Despite Canada’s low default rate, mortgage holders are concerned about increased monthly payments ahead. As the last of the pandemic-era mortgages come up for renewal, one third of Canadian
Susan Benson's Blog Posts
The above is a rendering for proposed redevelopment of the the former Ontario Fire College property in Gravenhurst. While this redevelopment falls largely under provincial jurisdiction, every
Uptick in activity in recent weeks may be the start of a turnaround, leaving real estate market experts cautiously optimisticFirst quarter highlights: In the first quarter of 2026, the national
Foreign Buyer Ban Extended to 2027- Are Cottages Included?The Foreign Buyer Ban ban, during which some foreign buyers are prohibited from purchasing residential property in Canada was extended,
Long lakeside weekends are fast approaching, prompting many Canadians to consider whether 2026 is the right time to invest in a cottage or cabin.While economic uncertainty continues to influence
According to the latest report from the Canadian Real Estate Association, Sellers made a strong entrance into the 2026 housing market. As home sales slowed compared to December, a surge of fresh
As Mark & Susan Benson can attest, winter in Muskoka is an ideal time to bring together family, celebrate the outdoors and get involved in your community. We reached out to our personal
Getting involved in your community is an easy way to feel more fulfilled, especially during colder, quieter months of the year. But sometimes it can be difficult to know where to start in the
IMPROVED AFFORDABILITY AND STABLE PRICES EXPECTED TO ENTICE BUYERSAfter a year defined by economic uncertainty and shifts in government on both sides of the border, 2026 is shaping up to be a true
Canada’s winter recreational ski region housing markets rebound in 2025, as push to ‘Buy Canadian’ attracts domestic buyers.Following declining activity in 2024, the country&rsquo
There’s certainly no better way to celebrate the season than by choosing thoughtful gifts for your best friends and loved ones. As strong believers in supporting local, and with a view to
Canada’s real estate market is primed for buyers, but first-timers are moving at their own paceHighlights:13% of Canadian adults are working towards their first residential property purchase
In its September 19th rate cut, the first since March, the Bank of Canada announced a reduction in the overnight lending rate by 25 basis points to 2.5%. With softness taking hold in the labour
29% of Canadians retiring within the next two years say they won’t have their home paid off.Survey Highlights:29% of those planning to retire within the next two years say they will carry a
SOLITUDE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING. THE JOY AND PAIN OF ISLAND COTTAGING IN MUSKOKA. Islands conjure up both adventure and fear of being removed from the mainland. As of writing, the most expensive
Feel like a Muskoka and Almaguin cottage is out of reach? Here are 4 reasons why it might actually be within your grasp:Muskoka/Almaguin Market Trends: While cottages in this region have
Music for Young Children (MYC) is a Canadian made program, with a Muskoka connection, offering the gift of music to children, and children at heart, across 3 continents. Over 550,000 students
More than half of Canadians renewing a mortgage this year expect their monthly payment to increase: Royal LePage® Survey1 in 10 consider downsizing, relocating to a more affordable region or
Midwinter woodpiles are diminishing throughout Muskoka as the sweet smell of smoke rises from fireplaces and wood stoves. Did you know that your accumulating ashes could be put to use to improve
The Bank of Canada reduced its target for the overnight lending rate to 3.75%, marking the fourth consecutive rate cut in 2024, and the largest decrease since the onset of the pandemic in March.&
Breaking bread with friends and family is an essential part of the Muskoka experience at any time of year. With numerous options available at resort, main street, back road, river and lake-
First-time buyers of new construction homes in Canada will now be able to access longer mortgage amortization periods. As of August 1st, 2024, lenders will be allowed to offer 30-year
Despite a strong first quarter for sales, Canada’s spring housing market was muted in many regions across the country in Q2 of 2024. Although the first cut to the overnight lending rate by the
Among those expected to continue renting, insufficient income is the greatest hurdle to home ownership amid tight competition in supply-strapped market.Highlights:27% of renters plan to buy a
Half of residents in Canada’s largest urban centres are eyeing a move to more affordable real estate markets. Quebec City and Edmonton top choices for relocation; cost of living and proximity
With the rising cost of real estate, insurance and taxes we’ve had a few questions lately about options for generating income from an Ontario home or cottage. The housing shortage and more
When I joined Royal LePage, Lakes of Muskoka Real Estate Brokerage 14 years ago, and Mark a few years before that, all continuing education courses and client meetings were in person, printed
BEST THINGS TO DO IN SUMMER 2024!Cottagers have been “coming up” to Fenelon Falls at Lock #34, and vicinity, since well before the 386 km Trent Canal waterway first opened in 1922.
Last year I was fortunate to be invited on two preview tours of the thoroughly impressive expanded Muskoka Steamship & Discovery Centre facilities. But last week, newly installed General,
Summer Day at Green Point on Lake of BaysThe Cottage Life Show in Toronto is the traditional launch of our recreational property sales season here in Muskoka. With
The Ontario Government legislation, amending laws that have guided real estate professionals for over 20 years, went into effect at the end of 2023. Changes broadly included improvements to broker
SHOULD OUR PROPERTY BE AN EXCLUSIVE LISTING?By: Susan Benson, Broker | Mark Benson, RealtorAn exclusive listing is one of many options a realtor and their seller may consider when developing a
Do we sell now?By Susan Benson and Mark BensonYou've made the decision to sell, but now that you're relaxing on the dock, when to sell is the question. To make your life easier we crunched the
TREAT YOUR COTTAGE GUESTS TO SOUTHish MUSKOKA THIS SUMMER 2024!Some have been “coming up to Muskoka” for generations, while others have decided more recently to purchase a cottage.
Don’t let short term cottage vacation rentals cost more than you make. Inspire your guests to be stewards. By: Susan BensonOntario short term cottage rental is not only a well
If you are looking for something that is fun, will spark discussion around the family dinner table, and create an indelible memory of time spent together, Board Chair Gary Getson of the Muskoka
By: Susan Benson, Broker | Mark Benson, RealtorTMWe had a great time at the Cottage Life Show at the end of March and really enjoyed catching up with our favourite clients! It’s
By: Susan Benson | Mark BensonWarmer days are finally on the way! And for waterfront property owners, that means there are some things you should be thinking about. Here are our top three
Wondering what monthly mortgage payments could look like for potential Muskoka cottage and home buyers in 2023? Two of our buyer clients recently asked us this. Naturally, we turned to Scott
GREEN ROOF ON YOUR COTTAGE?The perennial roof garden is a centuries old practice and thing of rare beauty now experiencing a global revival of extraordinary proportions. Propelled by climate change