An agent since 2014, Blake Olson takes the helm at Jack Chivers Realty to begin 2023. Read more about it from our local newspaper here!

A note from Blake:

Starting as a young agent in October of 2014, I was hooked on Real Estate from the very beginning. Dealing with new problems everyday and having a chance to solve them while helping people make a huge financial decision (usually the single largest of their lives) was riveting work. However, It is an extremely challenging job to do accurately, ethically, and consistently. Luckily for me, I had some incredible mentors along the way.

The man who hired me, Dirk Ockhardt, was a true entrepreneur, when he had a new idea you could see it almost bursting out of him. That passion led the company into many new sectors and prepared it for a changing future. He excelled at marketing, and had a knack for finding clever approaches to get people’s attention, while maintaining a clean and crisp advertisement on the eyes.

Mr. Jack Chivers himself actually introduced me to Dirk. Essentially vouching for me that he liked my parents after working with them on a few transactions, and knowing I came from a hard-working, business savvy farm family. I later found myself in Dirk’s office, trying to convince him to take a shot on a fresh college grad that didn’t really know anyone in the area. The rest, that say, is history!

I am more thankful for those two than I can put into words. As time changes us all (and my hair turns even grayer) and new challenges hit the wild world of real estate, I will remain appreciative of everyone who has helped me get here. I stand on the shoulders of giants, and the view is great!

Thanks for reading and, hopefully, choosing to do business with us here at JCR,

-Blake

Broker/Owner Blake Olson has been a lifelong MN resident.

The Land Of 10,000 lakes is sure to appease city-goers and outdoors people alike.

Minnesota has an extensive range of activities, but it's also great for business! Livability.com says, "The economy coupled with great affordability makes Minnesota a win-win for young professionals and devoted businessmen and women everywhere.”

Remote working options have made full-time lake living before retirement a reality for many families.

At the end of the 2020 summer, waterfront property sales in the Brainerd Lakes Area showed a $130 million increase over the same period in 2019. That's an unprecedented increase of 25% in waterfront sales. If you think realtors made those sales from million-dollar lake homes, here's another surprise: The median sales price for that 2020 period was $235,000—only $20,000 more than the year before.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many employees have become accustomed to remote work situations they never expected. 

It has opened up new possibilities for families and couples who have dreamed of living in "lake country" but were tied to a job in an urban area.

What Kinds Of Remote Work?

You might assume those who migrated north to lake country work in the tech industry, where work takes place online. Surprisingly, that's not the case for everyone. A good example is commercial pilots.

A pilot can't perform his work online; he must be in the cockpit. 

However, like many others, pilots realized a few years ago that they didn't need to live in the Twin Cities for work. One only needs to be close to an airport with a connecting flight to the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. This revelation is a game-changer for many in this field. 

Lakes Area Is Ideal for Working Remotely

Highspeed internet access is critical for anyone wanting to work remotely. Luckily, residential and commercial customers in the Lakes Area can get a proper connection. 

Many people who do the majority of their work remotely still need to be available for some in-person meetings and events. 

Transportation to the Twin Cities or other metropolitan areas is necessary for these remote workers. The Twin Cities are an easy two- or three-hour drive by freeway, but daily shuttle service offers as many as ten different trip times each day. 

For a quicker trip, Fargo has an airport that provides multiple options. It's a quick check-in and has excellent onsite amenities. For commercial flights, you seldom need to wait in line.

With all the business aspects covered, the question remains. Why move? 

The many lakes are a huge attraction. Summer or winter, water or ice, and lakes provide recreational activities all year. 

Fishing doesn't stop when the lakes freeze over. Ice fishing houses pop up in droves on local lakes, an excellent pastime for winter. 

In the summer, kayaking and paddleboarding provide a means of exploring the lakes; in the winter, it will be snowmobiles or cross-country skis.

Minnesota has hiking and biking trails throughout the state's natural greenery. You might enjoy a few holes on one of the area's golf courses if you prefer a more leisurely pastime. Enjoy a leisurely walk, or a practice run for the next 5K or half-marathon.

