Mortgage Broker Barrie, Ontario

Craig Brunsdon is a licensed Mortgage Broker serving Barrie and the surrounding Simcoe County area. With 60+ lenders, 140+ five-star reviews, and over $400M in funded mortgages, Craig delivers honest rate shopping and 24-hour pre-approvals to Barrie homebuyers, homeowners, and investors.

Barrie Housing Market Snapshot (2026)

  • Population: ~147,000
  • Average home price: ~$663,000
  • Market trend: Down ~8–11% year-over-year, creating a buyer's market with motivated sellers and more negotiating room than we've seen in years.

Barrie is the biggest city in Simcoe County — about 147,000 people — and the one most buyers coming north from the GTA compare everything else against. The average home sits around $663,000, down roughly 8–11% from a year earlier, which is why 2026 reads as a buyer's market: listings sit longer, sellers negotiate, and a clean pre-approval carries real weight.

Where you buy changes the mortgage as much as the price does. South-end neighbourhoods like Painswick and the Tollendal area draw families who want newer homes and quick access to Highway 400 and the Barrie South GO station. The north end — Letitia Heights, Holly and the area around Georgian College — tends to offer more house for the money, with a longer drive to the station. Allandale Waterfront, beside Kempenfelt Bay, is the premium end of town and the home of the second GO station.

On the numbers: at the Barrie average of roughly $663,000, the minimum down payment is about $41,300 — 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the rest — and homes over $1 million need 20%. Compared with Orillia, where comparable detached homes often run $90,000 to $100,000 less, the Barrie premium works out to roughly $500 a month in payments. That gap is the real decision for most commuters, and it's worth running both sets of numbers before you commit.

Barrie also has the widest range of lending situations in the county: first-time buyers using the FHSA and Home Buyers' Plan, move-up buyers porting an existing mortgage, self-employed owners whose tax returns understate their income, and homeowners refinancing to pull equity out. Each one is priced differently by different lenders, which is exactly where shopping 60+ lenders beats taking the first bank's offer.

Why Barrie Homebuyers Choose TMC Greater Simcoe

  • Lake Simcoe waterfront living
  • GO Train commuter hub to Toronto
  • Georgian College & growing tech scene

Craig services Barrie and all of Simcoe County in person or remotely from the team's home base in nearby Orillia.

Mortgage Services for Barrie Residents

Frequently Asked Questions — Mortgages in Barrie

What are the best mortgage rates available in Barrie right now?

Mortgage rates in Barrie change daily based on the Bank of Canada's overnight rate and bond yields. Craig Brunsdon shops over 60 lenders — including major banks, credit unions, and monoline lenders — to find the lowest rate for your specific situation. Call (705) 238-1097 or submit a consultation request to get today's best rate.

Is Barrie a good place to buy a home in 2026?

With home prices down 8–11% year-over-year, Barrie is firmly in buyer's market territory for 2026. That means more negotiating power, longer listing times, and motivated sellers. Combined with Lake Simcoe access, GO Train commuter convenience to Toronto, and a growing local tech economy at Georgian College, Barrie offers strong long-term value.

How much down payment do I need to buy a home in Barrie?

For a home priced at $663,000 (the Barrie average), you'd need a minimum 10% down payment — 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the remaining $163,000 — totalling roughly $41,300. Homes over $1 million require 20%. Craig helps you structure the most efficient down payment strategy, including RRSP and FHSA programs for first-time buyers.

Can I get pre-approved for a mortgage in Barrie quickly?

Yes. Most pre-approvals are completed within 24–48 hours with Craig's team. You'll need recent pay stubs, a Notice of Assessment, bank statements, and ID. A pre-approval locks your rate for up to 120 days and shows Barrie sellers you're a serious buyer — crucial in a market where conditions can shift quickly.

What are the best first-time home buyer programs in Barrie?

First-time buyers in Barrie can access the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) for tax-free savings up to $40,000, the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) to withdraw up to $35,000 from RRSPs, the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive for shared-equity support, and Ontario's Land Transfer Tax refund up to $4,000. Craig helps you combine these for maximum savings.

Is it better to rent or buy in Barrie in 2026?

With Barrie's current buyer's market and prices down from 2022 peaks, buying now locks in lower prices before the next upswing. Monthly mortgage payments on a $663,000 home with 10% down are comparable to renting, but you're building equity instead of paying someone else's mortgage. Craig offers a free rent vs. buy analysis — just ask.

Can I refinance my Barrie mortgage to access home equity?

Yes. If you've owned your Barrie home for several years, you may have significant equity you can access through refinancing or a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit). This is commonly used for debt consolidation, renovations, or investment property down payments. Craig will calculate your available equity and shop lenders for the best refinancing rate.

How does Craig Brunsdon help Barrie homeowners at mortgage renewal?

At renewal, your current lender will offer rates — but these are rarely their best. Craig shops 60+ lenders on your behalf to find a better renewal rate, potentially saving you thousands over your next term. He'll also review whether a shorter or longer term, fixed or variable rate, best matches your financial plans in Barrie's current market.

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Get a Free Barrie Mortgage Consultation

Call Craig at 705-238-1097 or book a free mortgage consultation online. Pre-approvals in 24–48 hours. Serving Barrie and all of Greater Simcoe.