At Lakehomes.com Realty, our name pretty much says it all - but not quite! For nearly 20 years, our agents have been "True Waterfront Property Specialists," but also have extensive knowledge in all areas of real estate, including acreage, resorts and recreational properties throughout most of Minnesota and Western Wisconsin.
Search through Lakehomes.com Realty listings below, or view our Minnesota map to find thousands of lake properties - and all other listed properties - in most of Minnesota and Western Wisconsin waterfront markets, including Minneapolis & St. Paul, Grand Rapids, Annandale, Ely, Spooner, Detroit Lakes, Duluth, Amery, Mille Lacs Lake, Brainerd Lakes, Lake Vermilion, McGregor, The North Shore, Walker, Bemidji, Pine City, Longville, Cumberland, Big Lake, Rainy Lake, Lake of the Woods, Siren, Cambridge... and many other areas.
From Minneapolis to the Canadian border, you can search most of the available real estate listings just by surfing our website. Just contact us with questions on any properties that interest you, and one of our real estate professionals will quickly respond. Or, better yet, tell us what you want in a lake property and we'll find it for you.
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Lake Homes And Cabins
 | Kabetogama Lake - $1,199,000 Kabetogama Lake:One of the finest custom built homes in Northern MN, Located on the shores of Kabetogama Lake. This uniquely designed home is a rare find and has many extra including heated workshop and more.
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 | Borden Lake - $459,900 Garrison: Custom designed executive home on a 1.45 acre lot with 120 ft. of sandy shoreline on Borden Lake. Interesting detail in the home as well as the guest house.
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 | Coon Lake - $2,400,000 East Bethel: Fabulous, brick lake home with 100 ft of level lakeshore on Coon Lake. Estate quality privacy and grounds with magnificent entertaining areas and panoramic lake views. |
 | Winnibigoshish Lake - $209,900 Grand Rapids Area: REDUCED! Fantastic 2 bedroom cabin that has been totally updated on the shores of Big Winnie. Spectacular privacy and sandy shoreline for excellent swimming, plus great walleye fishing. |
 | Rainy Lake - $339,000 International Falls: Remodeled 4 bedroom 2 bath home on point in Ranier. Great dock and sand beach on Rainy Lake. City water and sewer and natural gas. Overlooking Sand Bay and Canada!
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 | Littlefork River Access -$160,000 Littlefork: Wonderful 80 acre hunting/fishing retreat with Littlefork River Access. Enjoy all the comforts and amenities of home in this nicely remodeled ranch style home. |
 | Hartley Lake - $199,900 Grand Rapids Area: Rare offering on beautiful, peaceful Hartley Lake. 3 bedroom home boasting one level living on a great lot at an unbeatable price and includes an insulated and heated 2+ garage. Enjoy western views & great fishing. |
 | Rainy Lake - $439,000 International Falls: REDUCED! One of the most breath taking view you will ever have on beautiful Rainy Lake. Many recent updates, decks galore! |
 | Lake Ida - $179,000 Alexandria: REDUCED! One level living on Lake Ida for under $200K! Includes cabin, boat slip, pool and 750 ft of shared lakeshore. |
 | Bigfork River - $179,900 Big Falls: REDUCED! Breathtaking view of the Bigfork River. This delightful 3 bedroom 3 bath custom built home has an open floor with a beautiful country kitchen and stone fireplace. |
 | Sauk Lake - $750,000 Sauk Centre: Stunning executive style home on Sauk Lake built in 2006! All the amenitites and completely finished, plus 150 ft of lakeshore! |
 | Roosevelt Lake - $449,000 Emily: Charming two bedroom lake home on Roosevelt Lake - all tongue and groove interior and beautiful sand beach. |
 | Rainy Lake - $249,900 International Falls: Newly remodeled 4 bedroom 2 bath lake home on 1 acre on Rainy Lake. Dredged harbor, new windows, roof, siding and much more! |
 | Rainy Lake - $189,000 Ft Frances, Ontario: FANTASTIC LOCATION and over 800 ft of shoreline! This 3.32 acre lot is located just South of Windy Point on Rainy Lake. Cedar lined "A" frame cabin has an amazing Southern exposure overlooking the lake. |
 | Wynne Lake - $349,300 Biwabik: The Villas at Giants Ridge Golf and Ski Resort are a perfect vacation property investment! Come up and stay - play endlessly, and leave without a care in the world! Overlooking Wynne Lake. |
 | Lake Carlos - $649,000 Alexandria: Custom built lake home on Lake Carlos with 100 ft of lake frontage. Beautifully appointed throughout and gorgeous hardwood floors. Plus a finished, heated garage with lounge/exercise area. |
 | Deer Lake - $380,000 Aitkin: Take advantage of this beautiful up north retreat. This is your chance to put the finishing touches on this log home shell. Featuring over 3.75 acres 224 ft. of secluded sand shoreline with a gradual elevation. |
 | Norway Lake - $437,900 Pine River: Beautiful lake home set among towering red pines and right on the water! Lots of lakeside glass, completely remodeled, great lake views, gradual slope to the lake and extra guest quarters. |
 | Rainy Lake - $289,000 International Falls: REDUCED! Rainy Lake cabin on 3.5 acres! This delightful two bedroom, one bath cabin is privacy plus and a level lot facing west overlooking Sand Bay and Canada. |
 | Lake Miltona - $398,000 Miltona: REDUCED! Level lake frontage (200 ft) with southern exposure and a well kept and recently updated year round cottage on Lake Miltona.
