A few questions I hear often from buyers and sellers in the Kawartha Lakes area. If yours isn’t here, reach out — I’m happy to talk it through.
What areas do you work in?
I work throughout the Kawartha Lakes region, including Lakefield, Peterborough, Buckhorn, and the surrounding waterfront and rural communities along the Trent-Severn Waterway. If you’re looking at a property outside that area, I’m happy to point you toward an agent who knows it well.
I’m moving from the GTA. Where do I even start?
Start with a conversation, not a listing search. Buying outside the city works differently — well and septic systems, seasonal road access, and shoreline rules all factor in, and I walk you through each one before you fall in love with a property that doesn’t fit. Most of my GTA clients start with a call or a weekend visit so we can talk through what life up here actually looks like.
I’m downsizing. How is that different from a typical home sale?
Downsizing usually involves more than a sale — sorting decades of belongings, timing two transactions, and figuring out what the next place needs to have. I’ve guided many clients through this exact transition, and I build the timeline around what’s manageable for you, not around a standard 60-day close.
What should I know before buying a waterfront property?
A few things a typical home search won’t cover: water frontage rights, dock and boathouse permissions, septic proximity to the shoreline, and how the property is accessed in winter. I go through all of this with you before an offer, not after.
Do waterfront and rural properties need different inspections than a house in town?
Often, yes. Well water quality, septic system condition, and sometimes a shoreline or dock assessment are worth budgeting for in addition to a standard home inspection. I can recommend inspectors who know this area specifically.
How long does it typically take to sell a home in this market?
It varies by property type and season — waterfront tends to move fastest in spring and early summer, while year-round homes sell steadily throughout the year. When we meet, I’ll give you a realistic timeline based on your specific property and the current market, not a generic number.
Can I close on a specific timeline if I’m coordinating a move?
In most cases, yes. Closing dates are negotiable as part of an offer, and I factor your timeline into how we structure it from the start, especially if you’re coordinating a sale and purchase together.
What should I look for in a REALTOR®?
Look for someone who listens first and talks second, knows the local market well, and gets back to you promptly. Ask about their experience with properties like yours, whether that’s a cottage, a working farm, or a home in town, since the process can look quite different depending on the property. A good REALTOR® treats every client with the same care and attention, regardless of price point.
Does it matter if my REALTOR® specializes in waterfront or rural properties?
It often does. Waterfront and rural properties come with details a typical in-town sale doesn’t: water frontage rights, septic and well systems, shoreline road allowances, and seasonal access, among others. An agent who works with these properties regularly knows what to look for and what to ask, which can save you time and help you avoid surprises later in the process.
How do I know if a REALTOR® actually knows the local area?
Ask specific questions: about lake associations, township bylaws, well and septic requirements, or how the commute to Peterborough or the GTA typically works from a given area. Someone who works here regularly will have clear, current answers rather than general ones. It’s also fair to ask how many transactions they’ve handled nearby in the past year or two.
Should I use the same REALTOR® to sell my current home and buy my next one?
Many people do, and there are advantages: one person coordinating both timelines and understanding your full situation from start to finish. That said, it isn’t required. What matters most is finding someone you trust and communicate well with, whether that covers one transaction or two.
What questions should I ask before choosing a REALTOR®?
A few worth asking: How long have you worked in this area? How will you keep me updated, and how often? What’s your experience with properties similar to mine? Would a past client be willing to talk with me? The answers, and how comfortable you feel asking them, will tell you a lot.
Do I have to pay a REALTOR® directly to help me buy a home?
In most cases, no. The seller typically covers the commission for both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent out of the sale proceeds, so working with a buyer’s agent usually doesn’t cost you directly. It’s worth confirming this with any agent upfront so there are no surprises.
What’s the difference between a local REALTOR® and one from a bigger city?
A local REALTOR® tends to have closer working relationships with area lawyers, inspectors, and contractors, along with a clearer sense of what properties are actually worth here versus in the GTA. That local knowledge matters most with rural and waterfront properties, where value depends on details that don’t always show up in a standard market report.
What’s the first step if I’m just starting to think about buying or selling?
A conversation, no pressure and no commitment. I’ll ask about your goals and timeline, answer your questions, and give you an honest read on the market. From there, you decide what pace feels right.
