All the reasons I didn’t want to rent our cottage. What changed?
If you are anything like me, you don’t like sharing your personal space and especially your bed! I know, I feel the same way. I was quite surprised to hear other people had the same concerns as me...
" I will just use Airbnb to rent my cottage"
“I will just Airbnb my cottage”. Yes, you can you rent your cottage using Airbnb! But like anything else in life I think it is important that you know the pros and cons of Airbnb before making that decision. Read more.......
Why use a management company?
In last weeks blog we covered the pros and cons of using Airbnb to rent a cottage. Investigating all of the options available is what a prudent cottage owner should do. So, this week we are looking at what it means to use a management company to help you with your rentals and what you should ask the company’s you interview.
Top 10 Cottage Rental Mistakes to Avoid.
Considering renting your cottage and wondering what you need think about to get your cottage investment working for you? Well this blog will help you out. This week we are looking at the top 10 mistakes to avoid when renting your cottage.
Take advantage of the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit.
Have you heard about the “Ontario Staycation Tax Credit” that was announced in December 2021 ? Have you been wondering if a cottage rental falls under the program and if so how does the program work? Are you a cottage owner and wondering what your responsibility is? Well this weeks blog will answer all your questions on the “Ontario Staycation Tax Credit”.
BUILDING MEMORIES AND EARNING SOME EXTRA MONEY
Cottage ownership is a dream, but a dream that many people can now achieve. We know that you want to buy a cottage; a place where you can build memories with your family and friends. One of the ways that a lot of people realize this dream is to offer their cottage to rent. It helps cover costs and contributes to your mortgage. Now that we have the “big” decisions out of the way, it’s time to think about what to look for in a cottage.
Like any other real estate purchase, this is a big deal. Make sure you have your team in place. Arm yourself with professionals who know the area that you are looking for in. Many townships have differing by-laws, that may affect what you can and cannot do. Always best to ask if you aren't sure. But what should you be considering when it comes to a cottage that you can rent out?
Rental cottages come in all shapes, sizes, and budgets, so you don't need to worry about fitting in. There are, however, some things to consider when you are looking.
Just One More Property (JOMP)
Ever wonder how people get passive income streams and grow wealth? Last week Paul Fitzpatrick one of SVR’s owners and Broker of Record for Home Group Realty hosted a Webinar with Sylvia Ho from @sylviahomortgages. In the Webinar Sylvia gave a high-level overview of how she helps individuals and families grow wealth and passive income streams through cottage ownership.
‘Comforts of home’ AT BLUEWATER HAVEN
After what has felt like the longest winter in history, I was itching to get out of the city and take in some new scenery. I learned pretty quickly that I wasn’t the only one looking for a weekend getaway – despite being in what I would consider ‘off season’ (who takes vacation in February...in Ontario?) there wasn’t much to choose from on Airbnb. A quick Google search led me to a gorgeous cottage on Serenity Vacation Rentals – a cute and cozy home with a private view of Lake Huron, and under two hours’ drive from home – and it was available! I booked in a heartbeat and started counting the days until my winter ‘staycation’.
What is TICO and does it matter to me as a renter?
Some of us know to look for the Travel Industry of Council of Ontario (TICO) symbol before booking and others don’t know what TICO is at all. For those of us who know to look for the TICO symbol, I bet most of us don’t really know what TICO is and what they do for consumers. This week’s blog is going to talk about who TICO is and why it is important as a consumer to book with companies who are TICO certified.
Get ready for a quick spring clean-up!
As we head into the spring season, we know that all cottage owners have spring clean-up on their minds. There is no reason that the spring clean-up weekend needs to take whole weekend. Here is a way to do the clean-up and still have fun on this weekend.
5 simple ways to freshen up your cottage!
Spring season is upon us and for many cottage owners we like to start to do things around the cottage. So here are 5 simple ways that you can freshen and brighten up your cottage and get it ready for renting.
Craft Breweries in Haliburton and Muskoka.
Craft breweries are popping up everywhere! What is more reminiscent of summer vacation in cottage country then a cold beer on a hot day on the dock. Well, now adays beers are often a craft beer from a local brewery. Below are our top 10 (in no specific order) craft breweries in Haliburton and Muskoka. Stop by on your way to the cottage and grab a few beers to go or make it an outing and visit a brewery for a meal and the ambiance.
Rainy day cottage activities.
When we book our vacations, we all plan for sunny days and great weather. Sometimes mother nature has different plans for us. So, check the weather in advance and come prepared if you know the weather is going to be rainy! Here are some of our rainy-day activities.
Craft Breweries in Kawartha’s.
A few weeks ago, we did a blog on craft breweries in Haliburton and Muskoka. This week we are looking at the craft breweries that are popping up Kawartha’s. There are some great craft beers that are made in the Kawartha’s so check out some of these local breweries.
Craft Breweries along Lake Huron and Lake Erie.
The Great Lakes are not being left behind in the craft brewery craze. All the Great Lakes communities have some tasty local craft breweries. This week’s blog is focusing on some of the independent local craft breweries found in the communities along the shores of Lake Huron and Lake Erie. Most of these breweries have great food so plan to spend some time at them and really take in the vibe!
