While browsing through the Q&A section of the real estate website, Trulia the other day, I ran across a question from a Twin Cities resident who was considering purchasing a home on a Minnesota wetland. This homebuyer was wondering whether buying a home with environmental lakeshore would be a huge mistake.
I found this question very interesting. As a Realtor who works mainly in the Anoka, Chisago and Washington County areas there is 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 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, loons, eagles, 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 the 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.
Need to know more about buying home on a Minnesota Wetland? If you are buying, selling or relocating and considering a home on a Minnesota wetland and would like the assistance of 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 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
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The pros and cons of wetlands home ownership certainly are unique. It's good to hear about it from someone as knowledgeable as you.
Teri, That's excellent information to share.....I would have never thought of either the mosquitoes or the water issues; but the area is so lovely from the pictures you show.
Teri, great information for potential wetland homeowners. Best to be armed with the best information out there. ;-)
Teri - do they ever spary for those pesky skeeters? I always tease I would rather have a wetland property because it attracts so much more wildlife
Hi Teri,
Boy girl, you sure know your marketplace. I can't begin to imagine how any home buyer would want to work with anyone but you in Anoka County. Only true locals would know the specifics like you do.
From the land of 10k lakes I bet there are a lot of homes with great views.
Rosario--Thanks!! Wetland properties are very beautiful but knowing what to look for when purchasing takes some knowledge of the area.
Carole--Understanding what you are buying is key. The very few negatives are far outweighed by the positives on most of these pristine properties...Screen porches take care of the mosquitos and draintile & sump pumps work wonders on drainage! :)
Teri--Exactly!! These can be wonderful properties if you know what you are buying!
Thesa--They do!! I will try to get photos of the helicopter as it flies overhead this year...Then run inside to get away from the poison...:)
Lynda--Why thank you...I appreciate the kudos!!
Rob--Absolutely!! In all price ranges too!!
Great post! There are so many beautiful areas in MN!
Teri, what a lovely balanced approach to looking at a home on the wetlands. I have heard trouble about mosquitoes in the summertime too but all the positives far outweight that. The drainage would have to be checked up front. Beautiful picture.
I would think that the positives outweigh the mosquitoes personally.