “Red Pill” | The truth behind building wealth through property.

The real estate “red pill” is realizing that successful investing is not about finding a secret shortcut.

It’s about understanding what actually goes into a successful investment.

The reality:

• Not every property is a good investment.
• Appreciation alone does not create a successful strategy.
• Cash flow is only one piece of the bigger picture.
• Financing can make or break a deal.
• Vacancies, repairs and unexpected expenses are part of ownership.
• The purchase price matters just as much as the property itself.
• The numbers need to work before the emotions take over.

The investors who build long-term wealth are not chasing hype.

They are:

• Asking better questions.
• Understanding the market.
• Knowing their numbers.
• Planning for risk.
• Making decisions based on strategy, not speculation.

The real advantage isn’t having a secret.

It’s having the knowledge to see what others overlook.

Connect. Educate. Invest.

Starting in real estate investing can feel overwhelming.There are properties to evaluate, financing options to understan...
09/06/2026

Starting in real estate investing can feel overwhelming.

There are properties to evaluate, financing options to understand, markets to research and plenty of opinions telling you what you should or shouldn’t do.

A strong first step is not scrolling listings. It’s getting clear on your strategy.

Ask yourself:

What is your goal?
Are you looking for monthly cash flow, long-term appreciation, equity growth, diversification or a combination?

What can you realistically afford?
Understand your available capital, financing options, ongoing costs and how much risk you’re comfortable taking.

Where do you want to invest?
A market, neighbourhood and property type all matter. Local knowledge can help identify opportunities and challenges.

Do the numbers make sense?
Purchase price, income, expenses, vacancies, maintenance and financing all need to be considered before making a decision.

Real estate investing isn’t about finding the “perfect” property.

It’s about making informed decisions based on your goals, your strategy and realistic numbers.

Start with knowledge. Build your strategy. Then look for the opportunity.

Connect. Educate. Invest.

Why invest in Orillia?Orillia offers a different investment story than Barrie, and that’s exactly why it deserves its ow...
09/02/2026

Why invest in Orillia?

Orillia offers a different investment story than Barrie, and that’s exactly why it deserves its own conversation.

The city is preparing for continued growth, with its population projected to reach nearly 49,000 by 2051 and approximately 7,000 additional housing units expected to be needed to accommodate that growth.

For real estate investors, the housing mix is particularly interesting.

Orillia’s projected housing needs aren’t limited to detached homes. Current forecasts anticipate demand across single and semi-detached homes, townhouses and apartments, while the City is also planning for greater density and a broader range of housing options within existing neighbourhoods and future growth areas.

Additional dwelling units can also create opportunities for some property owners and investors. Orillia permits additional dwelling units subject to zoning, building and other requirements, and the City provides specific guidance for creating them.

Then there’s location.

Orillia offers access to Highway 11, proximity to Highway 400 and the GTA, employment lands, post-secondary education, healthcare, established neighbourhoods, lakes and waterfront, while still maintaining the characteristics of a smaller regional city. The City itself identifies strategic location, connectivity and quality of life among Orillia’s economic advantages.

But just like Barrie, growth doesn’t automatically equal a good investment.

Purchase price matters. Rental income matters. Financing matters. Property condition, location, expenses, vacancy, tenant demand and your long-term strategy all matter.

The opportunity is in understanding how Orillia is changing, what housing will be needed as it grows, and which properties actually make sense when you run the numbers.

Orillia may be a smaller market, but smaller doesn’t mean less interesting.

Connect. Educate. Invest.

Why invest in Barrie?There isn’t one answer, and there shouldn’t be. Real estate investing is never as simple as picking...
08/31/2026

Why invest in Barrie?

There isn’t one answer, and there shouldn’t be. Real estate investing is never as simple as picking a growing city and assuming every property will perform.

But Barrie has some fundamentals worth paying attention to.

The city is expected to continue experiencing significant population and employment growth over the coming decades. More people, more jobs and continued development can create increased demand for housing, including rental housing.

Barrie also offers a range of potential investment strategies. Traditional single-family rentals, condominiums, additional residential units, multi-residential properties and commercial opportunities can all play a role, depending on the investor, the property and the numbers.

Location is another part of the conversation. Barrie has Highway 400 access, GO Transit service, a regional hospital, Georgian College, established employment areas, a growing downtown and waterfront, and connections to communities throughout Simcoe County and the GTA.

But growth does not guarantee returns.

A property still needs to be evaluated on its own merits. Purchase price, financing, realistic rental income, operating expenses, vacancy, maintenance, property taxes, insurance, location, tenant demand and long-term objectives all matter.

The opportunity isn't simply "Barrie is growing."

The opportunity is understanding how Barrie is growing, where housing demand is coming from, what different areas and property types offer, and whether a particular investment makes sense for your strategy.

That’s the kind of conversation we want to have here.

What would you like us to explore next: Barrie rental demand, additional residential units, neighbourhoods, property types or the numbers behind an investment?

Connect. Educate. Invest.

Start with the numbers.A property can look like a great investment and still make absolutely no sense once you put every...
08/30/2026

Start with the numbers.

A property can look like a great investment and still make absolutely no sense once you put everything on paper.

Before buying, calculate the realistic rental income and the full cost of owning the property.

Mortgage payments. Property taxes. Insurance. Utilities. Maintenance. Repairs. Vacancy. Property management. Condo fees, if applicable. And a reserve for the expenses you know will eventually come.

Then look at what’s left.

The purchase price tells you what it costs to buy the property. The numbers tell you whether it works as an investment.

And those numbers should be based on realistic assumptions, not the best-case scenario.

A good property doesn’t automatically make a good investment.

