Looking to Buy a Cottage?

8 Things To Consider Before Making Your Purchase

Buying a home is a great accomplishment for many, but buying a cottage can feel like a dream come true. With aspirations of kicking back next to the lake and enjoying the solitude that comes with cottage life, residents in Ontario are now more than ever eager to find their own slice of paradise. While the luxury of this second property may offer an excellent way to break from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some solitude, it is also an ample opportunity to earn income or to begin investing in Real Estate. But before you begin hours of globetrotting in search of the getaway home of your dreams, be sure to consider everything that owning a cottage entails; Speak with your THE AGENT DK TEAM for tips on where to look, what to steer clear of, or for help in finding you that dream getaway. These are all big decisions to be made, and you should wait until you have the knowledge and information needed to get the most out of your property so that you can enjoy it for years to come. In the meantime, here are some considerations that should be made when looking to purchase your first cottage.

What is your Goal?

Prior to your search, ensure that you understand your goal in owning a cottage: Are you looking for a summer getaway spot, or a 4 season cottage to visit year round; Do you desire solitude or is a community with neighbouring properties something that peaks your interest; Is water access a need, or does swimming and other water activities rank low on your list of must haves; and finally, is this property for personal enjoyment, retirement plans, an investment opportunity, or as a means to earn steady income. Once you know exactly what you want, you have a better idea of what it is that you should be looking for.

Costs

It is important to understand that the costs of operating a cottage differ from that of your primary residence. For instance, insurance alone can have higher rates due to the fact you are not there as often to check up on the home, and often have additional stipulations such as checking the property regularly in order to maintain the validity of the insurance policy. Other costs to consider when purchasing a cottage include hydro rates which may be delivered at a higher rate in rural areas, seasonal maintenance, property taxes, garbage disposal and recycling services, and the cost or availability of internet.

Access

Some cottages are very remote, making for unique factors in terms of accessibility. Before purchasing your cottage, it would be important to evaluate how you access the property throughout different seasons or any obstacles that may prevent you from enjoying your experience as a cottage owner to the fullest. Some potential hindrances include whether or not the property is accessible by land, the proximity in which you can park your car, the landscape surrounding the cottage, and whether or not you will have to climb stairs for water access.

Water and Septic Systems

As most cottages are located in rural areas, water systems and septic tanks usually coincide with ownership. Before purchasing your piece of paradise, be sure to understand whether or not the water available is safe for drinking, or if you need to bring your own supply each time you visit; If your cottage water supply runs from a well, you will need to incorporate in your expenses the cost to have the water tested regularly. If there is a septic system that the cottage uses, you should ensure that it is in good working condition and consider the costs that come alongside any regular maintenance; In addition, it would be good to receive proof of previous maintenance, inspections and approval reports obtained by the previous owners.

Amenities

Amenities are usually a big check on every homeowners list of requirements, but can often be prematurely dismissed when on the hunt for a cottage. Cross reference the importance of amenities alongside your list of goals in cottage ownership. If you are looking for a place to retire, you may want to have the essentials within a short drive; If you plan to rent your cottage out for vacations, certain amenities may increase the demand of your property allowing you to charge a higher rate than cottages without.

Rentability

If you are looking to rent out your cottage to others as a means of income through websites such as AirBnB, ensuring your space meets the needs of cottage goers is essential to your success. What would you be looking for when renting out a cottage for your vacation? Things like waterfront access, availability of clean drinking water, accessibility, direction, amenities, and internet access are commonly sought out by renters when planning their vacation. Be sure to take these into consideration when searching for your rural getaway attraction.

Local Laws and Property Restrictions

Once you have purchased your cottage, you may have big dreams to build docks, workshops, or expand and upgrade the dwelling to meet more modern demands. Unfortunately, with building restrictions, by-laws, crown patent and waterfront issues this is not always the easiest process to initiate. In some cases, despite having waterfront access right off of your property, you may not have exclusive rights to the shoreline. Look to your Real Estate professional or Lawyer for help navigating and understanding your rights as an owner in respect to cottage and lake associations, local legislations, and any other official plans or restrictions.

Mortgage requirements

Typically, those who are looking to invest in a cottage already own a primary residence. If this is the case, it is good to understand that you will need a minimum payment of 20% as your down payment on a second property. If your cottage does not have year round access, a larger down payment may be requested among other requirements in order to obtain financing from a lender. Securing a mortgage for a second property will depend largely on the type of property you are looking for, and your income to debt ratio. Be sure to speak with your bank or lender, or Contact The Agent DK Team for help with obtaining information on how to be approved for your second mortgage.

Front Walkway Improvements that Boost Curb Appeal

Simple walkway fixes that will make your listed home look more appealing.

