Top Ten Tips for Buying

1. Location, Location, Location

    Area. Where do you want your property to be located? Look at the various neighbourhoods in the area to be certain that you will feel comfortable. Is this a monetary investment or a lifestyle investment?

    Driving Distance from Home (for recreational properties)

The driving distance from your home will be important. Not only the distance but conditions should be considered.  Factors such as traffic will become very important, especially over time

    To Amenities. How close to town do you want to live?  How close to recreational facilities, such as a Public Beach, Marina or Ski Hill.

2. Price

    Closing Costs. Don't forget all the legal costs, such as lawyers' fees, land transfer taxes and various adjustments that might have to be made at closing.

    Move In Costs. Don't forget about a budget for various things that might have to be taken care of before you can use it in the way you want to.

3. Access

    Year round or seasonal. Is the road to your property maintained in the winter? That will become very important if you wish, now or in the future, to access your property during the winter.

    Municipal Road, Private Road , or Deeded Access. Be aware of the type of road(s) that you will be using to access your property. A private road will have specific responsibilities and obligations for you. Ensure that they are clearly described and legally documented. Deeded access will need to be explicitly mentioned and described in your deed to ensure that you will enjoy continued access to your property.

4. Building(s)

    Size. What size building(s) are you looking for? Will they be adequate for your present use and future use?

    Condition. Are the buildings in usable condition? Are they up to the standards that you require? Will you need to budget for repairs, or renovations (see move in costs)?

    Amenities. Does the property have all the things that are important to you - # of bathrooms, types of rooms, enough electrical service, type of heating, etc. If it doesn't, will you be able to install/change (see move in costs)?

   Out Buildings. Do you need a garage, a workshop, bunkie, decks, porches, etc.?

5. Land

    Size. How much land do you want or need? Don't forget about what you may want in the future either. Do you require the privacy that a large amount of land might bring you? You may also wish a survey to see exactly what the land consists of. Title Insurance should be a must, regardless of whether there is an up to date survey.

    Topography. Uneven land for interest or flat land for convenience? Rocks for aesthetic reasons or good soil for practicality?

    Severance Possibilities. Do you have visions about dividing the land in the future? Are you buying the property with a partner with the expectation to subdivide? It would be good idea to determine the possibilities of severance before you buy.
    Building Restrictions or Zoning. If the property does not currently fullfil all of your needs, either now or in the future, you may want to consider adding on. Check the possibilities before you buy.

6. Water Frontage

    Boundaries. An up to date survey may be necessary to accurately describe your boundaries. This could be especially important with water boundaries. Will rising or falling water levels affect your boundaries?

    Shoreline. How much shoreline do you have and what is it like? Sand or rock bottom? How deep is the water?  Will it be accessible by the type of boat that you want to use? Are there environmental issues?

7. Type of Water

Do you have a preference or a need for a certain type of water?  Lake , river, stream or ponds all have potential specific uses.  Ensure that the use that you intend will be compatible with the type of water and the surrounding area.

8. Water Supply

Be aware of the water supply. Is a well? Drilled or dug? Lake water? Testing will need to be performed to determine if the water is potable, that there is sufficient quantity, and that there is no impurities or odour. 

9. Sewage Disposal

With today's environmental concerns, it is very important to determine the type and effectiveness of your sewage disposal system.  If it is anything less than a working and approved septic system, investigate what restrictions or regulations there are for upgrading the system.

10. Future Use

Remember there is a future, and will your future requirements be met by your present purchase?

Call us at (705) 645-3900 to arrange an appointment. We will show you how owning a cottage, home, farm or land can make you a part of Muskoka. Or CALL US AND SEE HOW WE CAN GIVE YOU A COMPLIMENTARY EVALUATION!

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