Understanding Shoreline Road Allowances: A guide for a waterfront property owners or prospective buyers.

 

What You Need to Know About Shoreline Road Allowances in Ontario

If you own property near a lake or river in Ontario, you may have heard about the "shoreline road allowance" (SRA) before. But what exactly is an SRA, and how does it impact waterfront property owners?

In the late 19th century, the Crown (the government) instructed its surveyors to lay out 66-foot road allowances along the banks of lakes and rivers in Ontario. These road allowances were originally used for commercial purposes like logging and transporting goods. However, over time, they became less important for commercial transportation.

As a result, the Crown eventually transferred ownership of the SRAs to the individual municipalities where the lakes and rivers were located. Today, most SRAs are publicly owned by the local municipality.

Over the years, some property owners have been allowed to purchase the SRA adjacent to their land from the municipality for exclusive use. However, not all property owners have taken advantage of this opportunity. Municipalities also may not have consistently enforced rules around the use of SRAs in the past, leading to some cottages, boathouses, and docks being built on these publicly owned SRAs.

However, this situation has changed in recent years, with municipalities enforcing rules and environmental regulations more strictly around using SRAs. This can lead to problems for property owners who do not own the SRA adjacent to their land. On the other hand, if you own the SRA, you generally have fewer restrictions on how to use and build on that land.

Even if you don't own the SRA, you may still have "riparian rights" - the legal rights of property owners whose land abuts a body of water. This means you could potentially still build a dock or use the shoreline, albeit with the proper permits from the municipality.

The rules and processes around SRAs can vary significantly between different municipalities. Some municipalities may limit the number of SRAs they will sell to property owners each year, while others are more open to these sales. It's essential for anyone interested in an SRA adjacent to their property to research the specific policies and procedures in their local area.

This nuanced understanding of SRAs is not always known by all real estate agents, especially those in the GTA who may be less familiar with these types of rural/cottage country properties.  This lack of comprehensive knowledge can lead to misinformation or oversight regarding properties with shoreline road allowances.

As a result, property buyers and sellers should carefully investigate the status and ownership of any SRA associated with a lakefront or riverfront property rather than rely solely on the advice of their real estate agent. Consulting with the local municipal planning department or a real estate lawyer specializing in waterfront properties can help ensure all the relevant details around the SRA are understood before proceeding with a transaction.

Brought for you by: Your local Realtor®

If you are looking to either Buy or Sell, contact me at 705-927-6236

Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative

Team Lead at The Brad Sinclair Team

Royal Heritage Realty

Your inside source to cottage country

Not intended to solicit clients under contract 

Cottages are coming up for sale at great value. Here is two of them!

53 LONG ISLAND Otonabee-South Monaghan, Ontario K0L1B0

MLS® Number: X12127545

Spring is Here-time for cottage season to begin! Enjoy this extensively renovated island cottage on Long Island, Rice Lake. This fully insulated cottage features new windows and a main door. New siding, soffits, fascia and eaves. Put your mind at ease knowing there is a new steel roof on the front and 5-year-old shingles on the rear plus a new steel roof on the shed. Indoors, you will find a new, freshly installed kitchen just waiting for its first family gathering. The fresh bathroom offers a new vanity and light fixture. As you enter the cottage, the new wood wall coverings add a welcoming pine smell. The new subfloor and flooring provide easy maintenance and durable living space. A new ductless heat pump and baseboards help to keep the cold at bay. Throughout the cottage, there are new switches and plugs and light fixtures. The property has a spacious rear yard with space for the children to play. The property is just a few minute's boat ride from the mainland which will allow you to be relaxing on the dock in no time. Just 90 minutes from the GTA, Rice Lake is known for it's spectacular fishing, boating and family friendly atmosphere.

More info and photos:

https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/28267300/53-long-island-otonabee-south-monaghan-otonabee-south-monaghan

837 Fife's Bay Marina Lane, Chemong Lake

MLS® Number: X12140866

This charming cottage sits on the shores of Chemong Lake. Offering 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and spectacular views this cottage makes the ideal getaway. The bright, spacious open kitchen, dining and living areas are perfect for staying connected with family and friends. Walk out to the deck from the dining area to enjoy a morning coffee or share a meal. 2 bedrooms in the main cottage and a bar in the bunkie there is plenty of room for the kids or guests and entertaining. In just a few steps you are at the lakeside where you can enjoy all the watersports or a quick dip. Chemong Lake is part of the tri-lake chain (Chemong Lake, Pigeon Lake and Buckhorn Lake) as well as the Trent Severn Waterway ideal for boaters and those who enjoy fishing. A quick drive or boat ride you can be eating at local restaurants, shopping or savouring a delicious ice cream cone or cold drink. Situated in a quiet area, just a short distance from Highway 7, City of Peterborough and quaint Village of Bridgenorth you have all the amenities and conveniences without sacrificing the quiet cottage feel.

