Why Won't My House/Property Sell?

Why Won't My Property Sell?

Ever driven by a home for sale for an extended period and wondered why no one has bought it yet? You may be worried that your own house won't sell when you go to list it.

There are several common reasons a house becomes hard to sell:

1. Overpricing

The number one reason a house is difficult to sell is an unrealistic asking price. Overpricing a home can scare away potential buyers. It's essential to price your home competitively based on recent comparable sales in the area. 

2. Poor Presentation

Your home isn't showing well to buyers. Poor staging, outdated decor, or a lack of curb appeal can make a home unappealing. Decluttering, deep cleaning, and minor cosmetic updates can help your home show its best.

3. Lack of Promotion

Your home may not be getting enough exposure to potential buyers. Proper promotion includes more than just a sign on your front lawn. Websites, digital ads, print ads, and open houses are valuable tools for promoting your home's listing.

4. Location or Condition Issues

Homes in undesirable locations or needing major repairs may struggle to attract buyers. Factors like noisy surroundings, flood risk, or outdated systems can be turnoffs for potential purchasers.

5. You need to give it time

If you researched the home's value, and your were provided a CMA report from your Realtor, the same CMA report will also give you an average days on the market to sell. Sometimes, it just takes time to sell. Use the average days on the market to provide you with a timeline to realistically give to sell the home. If it is well above the days on the market, relook at the numbers 1 to 4 above.

The Brad Sinclair Team has the Iguide system, a great tool for giving buyers a virtual look at your home before they book a showing. We also have a huge database of potential buyers and list our properties on the Toronto Real Estate Board and the Local Real Estate Board for more exposure. We also use digital marketing to get your listing in front of more eyes.

When you work with us, you can count on our team to leverage our extensive resources and expertise to get your property sold quickly and for the best possible price. Contact us today at 705-927-6236 to learn more about how we can take the stress out of selling your property.

Brought for you by: Your local Realtor®

If you are looking to either Buy or Sell, contact me at 705-927-6236

Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative

Team Lead at The Brad Sinclair Team

Royal Heritage Realty

Your inside source to cottage country

Fishing on the Kawartha's

 

Fishing on the Kawartha's 

Summer is in full swing and warmer temperatures on the rise, this means it's time to get out on the lake for some fishing. If you are lucky enough to have a cottage on the Kawartha's you are probably already eager and excited to get out on the water. The best thing about fishing is that it's for everyone and doesn't take much to get into. You can either enjoy it from a boat with a huge variety of tackle and accessories, or it can be enjoyed from shore with a simple hook and worm. 

Fishing is very relaxing and can be so enjoyable if you love being on the lake. The Kawartha Lakes are home to many fish species such as Large and Smallmouth bass, Muskie, Pike, Walleye, Perch, and a variety of panfish. With so much space between all the lakes you can fish for days! Early mornings are best when fishing for Bass, this species likes to stay in cooler areas of the lake and weed beds. During the day fishing for walleye trolling over the weed beds during this time seems to work best on them. The feeding frenzy for these fish really starts in the evening. When fishing for Muskie early morning or late evening is best on these lakes. They typically go for gold and black color lurers and can be found in deeper weed beds. Panfish are perhaps the easiest of all the fish to find, they are excellent for introducing youngster to the joys of fishing. They take rapidly to a worm and hook and can easily be caught from shore.

If you don't own your own boat there are opportunities to charter fishing trips in the Kawartha's where the locals on the lake can take you to the best spots for fishing. You can also rent boats from some of the many resorts located in the Kawartha's if you'd like to go on your own. If you don't catch any fish there's always spectacular scenery and views easily found anywhere within the Kawartha's. Rest assured weather you are an avid fisherman or just wanting to get out on a weekend for fun, you are guaranteed to enjoy a fishing trip on the Kawartha lakes.                  

Brad Sinclair

Team Lead “The Brad Sinclair Team”

Sales Representative

Royal Heritage Realty, Brokerage

Visit my website! www.bradsinclair.ca

Call Or Text me 705-927-6236

Your Cottage Country Inside Source

Waterfront-Commercial-R.E. -Investing

Waterfront Property With A Price Point To Get You On The Kawarthas!

 

Waterfront Property With A Price Point To Get You On The Kawarthas!

Just minutes from Bobcaygeon, this 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home is a blank canvas allowing you to make it your own. With over 1.346 acres of land, you will have the privacy desired while enjoying direct access to the waterfront. A boathouse situated on the water's edge provides many possibilities. Nogies Creek allows full access to the Trent Severn Waterway. 

