Getting Started
Oh, the Cottage search… let the fun times begin! This is an exciting journey you are beginning, exploring the different pockets of the area, the lakes, the cottage differences and the communities. We love working with cottage buyers, and it is ALWAYS a great day to look at cottages in the Haliburton Highlands. We always say, if this property looks good on a rainy day, just wait till the sun shines! It’s so true! There is nothing better than the sun glistening on the crystal blue waters, breathing in this fresh Haliburton air, as you pursue a lifestyle change. We encourage you to ask questions, walk the land, explore the buildings and test the swimming. Be prepared…we love to share our knowledge of the lakes and area.
Let’s get started.
Many buyers have their ‘cottage Buyer’s checklist’, courtesy of the internet, friends and family, which is a great starting point. Typically, as you explore properties, this list is edited and adapted, as you determine what is important to you, where you have flexibility and what isn’t as important. You can always change the cottage, (who knows when you will win the lottery), but not the waterfront. Bring that swimsuit, you won’t be the first or last one to ‘test’ out the waters. We’ll have a towel waiting!
The top ‘Must Haves’ we are asked for are – Great Waterfront, West/Southwest Exposure, Privacy, 100+ foot shoreline, no major reno’s and winterized.
What are the next steps?
#1. Talk to a lending institution, your financial planner, your mortgage broker and get pre-qualified.
This allows you to know your buying budget. Ask us for recommendations. We are well connected with experienced, savvy mortgage brokers. Quite often, the local financial institutions offer an easier approval and qualification, this is where their experience of financing rural properties excels. They are well versed with the various factors of cottage country – wells & septic, private roads, foundations to name a few.
#2. Checklist.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Are you planning to use the cottage – seasonally or year-round?
- What is your preferred drive time? 2 – 3 hours?
- Motorized or non-motor lake?
- Privacy?
- Topography – Level, small elevation or elevated?
- Are you looking for a Turn-Key property or one to grow value with ‘sweat equity’?
- Preferred exposure?
- Number of bedrooms?
- Road access or boat access
- Septic
- Water System
- Heating
#3. Road Trip time.
Pack some water and snacks and dress comfortably. It’s going to be a great day!
We’ll take it from here…