More info and photos:

 https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/28296321/837-fifes-bay-marina-lane-selwyn-selwyn

Brought for you by: Your local Realtor®

If you are looking to either Buy or Sell, contact me at 705-927-6236

Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative

Team Lead at The Brad Sinclair Team

Royal Heritage Realty

Your inside source to cottage country

Not intended to solicit clients under contract 

Hiring a Local Agent is Key When Selling/Buying Rural Property

 

Not everyone can sell rural real estate. Find out what you don’t know.

This week, I showed a vacant parcel of land in the rural Haliburton area. An agent from downtown Toronto listed the property, but they had never even seen the property in person. They didn't even know there was an old house on the land, even though it was in poor condition.

This raises serious questions about the Agent's fiduciary duties and whether they truly represent the seller's best interests. Why would a seller list their property with an agent who doesn't know the area or even the property itself?

Unfortunately, some agents may be willing to take on listings for properties they know nothing about; they just need to complete the paperwork and fire it onto the MLS. While this may be easy and profitable for the Agent, it's not in the seller's best interest.

As a local agent in the Peterborough/Hastings area, I have access to the same MLS data as big city agents. The key difference is my intimate knowledge of the local market and properties. This allows me to properly market and show the property to qualified buyers who are a good fit.

If a seller lists with an agent who lacks this crucial local expertise, they are likely missing out on potential buyers and may struggle to get the best price for their property. Hiring a local agent who knows the area inside and out is crucial when selling rural or specialty properties.

Hiring a local agent also ensures the property is priced appropriately based on recent comparable sales and crucial market knowledge. Out-of-town agents may struggle to accurately value rural properties. Local experts can identify unique features that impact the price. Furthermore, a nearby agent can easily coordinate viewings, liaise with potential buyers, and provide hands-on support throughout the selling process. This local expertise and availability is invaluable when selling rural real estate.

As a rural agent, I have full access to the big city MLS. The access swings both ways. The big city agent now has full access to the rural market, which temps them to represent Buyers in areas they know nothing about. Where is the nearest hospital or fire hall? What services does the municipality offer? What does the waterfront look like in the summer? All things if you don't know about the area, the Buyer needs to be informed. If the Agent does not know either, fiduciary duties are not met. Local expertise allows the local Agent to highlight unique features and address potential buyers' concerns about rural living. 

In conclusion, when selling or buying a rural or specialty property, it is essential to hire a local real estate agent who is intimately familiar with the area. This local expertise allows the Agent to properly represent the Seller or Buyer, and provide hands-on support throughout the sales process. Sellers and Buyers who list with out-of-town agents who lack this local knowledge are at a significant disadvantage and may potentially make a huge mistake with the lack of local knowledge and information.

Brought for you by: Your local Realtor®

If you are looking to either Buy or Sell, contact me at 705-927-6236

Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative

Team Lead at The Brad Sinclair Team

Royal Heritage Realty

Your inside source to cottage country

Why Won't My House/Property Sell?

Why Won't My Property Sell?

Ever driven by a home for sale for an extended period and wondered why no one has bought it yet? You may be worried that your own house won't sell when you go to list it.

There are several common reasons a house becomes hard to sell:

1. Overpricing

The number one reason a house is difficult to sell is an unrealistic asking price. Overpricing a home can scare away potential buyers. It's essential to price your home competitively based on recent comparable sales in the area. 

2. Poor Presentation

Your home isn't showing well to buyers. Poor staging, outdated decor, or a lack of curb appeal can make a home unappealing. Decluttering, deep cleaning, and minor cosmetic updates can help your home show its best.

3. Lack of Promotion

Your home may not be getting enough exposure to potential buyers. Proper promotion includes more than just a sign on your front lawn. Websites, digital ads, print ads, and open houses are valuable tools for promoting your home's listing.

4. Location or Condition Issues

Homes in undesirable locations or needing major repairs may struggle to attract buyers. Factors like noisy surroundings, flood risk, or outdated systems can be turnoffs for potential purchasers.

5. You need to give it time

If you researched the home's value, and your were provided a CMA report from your Realtor, the same CMA report will also give you an average days on the market to sell. Sometimes, it just takes time to sell. Use the average days on the market to provide you with a timeline to realistically give to sell the home. If it is well above the days on the market, relook at the numbers 1 to 4 above.

