An essential part of any Muskoka cottage is the dock. It’s not just a functional port for a boat, it’s often the social hub of the entire cottage! Whether it’s for watching sunsets, jumping off, sunbathing or enjoying your morning coffee, it’s important that your…
Thinking about getting your last will and testament drafted up? That’s great news, especially because almost half of all Canadians don’t have a current will, and that can pose all sorts of concerns for you and your family. Having a will in place helps ensure…
For anyone who owns a cottage with a boathouse, you know just how special that space is beyond its just housing your boat, canoe, water toys, gas tanks and all the other cottage life accessories. It tends to be the hub of summer activity, and…
We all know buying a home or cottage can be expensive, especially in today’s market. There’s the obvious purchase price, the down-payment, then the home inspection, utility hook-ups, and even moving costs…just to name a few. On top of these costs, any purchase of a…
If you’re interested in buying a home that has tenants, but you don’t want the responsibility of being a landlord, what are your options to evict them? If you know you want the home as your primary residence and not as an investment property, there…
You’ve just bought a new Muskoka home or cottage – congratulations! It’s all yours now…well, almost. Buying a property has a number of steps to it and the overall process can be daunting. Before you move into your new home, there are a few things…
So, you’re looking to buy your next home. Exciting times! After touring numerous homes, one catches your eye and you’re very serious about it. So serious that you want to put in an offer. But later that night, a friend tells you of a violent…
It was a cold long winter and many of us can’t wait for the warmer weather to come. Being Canadian, most of us dream about owning a cottage. Owning a cottage is more of a “lifestyle” than it is an investment (like it is with…
Everybody loves saving money, and especially when it comes to real estate. More and more we are finding you can buy almost anything online without the need of a physical person or sales associate to assist you. The latest to join these ranks is buying…
Most real estate deals go through with little or no issues along the way. Everything has been checked off and all is good to go. You’re busy packing up your current residence and excited for the big move-in date! Then BOOM…a huge storm hits and…
Is there a cottage that’s been in your family for years and you’re eager knowing that one day it might be yours…when the time comes of course? Although inheriting a property as a result of a loved-one’s death is often very emotional and exhausting, it’s…
You’ve been looking for the right place in the right neighbourhood for quite a while now. Finally, you’ve found the home of your dreams. Before you sign and seal the agreement, it is important to have your lawyer perform what’s known as a title search…
Although we’re absolutely in love with the Muskoka region any time of year, we must admit that fall in Bracebridge, Huntsville, Gravenhurst, Rosseau, Bala…and everywhere else in this fabulous region simply can’t be beat. Imagine almost 4,000 square kilometres full of deciduous trees turning into…
You’ve finally found the one – that perfect home, condo, or cottage in Muskoka, that is. You’re so serious, you’ve even fully committed by putting in an offer. Exciting stuff! What’s next for you and your dream property? Unfortunately, a little bit of paperwork –…
The period after a loved one passes is naturally a trying time. Not only is it necessary to process the emotional loss and work through feelings of grief and sadness, there are often difficult tasks that must be looked after, such as planning the funeral…
Perhaps you are thinking about starting your own small business in Muskoka or you are growing your tiny operation to a bigger one. From choosing a business name, the perfect location, hiring staff, and creating a business plan, there are quite a few things that…
Think life at the cottage is nothing but hanging out on the dock, relaxing and spending time with family and friends? Well, it mostly is! However, if you are thinking of buying a cottage in Muskoka, it’s important to know that it can be a…
Owning a home or cottage can be just slightly out of reach for many people. Even when individuals feel they are financially ready, they may not qualify for a mortgage and get turned down by their bank. Luckily, this doesn’t necessarily mean that home-ownership is…
Hardwood floors, granite countertops and a gorgeous backyard – you have finally found your dream home or cottage in Muskoka, put in your offer and signed the purchase agreement. The deal is almost done! But what about title insurance? If you’re not exactly sure about…
If you’ve previously bought an older home or cottage, or have renovated in the past, you’ve likely come across the term “lawful prior non-conforming use”, but frankly, most people know it more informally as “grandfathered”. The term ‘grandfathered’ is used rather often when it comes…
Probate, estate, executor, power of attorney – there’s quite a bit of jargon and ‘legalese’ involved when it comes to succession planning and writing your last will and testament. This, however, shouldn’t deter you from creating a will that clearly outlines your final wishes. To…
Despite a slow-down in other real estate markets, the Muskoka market continues to do well. For those of us lucky enough to call this area home, it’s certainly no surprise. We all know that Muskoka is the place to be. Whether you are moving to…
You’ve thought about it. Dreamed about it. Planned for it and worked hard to make it happen and finally, this is the year that you and your family will purchase your very own Muskoka cottage. While owning a cottage in Muskoka is definitely an amazing…
When it comes to choosing your summer weekend getaway, Muskoka is a popular choice for those from the GTA, across the province and even North America. Increasingly, however, there’s a trend towards more and more families opting to call the Muskoka region home base. Here…
With the May long weekend quickly approaching, you may find yourself thinking more and more about boat rides, barbeques, campfires and the cottage. You may also find yourself making big plans to either purchase a cottage or renovate the one you already own. Whether it’s…