Jay Richardson

Navigating Waterfront Regulations

Posted on Jun 07, 2025 in News and Views

Navigating Waterfront Regulations: What Sellers Need to Know in 2025

A Guide for Discerning Waterfront Property Owners in Lake of BaysWhen you're preparing to list your treasured waterfront property, understanding the regulatory landscape isn't merely about compliance—it's about positioning your estate as the premium, worry-free investment that soph...

Electric Pioneer on Lake of Bays

Posted on May 22, 2025 in News and Views

The Electric Explorer: How the SS Bigwin Pioneered Sustainable Tourism a Century Ahead of Its Time

A tale of glamour, tragedy, and resurrection that sailed from Toronto’s harbour to Muskoka’s most exclusive waters

In an era where sustainability has become the watchword of luxury travel, one might assume that eco-friendly tourism is a thoroughly moder...

Would You Buy Your Own Cottage?

Posted on May 21, 2025 in News and Views

The First Impression Test: Is Your Cottage Ready for Muskoka’s Discerning Market

Imagine stepping onto your property—not as its proud owner, but as a discerning buyer seeing it for the very first time. How would your cottage genuinely measure up? Would you find yourself enamoured by the charming lakeside dock, or would minor imperfections become gla...

10 Selling No No's

Posted on May 20, 2025 in News and Views

Top 10 Things to Avoid when Selling

Selling a premium Lake of Bays cottage shouldn’t feel like auditioning for a reality TV clean-up show. Yet even the most sophisticated owners can unknowingly sabotage viewings with a few classic missteps. Let’s whistle through the top ten traps to avoid.

1.) Clutter – the Silent Space Thief

Overflowing boot racks, t...

Fractional Ownership – A Sophisticated Approach to Cottage Living

Posted on May 10, 2025 in News and Views

Understanding the True Nature of Fractional Ownership

Fractional ownership has emerged as an intelligent solution for those seeking the pleasures of cottage life in Muskoka / Lake of Bays without the full commitment of traditional ownership. As one of the region’s premier waterfront specialists, I’m often asked about the difference between fractiona...

When Disaster Strikes Before Closing

Posted on Apr 18, 2025 in News and Views

When Disaster Strikes Before Closing:
The Case of McDonald v. Lowrie

What every Muskoka buyer and seller should know about risk, insurance, and deposits.

The deal that went up in smoke

In May 2024, a buyer signed an Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) for a charming century home near Tillsonburg, Ontario: purchase price $775,000, deposit $25,000. Two...

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