Which lake is best for you will depend on how you want to use the lake. If you want to dock a speedboat or need acreage to set sail in a larger sailboat, you will need access to large acreage full recreational lake. But what if you just want to enjoy the calls of nesting loons and viewing brilliant rosy sunsets across the water? Maybe a natural wetland shoreline will be what you want. A home with that type of shoreline is very affordable in the current market.A few years back, when lakeshore prices were seemingly out of reach, I wrote another article, Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore, that remains to this day one of the most popular pages on my website. It was written for those dreaming of a lake home but unable to afford the rising costs on shoreline property in Minnesota. (A full recreational lake will have few, if any, restrictions by the Minnesota DNR for usage of the lake…meaning you can have a speed boat, jet ski, etc.) Because not everyone needs, wants or can afford a home on a full recreational lake, I outlined the best affordable options and alternatives to a full recreational lakehome with shoreline. But with the changed real estate market, these variations on traditional lakeshore are now extremely affordable—usually not much higher than a home without water’s edge. And when you combine these affordable options with frigid temps, a home buyer with lakeshore dreams can find they can afford to live on Minnesota lakeshore!
Channel Shore Shoreline along a channel is a great option for a full recreational lake. Many large lakes will have channels or narrow extensions that lead to other lakes or ponds. Usually there is not a place for a beach but you can have a slip or short dock for your boat. The channel will provide access to the main lake. The view will probably inclu
Smaller Lake with Channel to Full Recreational Lake Often the lakes in Minnesota are connected to one or several smaller lakes. This can be a great opportunity. Shoreline that is shallow or weedy is not considered prime but if it has access to a larger lake, it could provide the same enjoyment at a much lower price.
Small Acreage Lake Smaller lakes can be of interest to the more laidback water lover. Often there will be restrictions disallowing motors or only small motors. These smaller lakes can still be great for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Some will allow docks and beaches but check with the DNR for specific restrictions. A small lake will still offer wonderful natural views at a significantly lower price than a full recreational lake.
Environmental Lakes and Wetlands Very shallow lakes wonderful for privacy but not great for recreation. If you are looking for a home with awesome views of wildlife, this may be something to consider.Deeded AccessMany homes and associations near a full recreational lake have been developed with deeded access providing use of the lake. The ability to have a dock, use the beach, or moor a boat, will be outlined in a legal agreement specifying what uses are allowed. Not all deeded access is created equal! Request a copy of all of the specific uses and rules before writing an offer so you can fully understand the access available as a home owner.
Lake View A home with a beautiful lake view but no shoreline or lake access, can provide the wonderful picturesque views everyone dreams of without the high lakeshore taxes.Location with Public Access NearbyA final option is to look for a home that is near park with public lake access. I sold one such home where the public access to a good-sized full recreational lake was about a quarter mile down the street. This family uses the lake to canoe, cross country ski and fish without driving or trailers. There was none of the additional cost or taxes associated with lakeshore property but all of the benefits!
LINKS LAKE RESOURCES:
Department of Natural Resources Lake Finder Comprehensive search engine to find information regarding the size, depth and condition of Minnesota lakes by county and lake name. There is even information on approximate numbers and types of fish found in the listed lakes.
Protecting Minnesota Waters Need to know if you can have a dock? Put in a beach? If the water is safe? This site offers a directory of who to call for the most often asked water, lake and shoreline questions
So How Great are the Deals?
Here are a few I noted on lakeshore on the MLS recently:
- Bald Eagle Lake, deeded access, 4BR/4BA/3Car two story built in 1986 listed at $390K (Over $60K less than tax value)
- Little Coon Lake with access to Coon Lake 4BR/3BA/3Car two story built in 2005 listed at $400K (Over $150K less than tax value)
- White Bear Lake, condo w/deeded access, 1BR/2BA/1Car 1000+sq ft w/$473 assoc dues listed at $290K (Over $70K less than tax value)
- Forest Lake, foreclosure, 5BR/3BA/2Car built in 1975 on first lake. Listed by bank at $335K (Originally priced at $570K)
This is just a quick snapshot of the winter lakeshore bargains on Minnesota lakeshore. If you want to get in on a good deal before iceout in April, give me a call or send me an email to receive a list of all the current homes in the north and east Twin Cities metro with affordable lakeshore. Make this the year that you enjoy summer on the shore of one of Minnesota’s 10,000+ lakes!
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet , Homebuyers Success Packet or sign up for Listingbook Twin Cities Home Search. I specialize in.JPG)
acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.Copyright 2011 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
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