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 | Leech Lake - $249,000 Federal Dam: Located on the eastern shore of Leech Lake, this 3 bedroom cabin offers some fantastic views. With 107 feet of sand and rock frontage, and your own personal harbor this property is one of a kind.
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 | Ripple River - $89,900 Aitkin: REDUCED! Great hunting and fishing getaway with 200 ft. on Ripple River, just a block to Farm Island Lake Access and Ruttgers Resort and Golf Course. 2.36 wooded acre lot with nice landscaping, firepit and c |
 | Rainy Lake - $228,800 Ft Frances, Ontario: Quaint Island retreat on Rainy Lake. Only 3 miles by boat from the US mainland. Across Sand Bay. |
 | 170 Acres Near BWCAW- $1,896,000 Ely: 170 acres of untouched wilderness encompassing 3 lakes. A stones throw away from the actual BWCAW! Majestic Pines, crystal clear waterways, abundant wildlife and an impeccably designed log home! |
 | Lower South Long - $329,000 Brainerd: Ideal Up-North lake cabin on Lower South Long Lake. Includes all appliances, furnishings, newer aluminum roll-in dock, 2 boat lifts, level elevation, sand beach, mature trees, double garage, shed, 55x190 back lot & lakeside deck. |
 | Norway Lake - $319.900 Pine River: Beautiful location with perfect elevation, sand beach and mature trees on Norway Lake. Cabin and guest cabin both remodeled. Garage also is finished with bathroom and bunk beds. |
 | Rainy Lake - $350,000 International Falls: Very private setting located adjacent to Voyageur's Nat'l Park this lakehome features a sunroom, pool room, complete mother in law living qtrs. and 6 acres overlooking Black Bay! |
 | 10 acres - $159,900 Near Mille Lacs: Country home on 10.2 beautiful acres with open area and wooded areas. Excellent hunting, close to Mille Lacs Lake, very private. |
 | Rainy Lake - $339,800 Ft Frances: Wonderful 3 bedroom, 1500 sq ft. island cottage located just ove rth border in Sand Bay, Rainy Lake. |
 | Lake Mary - $95,000 Alexandria: Enjoy big water recreation on your Lake Mary lot (800' of level lake shore) in a clean mobile home. Includes dock, boat slip, children's play area, showers, a store and fish cleaning area. Lawn service is included so relax & enjoy! |
 | Rainy Lake - $649,900 International Falls: One of a Kind - private executive home, located on the end of Bald Rock Point road on Rainy Lake. |
 | Arbo Lake - $272,000 Grand Rapids: REDUCED! A beautiful, magical dome home, nestled in 18 wooded acres, on private Arbo Lake, offers a nurturing sanctuary. |
 | Lookout Lake - $209,000 Brainerd Lakes Area: REDUCED! Quaint rustic cabin or build your dream log home, 293 ft of sand lakeshore on Lookout Lake. Private location and excellent fishing lake. |
 | Log Home on 10 Acres - $240,000 Bemidji: REDUCED! Extraordinary LOG HOME! 10 acres of wildlife, trees, and groomed trails surround this PRIVATE 3400 sq ft log home with walkout basement, 30x50 garage/shop and vintage log cabin shed, west of Bemidji |
 | Little Ball Club Lake - $129,900 Deer River: REDUCED! Two bedroom cabin on Little Ball Club Lake. Situated on 2.25 acres with 200 ft of shoreline. |
 | Black River 97 Acres - $239,000 Northern Koochiching County: Country living at its finest with a beautiful 3 bedroom home and exploring, hunting and fishing on your own 97 acres including 1/2 mi of Black River frontage. Black River flows into the Rainy River 200 yds away. |
 | Tamarack River - $145,000 Waskish: Fish off your dock or boat down to Upper Red Lake. This turn-key home on the Tamarack River is only 4 years old. |
 | Upper Red Lake - $235,000 Kelliher: Log home with natural stone fireplace located on a beautiful lot on Upper Red Lake. |
 | Little Swan Creek - $249,900 Staples: 90 acre farm gives you unique outdoor access with woods, fields, pasture, and Little Swan Creek, the possibilities are endless. |
