- Pine City Properties
By Stefan Hyross
It seems to be a North American tradition to pack up the kids and drive out of the city for the weekend. The trees, fresh air, and beautiful surroundings can make most of us hope of owning a cottage but the dream can turn into a nightmare if you do not do your homework before buying your cottage.
Deciding whether you can afford a second home should be your first step. Head to your financial institution to learn more about the various financing options such as a second mortgage or the increase of your existing one. You will need to have the finances available to make the additional payments.
Your next step will be to choose a location you will love and that will fit in your budget. Many people choose a location based on the drive time from their house but other aspects should also be taken into account. Do you want your cottage to be close to a lake or ski hill? For instance Blue Mountain real estate in Ontario offers skiing during the winter and beach activities in the summer making Blue Mountain cottages in very high demand as a year round destination. Do you prefer to be fairly isolated within a wooded area with neighbors distant from you?
Other elements you will need to consider are the amount of bedrooms, the condition of the house and of the plumbing and electrical systems as well as the water supply and the winterization of the cottage. Determine if the road to your cabin will be opened year round by the municipality. Find out the condition and positioning of the sewage system, particularly if it is a septic tank or tile bed. Determine the laws regarding your water privilege, hunters crossing on to your property or others having rights to your land. Lastly you should determine if you will be able to renovate or add to the cabin. A little bit of leg work now will save you unpleasant surprises later on.
A few other things to consider when choosing a cabin are the services that are near by. Services such as grocery stores, ambulance and fire department, internet, cell phone and telephone access as well as a marina close by may be important to you and should be considered. Purchasing a cottage in an area where you will not feel comfortable will prevent you from enjoying the experience to the fullest.
Making the decision to buy a cottage can be exciting as well as scary. It is a decision that requires careful thought and evaluation. Doing your research before you buy will ensure that you get the best cottage for you. Ask lots of questions, things should be explicit to you. Find an experienced real estate professional who knows the cottage country and will be able to help you make the best choice. This realtor will have valuable insider information. Before long, you too will be taking advantage of the nature from the patio of your new cabin.
About the Author: Stefan Hyross writes for of Petra Brinkmann-Wulf who specializes in the Blue Mountain real estate market. Browse through available Blue Mountain cottages and market information by visiting the website.
Source: isnare.com
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