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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