 | Near Lake Latoka Beach - $449,900 Alexandria: Beautifully designed 3330 sq ft home near Lake Latoka Beach. A highly regarded interior designers work is stamped throughout. |
 | Balsam Lake WI - $424,900 Balsam Lake, WI: Completely remodeled 3 bedroom 2 bath on 75 ft of level, south facing lakeshore on Western WI Premier 2054 Acre Balsam Lake. |
 | Rainy Lake - $324,000 International Falls: Raven Wood is an upscale wooded development on Rainy Lake. This private 1.4 acre property is already prepped and landscaped -incl. water/sewer and a cozy living quarters and garage for your base camp until you're ready to build |
 | Ethel Lake, Alberta - $1,349,000 Canadian Ethel Lake, Alberta: Charming cottage on Cold Lake in Alberta, Canada. Built in 1938 with recent renovations, beautiful house in a gorgeous setting.
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 | Nearly 4 Acres - $139,900 Deer River: Gorgeous 2005 built Cape Cod style home on nearly 4 acres just west of Deer River and close to many lakes. |
 | Lake Carlos - $569,000 Alexandria: EXCEPTIONAL VALUE! Sure to impress with level 1.08 acre lot, 90' of sand shore line. Relax in the screened porch watching the awesome sunsets after a great day of recreation on the Chain of Lakes. |
 | Gull Lake - $569,000 Nisswa: Beautiful log townhome located on the East Side Main Gull Lake with 750 ft of sand beach and your own boat slip. Private yard along Bishops Creek, opens onto the perfect beach. |
 | Upper Red Lake - $250,000 Kelliher: Full log home on nice 1.5 acre lot on Upper Red Lake. Very secluded on private road. |
 | Rainy Lake - $229,000 International Falls: Cozy two bedroom, one bath cabin ready to move into. All one level with city sewer and nicely wooded lot on Jackfish Bay with Southern exposure and excellent views of Rainy Lake. |
 | Snake River - $649,900 Pine City: Beautiful views and setting for this high quality home with a great floor plan for entertaining, wall of windows overlooks 125 ft Middle Snake River boatable to Pokegama & Cross Lake. Plus an in-ground pool! |
Large Acreage
 | 42 Acres - $65,000 Togo: This 41.6 acre parcel on HWY 65 is located 4 miles north of Togo. Backed by State, County and Federal lands gives you the ability to enjoy 1000's of acres of public lands. |
 | Littlefork River Access -$160,000 Littlefork: Wonderful 80 acre hunting/fishing retreat with Littlefork River Access. Enjoy all the comforts and amenities of home in this nicely remodeled ranch style home. |
 | Nearly 4 Acres - $139,900 Deer River: Gorgeous 2005 built Cape Cod style home on nearly 4 acres just west of Deer River and close to many lakes. |
 | Lake Oahe - $2,500,000 Gettysburg, SD: 175 acres - Whitlock Riverview Estates is a sportsman paradise. Every lot has incredible views of Lake Oahe. Fish for Northern, Walleye, Pike or Bass. Hunt for White Tail or Mule deer. |
 | 170 Acres Near BWCAW- $1,896,000 Ely: 170 acres of untouched wilderness encompassing 3 lakes. A stones throw away from the actual BWCAW! Majestic Pines, crystal clear waterways, abundant wildlife and an impeccably designed log home! |
 | Lake Latoka - $375,000 Alexandria: One of the few large, undeveloped parcels remaining on popular Lake Latoka. 14.45 Acres and 1685 ft of lakeshore located within 2 miles of the city of Alexandria. |
 | Log Home on 10 Acres - $240,000 Bemidji: REDUCED! Extraordinary LOG HOME! 10 acres of wildlife, trees, and groomed trails surround this PRIVATE 3400 sq ft log home with walkout basement, 30x50 garage/shop and vintage log cabin shed, west of Bemidji |
 | Net Lake - $259,900 Net Lake: Gorgeous 33 A of wooded lakeshore surrounded by 1200 ft of Net Lake and 500 ft on Net River . Nemadji State forest on 2 sides connects to ATV and snowmobile trails. 36x48 pole barn and 2 RV sites w/ electric. |