**For more information on this listing please contact our team by calling/texting: 705-927-6236 or emailing: bradpsinclair@gmail.com**

To receive market updates, new listings, tips and tricks and more subscribe to our newsletter! 

Brad Sinclair

Team Lead “The Brad Sinclair Team”

Sales Representative

Royal Heritage Realty, Brokerage

Visit my website! www.bradsinclair.ca

Call Or Text me 705-927-6236

Find out what you don’t know

**Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under agency contract**

FIND OUT WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW. EPISODE 10. WHEN YOU NO LONGER WANT TO OWN A COTTAGE

 WHEN YOU NO LONGER WANT TO OWN A COTTAGE

For many Canadians a luxury that we can enjoy is a family cottage, a camp or a forest getaway. These beautiful places offer a place to rejuvenate in quietness and solitude. Or maybe it is the time spent with family. Or maybe time on the trail.

Like anything, nothing lasts forever. The little boy who swung in the tire swing on the large oak now lives thousands of miles away raising his own family. The little girl who loved swimming off the dock that is now a teenager and not that excited to hang out with Mom and Dad with no internet. It could be you, you are past your prime and the extra work you are no longer able to do easily.

The deep affection we feel for these properties because of the amazing memories can truly distort the prospective when it comes to considering to sell the property. What do you mean you are selling the family cottage? We love that place! Sure you love it son/daughter but you have not been to the property in 3 years and you do not contribute a dime to the expenses!

Other considerations that one my look at when it might be time to sell is tax considerations, family financial obligations, maybe family’s can not afford to carry the property. You have to consider different generations with different attitudes and goals. The younger generation may want to see the world by travelling. A big one that I see personally is when the commitment of weekly visits just becomes a pain. That pain could be from the 3 hour drive on Friday night and back on Sunday,  kids and sports. New hobbies and interests or maybe new love!

The whole point of the recreational property is to relax, bring family and friends together but ultimately bring joy. When these things are not happening, it is time to start the decision process why you are going to keep the property, or why you are going to sell it.

Selling a cottage is truly a business decision. Like any property that is being purchased and sold. It is better to leave emotion out of the deal, and I realize that is easy to say but unbelievably hard to do in reality. Some of the major mistakes I have seen in the past is looking at the property with rose coloured glasses. You look at your property and see all the special memories, blood, sweat and tears you gave to purchase, kept and maintain the property for so many years. The problem is buyers do not see this with the same lens. They see their own scarifies to purchase, their own hopes and dreams, not yours. You may think your cottage is the best cottage on the lake and going to price it accordingly. Is it the best cottage or is it the rose colour glasses distorting the truth?

Once you have exhausted any and all reasons to keep the property for yourself and your family, it is time to put the property on the market. The first question most want to know is, what is my property worth? To get the correct value of your property is to find a Realtor that works the lakes and can give you documented facts on true value. Don’t be afraid to invite a few agents. The medium price given is most likely your actual value.

Next, you must choose who you are going to list with. Should I choice my friend from the city to list my rural recreational property or should I list with a local agent that knows the lakes, politics, can refer additional resources and usually already has buyers in their pocket? I know which one I would choice who would be best for myself and my family but some feel that their friend that works the city is the best choice. But it is your choice!

Communication is key with everyone involved. Making sure everyone in the family is on the same page with the right reasons why it is time to sell. This will solve a ton of heart ache and bitterness down the road. Also communication with your chosen Realtor is extremely important. Your Realtor must know all the details of the why’s, the troubles, the excitement and the dread. For the Realtor to take you down the correct path of a successful sale, all details must be known no matter how hard it is to tell a complete stranger your problems.

Buying and selling real estate is an emotional, complicated and possibly difficult time in ones life. If you go though all the correct steps in the decision making, you will find that the process can be much less taxing on you and your family.

Watch Video Here!

What is your cottage worth? Click here to find out

When your recreation or waterfront property is no longer rainbows and sunshine, we offer concrete solutions to Life‘s curveballs. Call us today for a clear path. We will look after everything.

Brad Sinclair

Team Lead “The Brad Sinclair Team”

Sales Representative

Royal Heritage Realty, Brokerage

Visit my website! www.bradsinclair.ca

Call Or Text me 705-927-6236

Your Cottage Country Inside Source

Waterfront-Commercial-R.E. -Investing

Is it time to sell

Is it time to sell

There are many good reasons to put your property on the market. Some examples include a relocation, the kids leaving the nest, the need for something bigger or smaller, and the list goes on and on.

