The slow start to spring hasn't been a problem for people wanting to buy or sell a cottage in the Muskoka region, in fact record sales are being reported.
Despite the wintery weather on Monday, Cindy Butler is optimistic about listing her family cottage of 56 years. She says the property is getting difficult to manage as she gets older.
“Maybe it will be a quicker sale. The longer you are on the market the bit more difficult it is.”
Some cottages are still not even accessible and the freezing temperatures and snow the area has seen this winter usually keeps the market cold. However, realtors like Heather Scott have noticed the complete opposite since January.
“The phones are ringing; buyer showings for this time of year have doubled what we see normally see given that access is still limited,” Scott says.
Scott has six deals on the table right now compared to just two this time last year and it not just her. Record number cottage sales are being reported in Haliburton, Muskoka, and Orillia.
The latest numbers from the Lakelands Association of Realtors show 44 waterfront properties were sold in February. That's up nearly 50 per cent from last year.
“It's surprising, but also a very good sign of what's to come. With interest rates so low, it's a good time to be out there buying,” says Mike Stahls.
Traditionally cottage sales pick up in the spring, but realtors like Scott say the winter trend hasn't cooled down and she's expecting business to keep booming well into summer.
“There's huge confidence in the cottage market. Deals are happening quicker; you have to be ready to buy when you do search because properties are moving quicker than we've ever seen before.”