 | Arbo Lake - $272,000 Grand Rapids: REDUCED! A beautiful, magical dome home, nestled in 18 wooded acres, on private Arbo Lake, offers a nurturing sanctuary. |
 | Black River 97 Acres - $239,000 Northern Koochiching County: Country living at its finest with a beautiful 3 bedroom home and exploring, hunting and fishing on your own 97 acres including 1/2 mi of Black River frontage. Black River flows into the Rainy River 200 yds away. |
 | Chisago City - $1,950,000 Chisago City: REDUCED! 65 Acres in Chisago City limits with water and sewer to property. Plat already approved for lots, survey wetland completed. Easy freeway access. Everything ready to go. |
 | 3 Lots Near Forsythe Lake - $28,900-$68,900 Grand Rapids Area: Three wooded lots ranging from 2.3 acres to 5.2 near Forsythe Lake. Nice buildable lots some with lake view. |
 | Near Green Lake - $325,000 Chisago City: 13 Acre wooded parcel ready to subdivide within Chisago City limits, adjacent to new Camp Ojiketa Regional Park and across the street from Green Lake. |
 | 120 Acres - $174,000 Littlefork: 120 acre whitetail hunting camp near Littlefork. Maintenance free buildings include sauna, 10 permanent deer stands and mowed hunting trails. |
 | Lawrence Lake - $169,900 Grand Rapids Area: Gorgeous 7 acre lot on Lawrence Lake. Newly constructed private road into a wide open lake property, many pines, a nice pole bldg w/concrete floor & electric, and 312 ft of West facing sand beach. Will consider contract for deed. |
 | Deer Lake Lot - $110,000 Aitkin: Over 5 acres of wooded privacy on Deer Lake. Sand lakeshore and good fishing. A perfect building site for the lake home of your dreams.
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 | Rainy River Acreage - $120,000 International Falls: 40 wooded acres on Rainy River. Hunt and fish the finest river for Walleye, Northern, Crappie, Small Mouth Bass & Sturgeon. Nationally recognized Whitetail hunting area. |
 | 14 Acres - $112,000 Alexandria: Spectacular views from this 14.43 acre property, overlooking lakes , close to Alexandria. Adjoining acreage also available. |
 | Little Swan Creek - $249,900 Staples: 90 acre farm gives you unique outdoor access with woods, fields, pasture, and Little Swan Creek, the possibilities are endless. |
 | 80 Acres - $168,000 Ray: SALE PENDING! Enjoy this 80 acre farmhouse/hunting property. Dead end road and all state land behind property. Excellent deer hunting and beautiful setting. |
 | 16 Acres - $36,000 Nashwauk: 16.7 acres of prime nicely wooded hunting land or a beautiful quiet place to build. Surrounded by Blandin Land to the South and State Land to the North. |
 | 10 acre Sites - $59,900 Ft Ripley: Your choice of 11 or 10 acre sites.Wooded acreage, all high ground, road is ready to use. Great building site! Just south of Brainerd/Baxter and close to Camp Ripley. Also close to access to Crow Wing Lake and Mississippi River. |
 | Crow Wing River - $310,000 Staples: Unique 54 acre Crow Wing River parcel with 1654 ft of frontage and some of the most scenic views in the area. Bordered by Wadena County tax forfeited land & hundreds of acres of Potlach Land.
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 | Rainy River - $265,000 International Falls: 1650 ft of spectacular Rainy River frontage and 61 acres between the Manitou Rapids and the Sault Rapids. High ground with beautiful views of the river. Excellent fishing - Walleye, |
 | 10 acres - $159,900 Near Mille Lacs: Country home on 10.2 beautiful acres with open area and wooded areas. Excellent hunting, close to Mille Lacs Lake, very private. |
 | 80 Acres - $89,000 Littlefork: 80 wooded acres of excellent hunting land just South of Littlefork MN. This wooded property has a reputation of Big Buck Country!
