What You Need To Know Before Purchasing A Waterfront Property

When it comes to purchasing a property, it can be difficult to keep track of all the important homeowner do’s and don’ts.

And, when you add waterfront to the mix, it doesn’t make the process any less complicated.

Making Muskoka Home 

To help take the hassle out of finding your perfect lakefront home, the following tips and tricks are important to consider during your charming cottage search.

In fact, they’ll help you understand what to expect as you embark on the search for your home on the water.

Tips & Tricks For Your Lakefront Property

1. An Inspection Of Your Muskoka Cottage Is Key

While water might be easy on the eyes, it isn’t on buildings. As such, having an expert inspection is crucial.

• A water quality test might reveal that the existing filter system isn’t working properly, for example.

Or, a waterfront property might face more mold or mildew issues as a result of higher moisture in the air, and undergoing an inspection can help prepare you for this!

2. Get A Lay Of The Land For Your Waterfront Property

It’s important that you wander around your Muskoka waterfront property to help give you a full understanding of its potential.

While you might have an excellent water view from the cottage’s deck, as you get closer you might discover a completely different scene.

While you can renovate your home, you can’t change the location – so it’s important to make sure you truly love the space. And, getting the full picture of your property can help determine whether or not it's a good fit. 

3. Determine What Water Is Right For You

While certain properties might share stunning water views, depending on the location, the overall atmosphere can differ greatly.

A cottage nestled on a small lake might offer more peace and quiet, whereas one on a larger lake might feature more hustle and bustle courtesy of boats and nearby neighbours.

Fortunately, cottage owners are known for their hospitality, so you can look forward to meeting some awesome neighbours in Muskoka. 

4. Don’t Forget About Hidden Costs For Cottages

While all homes can carry hidden costs, waterfront properties are certainly no exception.

It’s important to consider any additional expenses that you may face, such as the fees that come with upkeeping septic tanks and wells.

5. The Significance Of Your Muskoka Structure 

We know that the structure of your home is important; we’ve learnt this from the very first time we heard “Three Little Pigs!”

As such, you should consider the materials used and the home's placement to better understand whether or not they’ll withstand the effects of weather.

For example, if you’re planning on building an additional structure on the land, it’s important that you consider tides as a factor as a rising shoreline could end up covering the place you had planned to build on!

6. Consider The Muskoka Spring Season

As cold weather turns warm, melting snow can have an impact on water levels. 

To prepare for this, before winter arrives some cottagers will bring their docks & rafts ashore to prevent the high water levels from displacing them, where others may loosen the chains on their rafts to help accommodate the change. This is something to keep in mind as you visit your future Muskoka home!

And, perhaps the most important piece of advice...

7. Use A Real Estate Agent Who Specializes In Muskoka Lakefront Properties 

You wouldn’t trust a car salesperson to sell you a new washing machine, so the same logic applies to waterfront properties!

To make sure you’re getting a property as great as you, you want to have someone by your side who is knowledgeable and can help you along every step of the way. 

If you’re looking for the perfect cottage country property, connect with the professionals at RE/MAX Professionals North to start browsing those waterfront listings!