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’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.
