More than 10,000 Lakes but NONE are Safe for Spring Swimming!

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes it is hard to resist the temptation of the water on a warm 80 degree spring day. But no matter how refreshing the water may appear, all Minnesota Lakes are all too cold for swimming in the spring.  

With this years extremely cold, record breaking spring temperatures, it might be a bit longer before a plunge in a northern lake is safe. We will often experience an occasional May temperature where the mercury rises as high as a sultry July day, making the water in those 10,000+ lakes look very enticing. But beware. In order to swim safely, the water temperatures need to be at least 70 degrees. Most Minnesota lakes do not reach a 70 degree temperature until late May. Some lakes in the northern part of the state may not get out of the 60's all summer season!

It is important for residents and visitors to our great state to understand the affects of hypothermia and cold water are not limited to the falling through ice crusted water in the winter. Spring temperatures in a Minnesota lake or river are just as problematic. Knowing the exact temperature of body of water is essential before taking a dip to cool off to determine how long a person can safely swim outside. Keep in mind, a low lake water temperature will affect children more quickly due to their smaller size. Their bodies will not be able to withstand the cold temperatures as long as an adult can.

Coldwaterwarning.com is a website developed in memory of Brian James Jacobson, a young Minnesota boy who died on April 30, 2004 when he chose to swim in a cold Minnesota lake. He was a healthy 9 year old and good swimmer. It is believed his abilities were completely stalled in the frigid water. This is a sad reminder of how dangerous cold water swimming can be. 
 

Minnesota has thousands of beautiful lakes within its borders. But be forewarned, the inviting beauty is best enjoyed from the shore or the safety of a boat until the water has warmed sufficiently for safe swimming. 


 
Copyright 2014 www.terieckholm.com

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

Dreaming of life on AFFORDABLE Minnesota Lakeshore? New Listings at GREAT PRICES throughout Washington County

Are Minnesota lakeshore owners hoping the real estate market has turned a corner? Maybe. Or is it just a mid-summer night's dream for lakeshore owners?

I noticed an interesting phenomenon in early July that is continuing into August. Lakeshore homes that traditionally list as soon as the ice drops in April were being listed after Independence Day in July. And it was not just the usual handful of slowpokes that added a late summer listing…several lake properties listed in Washington County after July 1st. These are not relisted homes either…You know the ones that are cancelled so they "look new on the market" with a different MLS number every 3-6 months. About a dozen new lakeshore listings hit the market as bona fide new listings in the past six weeks.

Now there are a few newly listed homes where are still dreaming of yesteryear's pricing. But a good number of the new listings were priced competitively...And these are not foreclosures either.

Here are some Washington County "priced-to-sell" Lakeshore Listings that just hit the market:

• Lake Sylvan 1BR/2BA/2car rambler under $155K


• 70’s built Split-level 4BR/3BA/2Car on Forest Lake for $199,900 ($50K below tax value!)


• 2 Heated Cottages on huge lot on Forest Lake’s 3rd Lake. Adorable and priced at $320K.


• Stunning executive home on 100 ft of Forest Lake’s 2nd Lake shoreline. 3400 sq ft 2 story priced in the $770’s


• Affordable 3BR rambler with 132 ft of lakeshore on Lily Lake in Stillwater listed for under $225K.

So those who have lakeshore dreams, this may be the year to take a look at what has listed at the end of the season. There is still time to enjoy a fall campfire on your own piece of shoreline. And, that ice fishing excursion could be much closer to home this winter...right out your own backdoor!

Need to learn more about the size, depth and water quality of Washington County lakes? Check out these links to a few of the most popular lakes in Washington County. For other lakes in the Twin Cities, check the Minnesota DNR Lake Finder.

· Big Carnelian
· Big Marine
· Bone
· Forest
· Jane
· Lily
· White Bear Lake

More Articles on Buying a Minnesota Lakeshore property that might be of interest:

• Buying a Minnesota Lake Home? MN Lakeshore is Affordable; But is the Water Safe?
• Extremely Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet , Homebuyers Success Packet or sign up for Listingbook Twin Cities Home Search. 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.

Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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

Weekend Fall Photo Tour of White Bear Lake, Minnesota--A Tapestry of Color!

Saturday was a perfect autumn day in Minnesota if you enjoy Mother Nature's eye candy! The fall colors were just starting to burst in White Bear Lake area. Around every corner there was another tree showing the signs of the crimson red, golden yellow, bittersweet orange or burgundy that was soon to appear. It was the perfect time to take a break from photographing interiors and exteriors that are so common in real estate and take some fun photos of the natural beauty unfolding in the Twin Cities.

Here are just a few of shots I took that showcase some of the beauty found on an autumn day in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

Boaters along the shore of White Bear Lake.

End of the season sail across the lake. Just look at the color starting to burst across the water.

