It’s that time of year again that many people are searching for cottages and seasonal lakefront properties. There are many things to consider prior to starting your search. Your North Life has highlighted a few helpful tips for you to consider when navigating through the buying process.
Use an Experienced Local Realtor
Before you begin thinking about any property specific details, do your research to find a realtor who specializes in the area you’d like to purchase your cottage and has experience buying and selling cottage properties. Having someone who has experience guiding clients through purchasing a cottage property, who knows the area, and things to look out for within the property is key to having a successful process. They will know which areas will best suit your needs and help you find a property within your budget.
Lake Size Matters
What kind of recreational activities would you like to do at your cottage? Top water activities include boating, water skiing, or tubing. If this is you, finding a cottage on a large lake is best suited for you. If you’d rather enjoy relaxing by the lake, or go canoeing or kayaking, a smaller lake is sufficient. The Muskoka Lakes area has varied topography from deep lined lakes with rocks to sandy and shallow. Consider the type of activities you’d like to do at the cottage before you begin your search so that you can base your search in the right areas.
Cottage Exposure
Would you like to watch the sunrise, sunset, or have the sun all day. Directional exposure to your cottage is something to consider when purchasing a cottage. Depending on the direction of your cottage’s exposure, the more expensive it will be. It is possible to get multiple exposures, but generally speaking cottages with Southwest exposure have all day sun and sunsets, which makes them higher in cost. If you would rather have your coffee and watch the sunrise or enjoy the sunsets each evening than you’ll have to specifically inquire about properties that will provide this and you’ll save some money.
Year-Round VS, Seasonal
Would you like to use your cottage year-round or just for the summer? This is important to consider as some cottages are only accessible by boat only, or reside in more remote locations where there is rougher terrain making accessibility in the winter time more difficult. Seasonal cottages are more basic with minimal utilities and heating as they’re only used for a third of the year.
Take into considering the type of activities you’d like to do at your cottage and if it’s something you’d like to have access to all year-round for snowmobiling in the winter or boating in the summer. This will depend on the location of where you search.
Know what you can afford.
Set a realistic price range that gives you flexibility for any renovations you may have or want to make. Feeling financially restricted post purchasing can cause a lot of stress and therefore you aren’t able to enjoy your cottage property as well.
Location
When searching for cottages it’s important to note the distance between the nearest town and your cottage, their amenities, and how far away the closest emergency services station is. If you aren’t comfortable with how far away your cottage is, tightening your search radius will be important to your search.
It’s also important to note the types of activities you’d like to do while at your cottage. For example, do you want to go golfing while at your cottage? If your answer is yes, it will be important during your search to look for cottage locations that are close to a golf courses.
Test Water Quality
During your search, when you find a property that you like, test the water quality to ensure that it’s potable and determine the efficiency of the filtration system.
These are just some helpful tips for you to consider during your lakefront cottage search. Always remember to do your research before you enter in any buying process and use an experienced realtor.