Seriously Muskoka Real Estate Blog

5 Tips to Enjoy Stress-Free Christmas in Muskoka

Nestled amid the breathtaking beauty of Ontario, Canada, lies the enchanting region of Muskoka. With its serene landscapes, pristine lakes, and charming towns, Muskoka sets the perfect backdrop for a magical Christmas experience. However, amidst the wonder of the season, it's easy to get caught up in the holiday rush. Here are five down-to-earth tips to savor a stress-free Christmas in the tranquil embrace of Muskoka.

1. Plan Amidst Nature's Beauty

Embrace the natural beauty of Muskoka while planning your holiday activities. Take advantage of the picturesque settings for festive gatherings or family outings. Whether it's a cozy Christmas tree lighting ceremony, a Santa Claus Parade, or a bonfire by the lake, let nature be the canvas for your…

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Tips For Selling In The Muskoka Lakes Region

As one of the most desirable (and expensive!) areas in Southern Ontario, the Muskoka Lakes region attracts a variety of buyers: those wishing to purchase a vacation property, those searching for the perfect place to retire, or even those who are longing for a permanent, year-round residence away from the big city. 

But about the market for those who wish to sell? Isn’t this an easy process in a location that’s so sought-after? Not necessarily! There are a few things that you should be aware of before you put your Muskoka home up for sale, and we’ll go through some of them below. 

Know Your Home’s Worth

Before you decide to list your Muskoka home, you’ll want to do a little bit—or a lot!—of market research. This will help you make an informed…

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Celebrities Who Live And Vacation In Muskoka

The Muskoka area has been a popular destination for eager vacationers for a very long time… and for good reason! There’s so much to see and do, from boating on the numerous lakes to exploring the area’s hiking trails. And not just in the summertime! Muskoka offers activities year-round, which is also why many have decided to purchase property in this beautiful region.

But Muskoka is not only for nearby Southern Ontarians who want to escape the city, but also a fashionable choice for celebrities from all over the world. Clearly, the beauty of the Muskoka area cannot be denied, and with its luxurious waterfront properties, it’s to be expected that this region would attract some high-profile guests!

Canadian Celebrities

No one knows Canadian…

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3 Wineries & Breweries In The Muskoka Region

The Muskoka region, found north of Toronto, around Georgian Bay, is known for its stunning lakes, beautiful cottages, and abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Muskoka in and of itself is made up of numerous communities, including Bala (recognized for its cranberry festival in the fall), Huntsville (known for its events and scenic spots), and Gravenhurst (which has a long and rich history). There's so much to see and do in this beautiful area, in every single season.

While boating, hiking, and spending summers hanging out at the cottage are all popular pastimes, Muskoka residents and visitors may also want to take a tour around some of the area’s best wineries and breweries—of which there are several! While this is certainly not for…

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5 Instagrammable Spots In The Muskoka Lakes Region

The Muskoka Lakes region of Ontario is world-renowned for its spectacular lakes and gorgeous scenic properties. As such, this is a popular vacation destination for celebrities from all around the world, not limited to Justin Bieber, Tom Hanks, David Beckham, and Steven Spielberg.

Whether you’re taking it easy by the lake for the summer, or kicking back all year round, there are a multitude of incredible sights to see. For those who are professional (or amateur!) photographers, or for those who just want to get the perfect picture for Instagram, we have you covered. Here is our list for some of the best places in the Muskoka Lakes region to get that amazing picture for social media!

Minnehaha Falls and Hatchery Falls, Between Bent River and…

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A Brief History of Parry Sound, ON

The town of Parry Sound, Ontario is located right on Georgian Bay, and is one of the most desirable cottage country destinations for vacationers. However, it has also seen steady population growth over the last decade as more and more make Parry Sound their home.

This quaint town is perhaps most well-known for its beautiful, untouched nature views, iconic railway, and historic downtown area. Rich in history, Parry Sound is a great place to get away during the humid summer months, but is also a wonderful option for those looking to settle down in the central Ontario region. 

Early Parry Sound, ON

Although Parry Sound was officially incorporated as a town in the year 1887, its history does date back a little further than that. Parry Sound…

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How Your Home’s "Deal Breaker" Can Attract the Perfect Buyer

When you’re starting the process of selling your home, be prepared to see your home in a whole new light.

A really, really bright light. That’s because buyers will notice all the great things about your home...and also all the not-so-great features that you’ve learned to live with over the years. Small issues, like a creaky stair and outdated fixtures, are easily identified and fixed. However, there are potential issues that can’t easily be so easily resolved. In fact, they might be a “deal-breaker” that can turn off a potential buyer immediately.

Don’t panic just yet. A good real estate agent doesn’t just sell a house, they sell a house to the right buyer. In the case of “deal breakers,” what can seem like a negative to an average person might be…

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How Proximity Affects Your Home Value

You’ve definitely heard how important this is in real estate — and that's because it's true! Location is a crucial factor when it comes to the value of your home. Not only does what part of town you are in matter, but what is physically near you can actually help or hinder your property value. We put together a list of the most important proximity factors that will increase as well as decrease your home value.

Factors that increase home value

Schools

Homebuyers who have children are willing to pay more to live in a home that is closer to schools, especially ones that have a good reputation and high academic scores. This article takes a deeper dive into why this may be.

Entertainment

In most cases, homes that tend to be in walking…

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How Long You Should Live In Your Cottage Before You Sell It

Whether you just moved in or have lived in your home for 50 years, it's common to wonder how long you should stay in your home before you sell it. According to the National Association of Realtors® in the United States, ten years is the average amount of time that a homeowner will stay in their home before deciding to sell it. 

If you're under ten years and itching to sell, many experts say you should follow the “five-year rule” and stay in the same home for at least five years before selling. 

This may sound like a long time and you may think you are ready to sell now, but before you make any rash decisions, we put together a few of the most important factors that you should be aware of.

 1. Your Mortgage

One of the first and foremost factors…

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Home Staging 101

Have you ever watched HGTV and wondered how every home always looks perfectly put together? The answer to this is staging. 

Home staging goes beyond just cleaning and decorating your home. Staging is adding decor, arranging furniture, and prepping your home to look perfect for listing photos, listing appointments, and open houses. When a home is staged, potential buyers see exactly where furniture should go and how each room is laid out. When a home is not staged, potential buyers are only focusing on the visible issues the home may have.

Not only does staging make your home look like an HGTV dream or like it belongs on Pottery Barn's homepage, but it can actually speed up the sale of your property.

83%

of buyers’ agents said a staged home…

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