But it takes more than recreation to attract families and couples to relocate full-time.

For families with school-age children, the excellent reputation of the state's school districts has been a big draw. There are many benefits, such as small class sizes (16:1 average ratio) and emphasis on extracurricular and sports opportunities.

The small school atmosphere offers a family feels that encourages cross-generational understanding and support. Small classes, passionate teachers, and a wide range of extracurricular activities ensure a personalized and positive educational experience.

Minnesota features cultural and social organizations of all kinds. No matter your interest, you won't be disappointed in the opportunities available. 

Your impact can often be magnified when contributing in a small-town setting such as the one you'll find in the Lakes Area.

Modern Health Care 

The choice of health care is essential: Choice in primary care physicians, hospitals, specialists, mental health providers, and alternative health care options. Lakes Area offers three quality health care systems within a 30-minute drive. 

Medical helicopter services are available for fast transport to St. Cloud or Twin Cities hospitals for particular medical situations.

Remote work and lake life can be harmonious! Get in touch with a Jack Chivers Realtor and make your dreams of lake life a reality.

From pre-approval to paying points, buying a home is always complicated. But throw "waterfront" in the mix, and things get even more complex.  Fortunately, real estate agents who regularly deal with waterfront properties know the ins and outs.

Many folks dream of living on the water and often pursue a lake home as a secondary property. You can have a lakefront lifestyle, but there are a few considerations for this purchase.

Buying a lakefront home is very different compared to your traditional purchase. 

All things being equal, homes located on a lake are typically more valuable than homes that aren't. While your initial expense may be more significant, the potential for greater appreciation is typical with a lakefront home.

Below is a series of questions you should consider when buying a lakefront house. Whether dealing directly with a seller or through a real estate agent, get these answers to ensure you're happy with the purchase.

Current State of The Property

With birds calling and fish jumping, living closer to nature creates a serene landscape around the home. However, the moisture in the air, the weather patterns created by the lake, and the rise and fall of the water level can all lead to changes in and around the property. Wood, metal, and stone can all be affected by the unique conditions created by the lake.

Go through the home with a qualified home inspector who will take the time to go through the property from top to bottom.

Specifically, look out for the top home inspection problems, especially bug infestation and water issues.

Lake House Orientation

When living on a lake, you will want to consider the orientation to the sun and how it sets. The home likely gets morning or afternoon sun, sometimes both. Does the lake facing side have any sun protection? 

Winds coming off the lake affect your enjoyment of the property and the heating costs.

One of the best parts of living on the lake is looking out over the water every morning. Unfortunately, not every home labeled as a lake home offers this kind of view. Depending on your needs or budget, the picturesque view might not be a priority.

However, if you want to get the most out of lakefront living, you should make sure that the view you have from your home fits your desires.

You might also want to drive around and see if the lake is wholly developed. The view you have at the time of your purchase could change if there are still building lots surrounding the property or the other side of the lake. You could be looking at something completely different than you planned on at a moment's notice. 

Specific Information About The Lake

Lakes can vary considerably. Some lake homes are on nature preserves, while Other homes are on public access or private lakes. 

Find out as much information as you can about the lake. Here are some excellent questions to ask when considering buying a lakefront home:

• Is the bottom rocky, sandy, or muddy?

• How busy is the lake during each season?

• What recreational opportunities are available on the lake? Kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing, waterfowl hunting?

• What is mosquito season like on the lake?

• How easy is it to access the shoreline from your home?

• Does the lake maintain its water level with the seasons?

• Is the lake stocked with fish?

• Are there invasive species of concern?

• Are you allowed to have a dock right off your shore?

These are all questions that may or may not pertain to the lake you are considering buying on but are great things to believe in the back of your mind to ask a realtor.

The Lake Association

Find out if there is a homeowner's association or other organization that controls the lake area where you plan to buy. These kinds of organizations can vary greatly in how they handle issues. 

Having a Lake association is generally a good thing as the goal is to protect the lake's future and resolve any issues that could threaten the lake's health. 