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Resorts And Commercial Properties
 | South Center Lake - $990,000 Chisago Lakes Area: REDUCED! Great business opportunity- 8 room remodeled motel and 2 BR house on 340 ft of South Center Lake. Dock and boat rental business included. |
 | Rainy Lake - $400,000 International Falls: Successful Bar and Supper Club. Live: Music and Karaoke. Unlimited potential with high traffic area on Hwy 11 E. Entrance to Voyageurs National Park and Rainy Lake.
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 | Gull Lake - $569,000 Nisswa: Beautiful log townhome located on the East Side Main Gull Lake with 750 ft of sand beach and your own boat slip. Private yard along Bishops Creek, opens onto the perfect beach. |
 | Wynne Lake - $349,300 Biwabik: The Villas at Giants Ridge Golf and Ski Resort are a perfect vacation property investment! Come up and stay - play endlessly, and leave without a care in the world! Overlooking Wynne Lake. |
Waterfront Lots
 | 3 Lots Near Forsythe Lake - $28,900-$68,900 Grand Rapids Area: Three wooded lots ranging from 2.3 acres to 5.2 near Forsythe Lake. Nice buildable lots some with lake view. |
 | Rainy Lake Lot - $189,000 International Falls: This Rainy Lake lot is heavily wooded and has southern exposure overlooking Frank's Bay. The shoreline needs some dredging to create an optimal lake dock access point, but the area is gorgeous! |
 | Sturgeon Lake - $250,000 Side Lake: Enjoy Great Views of Sturgeon Lake from this undeveoped 4.5 acre lot that features 300 ft of lakeshore! This parcel is nicely wooded and ready for you to build your new lake home or cabin on. |
 | Blue Lake Lots: $139,900 - $239,900 Zimmerman: Woods at Blue Lake development just north of the Minneapolis/St Paul metro area. Private, cul-de-sac development of wooded acreage lots located on the northwest shore of Blue Lake. |
 | Lake Vermilion - $189,900 Tower: Picturesque 300 feet of heavily wooded lakeshore tucked quietly into Mud Creek Bay on the East end of Lake Vermilion. |
 | Pokegama Lake - $259,000 Grand Rapids: Nearly an acre lot on sought after Pokegama Lake. Very nice, gradually sloping lot to firm sand beach with big water views of Sherry's Arm. Possible Contract for Deed! |
 | Rainy River - $265,000 International Falls: 1650 ft of spectacular Rainy River frontage and 61 acres between the Manitou Rapids and the Sault Rapids. High ground with beautiful views of the river. Excellent fishing - Walleye, |
 | Trout Lake Access - $22,900 Coleraine: Perfect building lot in a great price range. Golf, tennis and water activities surround this beautiful home-site overlooking the 9th hole at Eagle Ridge Golf Course. Plus shared access to Trout Lake. |
 | Upper Red Lake - $50,000 Waskish: Nearly 3 Acres and 300 ft of lakeshore on Upper Red Lake. |
 | Blue Lake Lake View Lots: $99,900 -$114,900 Zimmerman: Lake view lots at the Woods at Blue Lake, just north of the Minneapolis/St Paul metro area. Private, cul-de-sac development of wooded acreage, one block from public lake access.. |
 | Rainy River Acreage - $120,000 International Falls: 40 wooded acres on Rainy River. Hunt and fish the finest river for Walleye, Northern, Crappie, Small Mouth Bass & Sturgeon. Nationally recognized Whitetail hunting area. |
 | Lake Latoka - $375,000 Alexandria: One of the few large, undeveloped parcels remaining on popular Lake Latoka. 14.45 Acres and 1685 ft of lakeshore located within 2 miles of the city of Alexandria. |
 | Lake Vermilion - $235,900 Cook: REDUCED! A perfect setting for your lake home on 6 acres on Lake Vermilion. |
 | Crow Wing River - $310,000 Staples: Unique 54 acre Crow Wing River parcel with 1654 ft of frontage and some of the most scenic views in the area. Bordered by Wadena County tax forfeited land & hundreds of acres of Potlach Land.
