Thinking about buying a cottage? Before you dive headfirst into lake life, this episode of The Country Club Podcast is your essential pre-purchase checklist. Host Diana Cassidy-Bush walks you through 9 must-ask questions to clarify your vision, assess your needs, and align your dreams with your budget and lifestyle.

From lake types to accessibility, seasonal use to investment strategies — this candid and heartwarming episode will help you start your journey with confidence. If a peaceful dock, cozy firepit, or epic tubing sessions are on your vision board, this is the episode for you.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to The Country Club Podcast

01:15 – Why a financing condition still matters even with pre-approval

02:30 – Cottage dreams & why Canadians are craving waterfront living

04:00 – The real reason lakefront lots are in such short supply

05:15 – Question 1: What kind of water activities matter to your family?

08:00 – Question 2: How far are you willing to travel from home?

09:00 – Question 3: What’s your realistic budget?

09:45 – Question 4: Do you need a 4-season or 3-season cottage?

10:30 – Question 5: How accessible should the cottage be year-round?

11:45 – Question 6: What kind of views and terrain do you want?

12:45 – Question 7: What local amenities matter to you?

13:45 – Question 8: What does the ideal cottage interior look like?

15:00 – Question 9: Are you buying for family, retirement, or rental income?

16:15 – Wrap up: Why clarity is the first step to living your lakefront dream

Notable Quotes

“Most every waterfront property you see already has a structure on it. Finding a true building lot on the water is incredibly rare.”

“Cottages aren’t just properties—they’re part of our national identity.”

“It’s not about what’s trendy or what your neighbor has. It’s about defining your version of lake life.”

“Keep your paddles in the water and your dreams on the dock.”

Key Takeaways & Resources

• Supply is Limited: Most lakefront land was developed decades ago, so building lots are rare.
• Lifestyle First: Decide on boating, paddling, fishing, or peace and quiet — it defines your lake options.
• Access Matters: Think year-round roads vs. seasonal accessibility and how that impacts use.
• Budget Realism: Cottage dreams range wildly in price depending on region, size, and features.
• Multi-Use Options: Buy for family time, retirement, or as a rental investment — each path has pros and cons.

Resource Mentioned:

• Royal LePage Recreational Property Survey (Spring) – Cited to note the forecasted 4% price increase in recreational properties.

Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-cassidy-bush-aa2318b6/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianacassidy-bush2027

Website: https://dianacassidybush.ca/

Email:

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of The Country Club Podcast, host Diana Cassidy-Bush walks listeners through the entire home buying journey, from shifting the negative narrative around ownership to the final walkthrough and key hand-off. With practical tips, expert insight, and an empowering mindset, Diana ensures you’re not only prepared, but inspired to take the first step toward homeownership. Whether you're ready now or planning for the future, this episode gives you the knowledge and confidence to move forward.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Welcome to The Country Club Podcast & Episode Intro

[01:00] Changing the Narrative Around Homeownership

[03:00] Why Real Estate Is Still the Best Investment

[04:30] Facing Obstacles with the Right Team

[05:45] The Importance of Preparation—even Years in Advance

[06:30] Step 1: Choose a Real Estate Professional

[07:15] Step 2: Connect with a Lender & Get Pre-Approved

[08:30] Step 3: Set Up Home Search with Your Realtor

[09:00] Step 4: Viewing Homes & Making an Offer

[10:00] Understanding Conditions: Financing, Inspections & Insurance

[11:30] What to Expect During Offer Negotiation

[13:00] Firming Up the Sale & What Happens Next

[14:30] Preparing for Closing: Lawyers, Insurance, Utilities

[16:30] Final Walkthrough & Closing Day Logistics

[17:30] Recap, Encouragement, and What’s Ahead

“Real estate really is the best investment in the world. Why? Because we all need shelter.”

“Every market has obstacles—but they’re temporary. With the right team, you can face anything.”

Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-cassidy-bush-aa2318b6/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianacassidy-bush2027

Website: https://dianacassidybush.ca/

Email: info@thedcbteam.ca

This podcast is for educational purposes only - real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all! Every deal, market, and situation is unique, so be sure to get professional advice tailored to your needs. If you’d like to discuss your real estate journey, we’d love to chat - reach out anytime. Thanks for listening!

In this episode of The Country Club Podcast, host Diana Cassidy-Bush welcomes mortgage expert Alana DeLong from Dominion Lending to demystify the journey of becoming a first-time home buyer. With over 30 years of experience, Alana shares invaluable insights on how to financially prepare, what programs are now available in 2025, and the crucial do's and don'ts before purchasing your first property. If you're dreaming of homeownership this year, this episode is packed with practical advice, optimism, and the motivation to take that next step.

Connect with Alana https://alanadelongmortgageteam.com/

Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:02:40] Alana’s background and experience

[00:03:45] The resurgence of first-time home buyers in 2025

[00:04:30] Step one: Why pre-approval is critical

[00:05:45] Financial habits to build before buying

[00:06:30] What if you’re not ready yet? Alana’s guidance

[00:07:45] Mistakes to avoid after pre-approval

[00:08:30] Budgeting for homeownership and unexpected costs

[00:09:30] New 2025 programs and benefits for first-time buyers

[00:10:45] Land transfer tax exemption details

[00:12:00] Insight on current and predicted interest rates

[00:13:45] Fixed vs. variable rates explained

[00:15:00] Impact of inflation and tariff talk on rates

[00:16:00] Renewals, refinancing, and managing credit

[00:17:30] The emotional side of helping first-time buyers

[00:18:15] Final advice and why it’s never too early to start

[00:20:00] Ways to get creative with qualifying for a mortgage

Notable Quotes:

"Don’t go house shopping without a mortgage pre-approval—it’s like showing up at the airport without a plane ticket." – Alana DeLong

"Just because you're not ready today doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing for tomorrow." – Diana Cassidy-Bush

Resources & Mentions:

• First Home Savings Account (FHSA): Government of Canada FHSA Overview
• CMHC Mortgage Insurance Info: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca
• Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund for First-Time Homebuyers: https://www.ontario.ca/page/land-transfer-tax
• Credit Building Tips: Contact a local financial advisor or Alana DeLong for guidance on secured credit cards and budgeting

Connect with Diana Cassidy-Bush:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaCassidyBushRealEstate/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianacassidybush

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-cassidy-bush-aa2318b6/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dianacassidy-bush2027

Website: https://dianacassidybush.ca/

Email: info@thedcbteam.ca

This podcast is for educational purposes only - real estate isn’t one-size-fits-all! Every deal, market, and situation is unique, so be sure to get professional advice tailored to your needs....