Looking for your own slice of paradise? How to start your search for the recreational property of your dreams

RECREATIONAL PROPERTY IN CANADA OR ABOARD 

Looking for your own slice of paradise? 

How to start your search for the recreational property of your dreams 

Do you have a dream of owning a cottage, chalet or recreational condominium in Canada or aboard? A place where you can escape from the city and enjoy the wonders of nature and spend quality time with family and friends? 

Now that spring is here and you may be pondering your options for ownership more seriously, setting up a meeting with a Real Estate Professional who understands the recreational property market is a great place to start. You may want to begin soon – finding the property of your dreams can take longer than you think. In fact a recent Royal LePage Recreational Property Report found that only 17 per cent of current cottage owners claim that they will consider selling in the next two to three years. 

Targeting potential areas helps. Rent a cottage on a certain lake to try it out, or take a weekend drive to the mountains to assess the commute, the quality of roads and the area’s amenities. Some recreational property owners actually spend several seasons exploring the terrain. 

Narrowing your search by establishing a list of priorities is a must. Do you plan to use your recreational property for seasonal versus year-round use? Do you wish to build a new cottage or buy an existing one? What are your hobbies? If you are near water, lakes can vary tremendously in terms of allowances for boating, fishing and swimming. In the winter, do you want to use both cross-country and downhill skiing facilities? Is proximity to hospitals, public transit or schools important? Are you willing to travel to Lake Bellwood or North Bay? 

Your Realtor can tell you about any new developments that are in 

the works and help you assess what your choices are, within your budget. You will want to think about the expectations you have for your property too, given that the land itself may impact your choices. For example, the slope and grade of the lot can dictate building potential, as can water levels and erosion patterns. You will want to know about the quality of water for drinking, power sources in the area, and if there is potential for Internet use. If you are a hunter, you would like to know the distance from your neighbours and what, if any, game is available. Ideally, if you are looking for vacant land for recreational pleasure or hunting, can your real estate purchase be a real estate investment in the future? Ask your real estate professional if environmental, conservation authorities and/or building restriction restrict future use of the property. 

With your priorities established, you will also be in a strong position to act fast if you need to. Popular sites are in demand. With your real estate partner, you’ll get all the information you need, on lifestyle, environmental issues, facilities and any anticipated changes in an area, so that you don’t spend weekends visiting properties that in the end, aren’t what you’re looking for. 

It’s an exciting process. As any current owner will tell you, you’ll appreciate it that much more when the sun is shining on you in your own little slice of paradise. 

For further information about recreational properties, please call or email your real estate professional Denise Dilbey, Broker, Royal LePage Meadowtowne Realty, Brokerage. Denise Dilbey is also a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) is a global real estate professional who has undergone specialized training to complete international transactions seamlessly and with reduced risk. Designees have a track record of working successfully with clients worldwide. The CIPS designation is the only international designation recognized by the National Association of REALTORS®. Only REALTORS® who have completed extensive coursework and demonstrated considerable experience in international business are awarded this prestigious designation . #yourrealtorforlife. 

Selling this Spring? Get an Early Jump...

Are you planning to sell your home this spring? As we head into the year’s busiest real estate season, ensuring that your home is in its best condition will help attract maximum interest. Here are some tried and true steps to follow: 

Find a real estate professional 

Choosing the right real estate professional to be your partner in selling your largest asset is a must. Find a real estate agent that is experienced, attentive and committed who knows the market, is a good negotiator, has a marketing plan and can put the strength of an established firm to work for you. Read the newspapers and speak with friends and colleagues for suggestions. A great place to start your search is by calling your local real estate professional, Denise Dilbey, Broker with Royal LePage Meadowtowne Realty. Denise offers you a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Town of Halton Hills, Town of Caledon and Town of Erin real estate, including her passion of representing Town and Country Properties. 

Start cleaning out the extras 

Putting your house on a diet can start by using the extras in the freezer and parting with old newspapers and magazines. Don’t buy what you don’t need and consider that everything that’s used up or given away is one less thing to move. Sure this is easier said than do. Choose a drawer, shelf or storage bin, and begin streamlining, a little bit at a time. Seasonal changes can create great opportunities for sorting unworn clothes. You’ll be happy to have less on moving day and your closets will look bigger to potential buyers. A garage sale is a great way to organize before your house is being shown. 

Think like a buyer 

This can be the hardest step for many. We love our homes and generally assume others will love them too. Accept that potential buyers have different tastes. They consider the features of a house in a way that you won’t until it’s your turn to buy. To help others see your home’s potential, consider hiring a stager or “fluffer” who can help determine what, if anything, to change. But act with caution! Implement only suggestions that make sense to you…after all, if you are unable to live in the house after staging, then something’s not right…regardless what the stager states. There are several areas house staging tips experts suggest you consider: Clean and remove clutter, put away personal items like photos and trophies, freshen and neutralize your colour scheme, make your entrance way appealing, eliminate pet and food odours, enhance the illusion of space, create a modern feel, remove pets for showings, and beautify your backyard. 

Fix what’s broken or damaged 

Armed with the advice of your Realtor and house stager, determine what house maintenance is in order. To pass a home inspection, certain things may need to be fixed. Doing them now will ease your burden later and improve your sales opportunities. The time it takes to paint the baseboards in your foyer is nothing compared to the positive impression you may create the day of your first showing. 

Finally, celebrate 

Don’t forget to enjoy your home in the last months you’re there. A new adventure is waiting for you, and you’ll enjoy it more if you’ve made some lasting memories to carry with you. 

For more information, contact your local real estate professional, Denise Dilbey, Broker, Royal LePage Meadowtowne Realty, Brokerage