If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping coffee on a quiet dock as the mist rises off the lake—loon calls echoing in the distance—you’re not alone. In Ontario, cottage ownership isn’t just a summer fantasy. It’s a cultural rite of passage, a lifestyle milestone, and, for many, a surprisingly savvy financial move.
But here’s the thing no one puts on the postcard: owning a cottage isn’t just about hammocks and lakefront views. It’s about planning. Budgeting. Understanding your financing options. It’s about recognizing that real estate—whether rural, recreational, or rental—isn’t just something you live in. It’s something you can build wealth with.
From Cottage Core to Financial Clarity
In a recent episode of The Country Club Podcast, I sat down with mortgage expert and cottage owner Nicolee Evans to pull back the curtain on the realities of buying recreational property in Ontario.
Spoiler: it’s not always cute A-frame cabins and Pinterest-worthy dock photos.
We talked winter maintenance surprises, the quirks of seasonal property financing, and how income structure and credit scores affect your mortgage options. Nicolee shared not just her professional knowledge, but real, lived-in lessons—like what she’d do differently if she could go back.
Her advice?
Take your time. Work with professionals. Know the market. And most of all, go in with your eyes wide open.
When the ducks—or rather, docks—are in a row, cottage life stops being a someday dream and starts becoming a real, achievable goal.
Why Real Estate Is the Wealth Strategy Most People Overlook
If you think “investing” happens in downtown boardrooms or on Wall Street, it’s time to zoom out.
That cottage? That duplex down the road? Even the home you’re reading this from right now?
They’re all assets. And they can all be part of a real, scalable wealth strategy.
As a REALTOR®, rural property specialist, and small-town advocate, I’ve seen everyday people—young families, solo buyers, retirees—build financial security one property decision at a time.
But here’s the catch:
Most of us weren’t taught to think like investors. We were taught to save, not strategize.
The shift happens when you start asking different questions:
- How can my home work for me financially?
- Can I rent part of it out?
- Should I upgrade before selling?
- What’s the long-term value of this land?
Investment Isn’t Just for the 1%
You don’t need to be a millionaire to start investing in real estate. You just need a plan—and the right team behind you. Here are a few entry points that work even in today’s market:
- House Hacking: Live in one unit, rent out the other (think basement suites, garden units, or even bunkies).
- BRRRR Method: Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat. It’s how small portfolios grow big.
- Buy & Hold: Keep property long-term and let the market work in your favour.
- Flipping: For those who love a reno challenge (and spreadsheets).
- Land Banking: Buy land now in high-growth areas, and let it appreciate with minimal maintenance.
And if you’re already a homeowner? You’re further along than you think.
A home equity line of credit (HELOC), for example, can be a powerful tool to help you buy that cottage or investment property. You don’t have to start from scratch—you just need to start thinking differently.
Retirement Looks Different With Rental Income
Let’s be real: RRSPs and pensions don’t always stretch as far as we’d like them to. But a well-managed rental property (or two) can create a steady income stream well into retirement. And yes, it can be done with long-term tenants, seasonal rentals, or a smart mix of both.
Real estate offers flexibility, control, and long-term value—three things most passive investment models can’t promise.
Build Your Dream Team.
You don’t need to be an expert overnight. But you do need support.
eaway: Dream Big, But Start Smart
Whether your next step is a weekend getaway by the lake or your first income property, it starts with a mindset shift—from homeowner to investor. From “I’m not ready” to “I’m ready to ask questions.”
We cover all of this and more in the latest episodes of The Country Club Podcast.
Tune in to hear Nicolee Evans break down the cottage-buying process, and join me for a deeper dive into what real estate investing really looks like in rural Ontario and beyond.
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
Got questions? Want to explore your next move? Reach out anytime.
Whether you’re dreaming about a dock or a duplex—we’re here to help you build beyond the city limits.