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 | White Iron Lake Lot - $189,300 Ely: One White Iron Lake Lot left, just 15 minutes from Ely! Pine studded lots, acre plus, beautiful rocky shore, meandering bays and panoramic vistas. A great location to build a get-a-way. |
 | Rainy Lake - $292,000 International Falls: 5 Acre parcel Red Crest Island - Rainy Lake. Escape to your island retreat! Power and phone is available on this island, or if you prefer the solitude, just kick back and enjoy the sand bay sunsets. |
 | Lake Oahe - $2,500,000 Gettysburg, SD: 175 acres - Whitlock Riverview Estates is a sportsman paradise. Every lot has incredible views of Lake Oahe. Fish for Northern, Walleye, Pike or Bass. Hunt for White Tail or Mule deer. |
 | Lawrence Lake - $169,900 Grand Rapids Area: Gorgeous 7 acre lot on Lawrence Lake. Newly constructed private road into a wide open lake property, many pines, a nice pole bldg w/concrete floor & electric, and 312 ft of West facing sand beach. Will consider contract for deed. |
 | Net Lake - $259,900 Net Lake: Gorgeous 33 A of wooded lakeshore surrounded by 1200 ft of Net Lake and 500 ft on Net River . Nemadji State forest on 2 sides connects to ATV and snowmobile trails. 36x48 pole barn and 2 RV sites w/ electric. |
 | 10th Crow Wing Lake - $60,000 Akeley: REDUCED! Wooded lot on Tenth Crowe Wing Lake gives you lake access to over 800’ of frontage and more than 892 acres of clean water, boating fun on the Crow Wing chain of lakes. |
 | Snowball Lake - $110,000 Pengilly: Wooded lot on quiet Snowball Lake with over 450 ft of lakeshore. Great location between Grand Rapids and Hibbing, close to a 9 & 18 hole golf course, right next to the Mesabi Bike/Walking Trail. The lot has a cleared building site. |
 | Sand Lake - $179,000 Deer River: 1.4 acre lot on Sand Lake with 200 ft. of excellent sandy shoreline, mostly level, studded with towering pines and has a magnificent view. |
 | Mirror Lake - $79,900 North of Grand Rapids: SALE PENDING! Ready to build, level, wooded lake lot with sandy lakeshore on Mirror Lake with 18 ft of clarity. Septic, well, electric and driveway are in!
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 | Near Blue Lake Lots: $74,900 - $94,900 Zimmerman: Acreage lots at the Woods at Blue Lake development, just north of the Minneapolis/St Paul metro area, located on the northwest shore of Blue Lake within a block of the public landing. |
 | Deer Lake Lot - $110,000 Aitkin: Over 5 acres of wooded privacy on Deer Lake. Sand lakeshore and good fishing. A perfect building site for the lake home of your dreams.
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 | Sturgeon Lake - $230,000 Side Lake: Enjoy Great Views of Sturgeon Lake from this undeveoped 3.7 acre lot that features 268 feet of lakeshore! This parcel is nicely wooded and ready for you to build your new lake home or cabin on. |
 | 5 Acres Near Lookout Lake - $45,900 Ironton: Great location for your home or cabin. Very nice wooded acreage on private cul-de-sac. Between cluster of small lakes and near Lookout Lake. |
 | Upper Red Lake - $89,900 Kelliher: 100 ft of beautiful, level shoreline on Upper Red Lake. Enjoy the view! |
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Talk From The Dock
Dan & Sandy Anderson Founders / Waterfront Consultants
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Jan 5th, 2009
I've been around the real estate business for quite a few years now, and the one thing that has always remained the same is that there is never a shortage of real estate companies willing to hire new agents - both brand new and those moving from another company.
Generally, agents shop around for what they feel is the best deal and the best fit for them personally, and then choose who they want to work for. Many times the honeymoon doesn't last too long though, because they end up competing for business with the other agents in their office. This often leads to the "hoppers" who move from one company to another in search of the perfect home.
However, agents also sometimes realize that the decision to join a particular company may not have been the right one for them. And it is sometimes hard to recognize that before they get a feel for the new operation.
Other reasons to move from one company to another have to do with feelings of stagnation, boredom, or a need to be more independent - which is why some agents choose to start their own brokerages after working under another broker for several years.
At Lakehomes.com, we have a significantly different philosophy than other brokerages. We have gone out of our way to give our agents reasonably protected territories, as long as they are actively selling. On top of that, we are now paying out commissions from 70% to 95%, along with free leads. That allows our agents to have much more control over their respective market areas, and to run their real estate businesses like businesses...which is what ultimately benefits the buyers and sellers the most!
We don't provide fancy offices or a lot of other perks that have to be compensated for by charging higher commissions or junk fees to sellers, or taking it from the agents' bottom line. Instead, we are able to pass along high value at a low cost to our agents, giving them more latitude and flexibility with each client.
