Life on a Minnesota Wetland—Beautiful and Affordable!

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

Life on a Minnesota Wetland--Affordable Beauty and Privacy!

The legendary 10,000 lakes in Minnesota are why so many people want to buy homes in our beautiful state. Yet lakeshore homes can be very pricey. Sometimes buyers want something beautiful and natural but not too expensive. A great option can be a wetland property. Wetland or marsh doesn't sound as attractive as lakeshore. It can often lead to the question, Is buying a home with environmental lakeshore a good option or a huge mistake?

As a REALTOR who works primarily in the north Minneapolis/St Paul metro, I often educate buyers on the benefits of wetland homes. There are many acreage properties in Anoka, Chisago and Washington County areas on marshland or wetland as well as lakeshore. 
From White Bear Lake to Wyoming and throughout the communities of Hugo, Lino Lakes Centerville, Ham Lake and Blaine, there are acreage properties abutting wetlands and natural environmental lakeshore. Many Minnesotans seek out these properties  because of the size of the acreage and find them very desirable. But as with any purchase, opting to live on a wetland is a personal preference.

So how do you decide if a marsh, wetland or natural environmental (NEDS) lake home is for you? Take time to consider some of the positives and negatives.

Positives:

Wildlife—White-tailed deer, raccoons, turtles, ducks, loons, cranes, hawks, eagles, and a host of other animals have been spotted living near Minnesota wetlands. In the spring there can even be a bear or coyote wandering along the shorelines.
Privacy—Whether the wetland is 20 acres or 200, it cannot be built upon 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 limits on the use, 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 summertime pests like mosquitoes and deer flies.
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 can be the best solution. Homes with private septic or sewer systems might have special DNR (Minnesota Department of Natural  Resources) or city point of sale requirements and additional criteria for a new installation if the system were to fail.
 
Copyright 2014 www.terieckholm.com

Dangers Lurking on Minnesota Acreage

We are in the Dog Days of a very warm Minnesota Summer! The weather is perfect for lakeshore picnics and weekends at the cabin. Many Minnesotans are itching to get out and enjoy the beauty of our area but nobody wants to be literally "itching". It is time to heed the warning of potential hazards on Minnesota acreage.

Anoka, Chisago  and Washington Counties in Minnesota boast some of the most beautiful, desirable acreage and lakeshore properties in the state. As a REALTOR® who works throughout the Ham Lake, Forest Lake, Blaine and Lino Lakes areas, I have to walk acres with clients to assess the land.  We walk the perimeters of wetland and hobby farm acreage properties to understand the property lines. Whether in a suburban backyard or  wooded field, whenever I show homes on Minnesota acreage, I am prepared. There can be dangers lurking in the underbrush.

Poison Ivy-- It is important to be extremely very aware of these poisonous plants as they are all over in Minnesota yards and wooded areas. Many property owners don't even realize the plants are poison ivy. Poison ivy is found all over the US while a close relative poison oak is found most often in the west. The plants to have a similar look and exposure to either of these plants will cause a similar, painfully itchy reaction.

Poison Ivy in will be rampant in the Summer

• Classic poison ivy is grown to full "itchy" potential in the early summer.
• Some leaves are notched.
• Some leaves are not.
• New leaves are shiny and still somewhat reddish.
• Older leaves are duller.
• Be careful not to accidentally burn poison ivy as you can have an allergic reaction to breathing in smoke too!

Poison ivy can be a ground cover, a vine or a bush. One small neglected patch can spread very quickly to a huge area. Exposure to this plant is an itchy nightmare that can last for several weeks unless treated with
prescription medicines, usually steroids. These plants can leave oil on clothing which can spread in the laundry. Be aware of this hazard when walking in any wooded area that you are unfamiliar with.

Think you can identify poison ivy? Take the POISON IVY PHOTO QUIZ

Wood Ticks/Deer Ticks--While the woods are often a haven for white-tailed deer, the beauty of these
animals is overshadowed by a frightening reality. Deer ticks are carriers of Lyme disease; a painful disease that can be quite debilitating if untreated. Deer ticks (or Black-legged ticks) are rarely found in maintained yards and are very tiny and often not noticed even after having bitten a host. The best defense is prevention of a deer
tick bite.

• Dress Appropriately When walking acreage with underbrush or on property that has not been maintained, wear long sleeves and tuck in pant legs.
  
  
• Use Bug Spray Effective repellents include DEET and Permanone. Spray clothing with Permanone repellent prior to wearing as it is not to be sprayed directly on the skin. DEET can be used on clothing and/or skin.

For additional information on ticks commonly found in Minnesota, read article "Minnesota Ticks and Their Control", by Jeffery D. Hahn.

Mosquitos--And don't forget that mosquitoes that are found in the wetland acreage. Mosquito bites are for the most part just annoyingly itchy in the spring. But in the fall, there is more of a risk of West Nile and encephalitis. This disease can be extremely serious and occasionally deadly, so mosquito spray is an essential when veiwing homes located near ponds, lakes and wetlands.

Copyright 2012 www.terieckholm.com

Danger Lurking on Minnesota Acreage

Spring has finally sprung in Minnesota! We are all itching to get out and enjoy the beauty of our area but if you don't want to be literally "itching" heed the warning of dangers in the underbrush on Minnesota acreage.