The lake association members meet when necessary to discuss lake problems and determine courses of action to remedy any issues.

Often, members attend town meetings to be a voice for the lake, apply for grants to protect or improve the lake, and monitor the lake for any invasive species. 

Expansion Possibilities With Lake Houses

In some lakefront locations, the housing has started as small vacation-style cottages, only being expanded upon and turned into permanent residences.

Local zoning can often vary quite a bit on a lake – sometimes, the lots' size is smaller than lot sizes in a non-waterfront location. 

You may have grand visions of putting on a second story or adding a significant addition and discover it's impossible. Better to find out before than after you have made your purchase.

Whether or not a town sewer is available is essential for many home buyers. Septic systems can be costly to replace, primarily when located close to a lake.

Many communities will install a sewer system due to the sensitive nature of the quality of the lake. You should consider planning for this additional expense if a public sewer is unavailable.

Lakes are considered wetlands, so they are afforded different protection under the Wetlands protection act. 

The local conservation board will likely want to know anything you do to the property within 100 feet of the lake.

The vast majority of cities and towns also have strict "no disturb" rules that apply to areas directly bordering the lake – most of the time 25 feet. In most locales, this restricts building, clearing, planting, etc. The purpose is to maintain a natural buffer for the lake and impact any plans you may have. 

Do your homework when you see a property advertised as having "lake access" or "right of way to Lake." 

Lakefront houses can have antiquated zoning that allows for unusual things. It will be worth researching this aspect of buying a lake house.

There is truly something magical about owning a lakehouse. Being on the water gives you a naturally great feeling. Whether you are looking at sunrise or sunset, it is always better to do it from a lake location.

When buying a lakefront house, do all the usual due diligence you would do with any other home. The little extra time you spend researching the lake you plan on living on will be worth it.

Check out information on specific lakes across the United States – see a detailed overview of some of the more recognizable lakes around the country from The Army Corps of Engineers.

The National Lakes Assessment resource on lake information provided by the Environmental Protection Agency has some helpful lake house tips worth reading.

The market has changed. Real Estate value has increased nationwide as we can read in many news articles. That is true. One thing we must remember is that we have many different markets. Real Estate is not always the same and each market is not necessarily acting the same.

Real Estate Market Map

In Minnesota property prices have increased by over 10% in the last year and we had 25% less available properties for sale than the year prior during the last fall months. Most of that data is influenced by the metro which defines the largest market in the state.

However, we have experienced a very similar development is Lakes Country. In West Central Minnesota including Becker and Otter Tail County we have seen properties sell above asking prices with often 5 or more competing offers presented to the seller shortly after a property hit the market. We are also experiencing significantly less properties available for sale which leads buyers to move quickly and offer more than asking prices.

Right now, we are in a seller’s market which means, sellers are making the prices. Low ball offers can be disregarded and will be rejected. When selling real estate this year, owners have the chance of great returns on their initial investment. We have seen returns as high as 25% for purchases made during the last 3 years only.

When buying this year, low interest rates are still inviting to enter the market. Looking at the past 4 decades real estate value has continuously increased with a few corrections during that time. It is always a good investment to own real estate. One thing is certain: they do not make more land. And there are no new lakes.

Minnesota has a unique real estate market which is still affordable compared to national averages. We believe that property values will continue to increase, and we do not foresee a market correction soon. The local real estate market in West Central Minnesota is of great opportunity to own real estate and enjoy your investment at the same time. Lake style living is our focus, and we look forward to assisting you with your next real estate transaction whether you are selling or buying. Contact one of our agents to help you.

 Meet the Chivers Team

We’d like to welcome our newest sales agent Trevin Konley to our growing team of agents! He will be working out of our Perham office location and team up with Jason Witzke.

Trevin Konley

Growing up in Nebraska, Trevin spent every summer in Minnesota Lakes Country enjoying every aspect of lake life. His family has been a part of the Little McDonald Lake community for decades and Trevin grew up enjoying many hours on the water.

