Lakeshore Dreaming? Ice Out is Here—Time to Start Shopping

With today’s April shower, there is no doubt that the ice on lakes throughout the north and east Twin Cities metro will drop. Ice out is when the ice finally drops to the bottom of the lake and in Minnesota that also means, the for sale signs start going up.

If you have been dreaming of living on one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, consider the north metro. There are options that will fit almost any budget from fixer-upper cabins to high end executive homes.  I took a quick look at the MLS today and there are nearly a hundred options for the would-be lakehome owner.  Most are on full recreational, multi-use lakes like Coon Lake in Anoka County or Forest Lake in Washington County. Surprisingly these properties are often available at prices comparable to homes without a shoreline. 

How can Minnesota lakeshore be so affordable? It appears that prices are not rising on lake properties as quickly as in other categories. From what I have seen, prices are stagnant or in some cases lower than last year.  While on the whole the housing inventory is down, this is not the case for lakehomes. There has been an abundance of these shoreline beauties every spring and summer which has been keep prices affordable.

 
Copyright 2014 www.terieckholm.com

Signs of Spring--Ice Out is Getting Close on Forest Lake in Minnesota

Spring has sprung according to the calendar but in Minnesota we all wait for the ice out on the lakes as a true sign of that the season of growth is upon us. As you can see in this photo essay of shots of Forest Lake, there is still some work for the sun to do.

About a week ago, an early ice out was anticipated. We experienced several days with unseasonable 60 and 70 degree temperatures. The snow melted quickly but it takes longer for three to four feet sheets of ice to drop to the bottom of the lake.

This past week the slightly below average temperatures have slowed the progress. So while the few feet of open water laps the shore, the giant ice sheet prevents use of these Minnesota treasures. We are left waiting for more signs of spring to come to Forest Lake.

As I drove along North Shore Trail to the north side of the lake to take these shots, I passed several homes for sale. Lake homes don't sell well until the shoreline is visible.

Soon the buyers will be excited by the beauty of the lake and their will be more sold signs than for sale signs on Forest Lake lakeshore homes. That will be a real sign of spring!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Ice Out is Coming—North Metro Lake Ice is NOT Safe

It seems like only yesterday when Forest Lake was full of cars, trucks and ice houses all attempting to catch a fish or two on a beautiful winter day. This photo was taken in February when the ice was four feet thick. Ice houses had to be removed a couple of weeks ago but with our below zero temperatures just last week, people were still venturing out on the lakes in their cars thinking the ice was safe.

Since spring has almost sprung in the last few days, the 60 degree weather has made the ice very unstable. A car sunk into the slush on Rush Lake yesterday in northern Chisago County. It’s probably time to stay off the ice and take a break from fishing until the ice out. Use the time to get the boat ready for the fishing opener in May.

Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com