Rachel  Vehse

Rachel Vehse

Broker | Team Leader

Re/Max Professionals North, Brokerage*

Mobile:
705-985-4262
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Checklist 1: Before You Start Looking

Before you start house hunting, Create a clear list of what’s must-have, nice-to-have, and deal breakers. Know your budget and get pre-approved for a mortgage before serious searching.

Set Your Priorities:
  • Number of bedrooms & bathrooms
  • Outdoor space / lot size
  • Proximity to work, schools, transit
  • Layout and age of home
Get Financially Prepared
  • Are you pre-approved for a mortgage?
  • What’s your price range?
  • How much do you have saved for a down payment?
  • Have you budgeted for closing costs?
  • Do you have emergency savings in place?

Ready to take the next step toward your dream home? Use our Mortgage Affordability Calculator to discover what’s comfortably within your reach—and move forward with clarity and confidence.

ABOUT TEAM LAKE LIFE

Team Lake Life is a Muskoka and Haliburton County real estate team built on real construction knowledge and experience combined with real estate expertise.

With over 30 years of combined experience in real estate and residential construction, the team doesn’t just understand properties, they understand how they’re built, how they age, and what they’re truly worth. From waterfront cottages and rural homes to investment properties, renovations, and new builds, they bring clarity and confidence to every transaction.

As the owners of MRT Builders Ltd., a local Muskoka construction company, Team Lake Life offers a level of insight most realtors simply can’t match. Clients benefit from real-world construction experience when evaluating homes, spotting issues, planning renovations, or assessing build quality before they buy.

Whether you’re purchasing a property, or preparing to sell, Team Lake Life delivers a straightforward, honest, and results-driven real estate experience designed to protect your investment and maximize value.

 

RACHEL VEHSE

Rachel Vehse delivers a client focused, detail-driven real estate experience across Muskoka, Haliburton County and beyond, backed by deep knowledge in real estate, construction, renovations, management, procurement and customer service.

Her well-rounded expertise allows her to guide clients at every stage, whether buying, selling, or investing. Known for her thorough approach, sharp attention to detail and strong communication, Rachel ensures her clients are fully informed and supported throughout the entire process.

Her experience spans new construction homes, full-scale renovations, investment properties, and residential leasing. She doesn’t just guide clients through transactions with ease, she helps them make smart real estate decisions with confidence.

Her background in construction gave her a deeper understanding of homes, leading her into real estate where she could help clients make confident, informed decisions.

 

GRANT VEHSE

Grant Vehse is a seasoned real estate professional, contractor, and investor with over two decades of hands-on experience in construction, investing and real estate.

He brings a rare, thorough understanding of how homes are built, what they’re worth, and what matters long-term, especially in residential homes, rural properties, and waterfront real estate. His background in renovations and structural construction allows him to identify value others miss and risks others overlook.

Grant’s approach is practical, straightforward, and focused on delivering real value. He uses his construction background and market experience to help clients make confident, informed decisions whether buying, selling, or investing.

Grant also has extensive experience with rural and seasonal properties, including maintenance demands, structural considerations, and land use differences unique to cottage country.

Direct, knowledgeable, and experience-driven, Grant helps clients make confident decisions when buying, selling, or investing in Cottage Country.  Always focused on maximizing value and minimizing risk sets him apart in the Muskoka and Haliburton markets.

 

 



Speciality: Residential, Multi-Residential, Rural, Waterfront, Recreational, Land, Investment Properties, Rentals

Area Covered: Districts of Muskoka & Parry Sound, and Haliburton County

Languages Spoken: English, French



Checklist 2: Interior & Exterior Features to Evaluate Before You Buy

Whether touring in person or virtually, use this checklist to assess condition, layout, and long-term livability.

