23 Jun

21 Reasons Why We Love South Glengarry: Coopers Marsh [11 of 21]

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Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

Join Us on a Weekly Journey in Eastern Ontario’s South Glengarry

Join Bill MacDonald and I as we embark on a weekly adventure, revealing our top 21 reasons to love South Glengarry. Each reason is based on our personal experiences and in no particular order. South Glengarry’s diverse offerings often go unnoticed, so we’re here to highlight what you can discover, from the St. Lawrence River to Valleyview Road, and from Boundary Road to the Quebec border.

Reason 11: The Serene Cooper’s Marsh

Today, we invite you to join us on the tranquil trails of Cooper’s Marsh. This marshland provides several walking paths, including picturesque boardwalks. It’s a haven for peace and relaxation where you can feed the birds, or simply enjoy the sounds and sights they provide. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Visitor Centre has been temporarily closed, and we’re unsure if it will reopen for the 2023 summer season. However, the trails always welcome visitors. As a protected habitat, Cooper Marsh Conservation Area prohibits bicycles, dogs, and motorized vehicles to maintain its serene environment.

Check out these local websites for more of what South Glengarry has to offer:

We’d love to hear why you enjoy calling South Glengarry “home”. Feel free to reach out with your stories, and thank you for joining us on this journey. If you’re considering relocating to South Glengarry, we’re more than happy to discuss your real estate and mortgage options.

About Us

Jenni MacDonald – Mortgage Broker, Dominion Lending Centres – The Mortgage Source
jmacdonald@dominionlending.ca

Bill MacDonald – Real Estate Broker/Partner, Century21 Shield Realty
bill.macdonald@century21.ca

Stay Tuned for More!

Stay tuned for the continuation of our series where we explore the beauty and charm of South Glengarry. Catch you next week!

15 Jun

21 Reasons Why We Love South Glengarry: Parks [10 of 21]

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Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

Journey with me and real estate broker Bill MacDonald as we reveal 21 compelling reasons why South Glengarry captures our hearts. Each week, we spotlight one unique feature of South Glengarry, celebrating the wealth of experiences offered by our vibrant community, nestled from the stunning St. Lawrence River to the picturesque Valleyview Road, extending from Boundary Road to the Quebec border.

Week 10: The Great Outdoors: Celebrating South Glengarry’s Parks

South Glengarry boasts a multitude of splendid parks, providing the perfect escape to immerse oneself in nature, all for free!

One park that holds a special place in our hearts is the Glen Walter Regional Park. The 2km paved walking trail is our go-to destination for daily walks and runs, irrespective of the season – courtesy of a kind-hearted neighbour who ensures the path is snow-free in winter.

The natural beauty of the park keeps us coming back for more. You’ll find yourself entranced by the chorus of croaking frogs, the sight of sun-basking turtles, or the melodious songs of various bird species. Additionally, the newly installed play structure keeps our grandchildren entertained for hours on end!

The park further hosts courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball, and volleyball, plus fields for baseball and soccer. Added amenities include a picnic shelter and onsite washrooms.

While we’ve particularly enjoyed Glen Walter Regional Park, South Glengarry is home to many more! Here are a few you may like to explore:

  • Green Valley Community Park: outdoor rink, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, play structure
  • Jack Danaher Park, Bainsville: rec centre, outdoor rink, play structure
  • Kenneth Barton Senior Park, Martintown: provides access to the Raisin River
  • Martintown Community Park: outdoor rink, play structure, basketball, baseball, tennis, pickleball
  • North Lancaster Optimist Park: outdoor rink, soccer, baseball, volleyball, play structure, community centre
  • Paul Rozon Memorial Park, Williamstown: splash pad, basketball, baseball, outdoor rink, play structure
  • Smithfield Park, Lancaster: outdoor rink, soccer, beach volleyball, playground, picnic shelter

To uncover more of South Glengarry’s charm, explore these local resources:

We encourage you to share your reasons for calling South Glengarry “Home”. If you’re contemplating a move to South Glengarry, we’d be delighted to assist you with your real estate and mortgage needs.

Jenni MacDonald
Mortgage Broker – Dominion Lending Centres – The Mortgage Source
Email: jmacdonald@dominionlending.ca
Website

Bill MacDonald
Real Estate Broker/Partner Century21 Shield Realty
Email: bill.macdonald@century21.ca
Website

8 Jun

21 Reasons Why We Love South Glengarry: Heritage Golf & Country Club [9 of 21]

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Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

Unveiling South Glengarry: The Heritage Golf and Country Club (#9 of 21 Reasons We Love South Glengarry)

Join Bill MacDonald and I as we continue our exploration of South Glengarry, sharing one reason each week why we adore this locale. The reasons stem from our personal experiences, in no particular order. South Glengarry’s wealth of attractions and activities are often overlooked treasures in our backyard, from the St. Lawrence River to Valleyview Road, and from Boundary Road to the Quebec border.

