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,…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Do-it-yourself taxes, do-it-yourself renovations, do-it-yourself wills … when it comes to DIY there are plenty of things that you can do without involving a professional. This also includes buying or selling a home or cottage. The question is, is DIY really a good idea? Although…