After honing his customer care skills in the service industry, he decided to make a career assisting buyers and sellers as a real estate sales agent.

Trevin has established a homestead on Little McDonald Lake proudly becoming the 3rd generation of his family to settle on the lake.

Call Trevin directly at:
(218) 298-2582

In collaboration with Sara Watson: Chef and Co-owner of Blackboard - Broker and Owner of Jack Chivers Realty, Dirk Ockhardt, publish cookbook “Cabin Chef” in time for the Holiday Season.

Read the full article and feature by John Lamb on Inforum.

Blake Olson obtained his real estate license in late 2014 and has been with the company since. He has served clients in and around the lakes area of West Central Minnesota, buying and selling all types of real property.

During the past 7 years, Blake has taken steps in his career to further his expertise to service our clients better. In 2019, he received his GRI designation which he earned by graduating from an intensive series of classroom seminars, growing his knowledge in sales and marketing, finance and risk education, technology, as well as, professional standards and legal issues.

These stepping stones lead Blake to become a licensed broker. He recently completed all education necessary and successfully passed his state broker licensing exam. Jack Chivers Realty is happy to announce that Blake Olson is an Associate Broker to the company. To earn this title, one must have at least 3 years of licensed real estate experience in Minnesota, complete a Broker 30-hour course, and successfully pass the Minnesota Broker examination. With this achievement, Blake has learned critical information on how to legally operate and follow agency disclosure requirements. Managing Broker and Owner Dirk Ockhardt is proud to welcome Blake Olson to the circle of real estate brokers serving our clients better than ever.

Jack Chivers Realty entered the Perham market place 5 years ago, with a shared office on main street. After the recent additions to our Perham team, we needed more space to serve our clients best.

We recently moved into the previous COVE co-working space, next to Level III and across from Dot & Minnie’s clothing boutique. The new space allows for more room to host our team of four sales agents and marketing staff. The office is bright and open and two windows showcase properties for sale in Lakes Country directly to consumers in downtown Perham.

Meet us at our new space at 157 1st Avenue South.

While September might mean the ending of summer, it's also a great time to figure out your Fall checklist for your lake place. There's plenty to do a far as Fall activities and get a leg up on Winter.

With the changing season in Lakes country, there is no shortage of activities.

Planting and Harvesting

With a couple of months of nice weather still ahead, you can plant annual flowers for a good, long show. Coleus and begonias add seasonal color and grow well in partial shade. Marigolds, pelargoniums, and zinnias add color to sunny spots.

Various flowers to plant in the Fall will bloom in the spring, so get some fall gardening done before the ground freezes. Consider planting these bulbs during Fall for spring flowers:

·    tulip

·    iris

·    daffodil

·    hyacinth

·    lilies

If you're interested in making compost, now is the time to do it—alternate layers of grass and garden clippings and non-meat kitchen waste in a pile about 4' wide. Water the pile and turn it once a week to make your very own compost for your fall garden.

Prune Dead Limbs, Branches, Plants, and More.

Dead tree limbs and branches will pose a danger in the Winter because the wind, ice, and snow can cause them to break off. So, get yourself ahead of this problem by pruning away dead branches and limbs and pulling out any dead plants or shrubs.

Fall is a great time to spend outside improving your shoreline.

Fall Cleaning

PATIO CARE

If you have a natural stone patio or walkway, it will naturally accumulate grime and dirt over the summer. In August, you should clean your stone surfaces to restore their beauty.

Wipe any dust or debris from the stone, and clean the surface using a gentle, neutral-pH cleaner and a soft cloth. You can also apply a coat of water-based penetrating sealer to protect your tiles from developing additional stains over the Fall and Winter.

PEST CONTROL

Late summer is when the flying pests become their most problematic.

Mosquitoes are more active, wasps are more aggressive, and spending any time outdoors can often result in stings or bites.

Take a walk around your property and empty any sources of standing or stagnant water.