Anoka, Washington and Chisago Counties in Minnesota boast some of the most beautiful, desirable acreage properties in the state. As a REALTOR® in the Ham Lake, Forest Lake and Lino Lakes area, I have to walk acres with my clients to assess the land. I walk the perimeter of wetland and hobby farm acreage properties with potential sellers to understand the property lines. Likewise, I walk through backyards and wooded underbrush with buyers. Whenever showing homes on Minnesota acreage, I am prepared. There are dangers lurking in the underbrush.

Poison Ivy-- It is important to be extremely very aware of these poisonous plants as they are all over in Minnesota yards and wooded areas. Many property owners don't even realize the plants are poison ivy. Poison ivy is found all over the US while a close relative poison oak is found most often in the west. The plants to have
a similar look and exposure to either of these plants will cause a similar, painfully itchy reaction.

Poison Ivy in will be rampant in the Summer

• Classic poison ivy is grown to full "itchy" potential in the early summer.
• Some leaves are notched.
• Some leaves are not.
• New leaves are shiny and still somewhat reddish.
• Older leaves are duller.
• Be careful not to accidentally burn poison ivy as you can have an allergic reaction to breathing in smoke too!

Poison ivy can be a ground cover, a vine or a bush. One small neglected patch can spread very quickly to a huge area. Exposure to this plant is an itchy nightmare that can last for several weeks unless treated with
prescription medicines, usually steroids. These plants can leave oil on clothing which can spread in the laundry. Be aware of this hazard when walking in any wooded area that you are unfamiliar with.

Wood Ticks/Deer Ticks--While the woods are often a haven for white-tailed deer, the beauty of these
animals is overshadowed by a frightening reality. Deer ticks are carriers of Lyme disease; a painful disease that can be quite debilitating if untreated. Deer ticks (or Black-legged ticks) are rarely found in maintained yards and are very tiny and often not noticed even after having bitten a host. The best defense is prevention of a deer
tick bite.

• Dress Appropriately When walking acreage with underbrush or on property that has not been maintained, wear long sleeves and tuck in pant legs.
• Use Bug Spray Effective repellents include DEET and Permanone. Spray clothing with Permanone repellent prior to wearing as it is not to be sprayed directly on the skin. DEET can be used on clothing and/or skin.

.

Mosquitos--And don't forget that mosquitoes that are found in the wetland acreage. Mosquito bites are for the most part just annoyingly itchy in the spring. But in the fall, there is more of a risk of West Nile and encephalitis. This disease can be extremely serious and occasionally deadly, so mosquito spray is an essential when veiwing homes located near ponds, lakes and wetlands.

Copyright 2011 www.terieckholm.com

Minnesota Wetlands--Is Living on an Environmental Lake a Good Choice?

As a REALTOR® who sells homes on acreage in Anoka, Chisago and northern Washington Counties, I am often asked whether the land is dry or wet. In this area, depending on what you plan to use the land for, this is a very important question. Many people think purchasing a home on a Minnesota wetland is ideal others wonder whether buying a home with environmental lakeshore would be a huge mistake.
I find this question very interesting. In the areas where I focus my business, there are areas with an abundance of wetland and lakeshore homes. From Hugo to Wyoming and throughout the communities of Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and Blaine, there are properties abutting ponds, wetlands and natural environmental lakeshore. Many Minnesotans find these properties extremely desirable but as with any home it is a personal preference.

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.

Positives

Wildlife-White-tailed deer, raccoons, turtles, ducks, eagles, hawks, loons (the Minnesota state bird) and a host of other animals have been spotted living near Minnesota wetlands.
Privacy-Whether the wetland is 20 acres or 200, it cannot be built upon 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 limits on the use, 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 that "OTHER" Minnesota State bird too.
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 (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources) considerations if the system were to fail.

Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm 

Wetland, Lakeshore and Foreclosure--What Does a Minnesota Homeseller Have to Disclose?

Last week I received a text inquiry from someone who had read my blog asking if I had any homes currently listed on any of Minnesota's wetlands. I was excited as though I didn’t have any current listings on one of Minnesota’s greatest resource; I know there are many well-priced homes currently listed throughout Anoka, Chisago and Washington Counties on beautiful property with views of our Minnesota lakes and wetlands.
I made the connection and my “buyer” was calling not to buy, he had already bought a Minnesota wetland property. It was another question on Minnesota disclosures. What should have been disclosed to him before he purchased. As this was turning into a legal question, I directed him to call an attorney for legal advice.

But his question is valid, “What does need to be disclosed when selling a home in Minnesota?”

The advice I give to my clients, is to disclose anything and everything you would want to know as a prospective buyer. If your property is near lakeshore or wetland, there is a good chance the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has restrictions on what can be done to the landscaping. This is something that I would recommend that my sellers disclose as most buyers would want to be aware of any building restrictions.

These days so many properties are now bank-owned and lender mediated sales. Do foreclosures, REO properties and short sales have different disclosure requirements in Minnesota?

In a word; no. But sellers who have limited knowledge of the condition of the property do have options available. Often a bank will require that a buyer waive their rights to a disclosure and buy the property AS-IS I came across a great YouTube video from the Minnesota Association of REALTORS® where Chris Galler, COO of MAR, explains the Minnesota disclosure law as it relates to foreclosures in great detail.






Still confused about real estate disclosures? Let me help! If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website.

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