Muskoka Real Estate Matters – By Maggie Tomlinson
I hope this finds everyone keeping well despite the restraints that Covid-19 have placed on the world for over a year now. The June sunshine, boats on the lake & summertime activities sure are welcome sights! This week let’s talk about the merits of sellers & buyers using the services of LOCAL professionals.
There are many complexities involved in the buying & selling of real estate, and it’s important that not just your Realtor but your entire team of professionals understands the common differences between city life and Muskoka life.
As a professional Realtor I am able to recommend various local professionals to assist from the pre-listing or pre-purchase stage right through to the closing date … and beyond. Having the benefit of this local knowledge & representation is, in my opinion, an invaluable asset for both buyers & sellers.
Planners – The rules can be different in each of our 8 area municipalities – Muskoka Lakes & Seguin to the north, Gravenhurst & Severn to the south, Georgian Bay to the west, and Bracebridge, Huntsville & Lake of Bays to the east. Local planners can assist with zoning by-laws specific to your chosen location.
Home & Septic Inspectors – In Muskoka these local professionals are also used to dealing with the varying types of septic systems & water sources that are common throughout our region, not just municipal services.
Lenders and Insurance Brokers – Local professionals who live, work & regularly deal with applications for clients purchasing Muskoka cottage properties just makes a lot of sense. With quick closings, this can often help to speed up the process for approvals as well.
Lawyers – Many Muskoka properties are accessed via private roads, some seasonal & some year round. Does that island property you love also have mainland parking & docking? There are additional issues such as deeded access, rights-of-way & shore road allowances that Muskoka lawyers deal with on a day-to-day basis.
Have high expectations of your Realtor – ask questions, be informed & remember to entrust your Muskoka sale or purchase to LOCAL experts – you’ll be glad you did!
Until next time – stay safe on the water & on our roads – and happy buying and selling!