Your front walkway is one of the first sections of real estate a buyer will set
foot on when coming to see your home. So, it makes sense to make that
pathway to your front door as appealing as possible.

The obvious way is to make it as clean and clear as you can. Ensure there
are no obstacles in the way, such as overhanging branches, kid’s toys, or
potted plants. What you want is a clear, unobstructed and pleasant walk to
your main entranceway.

If your walkway needs deeper cleaning, consider a powerwash. There are
special detergents available that are designed specifically for stone, asphalt
or cement walkways and other outdoor surfaces.

A deep cleaning isn’t a major project. In most cases, the job can be done
within an hour. Yet, the result can be stunning.

If you’re selling your home in the spring or summer, another way to make your walkway look better is to add flowers or other plants along the sides. Don’t overdo it.
You only need a few flowers or a couple of shrubs to make a big difference.
The great thing about adding a few flowers or shrubs is the impact they can
have on your entire frontage making it more attractive, and adding to your
home’s overall curb appeal.

Making your walkway look better may seem minor, but keep in mind that
when buyers make their way to your front door, they’re forming their first and
often most important impression of your property. The walkway plays a small
but important role in making it a good one.

Want more ideas for making your home show better, so it sells quicker and
for a higher price? Call The Agent DK Team at 613-883-5555 for all of your Ottawa Real Estate Needs!

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A brand new PS5 (Disc Version)
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HELLO SPRING!

What a beautiful day in Ottawa! In the next few weeks, flowers will be sprouting up, and we’ll hear countless birds chirping and see them flying overhead on a regular basis. We’ll watch the rain fall poetically to renew the Earth surrounding us, and maybe we’ll take the kids and their laughter outside to jump in puddles afterward. Our walks throughout the neighborhood will require less layers with each passing week, and hopefully our fears will shed as well as we see hope continuing on all around us. We all need this shift in season and we hope that we see more positive changes ahead.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! This year looks a little different but it doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun and support a good cause.St. Patrick’s Day – Online Zoom Party put on by Rock da’ Houze! Saturday March 20, 2021 starting at 10PM (EST) until 2AM (EST) with a live DJ Performance from 10PM (EST) until 2AM (EST).

Rock da’ Houze is a proud supporter of Mental Health with 10% of all proceeds going to the Canadian Mental Health Association.Get your tickets today and don’t forget to invite your friends to join with you! On the day of the party cast your device to your TV and crank up the volume – you’ll be dancing all night.Get Ready to Rock da’ Houze buy getting your tickets here!

Featured Community: Stittsville

Stittsville Residents and Life in the Village

Stittsville is an extraordinary place to call home. One of the many advantages is that everyone is very friendly. As so many families are “new,” there is a real sense of building the neighbourhoods. The entire community pitches in to support local causes and charities, such as the Stittsville Lions Bottle drive for Childhood Cancer/Ronald McDonald House. New families are welcomed to the many clubs, activities and sports teams. The residents of Stittsville are an integral part of what makes this community feel so inviting and friendly. Small communities are unique because it is very easy to make new friends and have you feel at home.

Residents of Stittsville

Stittsville has a full range of residents from families with children, retirees, business professionals, couples without children, and singles. This diverse population is due to the many business opportunities coupled with attractive neighbourhoods and green space, schools, and public transportation. One reason for such a diverse group is the short distance to Canada’s largest technology park, located in Kanata North.

Many military families have also found the area a great place to call home while working at the National Defence Headquarters on Carling Ave and the Shirley’s Bay facilities. Many also work in other areas of Ottawa. Stittsville has many new neighbourhoods that have been specifically developed to cater to seniors. Other neighbourhoods are perfect for single people and families of all ages and lifestyles. Whether you are looking for a bungalow to downsize or a home for your growing family, Stittsville has everything needed to live a healthy and happy life.

Where To Live In Stittsville?

Stittsville has several wonderful neighbourhoods that have just the right home for all types of families; these include:

Old Stittsville, Main Street./Crossing Bridge

Fernbank Crossing
Edenwylde
Fringewood
Granite Ridge
Jackson Trails
Poole Creek
Timbermere
Fairwinds
Deer Run
Crossing Bridge
Bryanston Gate
Amberwood
Potter’s Key
Westridge

Events And Attractions

There are many events and activities in Stittsville. The Stittsville Village Association helps to organize many of the well-attended events such as the annual Parade of Lights (November/December), Canada Day (July 1), and Arts in the Park (June), Cinema under the stars as well as other activities such as the Weekly Walking Group throughout the year. Stittsville’s Carp Road Flea Market is a fantastic place to find just about anything. The Stittsville Public library has many excellent services and activities such as Virtual Genealogy Drop-In assistance and Online Tutoring and Homework Help for Children.

