We all want a good deal, especially in large purchases like real estate. But it isn’t exactly easy to determine what a “good deal” looks like, says Jeffrey Braun, real estate expert with Corcoran Horizon Realty servicing Simcoe and Muskoka — a luxury agency founded by Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran.
While there are thousands of premium properties on Muskoka’s lakes, their value to the buyer is always going to be subjective.
“When it comes to purchasing your dream cottage, value goes far beyond the price tag. It’s not just a financial decision – it’s an emotional investment in lifestyle, legacy, and the moments you envision sharing there. In a market like Muskoka, the true worth of a property lies in how well it aligns with your vision of the ideal retreat.”
For some buyers, value may be determined by the lake they want to cottage on, or the exposure they want the cottage to have. For some, a valuable cottage is one that’s recently updated and move-in-ready, while others may dream of a property that can be renovated or rebuilt entirely to their liking.
“At the luxury level, a property’s true value isn’t dictated by formulas or comparables – it’s defined by what it means to you. The right property is worth exactly what you’re willing to invest in the lifestyle, the location, and the experience it offers. In the end, value is personal. When you find a place that speaks to you, that’s when it’s truly priceless.”
As part of Corcoran Horizon, a global leader in real estate with elite listings from Manhattan to the Caribbean, Jeffrey and his associates John Joseph Mitchell, Bonnie Blanchard, and Michael Smith provide their clients unmatched international exposure combined with deeply rooted local expertise.
“We know this region deeply and intimately. From private island retreats to custom-built lakefront estates with helipads, our portfolio reflects the very best of Muskoka’s luxury lifestyle,” Jeffrey says.
Together, they are building a “human-first” real estate experience rooted in trust, expertise, and a shared passion for this exceptional part of Ontario.
Consider the region
While your cottage checklist plays into the value, Jeffrey notes that limited availability will also impact its price.
Jeffrey, for one, grew up cottaging on Six Mile Lake. While the lake is dotted with around 800-plus cottages, only several new properties are listed each year. “This is similar to many other lakes.”
With a limited number of listings coming available each season, it’s important to connect with a real estate team early in your cottage shopping journey.
The same applies if you’re selling or thinking of selling in the future. One service Jeffrey offers sellers is the opportunity to keep their properties as “Exclusive Listings.”
“Some of our clients aren’t ready to make a move today – but they know a transition is on the horizon, perhaps within the next five years,” Jeffrey explains. “While their properties aren’t formally listed, our group and I always keep them top of mind. We quietly position these exclusive cottages within our network, remaining alert for the right buyer or a timely opportunity.”
“By developing a deep understanding of my clients’ goals and timelines, I’m able to offer strategic guidance: helping them monitor market trends, evaluate the ideal moment to sell, and ultimately connect with qualified, motivated buyers. Discretion, timing, and insight make all the difference at this level of the market.”
Consider your goals
While the listing price will always play a crucial role in real estate transactions, it’s also essential to view the price through a long-term lens.
“I’ve had clients tell me they’d consider selling if the price is right, and I always ask, ‘Is it really about the number – or do you truly want to part with this place?’” Jeffrey says, adding that in Muskoka, every waterfront property is one-of-a-kind. You’re not just selling a cottage – you’re letting go of a legacy, and replacing that is often far more difficult than people anticipate.
“I enjoy the business side of real estate, but I value my clients’ long-term happiness even more.”
The same principle applies to buyers, he adds. “In a market like this, patience isn’t just a virtue – it’s a strategy. It’s far better to wait for a property that genuinely excites you than to compromise on something that doesn’t reflect your vision. This is about more than real estate—it’s about lifestyle, legacy, and the confidence that you’ve made the right decision.”
If you want to be in Muskoka, but can’t find the right property, try renting while you wait for the right property to come available.
“At the heart of our philosophy is a deep commitment to long-term satisfaction, not short-term transactions. We are far more concerned with preventing buyer’s or seller’s remorse than simply closing a deal. Our goal is for you to fall in love with your property – something you’re proud to own, that brings joy every time you arrive. We strive to create an experience so exceptional that our clients can’t help but share it with their inner circle. In this business, reputation is everything – and we earn it by delivering extraordinary results, every time.”
Whether you’re ready to buy or sell your home or cottage, Corcoran Horizon Realty is here to help you with the legwork so that you can live your dream.