Reason #9: Heritage Golf and Country Club

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just stepping into the game, Heritage Golf Course offers an enjoyable course to play! This semi-private club features 3 – 9 hole courses (Green, Orange, and Blue), a driving range, and a clubhouse complete with a small shop, bar, and restaurant. Tee-off times are usually available daily, and the rates are very reasonable. Don’t forget to unwind with refreshments at the bar after your round! As recent members of this club, we look forward to seeing you on the course! Play all the courses and find your favourite! My personal favourite is the Blue course.

Heritage Golf & Country Club: The Player-Friendly Golf Course

Discover More of South Glengarry

To explore more amazing happenings in South Glengarry, take a look at these local websites:

We’d love to hear why you enjoy calling South Glengarry “Home.” Thank you for reading, and we look forward to your feedback.

If you’re interested in relocating to South Glengarry, we would be happy to discuss your real estate needs and mortgage options.

Jenni MacDonald
Mortgage Broker – Dominion Lending Centres – The Mortgage Source
Welcome – Jenni MacDonald Dominion Lending Centres
Email: jmacdonald@dominionlending.ca

Bill MacDonald
Real Estate Broker/Partner Century21 Shield Realty
The Kilt Guy
Email: bill.macdonald@century21.ca

 

6 Jun

Exploring Options for Your Second Home

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Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

Are you dreaming of owning a second home? Perhaps you’re imagining a serene lakeside cottage for summer holidays or considering a conveniently located city property to reduce those draining weekday commutes. Maybe you’re preparing for your child’s upcoming college life. Whichever scenario you’re facing, purchasing a “second home” is an attainable goal, thanks to programs from Genworth, Canada Guaranty, and CMHC. These entities provide Canadians the opportunity to secure these properties with as little as a 5% down payment. Let’s break down the details.

Understanding Your Options: Genworth’s “Secondary Homes (Type A)” and “Vacation Homes (Type B)” Programs

Genworth offers two prominent programs for secondary or vacation homes. The fundamental requirements for both types revolve around the property itself and the occupants.

The properties in question must be single-family units, occupied by either the borrowers or their family members. In the case of Secondary Homes or the Canada Guaranty’s LifeStyle Advantage Property, they must have permanent property amenities like a full foundation, a persistent heat source, and a potable water source. However, Vacation Homes are not bound by the same requirements; they do not need to be winterized or have a potable water source. Moreover, they can be located in areas without year-round road access.

Borrower Prerequisites and Mortgage Specifications

For all programs, borrowers typically require an Equifax Beacon credit score of at least 650. Moreover, the operating costs of the property must be fully covered by the borrowers’ income. Rental income or contributory income from the property cannot be utilized to qualify for the mortgage.

When it comes to the down payment, Vacation Homes require it to come from the borrowers’ resources. However, the down payment for a Secondary Home can also be gifted by a family member. As for the LifeStyle Advantage program, the down payment can be borrowed or gifted from any arm’s length source.

Additionally, Purchase Plus mortgage products are available for all programs, but cash back mortgage products are only accessible for the Secondary Home program.

Seek Guidance for Your Specific Situation

The journey to owning a second home is thrilling, yet it can be complex. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies for a “Second Home” program, don’t hesitate to reach out. As an experienced mortgage broker, I’m here to help you review and navigate your mortgage needs.

1 Jun

21 Reasons Why We Love South Glengarry: Glengarry Fine Cheese [8 of 21]

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Posted by: Jenni MacDonald

21 Reasons Why We Love South Glengarry: Delighting in the Tastes of Local Artisan Cheese

Join Bill and I on a delicious journey, as we bring you Reason #8 in our series “21 Reasons Why We Love South Glengarry.” This week, we take a delightful detour into the realm of artisan cheeses at Glengarry Fine Cheese.

Reason #8: Glengarry Fine Cheese

If the words ‘local’, ‘artisan’, and ‘cheese’ make your mouth water, you’re in for a treat! Glengarry Fine Cheese is the epitome of local delicacy, crafting exquisite cheese from the milk of cows just across the road! You truly can’t get any more local than this.

Their cheeses have garnered numerous awards, and once you’ve tried their blue cheese and aged cheddar, you’ll know why. Available at various stores, we highly recommend a visit to their factory shop just north of Lancaster. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss!

Glengarry Fine Cheese

Discover More of South Glengarry

Explore these websites to learn more about the incredible offerings of South Glengarry:

Why do you love calling South Glengarry “Home”? Share your stories with us, and let’s celebrate the beauty of our community together. If you’re contemplating a move to South Glengarry, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to discuss your real estate needs and mortgage options.

Jenni MacDonald

Mortgage Broker – Dominion Lending Centres – The Mortgage Source
Welcome – Jenni MacDonald Dominion Lending Centres
jmacdonald@dominionlending.ca

Bill MacDonald

Real Estate Broker/Partner Century21 Shield Realty
www.thekiltguy.com
bill.macdonald@century21.ca