The Brad Sinclair Team has the Iguide system, a great tool for giving buyers a virtual look at your home before they book a showing. We also have a huge database of potential buyers and list our properties on the Toronto Real Estate Board and the Local Real Estate Board for more exposure. We also use digital marketing to get your listing in front of more eyes.

When you work with us, you can count on our team to leverage our extensive resources and expertise to get your property sold quickly and for the best possible price. Contact us today at 705-927-6236 to learn more about how we can take the stress out of selling your property.

Brought for you by: Your local Realtor®

If you are looking to either Buy or Sell, contact me at 705-927-6236

Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative

Team Lead at The Brad Sinclair Team

Royal Heritage Realty

Your inside source to cottage country

Fishing on the Kawartha's

 

Fishing on the Kawartha's 

Summer is in full swing and warmer temperatures on the rise, this means it's time to get out on the lake for some fishing. If you are lucky enough to have a cottage on the Kawartha's you are probably already eager and excited to get out on the water. The best thing about fishing is that it's for everyone and doesn't take much to get into. You can either enjoy it from a boat with a huge variety of tackle and accessories, or it can be enjoyed from shore with a simple hook and worm. 

Fishing is very relaxing and can be so enjoyable if you love being on the lake. The Kawartha Lakes are home to many fish species such as Large and Smallmouth bass, Muskie, Pike, Walleye, Perch, and a variety of panfish. With so much space between all the lakes you can fish for days! Early mornings are best when fishing for Bass, this species likes to stay in cooler areas of the lake and weed beds. During the day fishing for walleye trolling over the weed beds during this time seems to work best on them. The feeding frenzy for these fish really starts in the evening. When fishing for Muskie early morning or late evening is best on these lakes. They typically go for gold and black color lurers and can be found in deeper weed beds. Panfish are perhaps the easiest of all the fish to find, they are excellent for introducing youngster to the joys of fishing. They take rapidly to a worm and hook and can easily be caught from shore.

If you don't own your own boat there are opportunities to charter fishing trips in the Kawartha's where the locals on the lake can take you to the best spots for fishing. You can also rent boats from some of the many resorts located in the Kawartha's if you'd like to go on your own. If you don't catch any fish there's always spectacular scenery and views easily found anywhere within the Kawartha's. Rest assured weather you are an avid fisherman or just wanting to get out on a weekend for fun, you are guaranteed to enjoy a fishing trip on the Kawartha lakes.                  

Brad Sinclair

Team Lead “The Brad Sinclair Team”

Sales Representative

Royal Heritage Realty, Brokerage

Visit my website! www.bradsinclair.ca

Call Or Text me 705-927-6236

Your Cottage Country Inside Source

Waterfront-Commercial-R.E. -Investing

Waterfront Property With A Price Point To Get You On The Kawarthas!

 

Waterfront Property With A Price Point To Get You On The Kawarthas!

Just minutes from Bobcaygeon, this 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home is a blank canvas allowing you to make it your own. With over 1.346 acres of land, you will have the privacy desired while enjoying direct access to the waterfront. A boathouse situated on the water's edge provides many possibilities. Nogies Creek allows full access to the Trent Severn Waterway. 

**For more information on this listing please contact our team by calling/texting: 705-927-6236 or emailing: bradpsinclair@gmail.com**

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Brad Sinclair

Team Lead “The Brad Sinclair Team”

Sales Representative

Royal Heritage Realty, Brokerage

Visit my website! www.bradsinclair.ca

Call Or Text me 705-927-6236

Find out what you don’t know

**Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under agency contract**

FIND OUT WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW. EPISODE 10. WHEN YOU NO LONGER WANT TO OWN A COTTAGE

 WHEN YOU NO LONGER WANT TO OWN A COTTAGE

For many Canadians a luxury that we can enjoy is a family cottage, a camp or a forest getaway. These beautiful places offer a place to rejuvenate in quietness and solitude. Or maybe it is the time spent with family. Or maybe time on the trail.

Like anything, nothing lasts forever. The little boy who swung in the tire swing on the large oak now lives thousands of miles away raising his own family. The little girl who loved swimming off the dock that is now a teenager and not that excited to hang out with Mom and Dad with no internet. It could be you, you are past your prime and the extra work you are no longer able to do easily.

The deep affection we feel for these properties because of the amazing memories can truly distort the prospective when it comes to considering to sell the property. What do you mean you are selling the family cottage? We love that place! Sure you love it son/daughter but you have not been to the property in 3 years and you do not contribute a dime to the expenses!

