Like water wells, septic systems are another important concern when purchasing a house or building upon vacant property in rural areas. Septic systems do on an individual home basis what sewer systems do for larger communities which is to process the waste water from households and treat it to safe levels for discharge. Most septic systems consist of a septic tank and a leaching bed or soil filter. A septic tank is buried somewhere on the property and is used to separate solids from liquids and provides breakdown of organic material in the waste water. The partially treated water from the septic tank then flows to the leaching bed, which is typically a series of perforated plastic piping buried beneath the soil. The leaching bed uses a natural process to treat the waste water and deposit it into the ground at safe levels.

Click here for some info on septic systems.

Like most major cities and urban areas, the need for High Speed Internet and Cell Service in rural areas has continued to grow enormously over recent years, including Prince Edward County. New service providers, technologies and tower expansions have been coming to market in an effort to keep up with the demand of today’s rural consumer/resident. Fibre Optic Cables are not as prominent in rural areas, where being connected relies on service from a WIFI Tower / Satellite or 3G/LTE Cell Tower. All subject upon the topography and physical location of a subject property and what providers offer service for a certain area. Like the Wells and Septics Systems, reviewing Rural High Speed Internet / Cell Service can be another part of the real estate process in today’s rural market place.

(Eastern Ontario Regional Network) EORN https://www.eorn.ca/en/index.asp

KOS : http://kos.net

Xplornet https://www.xplornet.com

Until recently, Prince Edward County was Ontario’s best kept secret; a varied and vibrant chain of enchanting burghs clustered together on a spit of land jutting out into Lake Ontario – a farming community with the feel of an island. Sure, throngs of sun-seekers have always been drawn to the gorgeous shores of Sandbanks Provincial Park, and deservedly so, with its miles of golden sand, stunning sand dunes and many breathtaking inlets, The County features some of the best beaches in Canada. But wonderful things have been growing, fermenting, brewing and sprouting in The County of late and wider attention has followed. This revitalization has brought an influx of visitors to our fair fields and shores to enjoy the natural beauty, the thriving art community and the burgeoning gourmet food and drink culture. Many that visit are charmed by the County way of life and end up staying for good.

Is investing in a home right for me?

Go to www.getsmarteraboutmoney.ca for excellent, unbiased information about home ownership, including a list of pros and cons to consider in deciding whether to rent or buy a home.

Do I need a mortgage broker?

Like a real estate salesperson, a mortgage broker saves you time, money, and stress. You only have to go through the application process once, and the broker does the legwork finding you the best deal with the various financial institutions offering mortgages. The mortgage broker works for you, in your best interest, gives unbiased advice and information. You don’t pay for this personal service. The lending institution chosen pays the mortgage broker a commission.

According to a study done by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, over 50 percent of homebuyers accept the mortgage rate posted by their bank, and that means they don’t know that they can negotiate a better deal. Another benefit of a broker is that he or she will help the client decide whether monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly payments are best. We recommend our clients talk to a mortgage broker to help them determine if a move is the right step for them now or in the future, depending on their circumstances.

Do I need a home inspection?

Absolutely! Buying a new home is usually the biggest investment you’ll ever make. It makes sense to have your potential new home carefully inspected by a licensed home inspector to protect you and your investment.

For the buyer, the home inspector examines the property to determine whether the house is sound. It covers roof, structure, electrical, heating, cooling, insulation, and plumbing. The home inspection is an important part of assessing the price of the home as it allows buyers to consider the additional costs of work needed.

A home inspection is also recommended if you’ re selling your home so that the buyer is aware of any defects in the property and anticipated costs of repair. This way all is disclosed up front and there are no hidden surprises. The buyers still have an option to do their own inspection if they would like.

We routinely work with home inspectors and can make recommendations.

What real estate fees are charged?

In general, a five percent commission is paid by the seller, split between the listing and selling brokerages.

Do I need a lawyer?

Definitely. Both the buyer and the seller need real estate lawyers to prepare the transaction documents, perform other required legal tasks, and officially close the deal.

We routinely work with lawyers on both sides of the transaction and can suggest a couple of names.

What is a Status Certificate?

A Status Certificate is a report on the current status of a condominium corporation. The Status Certificate package usually includes; Declaration, by-laws and rules; Budget and financial statement; Declaration, by-laws and rules; Insurance certificate; Summary of reserve fund study and proposed plan for future funding, etc. Usually an offer is condition on receiving a status certificate which should be newly ordered and reviewed by your lawyer before moving forward with the deal.

What happens to my deposit while I await closing?

Your deposit is held in the listing brokerage’s trust account until closing. You may be entitled to interest on your deposit and that would be outlined in your agreement of purchase and sale documents.

How long should a closing take?

The most common timeline is between 30-90 days from the date of acceptance of the offer, but this can vary. We have closed deals in a matter of weeks, and we have also had longer closings of 5 months.

How does Realtor.ca work?

Is it the same as the information you have?

Realtor.ca imports its information from the Toronto Real Estate Board where we find our information. There could be a time lag of up to 2-3 days. Agents receive the information much faster. In our fast-paced market, time is critical, so it is important to have an agent searching for your next home so that you do not miss anything.

How much do I have to put down on a property when making an offer?

Offer deposits are generally 5% – 10% of the offer price. We recommend having a certified cheque or bank draft accompany your offer. This will show your seriousness about buying the property and therefore make your offer stronger.