There is so much JOY in having a cottage, but there is also a ton of things to learn. It can be overwhelming especially if you did not grow up cottaging to learn things along the way.
There is a lot more to owning lakefront properties than owning a residential property in the city. You have a multitude of things to worry about, the elements and environment, septic and water systems, winterizing and opening, water access and road maintenance, etc….the LIST goes on.
Here are five tips to see if COTTAGING is for you, BEFORE you buy.
Rent – A large percentage of cottage owners have rented before they buy. This allows you to explore different lakes before committing to the one you LOVE. While renting…..talk to the neighbours to get an idea of what cottage OWNERSHIP is all about. Renting a cottage is great start, because you have all the enjoyment but none of the work or EXPENSES. However, the rules the owner leaves for you will give you an idea of some of the concerns you would have as an owner. For example, rules around the number of people staying during your rental period are not meant to dampen your fun, it’s about how many people are using the septic and water systems amongst other concerns.
Help a Friend who Owns a Cottage – Visit a friend’s cottage and ask them lots of questions. Get them to show you around. It is always fun to stay for a weekend and go for a ride in the boat, get towed skiing, drop a line in the lake and go fishing, but this is your opportunity to ask informative questions. Arrange a time to come help your friend get their cottage open in the spring if it was winterized or help to close it up in the fall. They will appreciate the help and you can learn a lot. Often, it takes more weekends than one to open or close and they have likely learned lots of LESSONS and TIPS over the years.
Visit Different Areas – Every area is unique. North Kawarthas and Trent Lakes both are tourist DESTINATIONS that offer restaurants, parks, boutique stores and shops…along with different activities and experiences. The lakes in these two areas are the BEST…. in my opinion! Visiting will allow you to understand if you want to be on the Trent Severn Waterway, where you can literally boat around the world (if you have the proper boat and the time), enjoying the locks and the different towns along the way. North Kawartha lakes are pristine and glistening where you will be serenaded by tree toads, cicadas, and loons.
Take a Walk – While renting or even on a weekend go for a walk in the cottage area you are interested in. This is an opportunity to chat with cottage OWNERS who will be out working around in their yards or at their waterfronts. People are usually very friendly and love talking about their prized cottage investment. Ask questions….how long have you been on the lake?…what do you love most about cottaging here?….is there a mix of both seasonal owners or permanent residence?….any concerns they might have about the lake?….does it get weedy or is it weed free?…the list goes on. You might get more INFORMATION that you realize!
Take your Time – This is a BIG decision. You want to make the right choice so that you are happy for many years. Know what you are getting into before you make a huge INVESTMENT or find out that you are into a money pit. Think about if you would want to purchase a vacant lot to build your dream home/cottage or purchase a lakeside cottage that is already existing? Are you interested in a FIXER UPPER, or do you want TURNKEY? What is the REAL ESTATE market like currently?
LOTS OF QUESTIONS!!!
Lake Life with Tan – Cottaging…. IT’S IN MY BLOOD!
This blog is based on my own experiences.