Other considerations that one my look at when it might be time to sell is tax considerations, family financial obligations, maybe family’s can not afford to carry the property. You have to consider different generations with different attitudes and goals. The younger generation may want to see the world by travelling. A big one that I see personally is when the commitment of weekly visits just becomes a pain. That pain could be from the 3 hour drive on Friday night and back on Sunday,  kids and sports. New hobbies and interests or maybe new love!

The whole point of the recreational property is to relax, bring family and friends together but ultimately bring joy. When these things are not happening, it is time to start the decision process why you are going to keep the property, or why you are going to sell it.

Selling a cottage is truly a business decision. Like any property that is being purchased and sold. It is better to leave emotion out of the deal, and I realize that is easy to say but unbelievably hard to do in reality. Some of the major mistakes I have seen in the past is looking at the property with rose coloured glasses. You look at your property and see all the special memories, blood, sweat and tears you gave to purchase, kept and maintain the property for so many years. The problem is buyers do not see this with the same lens. They see their own scarifies to purchase, their own hopes and dreams, not yours. You may think your cottage is the best cottage on the lake and going to price it accordingly. Is it the best cottage or is it the rose colour glasses distorting the truth?

Once you have exhausted any and all reasons to keep the property for yourself and your family, it is time to put the property on the market. The first question most want to know is, what is my property worth? To get the correct value of your property is to find a Realtor that works the lakes and can give you documented facts on true value. Don’t be afraid to invite a few agents. The medium price given is most likely your actual value.

Next, you must choose who you are going to list with. Should I choice my friend from the city to list my rural recreational property or should I list with a local agent that knows the lakes, politics, can refer additional resources and usually already has buyers in their pocket? I know which one I would choice who would be best for myself and my family but some feel that their friend that works the city is the best choice. But it is your choice!

Communication is key with everyone involved. Making sure everyone in the family is on the same page with the right reasons why it is time to sell. This will solve a ton of heart ache and bitterness down the road. Also communication with your chosen Realtor is extremely important. Your Realtor must know all the details of the why’s, the troubles, the excitement and the dread. For the Realtor to take you down the correct path of a successful sale, all details must be known no matter how hard it is to tell a complete stranger your problems.

Buying and selling real estate is an emotional, complicated and possibly difficult time in ones life. If you go though all the correct steps in the decision making, you will find that the process can be much less taxing on you and your family.

Watch Video Here!

What is your cottage worth? Click here to find out

When your recreation or waterfront property is no longer rainbows and sunshine, we offer concrete solutions to Life‘s curveballs. Call us today for a clear path. We will look after everything.

Brad Sinclair

Team Lead “The Brad Sinclair Team”

Sales Representative

Royal Heritage Realty, Brokerage

Visit my website! www.bradsinclair.ca

Call Or Text me 705-927-6236

Your Cottage Country Inside Source

Waterfront-Commercial-R.E. -Investing

Is it time to sell

Is it time to sell

There are many good reasons to put your property on the market. Some examples include a relocation, the kids leaving the nest, the need for something bigger or smaller, and the list goes on and on.

However, there are also some less-than-obvious indicators that it may be time to sell. Consider the following:

1. 1. Your Property is no longer a Good “Fit”
      Your home may have been perfect for you when you bought it. But things change. Families grow. Interests change. Needs evolve. For any number of reasons, your property may no longer be a good fit for you. If that’s the case, it makes sense to at least take a look at what’s available on the market. Who knows? Your next “perfect” home may be for sale right now — within your price range!
   2. The Neighbourhood is Changing
      You may have been in love with the neighbourhood when you first moved in. But, over time, the characteristics of any area can change. Those changes don’t necessarily mean the neighbourhood is getting worse. In fact, it may be changing in a positive way; perhaps becoming more urban. But, “more urban” may not be what you want. So take a look at the direction your neighbourhood is heading. Ask yourself, “Do I still want to be living here in two years?”
   3. You’re Ready for Your Dream Home
      Remember when you purchased your current property? Did it have every feature you wanted? Was it your dream home? Or, did you have to compromise on a few things, such as the size of the kitchen? If you had to make some tough choices back then, it might be time for you to finally get the home of your dreams.

Those are just three indicators it may be time for you to make a move. Of course, there are many others.

If you’ve been entertaining the idea of selling your property and finding your next dream home, give me a call. *When your recreation or waterfront property is no longer rainbows and sunshine, we offer concrete solutions to Life‘s curveballs. Call us today for a clear path. We will look after it. *

Brad Sinclair

Team Lead “The Brad Sinclair Team”

Sales Representative

Royal Heritage Realty, Brokerage

Visit my website! www.bradsinclair.ca

Call Or Text me 705-927-6236

Your Cottage Country Inside Source

Waterfront-Commercial-R.E. -Investing