Saturday, September 4, 2021

PAVING YOUR DRIVEWAY FOR CURB APPEAL AND FUNCTIONALITY

 We have been in our new house for 13 months now. One thing we missed from our last house is a paved driveway. A paved driveway keeps the house clean, the curb appeal of the house is high and a large surface for the kids to play on. I had a knock on the door the other day with a young lad asking if I would be interested in having my driveway paved. You are always a little suspicious of a guy knocking on your door offering his services so I did what I do. Chat.

After chatting with the young lad I was very impressed with him. He was personable and a nice kid. I felt comfortable in hiring his family to do the work. The company is HJM Asphalt Paving 519-643-6885. They did a wonderful job. I would highly recommend! Check out how much better our home looks with the paved Drive.

Written for you by:
Your local Realtor®
If you are looking to either Buy or Sell contact me at
Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative
Team Lead at The Brad Sinclair Team
Royal Heritage Realty

Your inside source for cottage country waterfront real estate

Home Inspections, How to do them in todays market! The Brad Sinclair Team, Royal Heritage Realty

 I read an article in a local magazine this morning titled "Getting a Proper Home Inspection is Critical" and I thought I would write a blog based on the points and comments the author had in the magazine article.

In the article, the author started his article by stating it is a seller's market but cautioned not to forget about common sense. He went on to comment that "a lot of agents are suggesting putting in an offer without any conditions". Other comments made were 'you need to go in with a safety net" and "kind of crazy to consider an offer without the home inspection condition"

I understand his point of purchasing a house wisely. A home inspection is something that needs to be completed before purchasing a home. What I disagree with the author is the timing of the inspection.

In a Seller's market, the author is advising to have a condition on Home Inspection in an offer. Sometimes this is the kiss of death of an offer. Think about it. You have your house listed at $600000 and you are looking at three offers. One is cash, no conditions $650000, the other is $6500000 with Financing, home inspection and insurance and the other is also $6500000 just home inspection. Which one would you take as a seller?

What I suggest is to do a home inspection BEFORE an offer is placed. In a Seller's market, you must do your due diligence before the offer so you have a chance at the property.  This way as the author has stated you are not going in "blindfolded". If you identify a property you would like to place an offer on, request to the Seller through their Realtor to have two hours to complete an inspection. The Seller wants as many "clean" offers as possible and if they are not hiding anything the request will most likely be granted.

One thing we both agree on is to find an insured and licensed inspector. The industry is unregulated so my 8-year-old daughter can become a home inspector next week without question if she wanted to.


Friday, August 13, 2021

Check it out! August on Kasshabog Lake

 

Summer is wrapping up.

It has been quite a summer. Lots of rain, lots of caterpillars and lots of high real estate prices. The recovery of the leaves from the caterpillars has been coming back nicely. Here are some overhead shots of Connor Bay and Long Island took on August  11th /2021

 

Here is an overhead shot in late June, you can see the difference!

I found two loons in MacDonald Bay diving, fishing and playing. It was fun to watch them for a few minutes!

Loons fishing

Boat Launches on both the south end and north end are in good shape.

Kasshabog Lake Beach is in perfect shape! Enjoyed by many.

 

Boating Kasshabog in the early morning is still my favourite time to be on the water.

 

What makes Kosh, Kasshabog is the Canadian shield and the wonderful rock outcrops.

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
Solving Problems and Making Things Happen in Real Estate since 2007
 

 

 

 

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

10 TIPS BEFORE MOVING TO A NEW HOME


Moving can be an exciting and stressful time. So, to give you a bit of a head start when moving into your new home we have compiled a list of helpful and important things to do before moving in.

