Recreational Property

Starting to look for a recreational property can be a seemingly daunting task, but it doesn't have to be.   On the surface, all you're buying is real estate, no different from a house in town.  The fact is starting the process is a bit like starting a diet - you begin with the best of intentions but find it difficult to get the process going (and keeping it going).

Try to being with a pragmatic approach to the process.  It is true, that no one really "needs" a cottage; it is a lifestyle decision.  As well, don't think you automatically need to become an expert on septic systems, as this is not a perquisite of cottage ownership.

Start with, your needs and wants, and treat them as two separate sets of issues.  Needs relate to necessity (for example, we need to have road access).  Wants relate to desire (we'd like a sandy beach) and often wants and needs tend to blur together and cause confusion.  Coming up with a needs and wants list looks a bit like a balance sheet and might seem too clinical, but it is a good start.

As well, use your friends, family and co-workers as a resource.  Ask them where their cottages are, or what areas they like to rent cottages in.  People generally love to talk about real estate, and you're certain to get some excellent ideas and recommendations.

Once you have some ideas, and probably have a bunch of questions, give us a call.  We can take your needs and wants and develop them into a comprehensive plan that will hopefully culminate in your purchase of a small piece of cottage country that you can call your own.

A question I am often asked is how much one should expect to pay for a property in our area. Use the below list as a general guide to prices in our area:

• $100,000 and up for road accessible vacant waterfront lots
• $200,000 plus for basic, road accessible starter cottages (probably with an outhouse)
• $300,000 for anything drive-to on Georgian Bay (save and except lease properties)
• $100,000 and up for starter homes in and around Parry Sound
• $20,000 and up for off-water building lot

Check out what's available right now!  Visit: Parry Sound Real Estate Listings