If you have wasps (or the famous Perham Yellow Jackets), then you need to locate where they're coming from. Scan your yard to see where they're emerging from and returning to. Once you discover their nest, apply a wasp treatment near the opening. Reapply it every couple of days until you no longer see any wasps.

Outdoor Project

Once you've dealt with the mosquitos and wasps, August can be a great time to get some projects wrapped up for the year.

Make use of the long August days to finish up any outdoor projects you started (or intended to create) over the summer, from cleaning the gutters to painting or sealing your deck.

Speaking of the outdoors, why not enjoy the weather while we're at it.

Now is a great time to start your firewood pile. When the winter months roll around, you'll be glad you did. With the dew-filled morning, make sure firewood can sit outside and stay moisture-free.

If you don't yet have a home but you're in the market, then check out our map for the perfect lake home location. This time next year, you'll be prepping your lake home for Fall!

Lake life means greeting the day with a cup of coffee and the sun reflecting off the water. But, if you want to make the most of the day and still beat the heat, the answer is simple: watersports.

Whether it's simply swimming, waterskiing, or kiteboarding, you're sure to find something new to try. There are also plenty of water sports families can do together, making it a great way to get quality time in with your loved ones.

Here we'd like to focus on the entry-level water sports that anyone can enjoy with minimal equipment. Let's dive into some of the lesser-known watersports for lakes country, and maybe you'll find something new to try!

Paddleboarding Activities

In the last decade or so, stand-up paddleboarding has gone from a curiosity to an obsession for many. You stand on a very buoyant and surprisingly stable board – very similar to a surfboard – and paddle your way across lakes and rivers with ease. Paddleboarding is even making its way into the realm of the Olympics.

Many popular watersports like waterskiing and wakeboarding predominantly focused on maintaining balance, even across a substantial wake. Once you get balance figured out, you can master many of these sports.

Paddleboarding is entry-level for lake lifers.

One can manage balance without being pulled behind an engine and still get out to explore the shores and banks around the lake. When the sun comes up, try a little yoga to stay cool and increase flexibility and balance.

One benefit of stand-up paddleboarding is that it eliminates the sitting element of kayaking and canoeing, which can hurt some people's backs after a short while. You can even pack a picnic in a waterproof bag and sit on your board to enjoy it. Stand-up paddleboards can also double as an excellent floating device when enjoying beverages and cooling off by the shore.

Paddleboards come at various price levels, making it easy for anyone to get into the sport. There are even inflatable paddleboards for easy travel.

Kayaking and Canoeing

Speaking of inflatables, one of the newer kayaks is compact and ready for travel; all you need is an air pump. An air mattress inflatable, familiar to the camping lake lifer, is great to pack with you and serve several needs.

If you've got a lake or river nearby, there is nothing better than hopping in a canoe or kayak and paddling around to see what you can find.

Canoes and kayaks have been around for a staggeringly long time — Carib Indians in the Caribbean carved out tree trunks to travel between islands, while the Inuit used kayaks for hunting and transport.

The best part about kayaking and canoeing is the quiet it brings.

With nothing but the sound of your paddles lapping the water, you can travel in blissful peace to every nook and cranny of the lake, river, or other body of water that you are exploring. Pack a picnic, explore hidden coves and travel up and down rivers.

Windsurfing and Kiteboarding

Windsurfing is a surprisingly easy sport to pick up. With the right location, which must include steady winds, you can be sailing back and forth on your own in a matter of minutes. It is also a great way to get in shape while honing coordination, as it requires precise movements to maintain balance.

Because wind and waters are constantly changing, windsurfing never quite gets boring either. Every day brings new conditions, new waves, and new speeds. Windsurfing has attracted a robust community in Minnesota, one that you can start to get to know as soon as you get into the sport yourself.

People often windsurf in groups, though you can just as quickly try it out on your own.

Kiteboarding sometimes gets confused with windsurfing, but the two are fundamentally different. In kitesurfing, your feet attach to what is essentially a wakeboard. The kite is similar to a parachute. The user holds on to a tow bar to manipulate the kite in the air.