But don't be fooled by our ability to operate on a streamlined basis. With nearly all waterfront buyers - and sellers - searching the Internet for available properties and knowledgeable agents, it is not too difficult to see why our waterfront specialists are so successful in finding buyers for their waterfront and recreational listings.
A Google search such as Minnesota lakefront real estate or Minnesota waterfront property will generally display our site at the top of all results. And although it is impossible to be the number one result on every search all the time, you will typically see us within the top few on most every community or lake area name across Minnesota with terms like "lakefront," "waterfront," etc.
Here are a few other search terms relating to waterfront real estate that seem to be showing strong search results today for us: Duluth lakefront property, Park Rapids waterfront property, Longville real estate, Minneapolis lake property, Twin Cities waterfront real estate, Northern Minnesota lake lots, Northern Minnesota lake homes, St. Cloud lakefront real estate and Western Wisconsin lake properties...to name a few. You will currently see the same types of results across most of Minnesota, and as we add new listings and agents throughout the Midwest, we are generally displayed at the top of new areas rather quickly.
Search results are no doubt very important these days, in an age where buyers and sellers want specific information quickly. We can easily provide those, and be a great source of targeted marketing for all types of recreational properties. But it's our agents who use this technology to give their sellers the marketing capabilities they desire, and to provide easy searching and ongoing communication to buyers.
So, if you are a little tired of how your real estate business has been going, you might want to try ours. Spring is coming quickly, and now is a great time to take advantage of our differentiation.
If you are a knowledgeable lakeshore agent, and interested in becoming the Lead Agent in your market area, we may be able to offer you exclusive rights to your territory, along with immediate access to all buyer and seller inquiries there. And at listing appointments, you will truly have something valuable to offer...that no one else will be able to.
Oh, and by the way, even if you aren't ready to change companies there may be some opportunity to work together. We send a lot of leads out to various partner agents and brokers in areas where we think they can help the customers best. We just may be able to send some your way! Please feel free to contact me for more information.
Dan
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Jan 1st, 2009
This past year has been a challenge for a lot of people, and certainly the real estate industry was one of the hardest hit. Sellers have had a tough time finding enough good buyers to generate reasonable offers - if any - on their homes, and so quite a few of them have decided to hold off for awhile until the dust settles.
Agents have left the industry in droves, with many of them not able to make enough money to even cover their expenses, let alone support their families and have any fun money left over. So...what will be next?
I'm optimistic about 2009. Our page views have shot through the roof on our website since the day after Christmas, and that means there are waterfront buyers out there starting to look already. That is generally what happens after a slow market like the one last year. And the 2009 sales may speed up even more quickly because of the low interest rates!
At the same time, we are making several changes to our overall marketing plan for our listings. In an attempt to make sure we find every possible buyer out there for our listings, we have created several new concepts that are proving quite interesting.
You will be seeing some of these on our website in the days ahead. But, if you're thinking of selling fairly soon, feel free to contact us for more information on how you can benefit from some of these cutting edge ideas.
Remember...the spring market starts way before spring. So don't let it pass you by!
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Dec 11th, 2008
There was a good comment today on my last blog article about doing what you do best and staying positive. Those are definitely good recommendations, and we should all try to focus on the positive things going on around us.
As many of you may already know, we also own the websites at LakehomesUSA.com, RiverhomesUSA.com, and OceanhomesUSA.com. In doing so, we communicate each day with real estate agents and brokers across the country. Recently, although sporadic, I'm starting to hear more comments about good things going on in various markets, and that tends to shine a brighter light on days ahead.
Just in the last week, I've had positive comments from agents regarding their markets in California, Alabama, New Jersey, Florida and Mississippi. It's not all rosy out there, but there seems to be some sense of doom and gloom subsiding a bit.
We've also had a few more buyers contacting us recently, and in Minnesota you can't complain about that this time of year. See, I'm already in a better mood.
I spend a lot of time these days sitting at my desk and running this company, so it might be good for me to get outside a little more often. If any of you would like the company of an experienced lakeshore specialist in your search for just the right lake place, give me a call or email and we can get to work on it right away!
Dan
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Dec 4th, 2008
You may notice a slightly different look to our website today. Over the coming months we plan to bring Lakehomes.com to a new level of design and format, and the logo seemed to be a good first step.
You've probably also seen a few video camera graphics popping up to the side of some of our listings, which will make it easier for long distance buyers to get a better perspective of a property before they make a trip to see it. More and more of these will be available in the days ahead.
