Things to Consider When Buying a Minnesota Lake Property

One of the reasons we live in Minnesota are all of the lakes! One of the best ways to enjoy the lakes is to own a lake property. If you are considering buying a Minnesota lakeshore property there are certain things you need to know to protect one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Buying a lake property is not the same as buying a common residential property as there are many factors that will come into play. Here is a list of some of the most important things to consider when buying a Minnesota lake property. This is a great start, but if you are looking at buying a lake property be sure to enlist the services of competent real estate agent. Here are the top things to consider when buying a Minnesota lake property.

The Lake Use

How do you plan on using the lake? Are you buying a lake property for recreational activities like swimming, boating, wakeboarding, etc? Are you buying because you love to fish? Are you just looking for a place to get away and relax? What you plan on using your lake property for will affect what type of lake you should buy on. Think about the lake size, lake activity, and make sure to buy a house that will allow you to enjoy the things you enjoy about lake life. Are you going to be using this as a seasonal residence or will this be year around? If it’s year around make sure it is insulated properly.

The Lake Type

The Minnesota DNR has a great tool to search for information on almost every lake in Minnesota. Click on the following link to get information on Minnesota lakes. www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/. This will allow to figure out the lake size, clarity, littoral area, depth, aquatic life, etc. Once you know this information you should find out if it’s a recreational lake or environmental lake, as this will affect how you plan to use the lake.  Other things to find out are what types of properties are on the lake and does that fit in with your plans? One other very important item to consider is does this lake have milfoil or zebra mussels as they affect how you will enjoy the lake.

The Lakeshore

The type of lakeshore can be a very important item to consider when buying a Minnesota Lake property. Is the lakeshore level? Is it rocky? Is there an elevation where you might have to use steps to access the water? How will the lake shore work with your planned usage? When buying lakeshore property, the quality of the lake, lakeshore, and lake-bottom are as important as the house.

The Lake Bottom

What type of bottom does the lake have? Is it rocky, sandy, weedy, muddy? Does it have a nice gradual slope or does it drop off quickly? If a lake drops off very quickly this might not be a good match if you have young children. How long of a dock would you have to have to get your boat or boats on a lift?

Property Location on the Lake

No lake lot can be perfect and each has advantages and disadvantages. Are looking to see beautiful sunrises or sunsets or both coming up over the lake? If you are located on the north or south shores you may be able to see both, but if you are on the east or west side of the lake, you will probably only see one or the other. Is the property elevated or not? Can you see the lake in all of the seasons?

Water Levels

How are the current water levels and have they experienced a recent change. Some lakes like White Bear Lake are experiencing really low water levels while other lakes like Bad Medicine Lake have been experiencing rising water levels. What type of lakeshore do you have and will your enjoyment be changed if the water level changes.

Lake Amenities

Would you like your lake to have restaurants, bars, marinas, bait, gas, etc.? Some lakes will have all of these features and others will have none. Be sure to see what types of amenities are available and how that fits into your wants.

Travel Time to the Lake

If your lake place is your primary residence, you might need to check out how long your commute will take. If your lake property is second home, it will be good to know how long it will take to get there? It will also be nice to know what route you will take and if there are any alternative routes?

Building Restrictions

Lakeshore guidelines are set by the state, but each county can also add in there own restrictions. These restrictions might include factors such as, set backs of the house from the lake and property lines, are there agricultural or DNR easements, and what are the well and septic system requirements. Are you planning to buy a tear down or add an addition? Make sure to know the local guidelines and how they will affect your plans.

Public Access

Does this lake have a public access? How close is it to the property? This might affect how you and or your guests get boats into the water. It might also affect how much traffic from non residents is on the lake.

If you are considering buying a Minnesota Lake Property contact a Greenlaw Realty agent today. We specialize in Twin Cities lake properties and lake properties in the Detroit Lakes area.