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9 Must-Ask Questions Before You Buy a Cottage
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Thinking about buying a cottage? Before you dive headfirst into lake life, this episode of The Country Club Podcast is your essential pre-purchase checklist. Host Diana Cassidy-Bush walks you through 9 must-ask questions to clarify your vision, assess your needs, and align your dreams with your budget and lifestyle.
From lake types to accessibility, seasonal use to investment strategies — this candid and heartwarming episode will help you start your journey with confidence. If a peaceful dock, cozy firepit, or epic tubing sessions are on your vision board, this is the episode for you.
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome to The Country Club Podcast
01:15 – Why a financing condition still matters even with pre-approval
02:30 – Cottage dreams & why Canadians are craving waterfront living
04:00 – The real reason lakefront lots are in such short supply
05:15 – Question 1: What kind of water activities matter to your family?
08:00 – Question 2: How far are you willing to travel from home?
09:00 – Question 3: What’s your realistic budget?
09:45 – Question 4: Do you need a 4-season or 3-season cottage?
10:30 – Question 5: How accessible should the cottage be year-round?
11:45 – Question 6: What kind of views and terrain do you want?
12:45 – Question 7: What local amenities matter to you?
13:45 – Question 8: What does the ideal cottage interior look like?
15:00 – Question 9: Are you buying for family, retirement, or rental income?
16:15 – Wrap up: Why clarity is the first step to living your lakefront dream
Notable Quotes
“Most every waterfront property you see already has a structure on it. Finding a true building lot on the water is incredibly rare.”
“Cottages aren’t just properties—they’re part of our national identity.”
“It’s not about what’s trendy or what your neighbor has. It’s about defining your version of lake life.”
“Keep your paddles in the water and your dreams on the dock.”
Key Takeaways & Resources
- Supply is Limited: Most lakefront land was developed decades ago, so building lots are rare.
- Lifestyle First: Decide on boating, paddling, fishing, or peace and quiet — it defines your lake options.
- Access Matters: Think year-round roads vs. seasonal accessibility and how that impacts use.
- Budget Realism: Cottage dreams range wildly in price depending on region, size, and features.
- Multi-Use Options: Buy for family time, retirement, or as a rental investment — each path has pros and cons.
Resource Mentioned:
- Royal LePage Recreational Property Survey (Spring) – Cited to note the forecasted 4% price increase in recreational properties.
Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-cassidy-bush-aa2318b6/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianacassidy-bush2027
Website: https://dianacassidybush.ca/
Email: [email protected]
This podcast is for educational purposes only - real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all! Every deal, market, and situation is unique, so be sure to get professional advice tailored to your needs. If you’d like to discuss your real estate journey, we’d love to chat - reach out anytime. Thanks for listening!
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