Farmers Markets around Kawartha’s
Farmers markets have long been a tradition in the Kawartha’s. Wandering the stalls of local vendors and farmers with all their fresh produce, fruit, meats, and goods is so relaxing. Whether you are foraging for supplies for yourself or to prepare meals for your guests this is the best place to find the freshest ingredients available at very reasonable prices. You also get the unparalleled experience of meeting and talking to the farmers, growers, bakers, and artisans who are bringing their products from their fields and workshops to the markets. You don’t get that in a grocery store chain!
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Farmers Markets around Muskoka
Farmers markets have long been a tradition in Muskoka. Wandering the stalls of local vendors and farmers with all their fresh produce, fruit, meats, and goods is so relaxing. Whether you are foraging for supplies for yourself or to prepare meals for your guests this is the best place to find the freshest ingredients available at very reasonable prices. Farm to table has been part of the culture of Muskoka for decades and is back this summer! Everyone knows how much we value local small businesses, and it is even more important in areas where the economy is seasonal. So please support check out these amazing farmers markets in Muskoka!
Farmers Markets in Haliburton County
Farmers markets have long been a tradition in cottage country and Haliburton County markets are part of this tradition. They have 3 main farmers markets where local farmers, bakers, growers and artisans come once a week to sell their products. Below are the three main must-see markets when you are in Haliburton County. Everyone knows how much we value local small businesses, and it is even more important in areas where the economy is seasonal. So please support check out these amazing farmers markets in Haliburton!
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Tax strategies for cottage ownership and rentals.
Our May webinar featured Wayne Root CPA,CGA and Partner at rib lip and Eric Tuffnail, CPA, Manager at rlb llp accounting firm. We recorded this discussion and the video will be up on our YouTube channel - “Serenity Vacation Rentals” . This weeks blog will attempt to provide a high level answer to some of the commonly asked questions. There was a lot of information to unpack in this conversation so we would advise you to reach out to your accountant or to Wayne and Eric if you need an accountant to ensure that the tax advice given is specific to your needs.
Outdoor Games for your Cottage
If you are looking for outdoor games for your cottage there are so many to select from. My memories of the cottage are playing Horseshoes and Croquet or lawn bowling. Those games are still available but there are so many more to choose from now. Here are our top 10 games for your cottage.
Cottage Rental Etiquette
Ontario cottage country is beautiful. Every year thousands of people escape to their cottages to enjoy the wilderness, serenity, and beauty of what our province has to offer. Each cottage country area (Haliburton, Muskoka, Kawartha’s, Prince Edward County and more) has natural beauty and vibrant towns. At Serenity Vacation Rentals we are grateful to the cottage owners who allow us to share their cottages with you and we hope that you create beautiful lasting memories and want to visit us again!
To ensure the continued success of short-term cottage rentals in these beautiful areas we have put together some guest etiquette. This will help to keep you safe during your stay along with ensuring that the cottage, the neighbours, and the environment that you are in is preserved so that many more families can create cottage country memories.
Thoughts from a lawyer – Part 1
Purchasing a cottage is not the same as purchasing a home in a city. So, what is unique about a cottage purchase and what should you know before you proceed? Good question! We have a podcast with Mark Weisleder, Senior Partner at Realestatelawyeers.ca up on our You tube Channel and we are breaking down his thoughts into 2 blogs. This is Blog Part 1.
Thoughts from a lawyer – Part 2
Last week’s blog outlined the first 5 thoughts that Real Estate Lawyer Mark Weisleder, Senior Partner at Realestatelawyeers.ca outlined in the podcast that is up on our YouTube Channel. This week we cover the final areas that everyone considering a cottage purchase should be aware of.
Insider’s Guide to Cottage Real Estate
What is happening in the Cottage Real Estate Market? Is buying a cottage different than buying a city property? What do I need to know about buying a cottage? All these questions are so good and are all common questions we get asked from people who are considering buying a cottage as an investment property. The Webinar from July 28th featuring Angela Beatty from Keller Williams Realty Centres answered all of these and more. This week’s blog covers the key points from the Webinar. If you are interested in listening to the full webinar you will find it on our YouTube channel. So, let’s jump in and cover the key take aways from the Real Estate Webinar.
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Top 5 questions from renters.
After a couple of years of renting cottages at Serenity Vacation Rentals we noticed that we get the same questions over and over for people who are looking to rent. So, if you have a cottage that you rent these are some of the things that the renters ask about and are looking for.
Fall in Cottage Country
Fall in my opinion is the best time to visit Cottage Country. Not only is some of the summer madness and the crowds that brings dissipating but the weather in the fall is glorious. If you are considering renting a cottage in the fall, I would highly suggest it. The rates are cheaper and there is SO much to do. People come from all over the world to tour our cottage country to experience the gorgeous fall colour change. You can experience this in all the cottage regions. Below are some suggestions of just a few things you can do in Kawarthas, Haliburton/Muskoka and Thousand Islands/Rideau Canal areas.