However, there are also some less-than-obvious indicators that it may be time to sell. Consider the following:

1. 1. Your Property is no longer a Good “Fit”
      Your home may have been perfect for you when you bought it. But things change. Families grow. Interests change. Needs evolve. For any number of reasons, your property may no longer be a good fit for you. If that’s the case, it makes sense to at least take a look at what’s available on the market. Who knows? Your next “perfect” home may be for sale right now — within your price range!
   2. The Neighbourhood is Changing
      You may have been in love with the neighbourhood when you first moved in. But, over time, the characteristics of any area can change. Those changes don’t necessarily mean the neighbourhood is getting worse. In fact, it may be changing in a positive way; perhaps becoming more urban. But, “more urban” may not be what you want. So take a look at the direction your neighbourhood is heading. Ask yourself, “Do I still want to be living here in two years?”
   3. You’re Ready for Your Dream Home
      Remember when you purchased your current property? Did it have every feature you wanted? Was it your dream home? Or, did you have to compromise on a few things, such as the size of the kitchen? If you had to make some tough choices back then, it might be time for you to finally get the home of your dreams.

Those are just three indicators it may be time for you to make a move. Of course, there are many others.

If you’ve been entertaining the idea of selling your property and finding your next dream home, give me a call. *When your recreation or waterfront property is no longer rainbows and sunshine, we offer concrete solutions to Life‘s curveballs. Call us today for a clear path. We will look after it. *

Brad Sinclair

Team Lead “The Brad Sinclair Team”

Sales Representative

Royal Heritage Realty, Brokerage

Visit my website! www.bradsinclair.ca

Call Or Text me 705-927-6236

Your Cottage Country Inside Source

Waterfront-Commercial-R.E. -Investing

What are Capital Gains

 What are Capital Gains?

Ahhhh, good old Capital Gains. Hello everyone, Brad Sinclair here from the Brad Sinclair Team at Royal Heritage.

Today's topic, What is Capital Gains? Capital Gains is a tax you pay when you sell a secondary property for more than you paid for it, less any legitimate expenses associated with its sale

Side note. Before we go any further, to be clear, Capital Gains
does not get collected on the sale of your principal residence……For now.

How much will you pay in capital gains? That question is best to be answered by your accountant, not your realtor. That said, I will give you a rough calculation for “understanding” purposes here in this video.

Ok, On a capital gain of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), you will be tax on 50% of the profit, which would be fifty thousand dollars($50,000). For a Canadian whose tax bracket is at 33% marginal tax bracket for example the gain would be sixteen thousand, five hundred dollars ($16500) of taxes owed. The remaining eighty three thousand, five hundred ($83,000) is the investors to keep.

If you want to get a better idea of what your capital gains tax looks like before you speak to your accountant, there are many capital gains calculators online that can provide some clarity.

There are a two certainties in life: death and taxes. As I said Capital Gains is the swear word in the world of real estate. The simple fact is you live in Canada, you make money off an asset, you will pay tax on it. Just the way it is!

Written for you by:

Your local Realtor®

If you are looking to either Buy or Sell contact me at

705-927-6236

Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative

Team Lead at The Brad Sinclair Team

Royal Heritage Realty

Your inside source for cottage country waterfront real estate

Kawartha Highlands provincial park

 

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is a memorable place with many opportunities to experience the outdoors ranging from backcountry canoeing and camping to a short hike. Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is open all year long, for exciting adventures in any season. Visitors can enjoy shorter hikes, fishing, birdwatching and other nature-based activities. Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is a relatively new park (it was designated as a provincial park in 2005 and became operational in 2011). Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is the second largest park in southern Ontario next to Algonquin provincial park. Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park offers an alternative to avoid the crowded, and often difficult-to-book Algonquin Provincial Park. Kawartha Highlands presents all of the beauty with less of the frustration of Ontario’s most popular provincial park.

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park spans four geographic townships of Cavendish, Harvey, Burleigh and Anstruther, in the northern half of Peterborough County. Situated along the southern edge of the Canadian Shield, this relatively undeveloped area encompasses over 35,000 hectares. Regional topography features a rugged rolling landscape of small lakes, wetlands, forests with wooded hills, rocky barrens, and deep valleys. Soils are generally shallow, with areas of exposed bedrock. There are over 500 private properties which are surrounded by Kawartha Highlands. The most significant cottage development occurs on Anstruther Lake, Wolf Lake, Loon Call Lake, and Long Lake. None of these properties are regulated as part of the park, and all are governed by municipal by-laws and other applicable legislation and regulations. As a natural environment park, Kawartha Highland's focus is the protection of its landscapes and natural surroundings however some acceptable wilderness activities include: Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing/Ice fishing, Boating, Hunting, Snowmobiling, Camping (both in summer and winter), and Wildlife Viewing.

Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park is about two hours from the Toronto area and has very limited services compared to many provincial parks in Ontario. There is no official visitor’s center, if you plan on camping in Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park be prepared to canoe to one of the over 100 campsites within the park. Reservations are recommended to secure your campsite. There are six recommended Kawartha Highlands Provincial Park canoe loops. The loops range from easy to moderate in difficulty. In the fall, the maple trees beam with vibrant red colours and the poplars with vibrant yellows. For a unique view of the fall foliage, explore the area by water. You can also take a nice day walk along the park trails, or at portage points. 

The park’s lakes are home to a wide range of fish species, including Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout, Walleye, Small and Largemouth Bass, and panfish. Visitors are encouraged to try their luck on any of the 17 stocked trout lakes in the park. The park is also home to a variety of other animals made up of 176 bird species such as Osprey, Whip-Poor-Will, Common Nighthawk, Scarlet Tanager, and Eastern Towhee. About 37 mammal species such as Eastern Wolves, Coyote, Mink, Whitetail Deer, and Black Bear. There are about 29 species of reptiles and amphibians for example; the Spotted Salamander, Eastern Rat Snake, Northern Water Snake, Snapping Turtle, and Leopard frog.

Brad Sinclair

Team Lead “The Brad Sinclair Team”

Sales Representative

Royal Heritage Realty, Brokerage

Visit my website! www.bradsinclair.ca

Call Or Text me 705-927-6236

Your Cottage Country Inside Source

Waterfront-Commercial-R.E. -Investing

What is a Flood Plain and Shoreline Erosion?

What is a Flood Plain and Shoreline Erosion?

Do you know what a floodplain is? More importantly do you know what a floodplain is before you purchase a waterfront property? Well, if you don’t know, stay with me here for a minute.

My name is Brad Sinclair, and let me help you buy or sell your waterfront property. So what is a floodplain and why should you care?

Floodplains are the flat, barren or vegetated areas at the edge of lakes, streams and rivers. Floodplains are usually at or near the same elevation as for example the top of the river bank or the high water mark of a lake. Some flooding can be expected every year. All rivers, lakes and streams flood at one time or another. Usually flooding occurs during the spring run off or after an extreme rain fall.

Building on Flood Plains is now extremely restricted. No one wants to have their basement turn into a swimming pool every spring. But many older builds were built on flood plains, something your Realtor should warn you about before you purchase a waterfront property. You can assess the danger zone yourself by keeping an eye out for evidence of high water marks, past basement damage or the most obvious the central air conditioner on a four foot stand, don’t laugh, I have seen it!

In todays codes in Ontario there is a minimum distance, called a setback that a building now can be built from a lake or river. The setbacks are regulated by the local municipality but only have been enforced in the last 20 years or so.  Also, for septic tanks every municipality has guidelines on minimum setbacks and clearances for septic system absorption areas. Again, these are things you should be looking into before purchasing.

Floodplains are prone to shoreline erosion. To help prevent erosions from flooding, leave your shoreline as natural as possible. There is a natural price to pay if you want to remove vegetation or trees. Vegetation and trees are essential for maintaining the integrity of the shoreline and help stop erosion. I have seen limestone break walls used as a natural looking way to stop erosion. Just be sure before you start the work proper permits in place!

Brad Sinclair

Team Lead “The Brad Sinclair Team”

Sales Representative

Royal Heritage Realty, Brokerage

Visit my website! www.bradsinclair.ca

Call Or Text me 705-927-6236

Your Cottage Country Inside Source

Waterfront-Commercial-R.E. -Investing

Why shoreline road allowances are so important to have knowledge on when purchasing your waterfront dream!

 First of all, what is a shoreline road allowance (SRA)? Well, in the late 19th century the Crown instructed their surveyors to lay out 66-Foot road allowances along the banks of lakes and rivers in Ontario. These road allowances were used for logging and transportation of goods. Today, there is very little use, if at all commercially for the road allowances. Since road allowances were no longer of interest to the general public for commercial uses the road allowances were turned over by the Crown to the individual municipality the lakes were in. This leaving the road allowances being owned publicly.

Over the years individual land owners were offered to purchase the SRA from the municipality to have exclusive use. Having ownership of the SRA would mean there would be less restrictions the seller would have on usage and building. Many did purchase the SRA, many did not. In the past municipalities would not enforce rules so many cottages, boathouses and docks were built on these SRA’s. In todays tighter enforcement and environmental protection, problems can now arise with current and future usage if the SRA is not owned. That said “riparian rights” does say you could build a dock on the SRA, for example and enjoy it without any problems.