As the new logo points out, Lakehomes.com has been around since 1996 - longer than any other waterfront website. It is based on the simple concept the "Specialized Agents" can do a more productive job in guiding waterfront buyers and sellers to their desired goal. And with the Lakehomes.com name behind them, our agents have some of the best resources available in Internet marketing and expert knowledge to make sure their clients are getting the exposure and guidance they deserve.
The real estate business has changed immensely over the past twenty years, when I first started my career. The days of sending an ad for a new listing into the newspaper several days in advance, have now been replaced by immediate and thorough exposure for those properties on niche websites such as ours.
As a seller, it is probably more confusing than ever to try and figure out what types of online - or offline - marketing may work best. And with the slowdown in the economy, the decisions you make may be more important than ever.
I have had a lot of calls lately from prospective sellers asking me what kinds of things we can do - or they can do - to attract a buyer to their home or property. The most honest answer I can give is, "I'm not sure." Having great exposure is no doubt a big part in getting buyers to find you, but there will be many other factors that come into play on each particular property...and the expertise of the agent you choose to work with is a huge one.
It has been our goal for many years to provide a deeper value to Lakehomes.com than just as a website to find properties. The site - and the agents you see on it - are an extension of the waterfront niche that we built long before our competitors came around. And from personally working with thousands of lakeshore buyers and sellers throughout the years, we have a pretty good sense of what is important to them, in general.
The next stage of Lakehomes.com will be different from the past. I firmly believe the real estate industry will need to re-tool along with the automakers if they are to come out of this downturn in decent shape. Many brokers have continued to hang on to antiquated methods of doing business, and I don't plan to be in that camp.
So it is now time to move ahead with new ideas. Many of those are in my head, and I'll release them to the website now and then. But the real change will be the philosophy on how the business operates to benefit the consumer the most...far beyond changes in design or added features.
The one thing I'm sure of is that you will see a lot more of Lakehomes.com soon. And...you will see a lot more waterfront real estate sold because of it!
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Nov 21st, 2008
My dad was a math teacher for more than thirty years. I always thought it would be a terrible job trying to create new and interesting subject material each day from a basic foundation that really doesn't change. He was a great teacher, but I think he got a little bored near the end of his career.
There were a lot of other teachers I knew who also seemed like they had lost interest in new ideas as the years wore on them. Some would not even let their students have copies of the tests that they took, because they would surely get passed around and it would be extra work to think up new questions for the following year.
It certainly isn't just teachers that go through these stages during their tenure, but it may be easier to recognize since they tend to focus on a single main subject...from the time they enter their profession until the end of it.
Sadly, many of those intelligent people - who were very motivated when they began their careers - got tired. And that is pretty much the same thing that happens to any of us in time, unless we change our focus now and then.
As much as I enjoy writing about my experiences with lake property and the real estate market in general, the writing style becomes a little stale after awhile. Once that happens, I become less interested in providing new information, and you have less interest in reading it.
You may have already noticed that a lot of my earlier articles provided a reasonable amount of experiential knowledge on what types of things to keep an eye out for when buying or selling lake property. If you haven't read them already, you can easily look back at those jottings to get some insight into my two decades of work in this niche. Several people have mentioned to me how valuable some of that information was to them, and it made them think differently on how to approach the market either as a seller or a buyer.
However, as the 2008 market wained, it got a bit repetitious to think of new ways to talk about a limited bucket of items, like the difference in values between sandy shoreline or the mucky variety. So I started spewing my personal thoughts on several things tied to the economic doldrums. After all, I think blogs should be a direct flow of one's own beliefs from the brain to the keyboard...even if it is off the subject a bit.
Now, as we turn to the last page of the current calendar, I'm also getting tired of this subject. I've seen enough news reports on deflation and bailouts to sicken me for quite some time. So, I'm searching for a new slant to this blog! I'll happily accept recommendations, so if you have some ideas just throw them my way.
But until I get zapped with enthusiasm from some type of turnaround - or at least a teeny little glow at the end of the tunnel - I'm going to look around for subject matter from a few of my colleagues across the country. Maybe with less of a focus entirely on waterfront property, but ideas and successes that seem to be working for people in other areas who are attempting to play the real estate game during in this dreary climate.
So let's quit focusing on the bad news (like the Dow dropping almost 700 points today), and instead turn to all the positive things going on in the world of real estate. If nothing else, it will keep me pretty busy trying to dig some up! And if it helps a few of my readers with their 2009 real estate plans, I did my job.
Dan
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