Ready to Right-Size into Lakeside Living?

Lakeside Living Checklist

Download the Free Checklist That’s Helping Seniors Make the Smart Move to Lake Huron

Whether you're downsizing, retiring, or just dreaming of a simpler life by the water — this checklist will walk you through every step, with confidence.

Are you thinking of trading yardwork for shoreline walks? A big house for a better lifestyle? You’re not alone. More and more retirees and empty nesters are discovering the joy, ease, and smart investment of lakeside living in Kincardine and the surrounding Lake Huron communities.

This free guide is packed with practical tips and questions to help you navigate your next move with clarity — created by Linda Bowers, a trusted local expert with the Seniors Real Estate (SRES®) designation.

✅ What You’ll Learn Inside:

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    How to prepare your current home for sale

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    What to look for in a low-maintenance, aging-friendly property

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    Hidden gems along Ontario’s Lake Huron shoreline

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    Financial tips: equity, taxes, and legal planning

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    Who you need on your transition team (and how to find them)

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    Easy to use check boxes, so you can see exactly what still needs to be done

Get Your Free Copy Now

Download your checklist instantly and get:

  • A printable version you can review with your family

  • An optional 15-minute call with Linda to discuss your goals

  • Priority updates on new listings, resources, and local events for retirees

Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Lakefront Terms

❓ What’s the difference between Waterfront, Lakefront, Lakeside, and Lakeview?

These terms are often used interchangeably in listings, but they have important distinctions — especially when buying real estate along Lake Huron’s Ontario shoreline.

  • Waterfront means the property directly touches the water — there’s no road or land between the home and the lake. You usually have private access to the shoreline or beach. Waterfront properties may come with additional responsibilities (e.g., shoreline maintenance, conservation restrictions), but they’re also highly desirable and limited in supply.

    Example: Your backyard ends at the bluff or beach on Lake Huron. No other property or path in between.

  • Lakeside simply means the property is within a short distance of the lake. You may see or hear the water, but you don’t directly front it. Lakeside homes are popular for their accessibility and affordability, often located in lake-adjacent neighborhoods or within walking distance to the shore.

    Example: You live 2–3 blocks from Lake Huron in Kincardine, with easy beach access and a lake breeze.

  • Lakeview means the home offers a visible view of the lake — often from a window, deck, or balcony — but is not located on the water. These homes vary widely in price depending on the clarity and permanence of the view. Obstructed views may still be listed as "partial lakeview."

    Example: You see sunsets over the lake from your living room, but you're across the street from the shoreline.

  • Lakefront refers to a property that sits immediately adjacent to a lake, offering an unobstructed view and typically a very short walk to the water’s edge. However, unlike true “waterfront,” lakefront properties may have a road, walking path, or public access area between the home and the shoreline.

    In Ontario’s Lake Huron communities (like Kincardine, Point Clark, or Southampton), “lakefront” can describe:

    • Homes facing the lake with no other private residences blocking the view

    • Properties where municipal land (like a trail or bluff) exists between your lot and the lake

    • Homes that offer breathtaking vistas, even if you don’t technically own the shoreline

    📝 Key Insight from Linda Bowers, SRES®:

    “Lakefront properties give you that million-dollar view — without always paying waterfront premiums. I help clients understand where access ends and ownership begins, especially along Lake Huron’s unique shoreline zones.”

    💡 Tip: Always check for shoreline ownership rights, conservation easements, or seasonal access rules. A property can be “lakefront” on paper but not allow you to build stairs or paths to the beach — unless you know what to ask.

  • The different lakefront, lakeside terms can impact property taxes, insurance costs, value appreciation, and lifestyle. Linda Bowers will help you understand exactly what you’re getting — so there are no surprises.

  • Don’t rely on listing terms alone. As a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) and local expert, Linda Bowers will review the title, municipal records, and property lines with you — and walk you through what’s private, shared, or public access.