Thursday, May 22, 2025

Retirement Life on the Waterfront: Navigating the Transition

Thinking about a retirement move to the waterfront?

Making the transition to retirement life can be difficult for some. If you're thinking of retirement, you may see yourself enjoying a beautiful waterfront home in the Kawarthas.

There are a few key things to consider when moving towards a waterfront retirement:

Familiarity with the Area

Since this is most likely going to be one of your last moves, you'll want to be as comfortable as possible in the area you choose. Familiarizing yourself with the local community can help ensure a smooth transition. Consider the availability of healthcare facilities, social clubs, and other amenities that cater to retirees. Additionally, evaluating the accessibility of the waterfront property, such as docks, boat launches, and walking trails, can help you choose a residence that aligns with your desired lifestyle. Taking the time to thoroughly research and plan for your waterfront retirement can lead to a fulfilling and enjoyable experience in your golden years.

Type of Home

What type of home will best suit your new lifestyle? Will you need lots of room for extra visitors or do you just want something small with very low maintenance? Consider whether you want a single-story home or a multi-level property. Think about the amount of yard work and exterior maintenance required. If mobility is a concern, a ground-level home may be preferable. Additionally, evaluate the accessibility of the dock and proximity to the water.

Location

Decide on the ideal waterfront location. Do you want to be close to town amenities or in a more secluded area? Consider factors like proximity to healthcare services, shopping, and recreational activities.

Activities

What types of activities do you plan to do on the water? Some smaller lakes may not allow for motorized boats, so the activities you want to do will affect which lake you choose.

Costs

Consider the additional costs associated with owning a waterfront property, such as dock maintenance, boat storage, and potential flooding risks. Ensure your budget can accommodate these expenses. A more affordable option for waterfront retirement could be deeded access to the waterfront or a nearby waterfront location. Another important factor is the maintenance and upkeep required for a waterfront property. Landscaping, dock repairs, and dealing with water can add significant costs. Consider hiring a property management company to handle these responsibilities. Additionally, research the local community and amenities to ensure they align with your retirement lifestyle preferences, such as access to healthcare, shopping, and social activities. Carefully weigh the pros and cons to find the waterfront retirement that best fits your needs and budget.

Healthcare

What is your health like? Will the location you choose have easy access to medical care if you need it? Another key consideration is access to amenities and services. Ensure the waterfront community provides conveniences like grocery stores, pharmacies, and entertainment options within reasonable proximity. Additionally, evaluate the quality and availability of local transportation, as this will impact your ability to get around independently as you age. Lastly, research the local community to understand the social opportunities and resources available for retirees, as maintaining an active social life is crucial for well-being in retirement.

Population Density

How close will you be to the other people sharing the lake? Consider the size of the lake and the number of properties around it. A smaller, more private lake may suit your needs better than a bustling, crowded waterfront. Additionally, research local laws and regulations regarding waterfront properties, such as zoning, building codes, and Shoreline Allowances. Ensure the property aligns with your desired lifestyle and future plans. Lastly, factor in accessibility, including proximity to amenities, healthcare facilities, and transportation options, to ensure a smooth transition into your waterfront retirement.

Services

Do you want to have cell phone and internet services? Most lakes have these, but there are still areas with no services.

We Can Help You Answer These Questions

Wherever your retirement plan takes you, if it includes a waterfront home, give us a call at 705-927-6236 and we'll look after your real estate needs from beginning to end!Brought to 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

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

How to Read a Property Survey. Quick and Easy Explanation.

Decoding Property Surveys: A Step-by-Step Guide

Plan of Subdivision

In this guide, we'll break down the key elements of a survey plan and explain how to use them:

Boundary Lines

The boundary lines on the survey plan show the precise edges of the property. Knowing the exact boundaries is essential to avoid issues with neighbours. In the survey the boundary lines are noted as thicker black lines.

Boundary Measurements

Each boundary line has a direction (bearing) and distance associated with it. These measurements allow you to verify the accuracy of the boundaries and spot any encroachments.

Structures and Setbacks

The survey plan outlines the distances between buildings and structures on the property, as well as the surveyed boundaries. This tells you where you can build or make changes.

Survey Markers

Surveyors use various methods to clearly mark property corners, including setting monuments or measuring from known points. These markers are essential references.

Subdivision Details

The underlying subdivision plan provides historical context about how the property was initially developed and divided.

Land "Parts"

One parcel can be made up of multiple PARTs that are numbered. You can discover the PARTs that make up the one parcel by finding it on the survey or referring to the legal description of the property seen on a real estate listing, offer or GeoWarehouse report.

Title and Description

Every survey has a title and description of the survey. Important notes are the date of the Survey, Plan numbers, who completed the survey and scale,

Additional Plans

Other survey plans may be referenced to provide supplementary boundary information to support the current survey.

By understanding these key elements, you'll be able to easily read and interpret a property survey. Mastering this skill is invaluable for anyone involved in real estate or land transactions.

Property Survey

Brought to 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

Saturday, May 17, 2025

Exploring the Vibrant Small-Town Charm of Dwight, Ontario

A Rainy Day Adventure: Discovering Dwight's Local Businesses and Talents

Saturday was predicted to be a rainy day, so Susan and I drove to Dwight, Ontario, to spend the day touring local businesses, the sights and the scenery. There are numerous small businesses to explore, offering a wide range of unique products. Exploring these local businesses was a delightful way to spend the day. All the businesses we stopped at were A1 and highly recommended. The day proved to be a lovely exploration of Dwight's vibrant small-town character and the talents of its local businesses.