Connect. Educate. Invest.

Cash flow and profit are not the same thing.Positive monthly cash flow can look great on paper, but it doesn’t tell you ...
08/28/2026

Cash flow and profit are not the same thing.

Positive monthly cash flow can look great on paper, but it doesn’t tell you the entire story of an investment.

Repairs. Capital improvements. Vacancies. Turnover costs. Financing changes. Property management. Unexpected expenses.

That’s why looking only at monthly rent minus the mortgage can give you a very misleading picture.

Before buying, build a realistic operating budget and leave room for the expenses that won’t happen every month, but eventually will.

Good investing isn’t based on the best-case scenario.

It’s based on numbers that can survive real life.

Connect. Educate. Invest.

Don’t start with the purchase price. Start with the numbers.Before deciding whether a property makes sense as an investm...
08/26/2026

Don’t start with the purchase price. Start with the numbers.

Before deciding whether a property makes sense as an investment, calculate the realistic monthly income and every expense that comes with owning it, including financing, property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, repairs, vacancies and management costs.

A property can look like a great opportunity and tell a very different story once the full numbers are on paper.

The question isn’t simply, “Can I afford to buy it?”

It’s, “Does this property make sense for what I’m trying to achieve?”

Connect. Educate. Invest.

Real estate investing isn’t simply about owning property. It’s about understanding what you’re buying, why you’re buying...
08/24/2026

Real estate investing isn’t simply about owning property. It’s about understanding what you’re buying, why you’re buying it and whether the numbers support the decision.

Cash flow matters. So do financing costs, expenses, rental demand, location, property condition, regulations, risk and your long-term strategy.

That’s where education and connection become valuable.

The Barrie & Orillia Real Estate Investment Network is a place to learn, exchange ideas, connect with other investors and industry professionals, and have practical conversations about investing in Barrie, Orillia and throughout Simcoe County.

You don’t need to know everything before you start. You do need to ask good questions, understand the numbers and surround yourself with people who can help you make informed decisions.

Connect. Educate. Invest.

What part of real estate investing would you like to learn more about?

08/09/2024

Did you know that around 75% of people experience some level of fear or anxiety about glossophobia, or rather, public speaking.

I was watching a show last night for entrepreneurs who know their product, stumble on note cards while reading their names and titles. Their own names and titles? This is personal information they know so why were they reading verbatim? Public speaking. One of the most difficult things for some and not something I relate or comprehend. I'm the opposite and in fact, do better off the cuff without any note cards or prepped presentations. Not bragging, it's gratitude to be in the small % and have this skill. It has taken a lot of time and skill to hone in on this. I do get nervous beforehand, only because I care about the messaging.

One top tip for becoming an effective, confident public speaker is to focus on your message, not yourself. Instead of worrying about how you're being perceived, concentrate on the value you're delivering to your audience. When you shift your focus to sharing your message and helping others, your confidence naturally increases, and your nervousness fades into the background. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being authentic and connecting with your audience.

Here's something I've put together:

4 Steps to Success: Winning at Salary Negotiations, Fundraising, Joint Venture or New Business

Step 1 — Exude Confidence: Whether you're negotiating a salary, fundraising, seeking joint venture capital, or starting a new business—profit or non-profit—confidence is key. Present yourself with poise and assurance, showing that you’re ready to make an impact. Even if you have doubts, project calmness and determination. Your ability to remain composed under pressure and convey confidence will assure others that you can handle the challenges ahead.

Step 2 — Deliver a Clear Message: Communicate the core of your proposal—be it a salary request, a fundraising pitch, or a new business idea—in 90 seconds or less. Sometimes, 15 seconds is all you need. Your message should be so clear and concise that anyone can understand it instantly, whether they’re a potential employer, investor, or partner. The more straightforward and precise your pitch, the stronger your impact.

Step 3 — Demonstrate Your Ex*****on: Explain how you, combined with your proposal, will successfully achieve high levels of success. Whether it’s securing a salary increase, attracting investment, or launching a new venture, it's not just about having a great idea—it’s about proving that you have the skills and determination to bring it to life. Highlight your ability to execute and why you're the best person to lead this effort.

Step 4 — Know Your Numbers: In any negotiation or pitch—whether it’s for a salary increase, fundraising, or launching a new venture—you must present clear evidence of the financial or social impact. Show potential employers, investors, or partners what's in it for them. Provide concrete data, demonstrate potential returns, and break down the numbers to illustrate a compelling and realistic opportunity for growth or success.

Cheers to your success

My MovingSimcoe.com: Buying, Selling, Investing Real Estate w Shannon Murree team and I are super excited to be offering...
06/09/2024

My MovingSimcoe.com: Buying, Selling, Investing Real Estate w Shannon Murree team and I are super excited to be offering this very rare commercial property for sale in Orillia! Now under contract and coming live, this Wednesday, 4 residential units and the incredible grade doors and commercial space. Perhaps a store, salon, storage facility or more residential units. This was previously a mini golf and the owner has professionally renovated into the 4 units and left a "shell" for the commercial side. Separately metered, coin laundry, across from an elementary public school, lots of parking, high traffic area on Laclie Street and visibility with signage.

The 3 residential units are presently vacant (but listed for rent) and therefore no signage on the property

Bring your vision, bring your offer and if you've been looking for a space like this, connect with me today.

As a licensed Ontario agent, required disclosures:

*not intended to solicit anyone under agency agreement. Under contract, coming to TRREB/ITSO/REALTOR.ca, cooperation agreement in place

Shannon Murree, agent RE/MAX Hallmark Chay Realty Brokerage

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Barrie, ON

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