Helpful Tips
Choosing a Local Real Estate Representative
Local Realtors Know:
- Neighbourhood amenities and distances to schools, hospitals, and shopping;
- Each lake – their size, depth, health, location of boat launches, accessibility and the type of shoreline;
- What a shoreline road allowance is, and it’s impact on your potential purchase;
- Types of septic systems and what to watch;
- Types of water sources and what water is potentially potable;
- What types of properties may be more difficult to finance (and how they may affect your pre-approvals, down payment requirements, and interest rate);
- What affects the insurability of different types of properties;
- Different heating sources and their impact on financing and insurance;
- Private roads, right-of-ways and easements;
- Local by-laws and rules surrounding bunkies, boathouses, setbacks and more;
These are just a few items that make it important to use an agent that knows the area well, knows what to look for, and what questions to ask.
Rural/cottage country real estate requires a different knowledge-base than is required in urban real estate – get the best representation possible.