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Types of Properties

Whether buying or selling property in the Brainerd Lakes Area real estate market, it's important for homebuyers and sellers to understand the advantages and disadvantages of different property types. 

The single-family home is a fundamental part of the American dream. It’s the quintessential residence. And, in Lake Country, you’ll find a variety of single-family homes in different sizes, styles, and floor plans to suit diverse needs and lifestyles.

What is a Single-family Home?

A single-family home is the most common type of residential real estate in the country and can be found nearly everywhere.

Single-family residences are stand-alone structures built on their own lots. In Lake Country, lot sizes average between half an acre to two acres, leaving ample outdoor living space on both front and back yards. And, depending on the location, single-family homes in Lake Country can be especially private dwellings.

The Pros and Cons of Living in a Single-family Home

A single-family home is a great option if you’re looking for a detached home (no shared walls with another property here) and privacy. You might also enjoy the following benefits:

  • Freedom in terms of the home’s style, as well as landscaping (although this might be subject to HOA guidelines if there are any).
  • As the owner of a single-family home, you also, in effect, own the land your property sits on. You get to enjoy having a yard, which can also be an important selling point should you wish to resell the home in the future.
  • Single-family homes have great resale potential as appreciation tends to be higher for this type of property. This is especially true in markets where single-family homes, whether for primary or secondary use, are in demand.

Of course, owning a single-family home also has its own set of drawbacks. The main disadvantage is the expenses associated with maintenance. As the owner of a single-family home, you are solely responsible for the maintenance of the property. Costs vary depending on the location, size, and amenities of the home.

Brainerd Lake Homes for Sale

The essence of Lake Country lifestyle is best captured in the region’s collection of beautiful lake homes. With plenty of shoreline to go around – lake homes are especially abundant, as well as highly sought-after.

How to Buy a Lake Home in Lake Country

When you work with a Lake Country specialist, purchasing your dream lake home can be a smooth and stress-free experience. Remember these as you shop for your very own lake home.

  • Determine its use. Are you buying a lake home to make it your primary residence, a second home, or an investment property? Identifying its use early in the process will help you plan accordingly and even narrow your search.
  • Find out how much you can afford. As highly coveted real estate properties, lake homes can be on the higher end of the price spectrum. Before you shop for a lake home, determine how much home you can afford and do additional research into the total costs of owning this type of property.
Important Things to Consider

Minnesota’s lake homes are in a league of their own. It’s important to keep these factors in mind when shopping for your lake house.

  • Maintenance
  • Home insurance
  • Location
  • Zoning Regulations
  • Wells and Septics
  • The neighborhood during different seasons
  • Structural reinforcements

Luxury homes in Lake Country elevate this unique Minnesota experience to a new level. Whether it’s a retreat deep within a Lake Country forest or a breathtaking lakefront estate, it’s undeniable these properties are some of the most beautiful and sought-after in the region.

How to Buy a Luxury Home in Lake Country

Here are a couple of tips to help you find, and purchase, the Lake Country luxury home of your dreams.

  • Work with a local luxury home specialist. The luxury home market is a different sector in real estate. Breeze through the home buying process by having a Lake Country luxury home expert on your team.
  • Prepare your finances. Luxury properties involve serious financing. Before you go shopping for a luxury home, make sure you have your financial bases covered. At the very least, obtain a mortgage pre-approval from your preferred bank or lender unless purchasing with existing funds.
  • Identify your wants and needs. Luxury homes offer different features and amenities. Location varies as well. Knowing what you want in relation to what you need.

    Consider your lifestyle, the property’s primary use, time spent at the property, and the quality of life you seek. Knowing each will narrow down the home search, enabling you find the luxury home that perfectly fits your criteria.

  • Take a look at the whole property. Don’t limit the inspection to the actual residential structure. Consider the entire property, as well as the neighborhood.

    Is it a tourist destination? Does it flood? Is it a quiet and remote area? How far are you from shops and restaurants?

    Take your time to assess the whole property. It will help you make a more informed decision.

Resorts for Sale MN

With Lake Country being the premier vacation destination in Minnesota, resort properties are a great real estate investment. Aside from being an income-generating venture, operating and managing your own resort in Minnesota can ultimately be a rewarding experience.

Read more to find out how you can purchase your very own Lake Country resort.

What is a Resort?

A resort, in its simplest form, is an establishment built for a specific purpose: vacations and getaways. They come in different shapes and sizes. Some resorts are simple retreats, while others are world-class luxury facilities. Resort themes and amenities differ, and location often plays an important role in determining the overall resort experience.

In Lake Country, a resort can take the form of a campground, an outdoor recreation and hunting area, or lodging/bed and breakfast.

Things to Consider When Buying a Lake Country Resort

Bear these factors in mind as you look for a Lake Country resort to call your own.

