Buying your first Collingwood property is a huge deal. You’ve worked hard to make this a reality, and you want to make sure you’ve chosen well. Here are a few things to consider as you go along your journey.

Location, Location, Location

Collingwood is a beautiful town in the southern part of Georgian Bay. Due to its picturesque location, it’s no wonder this area is known as a tourist destination, both in winter and summer. It’s also full of heritage; it was incorporated as a town before Canada was officially formed. There are many things to experience and enjoy when you live in Collingwood.

Did you know that not all properties in Collingwood are hooked up to the municipal sewer system? In this area, septic tanks and wells are common. If you’re only used to a municipal sewer system, make sure you get water tests done and arrange for septic tank inspections and sub-pump inspections. We all know the saying about never assuming anything, but if you don’t even know the right questions to ask, you’ll never get the answers you need.

If you’re moving to Collingwood from out of town, make sure you have an expert that knows the area. A local REALTOR® will know Collingwood inside and out. They’ll be the best choice to ensure that you’re making an informed decision that works best for you and your ideal home.

Knowing that Collingwood is a tourist destination, you’ll have to consider a few things that don’t appear in other cities and towns. You’ll probably notice the abundance of community amenities, the care of infrastructure, and some rental income if you’re considering buying an investment property down the line. However, you may also notice some difficulty on certain roads during peak seasons and the accompanying frustration. Learning where those high traffic areas are in relation to where you’d like to buy your property should be an important item on your house-hunt list.

Property Types Matter

Next, we have some typical questions: what kind of property are you looking for? You can choose between a sprawling acreage to a waterfront condo and everything in between! If you’re considering buying a condo, consider its resale value. Choose the biggest size you can afford because studios and one-bedroom condos are harder to resell. If you’re considering an acreage, think about the other requirements an acreage needs once you’ve moved in. Does it have the infrastructure you’re used to if you want to work from home? Are you able to maintain the upkeep a property like that requires, and if not, would you be able to afford a professional to take that burden off your shoulders?

If you’re thinking of buying your first Collingwood property along the waterfront, know that there are a lot of benefits for a property like that. Not only do you get amazing views, but you’ll notice a boost in your physical and mental health. And, if down the road you decide to move on, the resale value on a waterfront property is fantastic. Keep in mind, however, that waterfront property is a major draw for more than just you. Make sure your views don’t have the potential of being blocked due to a surge of tourists, and your pathways aren’t deadlocked for the same reason. Another thing to consider for a waterfront property is the potential for added restrictions for renovations or even increasing the size of your home. One last thing to consider is your homeowners’ insurance.

It was mentioned earlier, but it bears repeating again: one of the best tools in your property-buying toolbox is an informed real estate agent. They’re the ones who will keep your interests in mind and will work with you to make your process easy and exciting with the end result of a new place to call home.