When space is limited in your home or cottage and things aren’t being used as frequently as they once were, you may be looking for places to safely tuck these items away. If you’ve got an outdoor shed, garage, cottage or barn with room to spare, that particular space may seem like the simplest solution to store things year-round, right?

Before piling your Great Aunt Bertha’s antique furniture in the shed -- along with old yearbooks and photo albums, leftover home improvement materials, and extra hand tools -- be sure to check out this list of 10 things you should never leave in your unheated space over the winter.

• Canned goods. Metal cans can expand during freezing, allowing small pockets of air and bacteria inside your canned food when it thaws again. This can be super harmful and pose a potential risk to you and your family. So instead of leaving your canned goods in the cold over the winter, bring them home with you at Thanksgiving when you close up your cottage or drop them off at your local food bank before the chilly weather arrives.

• Medicine and prescriptions. If your cottage’s first aid kit includes any liquid form of over-the-counter meds, be sure to take these home before the winter weather creeps in. If medicines freeze, they become less effective. Same goes for prescription medications, creams and lotions - take them home and use before the expiry date.

• Expensive electronics. Since LCD's are liquid crystal devices that can freeze in extremely low temperatures, any TVs, computers, laptops or other electronic devices with an LCD screen should be kept in a temperature-controlled space when the weather drops.

• Musical instruments. Whether you only use your guitar to sing Kumbaya around the campfire a couple times a year, or put on a full family singalong every weekend in the summer, you will want to protect your musical instruments in a temperature-controlled space over the winter. Condensation can ruin the finish, materials can separate, and string tension can be affected by extreme cold.

• Furniture. If you want to save that antique piece of furniture for your kids, don’t leave it stored in an unheated space. Antique and leather furniture do not fare well without climate control since leather can crack, wood can warp, and finishes can deteriorate in extreme winter temperatures. These are best stored at room temperature.

• Paint. Many people have stored cans of touch-up paint in their shed or basement year-round with no issue. Lately, however, with many companies using less volatile compounds in their paint, you may find your stored paint quality becoming unstable and separated when stored in an unheated space. Latex paints can separate when they undergo multiple freeze-thaw cycles, resulting in shoddy paint performance. As well, if you store oil based paint in an unheated cottage or shed over the colder months, you may come back to find condensation in the can which will alter the performance of your paint.

• Cleaning products. Trust me when I say you don’t want your dishwashing detergent bottles to freeze over the winter. They often break open after the spring thaw and leave you coming back to a huge mess. Better safe than sorry! Box them up and bring them home.

• Tools. How many of us store our tools in the shed, barn, or shop out back? Many of us, I’m guessing. Although most hand tools won’t suffer damage from being stored in a chilly winter climate, all metal tools can rust and plastic handles can become brittle. Power tools with cordless batteries or electric motors don’t operate well when cold -- so be sure to warm them up slightly before use if they are left in your unheated shed. If worried about potential damage to your expensive tools, be sure to clean them off, lubricate them if necessary, and find a spot to store them indoors.
  
  

• Canned pop and alcoholic or fizzy drinks. Ever put a carbonated drink can in the freezer to quick chill, only to forget about it and be left with a frozen, frothy explosion in your freezer to clean up after? Leaving soft drinks, beer and wine in a cold shed or unheated cottage can produce the same effect. Spare yourself the mess and bring them home to enjoy over the holidays.

• Paper items and books. Pages curling, photos fading and sticking together…Moisture can severely damage your precious photos, documents and books. Be sure to protect these treasures by always storing them in airtight plastic containers with silica packs, or by bringing them somewhere safe indoors.

Looking for the perfect home, hunt cabin or winter cottage? Rob Heming at Realty Executives on the Bay specializes in tourism accommodation, recreational and multi-residential properties, as well as fine homes and waterfront cottages.

If you haven’t put your recreational property into hibernation for the Canadian winter just yet, you might want to rethink shutting it down for the season. There are still so many ways to enjoy the cottage, camp, or property all year round.

Get Outside!

Even if your cottage isn’t built for winter use, there’s no reason that you can’t still make the most of it! If road conditions allow, gather the family and hit the highway to go enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer.  Bring the cross country skis and snowshoes to explore your surroundings in a new season. Break out the shovels and lace up your skates to clear the ice on the lake for a skate or a game of shinny. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch by a roaring bonfire, hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows included, or surprise the owners of your favourite lunch spot with an off-season visit.

