​​Things to Consider When Buying Lakefront Property

Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes and has over 90,000 feet of lakeshore – that’s more than Florida, California and Hawaii combined!

Here are some things to consider when buying a lakefront property:

Outdoor Space

What is the lake shoreline like: is it sandy, mucky, rocky, cattails, lily pads, or have weeds?  What is the grade to the shoreline: gradual, steep, is there flooding?  What direction are you facing? Do you want sunrises, sunsets, or both with south facing?

The Lake Itself

What is the size of the lake? Is there public access and a busy lake? Can you put a motorized vehicle on the lake, is jet-skiing allowed, hours of regulations, is there good fishing, does the DNR stock fish, enjoyable swimming, swimmers itch, are their non-native species that need maintenance like zebra mussels, curly leaf, algae blooms because the lake can turn green? Is there a lake association that is mandatory or optional to help maintain the health and integrity of the lake? 

Additional Cost

In Minnesota, our summers are short and sweet so plan on accommodating many friends and family! Plan on extra gas, BBQ’s and budget for a boat, dock, higher taxes, lifejackets, floats, additional insurance, possible shoreline wall maintenance, sand, permits, shoreline grooming, and water treatments if allowed by association or city.

There is much to consider when buying a home and even more when purchasing a lake property. Let us at AR help guide you!