Stittsville is very fortunate to be just minutes away from The Canadian Tire Centre. It is the home of the Ottawa Senators. It also hosts many world-class musicians and entertainers and unique children’s shows like Disney On Ice and Paw Patrol Live. Located only minutes from this community is Ottawa’s largest outdoor shopping mall, Tanger,. There are several excellent golf courses in the area. However, the Amberwood Village Golf & Country Club has a special place in the life of Stittsville.

Stittsville’s Favourite Restaurants

There is a restaurant for every palette in Stittsville. No matter the restaurant, you will usually run into someone you know. There is an astonishing number of excellent restaurants offering everything from fine dining to pizza and subs. The ALE – the Amberwood Lounge & Eatery offers fine dining overlooking the beautiful golf course. Cabotto’s, located in a beautiful historic building, serves traditional Italian pasta dishes.

The Vietnamese Pho House offers very fresh and tasty meals. There are even several very friendly pubs in the area. The Barley Mow, on Main Street, has a great atmosphere and food. The Brew Revolution has British pasties and beer. At the same time, the Glen Scottish Pub and Restaurant is famous for its Scottish food. Looking for the Mediterranean taste, check out Classic Shawarma: It has donair sandwiches, various platters, combo options and family platters. If you are looking for a sweet treat, try the Red Gables Creperie. Napoli’s, NeXT, Quitters, Maverick’s are also great dining options.

Historic Centre

Stittsville has a long and fascinating history. It was a British Military garrison in the 19th century. The Village started as a small collection of houses and shops located at what is now the intersection of the Carp and Hazeldean Roads. The Village grew as it added a blacksmith, store and an inn. When the Village got its first post office in 1854, Jackson Stitt was the postmaster, so the Village was named Stittsville. After a devastating fire in 1870 that destroyed many farms, the few remaining buildings became known as Old Stittsville. The Village then became a railway centre, and the population increased. The connection of water and sewer systems in the early 1980s caused the rapid expansion of the area. The population has grown very quickly, and Stittsville remains one of the fastest-growing communities in the Ottawa Region. Many areas of natural beauty still surround Stittsville. One way to enjoy the area is to take a walk or bike ride along the Trans Canada Trail.

Full-Service Stittsville

Stittsville is one of the fastest-growing and exciting communities in Ottawa. It has everything you will ever need or want. Additionally, there is beautiful green space and the fantastic Trans Canada Trail. Stittsville has many employment opportunities in the area and nearby in Kanata. And a short drive to the Canadian Tire Centre. The transportation connections are outstanding with OC Transpo, and you are always close to the highway. Stittsville is a great place to call home. There are all the stores, large and small, you will ever need, there are community activities and excellent restaurants to enjoy with family and friends.

You will be proud to call Stittsville home

Call The Agent DK Team Today to find your Stittsville Home!

Happy International Women’s Day!

This year, the International Women’s Day organization’s message is “A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes change. So let’s all choose to challenge. How will you help forge a gender equal world? Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.” At Royal LePage & The Agent DK Team, we celebrate women like yourself by raising awareness and celebrating their achievements. The Agent DK Team is proud to celebrate the Powerful Women on our team: Dani, Mel, Alena, Silvi, Freda & Xena! They are constantly moving goals and aspirations forward.

We are lucky to have them as part of our team!

How are you celebrating Women International’s Day? Celebrate International Women’s day with these events!

Ottawa Real Estate Snapshot – February 2021

The February 2021 Ottawa Real Estate Board Stats are out!

Market Snapshot: Low inventory is causing properties to “fly off the shelves”. With a record number of sales for the month, residential homes being listed are on the market for an average of 14 days which is a significant drop from the average 30 days in February of 2020.

If you’re considering a move our Experienced Real Estate Agents are here to help answer any questions you have, in this market you’ll want a qualified, professional real estate company protecting your interests. Call the Agent DK Team for all your Real Estate Needs at 613-883-5555!

What Kind of House are you?

Buying a home is an exciting time for you, and there are so many choices when it comes to housing styles, are you a bungalow, a stacked condo, a single-family dwelling? Each of these styles of homes can be found in neighbourhoods with different characteristics, making it essential to determine which one is most representative of your wants, needs and abilities. Understanding the importance of lifestyle and personality traits and how they work best with different types of neighbourhoods can save you from the dreaded “Buyer’s Remorse.” So whether you are a working professional, retiree, or if you’ve got a large family, take a look at the list below and determine which style of house you are before handing over that downpayment.

Wondering what style of house you are? Find out here.