Interior

Doors & Windows

  • Windows: single pane/thermopane
  • Door locks/latches work: yes/no
  • General window condition: good/moderate/poor

Kitchen

  • General size/colours
  • Island or prep space: yes/no
  • Countertop material & condition
  • Pantry/storage space: yes/no
  • Sink: single/double
  • Appliances included: yes/no

Family/Living Room

  • Fireplace: yes/no
  • Separate dining room: yes/no
  • Living room floor type/condition
  • Flooring type & condition
  • Wall & ceiling condition (cracks, stains): good/moderate/poor

Bathrooms and Bedrooms

  • Number of bedrooms & bathrooms
  • Closet space: adequate/limited
  • Bathroom ventilation (fan/window): yes/no
  • Signs of moisture or damage: yes/no
Exterior

Lot Details

  • Lot size/shape
  • Landscaping condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Driveway: private/shared
  • Mature trees, shrubs, etc: yes/no
  • Walkways condition & safety: good/moderate/poor

Structure Details

  • Number of stories: 1/2/3/4
  • Type of home
  • Condition of siding & paint: good/moderate/poor
  • Parking: uncovered/one paid space/ two paid spaces
  • Patio/deck: good/moderate/poor
  • Type of foundation: raised well above ground/visible cracks
  • Swimming pool: above/below/indoor/outdoor/none
  • General pool condition: good/moderate/poor
  • General roof condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Eaves troughs and downspouts: good/moderate/poor
  • Fenced backyard: yes/no
  • Fenced front yard: yes/no

Wondering which interior and exterior features are must-haves? Let Rachel Vehse help you refine your checklist and find the right home—faster and with confidence.

Ready to See What Fits Your Budget? Explore Rachel Vehse’s featured listings to understand price ranges and plan your home-buying budget.

Checklist 3: What to Look for in Home Systems

Use this checklist to spot potential issues and avoid costly surprises—whether touring in person or virtually.

Electrical System
  • Condition
  • Outlets adequate: yes/no
  • Wiring: aluminum/copper wiring
Water Service
  • Source: city/well
  • Pump age
  • Water agreement: yes/no
  • Water quality tested for potability: yes/no
Sewage/Septic System
  • Type: sewage/septic
  • Where’s septic field
  • Holding tank & system recently checked: yes/no
Heating & Air Conditioning
  • Heating Type: oil/gas/electric/steam/baseboard/heat pump/combination
  • AC Type: window/central

Unsure how to prioritize critical home systems during your inspection? Rachel Vehse can help you identify red flags, refine your checklist, and avoid costly surprises.

 

Checklist 4: What To Look For In Neighborhood

Location is key when it comes to finding your dream home. The right location supports your lifestyle and long-term value.

Tips

Thoroughly explore the neighborhood by visiting at different times of day to get a true sense of its atmosphere and convenience. Research amenities, schools, transportation, and community events to ensure the location suits your lifestyle.

Stay ahead of the market—sign up for Neighborhood Buzzer to receive the latest listings in your preferred neighborhood.

Location
  • Nearby facilities
  • Parks, shopping & dining nearby
  • Commute & highway access
  • Close to work
  • Low Crime Rate
  • Schools & community centres
  • Places of worship
  • Fire department

Ready to Buy? Let's Discuss!

Have questions or just curious about the process? I'd love to chat and help you figure out your next step.

Have Questions?

House Hunting Checklist

House Hunting Checklist

Home Location:  _____________________________________________________
Address:  ____________________________________________________________
Asking Price:  ________________________________________________________
Annual Property Taxes:  ______________________________________________
Mortgage Terms:  ____________________________________________________
Zoning Restrictions (ask the REALTOR®):  _______________________________

The Home’s Exterior

Lot Details

  • Lot size/shape: __________________
  • Landscaping condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Position of home on lot (compass directions):______________
  • Driveway: private/shared
  • General lot condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Front yard: sm/med/lg
  • Side yard: sm/med/lg
  • Rear yard: sm/med/lg
  • Mature trees, shrubs, etc: yes/no
  • Curb appeal: good/moderate/poor
  • Condition of walkways: good/moderate/poor

Structure Details

  • Number of stories: 1/2/3/4
  • Type of home: _________________
  • Siding: brick/brick veneer/wood/aluminum/combination
  • Condition of siding & paint: good/moderate/poor
  • Garage: attached/detached/one-car/two-car
  • Parking: uncovered/one paid space/ two paid spaces
  • Front porch: covered/enclosed
  • Fenced front yard: yes/no
  • Fenced backyard: yes/no
  • Eaves troughs and downspouts: good/moderate/poor
  • Patio/deck: good/moderate/poor
  • Swimming pool: above/below/indoor/outdoor/none
  • General pool condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Storage shed: yes/no
  • Type of roof: _________________
  • General roof condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Recent roof repairs: yes/no
  • Repair Receipts: yes/no
  • Roof Age: ____________
  • Type of foundation: raised well above ground/visible cracks