Closing or purchasing your SRA was always an option at anytime as long as land owner was willing to pay the costs of purchase plus a purchase price to the municipality. No one could purchase the SRA other then the abutting land owner. There is an application process to purchase the SRA, I would recommend to approach the municipal planner about any plans to do so. There are some municipalities now that limit how many of the SRA’s they sell per year as the SRA’s are future funds for the municipality. They would like to spread out the returns as rates escalate over time along with real estate values.

In some cases purchasing the SRA just does not make sense for a property owner. Existing cottages and buildings are well off the SRA. Their access is secured by riparian rights, so usage is not an issue. As long as there is no future plans to build or need the set back amounts there is no reason to purchase.

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to ask!

Written for you by:

Your local Realtor®

If you are looking to either Buy or Sell contact me at

705-927-6236

Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative

Team Lead at The Brad Sinclair Team

Royal Heritage Realty

Your inside source for cottage country waterfront real estate

Happy Trails!

 

Getting out for a walk in nature can be so beneficial. It eases the mind and body of stress and can be a great way to spend quality time on your own or with family and friends. Plus, you get to observe wildlife and explore wild spaces along the journey. Below are some tips and tricks for hiking, as well as links to hiking trail locations in Kawartha Lakes, Muskoka and Haliburton Highlands.

What a View!

HIKING TRAILS

10 Hiking Trails Kawartha Lakes:

https://www.alltrails.com/canada/ontario/kawartha-lakes

9 Best All-Season Hikes in Muskoka:

https://jaynescottages.com/9-best-all-season-hikes-in-muskoka/

Haliburton Highlands Trails:

https://myhaliburtonhighlands.com/hiking-trails/

 

Exploring with Family

HIKING TIPS AND TRICKS:

WHAT TO PACK – Packing for a short hike does not require too much, here are a few essential items if you plan on hiking all day:

Navigation Tools: Make sure to bring a map, compass or GPS for your hiking trip.

Adequate Water: Hydrate before the hiking trip and sip water throughout the day.

Adequate Food: Bring along extra snacks so you and your hiking companions can enjoy the whole hike.

Clothing and Rain Protection: Pack a lightweight rain jacket or dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes easily.

Safety Items: If you are hiking an easy, well-maintained trail that sees a lot of foot traffic, you may not be worried about safety. No matter what you anticipate, you will want to include a firestarter, a flashlight and a whistle, so you are prepared for any situation.

First-Aid Kit: Build a first-aid kit, which might include blister treatment, bandages, tape, antibiotic ointment, gauze pads and any medications that you or your companions may need.

Beautiful Trail

Multi-Purpose Tool or Knife 

Sun Protection: Bring along sunscreen and sunglasses. If possible, aim to hike on shaded trails between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun shines strong, and use mornings for open-area hikes. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more if you’re sweating a lot.

Backpack: Choose a pack that feels comfortable for you and that won’t put excess strain on your back and shoulders.

Trash Bag: Pack a trash bag to keep the trails you trek beautiful, clean and free of garbage. A zippered plastic bag is perfect for containing wrappers and other trash until you get back. Be sure to help younger hikers dispose of their trash properly.

Bug Spray: Ticks, bees, spiders and mosquitoes are some of the insects. In buggy areas, you can use DEET insect repellent. Be sure to reapply frequently.

Toiletries: If you plan to hike far away from public restrooms, prepare for bathroom breaks by bringing toilet paper, hand sanitizer, waste bags and any other necessities.

HIKING CLOTHING TIPS

• Dress in layers (tuck shirt into pants to avoid ticks or other bugs getting onto skin)
  

  Hiking Buddy

  
  

  
  

• Bring a hat
• Wear tall socks for extra protection (tuck pant legs into socks)
• Avoid cotton because it holds moisture
• Opt for light-colored clothing, which helps you see ticks and other bugs more easily

(https://koa.com/blog/hiking-tips-and-tricks-how-to-plan-and-prepare-for-a-hike/)

Brought to you by:

The Brad Sinclair Team

Your local Realtor®

If you are looking to either Buy or Sell waterfront  contact me at 705-927-6236

 

The Brad Sinclair Team

Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative

Royal Heritage Realty

The Inside Source to Waterfront Real Estate

 

 

 

 

 

www.bradsinclair.ca

www.kawarthawaterfront.ca