Street shot of White Bear Lake Minnesota with a tapestry of color.

Beginnings of fall color near Manitou Island Bridge.

Another view of Manitou Island bridge.

Playful Bear Statue at the park in Washington Square just east of Highway 61.

Washington Square Gazebo with flower baskets that will be but a memory in the weeks to come.

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. 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 2008 terieckholm.com

Owning Minnesota Lakeshore—Is the Water Really Safe?

Owning a lakeshore home is a dream of many Minnesota residents. Living in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, one would be hard pressed not to drive by a lake, pond or river on a daily basis no matter if you are in Anoka, Ramsey, Chisago, Washington, Hennepin or any other county in our great state. Almost every day on the news there is something happening on or in one of our wonderfully wet natural resources. Some of the news is not always so great: Eurasian milfoil, mercury in the fish and polluted waters are a concern. Even those who live in the city are being asked to prevent grass clippings from going into the street and sewer systems as the chemicals that make our lawns so beautifully green, go through the storm drains and into our lakes. So how do you know if the sparkling pristine blue water of that Minnesota lakehome you want to buy is as clean as it looks?

As a Realtor working in the north and east Twin Cities metro, I do get asked questions regarding the quality of our lakes. After buyers are dazzled by the view of a lakeshore sunset, they want to know about water quality before they sign a purchase agreement. Lakeshore owners want to be able to fish, boat and swim in the water. So questions arise.

*Is the lake polluted?

*Are the fish safe to eat?

*Is there milfoil present?

*Should we swim in the water?
Finding these answers is simple. I direct my lakehome buyers to http://www.checkmylake.org/, a wonderful website devoted to MN lakeshore and recreation published by Conservation Minnesota. The site gives information great information on all of Minnesota’s lakes that have been tested for water quality.

A potential lakeshore buyer can find out whether the lake water is safe to swim in and whether the fish are safe to eat on a case by case basis. The lake search is very simple to use. Just put in the name and or county of the lake you are interested in and hit GO. I found that when I was looking for a big lake that is located in more than one county, like White Bear Lake, entering the lake name is best because it will only be listed in one county. (In the case of White Bear Lake, it listed as Washington County not Ramsey.)

Pollution status is not the only feature of checkmylake.org. The website is updated daily with water facts, lake news and beach reports. You can also sign a petition to protect our lakes, volunteer to monitor lake quality, or submit a story about your favorite lake.

Ready to buy a Minnesota Lakehome and need help from a professional Realtor? Give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. 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 2008 terieckholm.com

Moms Love Fishing in the Land of 10,000 Lakes!

Enjoying a Happy Mother’s Day and Fishing Opener would be a conflict in most states but not in Minnesota. In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) doesn’t want mom’s to feel neglected as families head out to fish for walleye and northern pike in the statewide opener on May 12th! The DNR wants families to bring mothers and grandmothers along in the “Take a Mom Fishing” weekend!


The Minnesota DNR is inviting mothers who are Minnesota residents to fish this weekend without a license. It is a fun outdoor activity the entire family can enjoy. Whether out on a pontoon on Coon Lake in Anoka County, fishing off the pier at Silver Lake in North St. Paul, or casting a line from the shore of White Bear Lake in Ramsey County, it is a great way to have a fun, family Mother’s Day!


If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com

Land of 10,000 Lakes and None Safe for Spring Swimming!

Although there seems to be a bit of a debate as to the actual number of lakes in Minnesota, one thing is for certain; all MN lakes are all too cold for swimming in the spring. The air temperature of many April and May days in Minnesota can be as warm as in July. The water in those 10,000+ lakes can look very refreshing. But beware. In order to swim safely, the water temperatures should be around 70 degrees. Minnesota lakes do not reach that temperature until late May. Some lakes in the northern part of the state never reach 70 degrees even in the summer.

Most Minnesotans are aware of the affects of hypothermia and cold water in the winter. But not as many people are aware that spring lake temperatures are just as problematic. Knowing the water temperature of a lake is essential before diving in to cool off to determine how long a person can safely stay in the water. Remember too that children are often affected more quickly by water temperature. They may not be able to play in cooler water as long as an adult.

On Saturday April 14, 2007, Ron Jacobson told the story of his 9 year old grandson, Brian James Jacobson at a news conference at Lake Harriet Island. This lively little boy died on April 30, 2004 when he chose to swim in a cold Minnesota lake. He was a good swimmer but it is believed his abilities were completely stalled in the frigid water. This is a sad reminder of how dangerous cold water swimming can be. Coldwaterwarning.com is a website developed in Brian’s memory to warn others of the danger of swimming in cold water.

Minnesota has thousands of wonderful lakes within its borders. But remember the warning: The inviting beauty needs to be enjoyed from the shore until warm enough to swim.

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call. Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com