10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Cottage
Chatham-Kent is filled with spectacular sunsets, quiet oasis settings, quaint waterside towns, and warm sandy beaches. All it takes is a little looking, and an experienced Chatham real estate agent, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying the cottage life in Erieau, Mitchell's Bay, Rondeau, or Lighthouse Cove. Here are ten things to consider from a Chatham real estate agent, before buying a cottage.
Tip 1: Proximity!
Obviously most cottages have a great proximity to water, sand, trees, and sunshine, but how far will you be from a grocery store, pharmacy, or your permanent home itself. When considering properties in Erieau, Mitchell’s Bay, or Rondeau, make sure you think about your proximity to these amenities, and how far from your actual home you're willing to travel. Also, it's worth considering whether or not you want to be secluded, or if you would prefer to have neighbours nearby. As such, convenience and privacy will be two major factors that affect your cottage purchase.
Tip 2: Location, Location, Location
It's the golden rule of real estate, and every Chatham real estate agent will stress this point, location is the most important factor when purchasing any property, including a cottage. Do you want water view, do you want matured trees; a paved road, bike paths, public beach or private beach, rural or in a beach community? The questions are endless, and you need to answer as many as possible with your Chatham real estate agent before you begin the cottage search.
Tip 3: The Cottage Itself!
It is important to examine the cottage itself, and examine whether it has running water, indoor plumbing, electricity, and heating. As well, you will want to check the septic system, number of bathrooms, bedrooms, and size of the living area. A great feature that many buyers look for in a cottage is whether there is a deck or screened-in porch attached to the cottage. Another key tip, is knowing how insulated or weather resistant the property is. Many cottage owners like to escape in the winter as well, however some cottages aren't winterized, nor are their roads serviced in the winter months.
Tip 4: Lot Details
Similar to purchasing a home, you need to know the lot details when buying a cottage. Many cottage buyers think they own beachfront, or the woods behind them, only to have developments or alterations done by local government or other property owners. Know the details and dimensions, what you can build and do on your lot, and what level of permanent privacy you'll have are important. At the very least, get a survey done on the lot prior to finalizing your deal.
Tip 5: What’s the Water Like?
Purchasing a lakefront or riverfront cottage can lead to different options when it comes to utilizing the water. Examine how often beach closures occur in the area due to water quality, find out the depth of the waterway you're on, and consider the safety of any small children that may be visiting your cottage. If you're buying for watersports, not every waterway is ideal, or even allows motorized boats and jet skies, and not all waterways are ideal for sailing, kayaking, or even swimming. If you're paying for water to use, not just view, do your research before you make an offer.
Tip 6: Check out the Shoreline
Ask your Chatham real estate agent about what the shoreline is normally like. Ask whether it is a rock or sand bottom, if there is erosion, and are their other health concerns. Most Chatham-Kent shorelines are safe and beautiful, but this is your family cottage and investment, and it is worth the extra inquiry.
Tip 7: Access to the Cottage
There are island cottages in Chatham-Kent, which require a boat or ferry to access, and the road access varies greatly with Chatham-Kent cottages. Do you want paved or a gravel road? Is the roadway open in the winter? If you can't get to your cottage, why would you purchase it?
Tip 8: What is your purpose for going there?
What is the main reason that you want to purchase a cottage in Chatham-Kent? Are you looking for year-round access or will you only go there in the summer months? Do you want to permanently move there or is it just a vacation home? Also it is important to consider which age groups will be visiting your cottage, as it may have an influence on which type of cottage you are looking to purchase.
Tip 9: What Services are Available?
Although you are looking to escape the busy city, you still want to be in close proximity to emergency services, such as a fire department or medical centre. It's also worth checking for hydro, telephone, cell phone, and internet accessibility.
Tip 10: Price Tag
Being on or near the water is likely to drive up the price tag, but with the help of an experience Chatham real estate agent, there are always bargains on the Chatham-Kent cottage market. Set a budget, stick to it, and let your Chatham real estate agent find you your dream cottage.
These tips will be of great assistance for buyers who are looking for cottages in Rondeau, Mitchell’s Bay or Erieau. If you need more house hunting tips, visit my real estate resources page or call 519-354-5470 for more home hunting help!