If your cottage is prepared for winter use, the possibilities are just about endless! Who doesn’t dream of spending a snowy evening by a roaring fire with a hot drink? Why not create a new holiday tradition and visit the cottage for a multi-family Boxing Day brunch and board games tournament. Imagine tucking the little ones into their bunks after a busy day of snowball fights and tobogganing.

Get Back to Basics!

If your property leans more towards the rustic, you can still make it a home base or rendezvous point for ice fishing or hunting trips. Bring the snowmobiles along and make a point of choosing destinations you wouldn’t normally see during your warm weather visits.  If you have a garage or workshop on your property, it might be worth the trip to use it for storage. Save room at home and bring your summer toys to the cottage store for the winter. Just make sure your insurance policies are up to date to cover any changes!

Even though the waves might not be crashing on the shore, and the trip to the bathroom might be a little bit chillier, it doesn’t take away from the beauty of the sunsets or the peace and quiet of your own little piece of paradise. Dress warmer, snuggle in tighter and enjoy every minute of every season that your recreational property has to offer.

Get Moving!

Still in the market for your own home away from home? Maybe a new business venture? Rob Heming can help. Give him a call today at 705-321-4924.

Rob Heming at Realty Executives on the Bay specializes in tourism accommodation, recreational and multi-residential properties, as well as fine homes and waterfront cottages.

3 Steps to Buying a Recreational Property

Renting a vacation cottage can work for the short term, but there’s a huge difference between staying at someone else’s property and having your own personal retreat.  Why pour your hard-earned dollars into paying someone else’s mortgage? Why not invest in your own piece of paradise and possibly earn some extra income from it?

STEP ONE: Determine costs

There will be quite a few decisions to make before purchasing your recreational property. The first question you’ll need to ask yourself is:  Will this property be strictly for pleasure or do you plan to use it as an income opportunity? For some, creating timeless memories while sharing good times with family and friends is all they need to find value in a property.  Keep in mind that it isn’t always fun, sun and relaxing in the hammock. Quite a bit of work goes into owning a vacation destination. Things you should keep in mind are property taxes, insurance and utility costs, not to mention maintenance and upkeep, and possibly even a second mortgage.  When you purchase a recreational property for personal use only, this should be looked at as a long-term investment. It isn’t the same as purchasing a home, as it is unlikely you will make your investment back if you decide to sell after 5 years.

The numbers have been crunched and you are now ready to begin the hunt.

STEP TWO: Find a location

Deciding on where you want to buy your recreational property is an important choice that should primarily depend on where your permanent residence is located.  You will want to be far enough away to get all the benefits of cottage living, but close enough that your travel time doesn’t take away from the time spent enjoying your private oasis. A good rule of thumb is to set your sights on a property that is 2 to 4 hours away from your home and has close access to amenities such as grocery stores and health care providers.

STEP THREE: Hire an agent

Now that you have chosen your location, the next item on the agenda is to find a local real estate agent that can advise, help and guide you to help make your dream a reality.  The advantage of using a professional who has first-hand knowledge of not only the area in which you are looking but who also specializes in recreational property real estate is invaluable.  They will be able to assist with things that you may not have even thought of, as well as get you the biggest bang for your buck. Be sure to have a list of things you “must have” in your property, as well as your “like to have” and “bonus points” ready for the agent to review.  Take your time when picking an agent and interview multiple candidates before deciding on “the one”.

 Budget

Location  

Agent       

Let the search begin!

Stay tuned next month when we look further into the advantages and disadvantages of renting out your recreational property.

Rob Heming at Realty Executives on the Bay specializes in tourism accommodation, recreational and multi-residential properties, as well as fine homes and waterfront cottages.

Are You Selling Your Cottage?

The end of summer signals the end of the cottaging season for many. It is also the time when hard decisions are often made, including whether to keep your recreational property for another year or to get ready to sell. The market is always fluctuating so you may decide to hang the For Sale sign now or wait until the spring, which is typically a busier season for cottage sales. Whichever season you choose, we have put together a list of things to do to get your vacation property ready to go on the market.

