While buying rural has its advantages, if you have never purchased rural property or lived in remote areas, knowing what to look for may make you feel a little lost. To make sure this process goes smoothly, we have compiled a list of tips to consider when making your purchase so that you can fully enjoy life in your new home.
Leaving behind city life to buy rural property is a rising trend in Ottawa. Buyers are now seeking homes where they can live, work, and play. As a result, our town and country offices and agents are busier than ever with buyers looking to find a home “Beyond the City”. Today, buyers are more ready than ever before to trade in their busy lives for a lifestyle that allows them to enjoy life each day, no matter what the world looks like around them. People want simple and sustainable living, with large lots or water access, and a small town charm that makes life feel safer and more fulfilled than ever before. While many Ottawans have already taken the plunge and relocated over the past year, there are a few considerations to make before making your move. To help you, here are a few tips to make sure you are prepared to buy rural in Ottawa:
Tip #1: Get Comfortable With Septic Systems
If you have lived in the city your entire life, septic systems have likely never crossed your mind. When you reside in rural or remote communities however, septic systems will be your new reality for waste and water removal. Caring for these systems requires routine pumping (every 3-5 years), and mindful care inside of the home, such as spreading out usage of appliances like dishwashers and washing machines and not treating your toilet like a trash can.
Tip 2: Get a Proper Well Assessment Done
Well water is typically safe for consumption, bathing, cooking and cleaning, but there will always be a risk of contamination if it is not cared for properly. Ask for any documentation of maintenance or inspections done on the well in recent years; these inspections should typically occur three times a year, so the sellers should have some record of this. For good measure, you may want to also send a sample of the water away to a lab for a full workup to ensure there is no risk of contamination.
Tip #3: Check Your Connections
With many people now both living and working from home, having a high speed internet connection and reliable phone service is essential. Limited internet access has been a barrier keeping people away from buying rural in the past, but as a response to the growing need brought on by COVID-19, the Government of Canada is taking action to get more reliable internet access for people living in rural and remote communities immediately. If your cell phone provider does not cover your area or if the connection isn’t reliable, you may also want to consider re-introduce a landline into your home.
Tip #4: Take Into Account New Expenses
While you may be happy to say goodbye to condo fees when buying your home in the rural Ottawa Valley, there may be other payments associated with maintaining your property in a rural community. This could include fees for snow removal, garbage pickup, road work, or other services that ensure the community is safe and accessible.
Tip #5: Consider Transportation
If you are working from home, transportation might not be your number one concern. However, if you travel daily you may need access to one or two vehicles; This may increase your monthly expenses by adding on car payments, gas, car maintenance and insurance costs. Those who rely on public transportation may be in for a long commute, as access to city bus routes is limited in rural or remote areas.
Tip #6: Work With An Agent
At Royal LePage TEAM Realty, we have agents dispersed throughout the Ottawa Valley who specialize in servicing rural communities. The advantage that comes with working with these agents is that you can truly benefit from their knowledge and experience. With their guidance, you can enjoy your new home knowing that you have the best team in Ottawa working together to ensure your transition from city to country is seamless, and that you have all the information you need to maintain your home properly for years to come.