The Home’s Interior

Doors & Windows

  • Windows: single pane/thermopane
  • General window condition: good/moderate/poor
  • Door locks/latches work: yes/no

Kitchen

  • General size/colours: __________________
  • Eat-in area: yes/no
  • Cooking food/prep island: yes/no
  • Sufficient cupboard space: yes/no
  • Sufficient counter space: yes/no
  • Countertop type/condition: __________________
  • Floor type/condition: _____________________
  • Pantry: yes/no
  • Sink: single/double
  • Appliances included: yes/no
  • General appliance condition: good/moderate/poor

Family/Living Room

  • Fireplace: yes/no
  • Living room floor type/condition: __________________
  • Separate dining room: yes/no
  • Dining room floor type/condition: ___________________

Other Home Details

  • Square footage: ____________
  • Foyer closet: yes/no
  • Soundproof & fireproof shared walls: yes/no

Bathrooms

  • No. of Bathrooms: _______
  • Ensuite bathroom: yes/no
  • Floor type/condition: ___________

Bedrooms

  • No. of Bedrooms: _______
  • Floor type/condition: _____________
  • Closets: yes/no

Basement

  • Adequate headroom: yes/no
  • Finished: yes/no
  • Door to outside: yes/no
  • Utility area (laundry): yes/no
  • Storage areas: yes/no
  • Cracks in walls/floor: yes/no
  • Drained or sump pump: ____________
  • Evidence of flood/moisture: yes/no
  • Recent renovations: yes/no
  • General condition: ____________

Electrical System

  • General condition: __________
  • Sufficient outlets: yes/no
  • Amperage: __________
  • Switches: fuses/circuit breakers
  • Wiring: aluminum/copper wiring
  • Meets current codes: yes/no

Plumbing

  • Copper pipes: yes/no
  • Signs of leaks: yes/no
  • Recent repairs: yes/no
  • Age: ________
  • Meets current codes: yes/no

Water Service

  • Source: city/well
  • Well: dug/drilled
  • Does well ever run dry: yes/no
  • Capacity: ______
  • Age of pump: _____
  • Size of feeder line from well to house: ________
  • Water agreement: yes/no
  • Water quality tested for potability: yes/no

Sewage/Septic System

  • Type: sewage/septic
  • Where’s septic field: _______
  • Holding tank & system recently checked: yes/no

Heating

  • Type: oil/gas/electric/steam/baseboard/heat pump/combination
  • Age: _____
  • Output: _____
  • Recent repairs: ______

Air Conditioning

  • Type: window/central
  • Age: _____
  • Size: ______
  • Recent repairs: _______

Hot Water Heater

  • Contract: leased/owned
  • Type: gas/electric
  • No. of gallons: _______
  • Efficiency: ________
  • Age: ________

Insulation:

  • Type: ______
  • Rating: _______
  • Asbestos or UFFI: yes/no


Community

Check all that apply. Close to:

  • Schools
  • City services (fire/police/hospital)
  • Medical (doctor, dentist)
  • Shopping (grocery, pharmacy)
  • Parks
  • Playgrounds
  • Day care
  • Recreation/community centre
  • Public swimming pool
  • Public tennis courts
  • Golf course
  • Skating arena
  • Hockey arena
  • Restaurants
  • Gas station
  • Theatres
  • Public library
  • Major roads/highways
  • Places of worship
  • Possible problems: train tracks/congestion/on busy or noisy main road


Local Neighbourhood

Check all that apply:

  • Urban/suburban/rural
  • Older/newer
  • Type of homes: ________
  • Age group of homeowners: __________
  • Quiet streets
  • Adequate street lights
  • Visible power/telephone lines
  • Well-cared for homes/yards
  • Sidewalks
  • General condition:
  • Space between homes
  • Adequate street parking/overnight parking restrictions
  • Possible problems: poorly maintained roads


Have Questions?