ASSEMBLE YOUR TEAM

Your first call should be to a real estate professional who specializes in cottages or luxury waterfront homes in your area. Having been an authority in this market for quite some time, I have seen firsthand the issues that sellers have come across by not hiring the appropriate, knowledgeable agent, one who knows the cottage market inside and out and will guide you through every step of the process.

It is also wise to consult with a lawyer and an accountant when putting your vacation property up for sale. Whether you are the sole owner or part of a joint partnership, there will be financial and legal issues to consider. You want to be sure that you will reap the most benefits from the sale and try to avoid paying them all back in capital gains or taxes.

BOOK YOUR INSPECTIONS

Nobody wants a surprise on the closing day, so now is the time to make sure everything is in tip-top shape. Septic system, furnace, well pump, heating, plumbing … even if you aren’t planning on repairing or replacing any faulty equipment, it is only fair to have any issues documented for potential buyers. Keep a record of all tests and results on hand for the new owners. 

REVIEW OR COMPLETE A PROPERTY SURVEY

The boundaries or zoning of your property may have changed over the years. Now is the time to make sure all property lines and rights of access for the waterfront, etc. are properly defined to avoid any issues down the road.

TIME TO PURGE

Your vacation property has been the birthplace of so many memories, but now it is time for someone else to make their own. Since just about everything ends up at the cottage eventually, prepare for a massive purging and cleaning. No buyer wants to inherit 40 years of rock collections and unfinished projects. As difficult as it may be, it has to go. Organize a garage sale, split the goods amongst relatives or donate to a worthy cause.

Again, there is no perfect time to sell your cottage but, with a little preparation, I can help make the whole process go smoothly. Give me a call today at 705-321-4924.

Rob Heming at Realty Executives on the Bay specializes in tourism accommodation, recreational and multi-residential properties, as well as fine homes and waterfront cottages.

Autumn Day Trips in Cottage Country

Now that the soaring temperatures of Summer are starting to cool, it’s time to explore Cottage Country in a whole new way. It’s time to put away the sun loungers and beach toys as you get out and explore everything our gorgeous province has to offer. We’ve broken down some of the most popular destinations by region to help inspire your Autumn wanderlust.

MUSKOKA

A definite Muskoka must-see for cottagers and locals alike is the Bala Cranberry Festival. Now in its 34th year, the festival is always held on the weekend after Thanksgiving. The 2018 edition takes place October 12-14 with hundreds of arts and crafts, vendors, live music, activities for families and kids and so much more. Bring your appetite to sample treats and eats from a multitude of food vendors. Complete your experience with a shuttle bus ride to Johnston’s Cranberry Marsh and Muskoka Lakes Winery while you enjoy the gorgeous Muskoka scenery along the way.

SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY

Nothing says Fall like crisp, freshly picked apples. Bake those apples into a pie and you’ve got the delicious motivation behind The Apple Pie Trail. This culinary adventure trail celebrates Southern Georgian Bay’s rich apple-growing history with 40 trail stops in Collingwood, Blue Mountain Village, Creemore, Meaford and more. Take a leisurely cruise to snack your way through some of the stops and enjoy the autumn colours. Or get ready for adventure by pedal, paddle or helicopter with an assortment of tastings and tours.

30,000 ISLANDS

Mid-September to late October is the prime viewing season for the vibrant Fall hues lining the rocky shores and sparkling waters of Georgian Bay’s 30,000 Islands. Enjoy them all from the comfort of the Miss Midland on a 2.5-hour boat cruise with select lunch and dinner cruises available. Sightseeing tours run daily through October 14.

If you prefer to stay closer to your own home away from home, Autumn has no shortage of opportunities to get outside and make the most of the cool and crisp temperatures. Take the kids and the dogs out for a bike ride or a nice hike to see the scenery and learn more about your chosen area. If the weather prevents outdoor activity and the little ones are getting antsy, here are some Fun Fall Activities you can do together. Wherever the season takes you, make the most of it because it won’t be long before the snow flies again! If these hidden gems have got you thinking that it’s time to make your own move to Cottage Country, give us a call at Realty Executives On The Bay, 705-321-4924. We would love to help you!

Rob Heming at Realty Executives on the Bay specializes in tourism accommodation, recreational and multi-residential properties, as well as fine homes and waterfront cottages.