One can travel at a reasonable speed across the water, lift into the air using waves or enjoy the feeling of basically wakeboarding without the boat's engine.

Kiteboarding has a rich history; it originates in a 1903 voyage across the English Channel.

A man named Samuel Cody invented a "kite" that allowed him to pull his lightweight boat across the body of water. The current iteration of the sport was born in 1977 when Dutch sportsman Gijsbertus Adrianus Panhuis invented the modern kiteboard setup.

Sailing

While many would be intimidated by the sport of sailing, it doesn't have to be on a large, expensive boat. With a slight learning curve, a small catamaran is easy to charter. Catamarans are made of two pontoons with a canvas mesh in between. A mast implements for the sail and a rudder for steering.

This small boat allows anyone to zip over the water with the wind in their sails. Additionally, many places offer sailboard rentals aimed at getting families out on the water.

If you've never sailed before, you'll love taking a course on sailing — there is a whole lot to learn, and figuring it out makes you feel accomplished and connected to the generations of people that have used this as a method of travel.

Snorkeling

Many of the lakes in Minnesota are incredibly clean, and visibility in some cases can be as far as thirty to forty feet.

Try buying or renting a set of flippers, some good goggles, and a snorkel, and go exploring.

Snorkeling is one of the best watersports families can do together and one of the best watersports for kids. Remember to put sunscreen on your back because floating around just under the surface of the water can magnify the sun's rays.

Different bodies of water offer different types of fish to see.

If you're searching for a place to snorkel or do any of these activities, we recommend our new map search tool, which highlights parks and lakes for recreational activity as well as places to eat or rent gear.

What is the shortest lake escape from Fargo and Moorhead? We highlight Cormorant Lake today as one of the most intriguing lakes in the West-Central Minnesota Area. With a long and beloved history, it's just a hop, skip, and a jump from the North Dakota cities, and you're ready for a refreshing atmosphere.

The Distance is roughly an hour's drive due east of the Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota metropolitan area.

Check out their map here.

There are public access boat ramps, so make sure to find a day and take in the sights, including the cormorant bird, which the lake is named after. The Cormorant Township was organized on February 26, 1872, and the name Cormorant translates from the original Ojibway naming of the lake.

If you're out for the day on Big Cormorant Lake, make sure to visit some of the great restaurants.

Hooligan's Lakeside, Cormorant Pub, Cormorant Inn, Zorbaz on Pelican Lake, the Roadhouse, and Pit 611, are all worth the trip alone. There's a strong sense of culture and pride in the area beyond the food and beautiful lakefront.

Founded in 1903, Camp Cormorant is one of the oldest overnight camps in the entire nation and continues to be a tremendous growing-up experience for children and teens. The camp is nestled on 80 acres of wooded property with an extensive beachfront on Big Cormorant Lake.

Cormorant Lake features strong boating, sailing, and fishing community.

Other activities on Big Cormorant include swimming, kayaking, wake surfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and standup paddleboarding during the summer, and ice fishing and snowmobiling during the winter.

This lake has had its fair share of visibility in the world at large.

Cormorant Village went viral for electing the Great Pyrenees named Duke for four terms as Mayor.

A popular YouTube channel named CBOYSTV Films and is headquartered at Cormorant Lake. CBoysTV is as much American comedy as it is a motorsports channel. Their channel has amassed over 1 million subscribers on Youtube.

However, the Youtube sensations aren't the only ones reaching the masses. For example, the local urban legend called Hairy Man was featured on the SyFy channel's "Haunted Highway."

The Hairy Man of Vergas Trails is 8 feet tall and is often blamed for strange animal deaths and said to wander the woods surrounding the Vergas Trails, and many claim run-ins with the creature over the years.

If fishing is more of your thing than searching for Bigfoot, then you're in the right place.

The most popular species caught here are Largemouth bass, Northern pike, and Walleye. 36 catches are logged on Fishbrain.

If you're looking for amenities, lake property, or events on any of the Cormorant Lake areas, check out the map and see what is out there!

