Cattails! The sign of a wetland, natural lake, pond or a just a swamp? The answer often will depend on who you ask. Many buyers of acreage properties whether a large 10+ acre parcel or less than an acre, will ask themselves this question. And just like with houses, the beauty is in the eye of the beholder and Minnesota wetlands can be very beautiful indeed.
I find many home buyers love the idea of living on a
wetland. They can be pleasantly surprised when the backyard has this feature. Wetland properties are abundant in Anoka County, Washington County, Chisago County and even in some parts of the more
urban, Ramsey County. In the MLS, multiple listing service, a wetland property could
be noted as NEDS lakeshore (natural, environmental lake) or a pond. However, it might not be noted at all. When
viewing property, especially in times of drought like this spring, look for
cattails as a sign of lower land that can be wet from time to time.
So how do you decide if a wetland or natural environmental
(NEDS) lake home is for you? Take time to consider some of the positives and
negatives before making a final decision.
Positives:
Wildlife—White-tailed deer, raccoons, turtles, bears, ducks,
loons, eagles, and a host of other animals have been spotted living near
Minnesota wetlands.
Privacy—Whether the wetland is 2 acres or 200, it is not
buildable in most cases. So a property with a wetland or NEDS lake shoreline
will limit neighbors.
Affordable—NEDS lakeshore and wetland properties are
significantly less costly than lakeshore on a full use recreational lake.
Activities—Though there could be some restrictions on the
uses by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), wetland ponds,
environmental lakeshore and NEDS Lakes have been used winter skating, summer
canoeing or kayaking and more depending on the water depth.
Negatives:
Mosquitoes—Yes, wetlands are known to attract the other
Minnesota State bird too. But Minnesota does have a very good program for
keeping these pests under control.
Drainage Issues—If the home is on a smaller lot, the owner
must pay special consideration to the foundation. A drain tile system and sump
pump could be required. Also homes on private septic systems would have special
DNR considerations if the system were to fail.
Need to know more about buying home on a Minnesota Wetland?
Let me be your professional guide. If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me, Teri Eckholm of Boardman Realty, a call or visit my website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report. I specialize in 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 2015 www.terieckholm.com
Let me be your professional guide. If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me, Teri Eckholm of Boardman Realty, a call or visit my website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report. I specialize in 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 2015 www.terieckholm.com