  1. Do a walkthrough: Ensure all requested and agreed-upon repairs have been made by the previous owner – Everything that was to be included in the sale is present in the house – Everything is in working order, including outlets, switches, and fixtures
  2. Child/Pet-proof (if necessary)
  3. Figure out where large/heavy items will go before unloading the moving truck
  4. Make sure the Utilities are set up or booked for set up
  5. Locate fuse box and water valve
  6. Do a deep clean
  7. Prioritize repairs
  8. Change your locks
  9. Change your address – find a complete list of who to notify here
  10. Meet your neighbours

 

 

Images: By Brad Sinclair and https://unsplash.com/s/photos/house-keys

Reference: https://www.moving.com/tips/10-important-things-to-do-when-moving-into-a-new-home/

Saturday, July 24, 2021

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

 
 
 
 
 

Saturday, July 17, 2021

About: Pigeon Lake in the Kawarthas

Pigeon Lake and Area

 



Pigeon Lake is located in the Kawarthas bordered by two counties, County of Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes. There are many settlements along Pigeon, but Bobcaygeon is the largest town located on the northwest shores of the lake. In Bobcaygeon, you will find lockage from Pigeon Lake to Sturgeon Lake. (see pictures below).

Bobcaygeon, City of Kawartha LakesBoating into Bobcaygeon

BobcaygeonMarina services in Bobcaygeon

Bobcaygeon Real Estate SalesBoat dockage to visit and shop Bobcaygeon. Lockage into Sturgeon Lake

Pigeon Lake landmarks and sister lakes

Pigeon Lake is part of a three primary lake system in the Trent Severn Waterway system called the Tri-lake water system. This includes Chemong Lake and Buckhorn Lake. To enter the other two lakes accessed can be found through Gannon’s Narrows. The major landmark is the Gannon’s Narrows Bridge. (see pictures below). Although Pigeon is referred to as the Tri-lake system, you can enter two more lakes on the northeast area of the lake called Big and Little Bald Lakes.

Gannons Narrows BridgeGannon's Narrows Bridge from Pigeon Lake heading to Buckhorn Lake

Pigeon Lake through Gannon's Narrows showing Ennismore (Township Of Selwyn, County of Peterborough)

Pigeon Lake Fishing

Pigeon lake is 13,205 acres in size, with an average depth of 9.8 feet. The deepest area on the lake located on the north end of the lake has the depths of 57 feet. Pigeon holds many species of fish, including large and smallmouth bass, Muskie, Crappie, Walleye. I have been told you can find Northern Pike on the lake, but I have never seen any.

Muskellunge chasing Bass, Muskie Smallmouth BassMuskellunge chasing Bass

Pigeon Lake North and South

I titled this the majestic north Pigeon Lake as I think north Pigeon Lake is one of the nicest, most naturally beautiful areas in the Kawarthas. Once you go south of Gannon’s Narrows on Pigeon you enter a whole new ecological system. The waters are much more shallow, plant growth is abundant, and there is a wild rice dispute with local property owners and Curve Lake First Nations. Find out more about the wild rice dispute watch “Cottagers and Indians” documentary aired by CBC.

[caption id="attachment_5654" align="aligncenter" width="804"]Sunset from Trent Lakes looking toward Bobcaygeon

Pigeon Lake and Kawartha Land Trust

Also found in north Pigeon Lake is Boyd Island. This island is a 1085 acre island that is owned and protected by Kawartha Land Trust. Also known as Big Island or Chiminis Island this property was donated by Mike and Terry Wilson for all to enjoy in 2015. Activities that are encouraged on the island are fishing, hiking, day camping, and research. No hunting, night camping, or alcohol is allowed.

Selling Pigeon Lake

As a Realtor, I usually sell north Pigeon Lake as a recreational property or very high-end residential properties. South Pigeon Lake is also known for a mixture of usage properties but I would say most properties are used as residential because of the proximity and the quick drive to significant center's Lindsay and Peterborough.

Pigeon Lake offers so much to so many. Fishing, boating, sandbars for swimming, shallow and deep waters, towns, and settlements. You will also find campgrounds, overnight facilities, and many easy access boat launches.

Written for you by:
Your local Realtor®
If you are looking to either Buy or Sell in Selwyn or Peterborough contact me at 705-927-6236
 
The Brad Sinclair Team
Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative
Royal Heritage Realty

The Inside Source to Waterfront Real Estate

 
 
 
 
 

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