The process of finding a cottage starts long before you schedule showings with a Realtor.  Every buyer has a different set of needs and wants which they hope to satisfy with their "perfect" cottage. In fact, a perfect cottage does not exist.  The goal of a Buyer and their Realtor should be to find the cottage that best suites the Buyer's individual needs and wants.  The best match for a specific Buyer might be thought of as their "perfect" cottage although the same cottage might not even be a consideration for a different Buyer.  The Parry Sound and Muskoka area has a vast selection of cottages to choose from.  The key to finding the cottage that is perfect for you and your family is to first be clear on what you are looking for.  As a Realtor living and working in the Parry Sound - Muskoka area, I encourage Buyers to go through a check-list of what they are looking for and write it down.  The check-list functions to take "I want to buy a cottage" into "I want to buy a cottage on a mid to large inland lake, within 30 minutes to Parry Sound, with southwest views, with a gradual slope to the water (no cliffs!), a dock at the water with deep water for swimming and docking a boat, with decent privacy on both sides, at least 3 bedrooms, a garage, must be year round (insulated), on a year round road, and be in the $350,000- $450,000 range".  Having a clear picture of what you are looking for helps your Realtor to find your cottage in less time so you can enjoy more time at "the cottage". Although not exhaustive, here is a basic list to help narrow down the search:

1) Do you want a cottage on Georgian Bay, an inland lake or either?

2) Location: What area would you prefer to have your cottage? Close to: Point Au Baril, Parry Sound, Muskoka, Britt, Dillon, Carling, Seguin, etc.

3) Island or land waterfront? 

3) Distance: Do you have any distance requirements?  Certain distance from Toronto, from Parry Sound, from a hospital, etc.

4) Access: Year round road access? Seasonal road access - for mainly summer use? Private road OK? Water access only?

5) Privacy: Limited privacy-Cottages fairly close together, neighbours quite visible. Moderate privacy-Some trees or land features separating cottages and giving some privacy. Very private- Cannot see neighbours, larger property, trees, landforms, private island, etc that allow for total privacy.

6) Water frontage size: Do you have range of desired water frontage in mind?  less than 100 ft, 100-200ft, 300+..

7) Water frontage: Rocky shoreline, sandy beach, shallow/gradual entry, deep water, no grass, etc

8) Property size: Under an acre OK? 1-5 ac OK? 5, 10, 20+acres?

9) Cottage features: How many bedrooms? Bathrooms? Levels? Garage? Dock? etc.

10) Price: Although a purchase price can often be negotiated lower than the listed price, be realistic with what you can afford.  Determine the maximum price that you could comfortably afford to spend on a cottage.  

11) Lifestyle considerations: Keep the bigger picture in mind!  Will your family be growing in the near future?  Will your potential cottage allow for any new additions? As the years progress, will the number of stairs or levels become difficult to navigate? Is the the water and a surrounding area adequate for the recreational activities you plan on enjoying?  (hiking trails if you enjoy hiking, large enough water if you have a larger boat and want to go on longer boating trips, etc). 

Going through the above questions will help you define your search criteria and help your Realtor locate the "perfect" cottage for you and your family!

When you have a clear picture of what you are looking for in a cottage, the next step is to contact a professional, local Realtor who can assist you in taking your cottage dream from paper to reality! 

Matt Mosher- Sales Representative

RE/MAX Parry Sound Muskoka Realty Ltd., Brokerage
Office: 705-746-9336
Cell: 705-774-8944
Fax: 866-322-6965
Website: www.MattMosher.ca

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