For detailed stats that are specific to your neighbourhood, or even if you're curious about what the house down the street sold for, please don't hesitate to reach out – it'd be great to hear from you!

BUYING A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

There’s something very special about having your own little getaway!

Think of how amazing it would be to have a spot to escape to so that you and your family could get away from it all and just relax.

There's been a huge increase in cottage sales during the pandemic as lockdowns prevented travel and offices shut down and shifted to remote work mode.

It’s also been difficult to rent cottages over the last couple of years as demand has skyrocketed. In response, many people decided to buy their own cottages to enjoy and/or rent out to others.

The market has been challenging but with a bit of planning, buying a cottage is a dream that can come true! Here are a few points to consider if you’re thinking of purchasing your own little piece of paradise:

Know Your Numbers
The rules for financing a cottage are quite a bit different than mortgaging a home so make sure you speak to a mortgage specialist before you start hunting around for a cabin in the woods.

Mind Your Motives
Determine whether you’re looking for a spot to enjoy with family on the weekends, an investment property to rent out, or a retirement retreat that you can eventually move into and call home.

Location, Location, Location
Figure out how far you’re prepared to travel and whether or not you need year-round access. Once you’ve decided on a possible location, spend some time getting to know the area before you commit.

Rental Potential
Renting out your cottage when it’s not in use is a great way to cover your costs. Location is critical for renters so it’s important to be in a high-demand area that offers a wide range of amenities.

Co-Ownership
Purchasing your new getaway with friends or family means you can share the upkeep and expenses. Just make sure you agree on everything from day one so you can spend your time relaxing instead of arguing.

Fixer-Uppers
Renovating a “diamond in the rough” is a great way to get a foothold in the market. Major renovations often require permission though so make sure you’re familiar with local zoning rules and regulations.

Buying a home away from home is a huge decision so do your research, get your finances in order and seek professional advice before taking the plunge.

If you’re thinking about buying a cottage or any other type of recreational property but you’re not sure where to start, please don’t hesitate to get in touch so that we can plan out your next move!

IT'S TIME TO GROW UP!

Earth Day is a great excuse to roll up your sleeves, dig deep and get dirty!

Gardening helps to bring you in tune with nature plus it’s a great way to reduce your grocery bills now that food prices are on the rise.

There are many different ways to “work your land” so this Earth Day, roll up your sleeves and dig in with the following tips:

Homegrown
Nothing beats the taste of homegrown veggies that are free of chemicals and pesticides. If you’re short on space, most veggies can also be grown vertically with an obelisk trellis.

Water Wise
Using a rain barrel to collect water that runs off your roof not only saves you money and reduces runoff but the water you collect is much better for your garden than tap water as it’s naturally pure.

A Dirty Job
Kitchen and garden waste can be composted to create a homemade fertilizer which is referred to as “gardener’s gold” due to its rich nutrients. Composting also significantly reduces garbage waste.

Pick Your Plants
Whether you’re planting flowers or vegetables, try to pick local varieties that are easy to maintain. It’s also nice to have flowers that will attract garden-friendly creatures such as bugs, bees and butterflies.

Hug a Tree
Trees remove contaminants from the air while providing a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife. They can also save energy by keeping your home cool in the hot summer months.

Growing an environmentally friendly, pesticide-free garden is a rewarding experience as it can save you money while saving the planet at the same time.

This Earth Day, roll up your sleeves, dig deep and have some fun getting dirty in your own backyard!