Thinking about life after you’ve passed away is never easy. However, when you do pass, have you thought about your assets and estate and what the process will be like for your beneficiaries? Without a proper will and estate plan, the inheritance process for your…
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a house. It’s a big financial decision and requires a strong plan and a lot of patience. One of the many things you might be considering right now is should you get a co-signer on your mortgage.…
A parent’s first instinct when their child is in need is to help. Now, it’s come time for your child to move out, but they are financially having difficulties. It is becoming a quickly growing issue in Canada that many millennials are struggling to buy…
Talking about money, wills, declining health and/or death is just plain difficult for most families. However, it’s probably one of the most important things you can do, and it can help alleviate a lot of worries and family strife. We’ve all heard of families who…
A family cottage passed down from previous generations is a very special thing. The memories, the history, the various transformations over the decades…it’s nice to keep it in the family whenever possible. However, transferring ownership of property isn’t like giving someone a nice watch or…
A new year and a brand-new decade is upon us; just think of the possibilities we have to look forward to! However, a new year usually means we take a bit of time to set personal, career or financial goals or resolutions, but there’s one,…
While it’s always advisable to update your will whenever there are major life changes that impact you or your family, it’s particularly essential when you get married, divorced, remarried or separated. In Ontario, there are strict laws around wills and asset distribution when it comes…
Your cottage is a special place for your friends and family to enjoy spending quality time, so why not consider hosting your family holiday celebrations at the cottage this year? It’s always fun to switch up the routine from time to time, and you’ll create…
Buying or selling real estate is a complicated endeavor, and one that should be trusted to experienced professionals who understand the industry. Choosing a real estate sales agent/representative (or Realtor) should be something that is carefully weighed. In the world of real estate law, we’ve…
Got a busy winter planned & no time to check on the cottage? Don’t worry; there’s an app for that! Check out the different ways to keep an eye on…
In today’s hot housing market, things can move pretty quickly, and not just in big urban centres like Toronto or Vancouver. Here in the Muskoka region, we see home, condo and cottage purchases that get pretty competitive, with multiple offers coming in all at once.…
If you’ve decided to finally make that will or get your will revised, good job! It’s an important step to take to help protect your loved ones and your hard-earned assets. However, there’s one important step that needs a lot of serious consideration: appointing an…
Thinking of buying that cottage-country fixer-upper for a steal? It can be a lucrative investment, as well as an adventure! Whether you’re the handy type or not, there are several things that can go wrong with your fixer-upper purchase and turn it from a profitable…
What Happens to Your Children When You Die Without A Will? As parents, we don’t like to think about what would happen to our young adult or dependent children if we were to die unexpectedly. While it may feel like a scary scenario, it’s important…
In today’s competitive real estate market, many eager buyers decide to opt-out of the home inspection in order to push their offer through with as little delay as possible. However, in passing up a home inspection, you could be missing out on critical information about…
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that assigns someone else the power or authority to make decisions about your personal and/or financial affairs, usually if you are mentally or physically unable to do so yourself. The appointed person is called an agent…
Buying or selling a home, condo or cottage is always a hectic time, and the various expenses can add up in a hurry. While there are some things that you can easily DIY to save money, such as home staging or repairs, managing the legal…
A big surprise for many new Muskoka cottage owners is finding out that they don’t, in fact, own a 66-foot parcel of land that extends along their shore. This is known as Shoreline Road Allowance, and while it’s listed in the deed, many people don’t…
Whether you’re an experienced cottager or just starting to think about buying one, it’s important to be prepared for those additional expenses that can be unique to cottage life; some that are expected each year and some that aren’t. Your cottage is your oasis, and…
There’s nothing better than a sunny weekend at your cottage with family and good friends. The last thing you want to worry about is injuries and accidents, but they can and do happen. Here are some important tips and key considerations for all cottage owners…
When someone passes away, it’s a very trying time to say the least. For close family members, there’s often a lot of organizing and difficult work to be done, not to mention managing the personal grief and loss. When it finally comes time to have…
If you’re thinking of buying your first home or condo, congratulations! There are so many great reasons to dive into the world of home-ownership and say ‘so long’ to renting. Beyond the low interest rates we’ve been experiencing here in Canada, there are also some…
If you don’t already have a will, you may be wondering if or when you’ll need one. You may be surprised to learn that most adults should have a legal will, even if they don’t have a family of their own or significant possessions. The…
A family cottage is a cherished oasis; the last thing owners want to worry about when it comes to their beloved cottage is a break in. Whether your cottage is left unused for an entire winter, or just for a week, it’s important to take…
Closing time on your home or cottage purchase is always an exciting time. If all goes as planned, all that’s left to do on closing day is sign your documents, hand over your cheque or transfer the funds, get those new keys and start your…
