Muskoka Lifestyle...An Affordable Option to Consider

Back in the 1930s through the late 1950s it was not uncommon for people desiring a weekend retreat from the cities to own their get-away in lakeside villages and fishing camps around Ontario. These villages, such as Wasaga Beach, Crystal Beach, Grand Bend, and Bewdley to name a few, provided seasonal cottages on large lots, offering the serenity of country living with access to public beaches, docking and boat launch facilities. In addition, the community of seasonal dwellers provided a social circle of card parties and barbeques at a time when television at the cottage was not even considered as an option. All eagerly looked forward to their summer friends coming in from all points in Ontario and nearby States. Yes, it was a gentler time, but the current economic conditions and stresses may make the vintage idea of the seasonal lakeside village property a come back option for many.

The initial cost to purchase in a village and the taxes are considerably lower than lakefront properties. Yet the lifestyle of the retreat, lakeside activities, community and heritage Ontario architecture are all present for you to enjoy. The Muskoka/Parry Sound area has a number of quaint villages that offer the Muskoka lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of similar lakefront living.

Thinking about buying a cottage but thought the prices were out of your reach? Perhaps looking into lakeside village living is an option for you to consider. A professional real estate team can assist you in exploring all options for country living in the Muskoka/Parry Sound area that will fit your budget.

The opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

What to Remember When Renting Out Your Cottage

Have you ever thought of renting out your weekend retreat? Renting out your cottage or chalet could be a good way to help cover the taxes and/or the other costs of maintaining a second home.

If you are afraid of renting to absolute strangers, then put a notice up at work or just tell your friends. You'll be surprised by the number of responses you will get. When you have someone interested don't be afraid of asking pointed questions like:

• is this their first time renting,
• how many people, children and adults will be using the place,
• are they planning on having guests? if so how many,
• do they have pets,
• are they bringing up toys like boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, etc.?

Let them know what is included and what is not, such as:

• are linens and towels included,
• rules for the use of the telephone,
• if they go into a private food or beer stock is it to be replaced,
• provide lessons or leave printed instructions on the use of septic tanks (what does and does not get flushed,
• list any restrictions on the water supply,
• let them know what they can use, especially when it comes to boasts, spas and other equipment.

Your insurance policy may not cover renters and you maybe liable if anything happens. Check this out before promising the cottage to a renter.

Be very specific about when they can arrive and when they have to leave. If you are not, this can cause problems if you have new renters following them.

Let them know the condition you expect the place to be in when they leave.

When it comes to price, find out what other similar properties are renting for on your lake and the surrounding area.

These are but a few of the considerations you need to face when renting. Renting out the cottage is not for everyone. Be aware of the pitfalls and know that you are accepting them as conditions of renting.

The opinions expressed on this page are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Neighbours...Love'em Before You Leave'em

You can live in a city condominium and never know or meet your neighbours. And the truth is you can enjoy your real estate whether you ever do or don't. A house in the suburbs, well, if you don' get along you at least usually nod with recognition. However, neighbourly love at a cottage takes on a whole new dimension.

We can't tell you the number of people that have bought a cottage only to discover after everything is closed...they are living next to an all night party house! Whether this is fair or not isn't the question here. The thing is that everyone has a different idea of how they like to enjoy their cottage real estate. Some are looking to get away from the noise...and others are looking to let loose and make a little noise.

We always encourage new cottage buyers that before they sign on the dotted line that it's a good idea to find out who is living on both sides of the property. This is easily achieved by simply knocking on the door and pretending you are lost or ask "How's the fish in the lake?". Chances are you'll get a good idea of the folks next door. Better still, go two properties down and ask what their neighbour(s) are like. If it's good news most likely they'll love to tell you...and if it's bad, most likely they are going to tell you too!

However, if knocking on doors isn't your style, not to worry. We at BeyondCityLife.com make it part of our job along with a list of many other services that are unique to purchasing a cottage.

The opinions expressed on this page are those of the author's and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Buying a Cottage - Before You Begin Your Search

Unlike buying a house in the city, the check list of your needs when you begin searching for a cottage is most likely going to be way different. Where details like local schools, public transportation and distance to work is important for urban living, when looking for a cottage they get replaced by other important requirements such as type of shoreline, road conditions into the site and distance from the city.

Many people enter the search for a cottage blindly. They know the area they want, maybe even the lake, and usually the price they want to pay. Other than that the old "I'll know it when I see it" goes into play which can make the entire process frustrating and elongated rather than exciting and prompt bringing cottage life closer sooner.

Even as important is working with a realtor who knows the area well and spends the time before hand helping you to formulate your cottage wish list, eliminating endless weekends of looking at properties that don't even come close to your dream.

Here are a few questions BeyondCityLife.com asks first time cottage buyers before setting out on the road to cottage life experience:

•1. How long are you willing to spend driving from you home to the cottage? (Take into account the time needed to reach the city limits.)

•2. In what measure of time will your schedule allow you to spend at the cottage? (weekends, weeks, month(s) etc. )

•3. What type of water based activity is important to you? (canoeing, fishing, wakeboarding etc.)

•4. Are you looking for isolation, free of neighbours or a cottage community?

•5. What comforts are you looking to enjoy at the cottage?

•6. Are you a handyman or would you rather pay someone else?

•7. Do you like sunlight all day or just partial exposure?

These are only a few of the questions you want to ask yourself. For a complete list, no matter where you are looking for a cottage, contact us at BeyondCityLife.com. We'd be glad at making your dream of cottage ownership a reality.

The opinions expressed in this Blog are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Weclome To BeyondCityLife.com

We would like to welcome you to BeyondCityLife.com. The purpose of this weekly blog is to provide a forum for the exchange of useful information and tips on buying, selling and maintaining properties in the Muskoka/Parry Sound area.

In addition we will be reporting on various community activities that enhance living in Ontario's premier cottage country.

We welcome your comments and questions and will endeavour to answer them either personally or through this Blog.

Vince Grittani (The Weekendguy) and Timothy Nichols, M.Sc.(Pl.), authors of this blog are licenced Realtors in the area with Coldwell Banker, S.W.E. Heritage Ltd., Brokerage. Please visit us as http://www.beyondcitylife.com/ for a complete listing of the services we provide.

Through the BeyondCityLife.com Program and BeyondCityLife.com Program Plus we provide a comprehensive array of services addressing the real estate needs of buying, selling, developing, renting, owning and maintaining your Muskoka Parrry Sound home.


The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors' and not necessarily those of Coldwell Banker S.W.E. Heritage Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage