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…
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…
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…
It’s a well-known fact: Cottage living doesn’t get much better than here in the Muskoka region. While cottage prices have definitely increased over the years, mortgage rates remain low and there’s a great selection of available cottages – from tiny cabins to sprawling estates and…
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…
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…