  • Topography – Take note of the area and the ground it sits on. Is it densely wooded? Is it a hilly location? Are there homes and services located nearby? Is it a lakefront resort, or at least connected to a waterway? Does it have the potential to become flooded?
  • Condition of existing structures – How many buildings are currently on the resort property? What type of shape are they in? Will you need to make renovations or demolitions? What utilities are available?
  • Type of resort – Is the resort solely for sports and recreation, or is it geared more for relaxation? Is this in line with your future plans for the resort?
  • Revenue potential – How did the resort fare under its former management? What was the bookkeeping system employed? Do you need to expand or add more revenue departments? How much income will it potentially generate, and when can you achieve your ROI?

When in Lake Country, one simply can’t resist nature’s allure. And one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the whole Lake Country experience is through camping.

Campgrounds are one of the real estate properties you can invest in throughout Lake Country. When well-managed and operated, campgrounds can generate a lot of income. Here is how you can purchase your own piece of paradise in Lake Country.

Factors to Consider

The right campground can bring you success in the business. Several factors can affect the purchase, but the following considerations are the most important:

  • Time on the market – Is it relatively new or has it been on the market for some time? If so, why?
  • History of the property – Has it always been a campground? Why is it for sale?
  • Area and water quality – Is the campground’s location conducive for a camping business? Do you have access to good water? Is it a lakefront campsite or near a lake?
  • Type of vegetation – What kind of plants grow in the area? Do you need to be careful about a specific type of plant?
  • Location – Is the campground located in a remote area? If yes, where are the nearest attractions and hospitals?

How to purchase a Lake Country campground

Work with a specialist. A local real estate professional who specializes in Lake Country campgrounds will help you determine the best location for your plans and preferences.

Consider all of your options. Campgrounds are plentiful in Lake Country. See to it you explore all of your options before committing to one.

Understand the terms of sale. Before you proceed with the purchase, read the terms and negotiate accordingly. As a smart real estate investor, you need to know what’s included in the sale and exactly what you’re paying for.

Vacant lots and land are some of the most prime real estate offerings in Lake Country. Investing in land opens many opportunities, whether you’re planning to buy for residential or commercial purposes. Continue reading to learn more about purchasing vacant lots and land in Lake Country.

Important Considerations When Buying Land

Land is an important asset and a solid long-term investment. Make sure you’re picking the right plot by taking the following considerations in mind:

  • Utilities – Is the lot connected to existing utilities (water, electricity, phone lines, etc)? Or will you have to pay extra to install these necessities?
  • Street access – Not all plots of vacant land have direct street access. Some require a bit of a walk, while others are more remote. Landlocked lots require easements, which allow you to pass through another person’s land to get to yours.
  • Location – The lot’s location can affect the plans you have for the land. Much of the vacant land for sale in Lake Country is located some distance from downtown neighborhoods, and lakefront lots are especially popular.
  • Zoning ordinances – Local building regulations and ordinances are important factors in determining which plot to buy. These rules affect the kind of structures you’re allowed to build on the land. These ordinances range from the number of floors you can add, or even the very purpose of the building (residential or commercial).
  • Environmental tests – Lake Country is home to sprawling undeveloped land, but it wouldn’t hurt to have environmental surveys or tests performed before you purchase a certain plot of land. Such tests will determine the land’s soil quality, as well as possibility of flooding and contamination.

Cabins for Sale in Brainerd, MN

Cabins are the quintessential residence if you truly want to experience the authentic Lake Country lifestyle.

Often used as vacation homes, cabins are an integral part of Lake Country getaways. Continue reading to find out how you can have your very own Lake Country dream cabin.

What is a cabin?

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, cabin culture is huge. Cabins in Lake Country are usually small residences made of simple materials, often wood. Construction techniques used to build cabins are also quite simple. Like most real estate properties, some cabins are bigger than others.

Cabins are often in remote locations, particularly densely wooded areas. The same can be said with Lake Country’s collection of cabins, rustic in character and undeniably Minnesotan.

Tips on buying a Lake Country cabin

To fulfil your goal of owning your very own cabin in Lake Country, keep in mind the following:

  • Work with a local specialist. As with most real estate purchases, it’s highly recommended to hire a local expert to help you find your Lake Country cabin.
  • Have defined goals and plans. Cabins are available in many sizes and offer different amenities. They are also spread out. Some cabins are located deep in the woods, while others are located in lakefront settings. Determining your goals will help you identify the right kind of cabin for your needs. There are several types of cabins, including log cabins, A-frame cabins and pre-fab/modular cabins.
  • Determine what you can afford. Cabin prices are wide-ranging. If you’re clear with your goals and what you want in a cabin, you’ll be able to determine how much you can afford.

Additionally, securing a mortgage pre-approval from your chosen lender will take you one step closer to your dream cabin.

Work With Mike

Mike offers years of proven experience successfully helping clients, buy, sell and invest in Lake Country Real Estate.