Resources: Buyers Tips

Thinking of buying a lot? Here's what you should look out for:

• Is the lot flat or steep? Can you get easily to the dock, even if handicapped? 
• Is the lot accessible by road? If so, is it year round, private, public or a deeded right of way? 
• Is there a land survey for the lot or a surveyor’s report showing the buildings? 
• Have all the corner lot stakes been found and marked? 
• Is any of the lot zoned to be environmentally protected? 
• Are there any easements or right of way? 
• Does the lot have shoreline allowance? If so how much and is it owned? 
• What is the set-back for the lot set by the local township building code? 
• Can a building permit be issued and what is the minimum square footage you are allowed to build?
• Is there enough room to put in a well and septic and have 100 feet between each? Would the septic have to be a pump up or free flow? 
• Are there any restrictions on tree removal or landscaping?

Going to buy on a lake? Keep these questions in mind:

• How big is the lake? Are there any restrictions on boat type or motor size? 
• Is the shoreline sandy, rocky or natural?
• Is the water at the shore shallow or deep?
• What is the water quality and what feeds the lake?
• Is there a marina, store or restaurant on the lake?
• Are there campgrounds on the lake, if so how far from the lot are they?
• What type of fish are in the lake?
• How many cottages are on the lake?
• Is the lake full or are severances still possible?
• How much does the water table drop in the fall and when does it normally happen? 
• Is there a dam controlling the water table?
• Is the lake part of the Trent water recovery system?

Looking for a cottage or home? Get these questions answered:

• How do the roof shingles look? Are they flat or curled and dog-eared?
• Is the roofline straight or sagging? Look for signs of movement – stand away from the cottage and eyeball the cottage for level.
• How old is the cottage? When was the last addition or changes done? Is there a building permit?
• Is the cottage on piers – wood or cement?
• Is the cottage on perimeter wall? Look for cracks.
• Is there a basement or crawl space? If so, is it easily accessible?
• Is the basement dry? Check walls and floor for signs of leakage. Is there a sump pump?
• Are there water stains on ceiling tiles? If so check attic or roof for leakage.
• Are the chimney and stove WETT inspected?
• How old is the building?
• How is it heated? Forced air or passive?
• How much insulation is in the walls, ceiling and floors?
• Can the fire department reach the cottage year round and how far do they have to come?
• Does the cottage have hydro? Does it use fuses or breakers? What size panel?
• Is there a working septic, where is it and when was it last pumped?
• If the cottage has a holding tank, what size is it and how often does it need to be pumped?
• Is there a gray water tank for sink water?
• Is there a well drilled, dug or does it use a sand point? How deep is the well? Is the pump in the well or in the cottage?
• Is there a recent potable water test? Check sink and tub for signs of iron stains.      
• Can the water system be easily drained in the off season? 
• Look for wet spots around septic bed.

Remember, there are no right or wrong answers to these questions. They are only meant to help you evaluate and assist you in deciding how much you are willing to pay for what you will receive.

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