The January Real Estate Market Update for Muskoka

Usually, home sales in the dead of winter can be slow to say the least but this January the residential market has seen some good activity in Muskoka. Residential home sales jumped 43% over last year at the same time. The average price for a residential home rose from $410,890. to $445,230, up 8.36% over last year.  Active home listings were down 10.5% over last year. These stats may indicate that the spring market will be early and inventory will be in tight supply due to the demand.

Waterfront cottage sales remained the same as last year. Which is normal because there are fewer cottages listed in the winter in Muskoka.

The spring market looks like it will be robust in the residential market with probable modest gains in waterfront sales. It will depend on whether enough waterfront cottages come to market to fill the high demand. Last year we saw a very high demand for cottages below 1 million dollars with very few waterfront properties listed for sale in that range on any of the lakes. The higher priced waterfront cottages did not sell as quickly and there was less demand.

The trend is that many buyers are leaving the cities and choosing to move north to scenic Muskoka area for their retirement years.  Muskoka is an idyllic lifestyle choice with many housing options in a wide variety of budgets. There are so many recreation activities available year-round.  There are 1600 lakes to explore in the region, you won’t have to search long to find your favourites. Sign up below for the listings alert so you won’t miss any properties that may suit your criteria.

Sellers: Find out what your house or cottages is worth in today’s real estate market Here

Buyers: Join with your email to be sent all the latest new properties listed for sale Here

If would like more information do not hesitate to contact me

Janine Scott ~ Lakes, Town & Country Homes Muskoka

Real Estate Broker Email

janinescott.com

Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc Brokerage  ReMaxallstars.ca

Making The Move To Muskoka

For generations, city dwellers have seen Muskoka as an idyllic weekend retreat or the perfect retirement destination. However, more and more GTA residents are cutting their ties with the city and choosing this locale and lifestyle for year-round living.

Unlike city living, prospective buyers have a wide range of affordable housing to choose from within and around the towns, nearby lakesides, riverside and countryside properties. The lifestyle suits more than just retirees. Many prospective buyers with young families are looking for affordable homes and an active, relaxed way of life out of the city. They are increasingly relocating and working in the Muskoka area or are able to work remotely.

Muskoka boasts communities that offer the natural beauty and the total relaxation of a year-round lifestyle against one of the most picturesque backdrops in Canada.
Homes in the Muskoka communities offer the quiet charm of being surrounded by nature but also the conveniences of living close to amenities without the hustle and bustle of city life.  Best of all, when the weekend comes, there’s no need to fight traffic to get to Muskoka to enjoy your free time — you’re already there!
Muskoka has lively, picturesque towns and villages and is less than two to two and half hours from Toronto. During the spring and summer months, it’s one of the best places to spend the summer in Canada. The town and the surrounding area are both alive with adventure and the area offers a relaxing oasis with plenty of recreational activities. Muskoka has around 1600 lakes to explore and a great place to enjoy swimming, boating, golf, hiking and resort-style living. In autumn, the area is bursting with colour and plenty of fall fairs and activities. And in winter, it’s a wonderland of outdoor fun that includes skating, snowshoeing, fat biking, snowmobiling, skiing or just chill -laxing.

There are many other rich amenities for residents: beaches, cruise lines, waterfalls, parks and trails, camps, clubs and sports organizations, farmer’s markets, libraries, community centres, gyms, public transit, schools and colleges, art shows, galleries and studios.

Unlike city living, prospective buyers have a wide range of affordable housing to choose from within and around the towns, nearby lakesides, riverside and countryside properties. The lifestyle suits more than just retirees. Many prospective buyers with young families are looking for affordable homes and an active, relaxed way of life out of the city. They are increasingly relocating and working in the Muskoka area or are able to work remotely.

Muskoka boasts communities that offer the natural beauty and the total relaxation of a year-round lifestyle against one of the most picturesque backdrops in Canada.

Homes in the Muskoka communities offer the quiet charm of being surrounded by nature but also the conveniences of living close to amenities without the hustle and bustle of city life.  Best of all, when the weekend comes, there’s no need to fight traffic to get to Muskoka to enjoy your free time — you’re already there! Contact Janine Scott, Real Estate Broker for more information about moving to Muskoka! JanineScottMuskoka@gmail.com  Lakes, Town & Country Homes Team – Muskoka  Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc Brokerage www.remaxallstars.ca

View all Muskoka properties listed for sale www.janinescott.com

My BEST advice to give to a First Time Buyer?

My BEST advice to give to a First Time Buyer?

I wanted to share with everyone a list of 4 of the most important things any First time buyer (home, condo or cottage) should do to get on and stay on the right track to buying the right property.

1. KNOW YOUR BUDGET: Get your financials in order. Get pre approved. Lastly to know what amount of mortgage you can qualify for. What price range you should look in. AND stick to your budget.
2. PICK YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD: Before you start going to see your first home. Drive through the areas. Know what areas you like and do not like can save a great deal of time and stress. Are schools important? Close to amenities that you require?
3. LEARN YOUR HOMES: Do you want a new home or on older home. A home that is ready to move in or is needing work OK? What style and size? How many bedrooms and bathrooms? Do you need a garage? Break down your needs first. Then break down your wants. Make a list of what you like and what you do not.
4. LISTEN TO COMMON SENSE: Having a realistic budget. Looking in your price range or below! Looking at homes you like and not looking at those you can not afford. Listening carefully to your agent about the current market. What to offer and why. What to ask for and what not to. 

My philosophy is simple: provide more personal, knowledgeable and professional service to guide my clients through each step of the buying or selling process. Those that hire me, find a dedication like no other agent.   Janine Scott, Real Estate Broker  Facebook