PRESS RELEASE

A local real estate company is disrupting the way consumers search for property online. Together with a group of engineers from Germany, Jack Chivers Realty has developed a map search interface that is the first of its kind. This unique tool allows for more effective and informed research, combining the search for real estate with the ability to explore area points of interest.

With this new map, a user can easily toggle between real estate listings and places to visit nearby. This makes it easy to find local restaurants, hiking trails, dog parks, and other hidden gems for adventures and family fun.

The map will be updated with new features and additional research tools throughout the year. Currently, the map holds information Minnesotans like to know: all properties for sale in lakes country, all public boat accesses, and useful lake information such as size, maximum depth, and fish species. It is an intelligent, informative, one-stop spot to search for real estate property and fun stuff to explore in our beautiful state.

To experience the map firsthand, please go to www.lakewknd.com

Living in Lakes Country might as well be off-the-grid to some folks. It comes with many freedoms that aren't available in the cities. Fresh air and space are among the biggest of them. But what most people don't think about is having a lake home typically means having your own freshwater straight from a well.

More minerals and fresher, typically sand-filtered water, can be part of the deal.

Additionally, living in an area with your own water means self-maintaining a septic system or subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS). A poorly functioning septic system is a threat to human health and the environment because it may not remove pathogens, nutrients, and other chemicals from the used water before it enters our groundwater or lakes.

Understanding Your System

A septic system has three parts:

·    household plumbing

·    a tank to collect sewage and solids

·    a soil treatment area

All three parts must be working to provide effective sewage treatment.

At a lake house, more is at stake. Maintaining water quality is the primary concern with any water-adjacent sanitary sewage system.

Lake homeowners foster the nearby body of water.

Despite the higher call of duty, there should be no difference in your behavior at a residential home versus a lake home. For instance, in both houses, you wouldn't pour chemicals down the drain, use the garbage disposal, or park near the septic tank.

The most significant difference would be how often you perform maintenance on it since you'll want to clean and empty lake home septic tanks more regularly.

Even then, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach for septic tank maintenance at a lake home. The type and cost of maintenance depend on:

·    Topography

·    Presence of bedrock

·    Water table's height

·    Kind of soil.

For instance, a Fargo urban home is typically built on a more rocky and elevated than a Minnesota lake home.

There are two types of septic tanks — concrete and plastic.

The concrete tanks are chosen for durability. However, plastic tanks are used when one can't access the site with heavy concrete delivery equipment.

Plastic septic tanks can offer solutions to obstacles like trees, fences, power lines, property lines, steep lots, and challenging landscaping.

There are multiple considerations when deciding on the type of system and its location. Setting up a septic system nearby a lake means understanding the set-back rules.

These are all good points to remember when buying, selling, or building your next lake home.

Beyond these two categories, nine different systems exist. You can visit the Environmental Protection Agency to understand which approach is recommended for your area.

Chamber systems are most often used for a lake house. These are popular due to excess water near rivers and lakes.

Suppose your lake house's septic tank isn't a concrete chamber system; no need to worry. The best type of system is a system that's installed appropriately by a licensed installer and adequately maintained by the homeowner.

Proper maintenance is more important than the type of septic tank.

How To Maintain Your Lake Home Well and Septic

Household plumbing

Conserve water, repair leaks, and use low-flow fixtures. Spread water usage throughout the day and week.

·    Limit the use of harsh cleaners, bleach, antibacterial soaps, and detergents.

·    Do not dispose of paints, medications, or chemicals through your septic system.

·    Keep grease, lint, food, feminine hygiene products, and plastics out.

Septic tank

Pump solids through the tank's maintenance hole regularly — at least every three years. Do not remove solids through inspection pipes.

·    Have baffles inspected when the tank is pumped.

·    Install an effluent screen and service as necessary.

·    Do not use tank additives or cleaners.

Soil treatment area

Maintain grass, native grasses, or flowers over the treatment area. Mow, but do not fertilize, water, or burn near your septic system.

·    Do not plant trees, shrubs, or deep-rooted plants on or near the area.

·    Do not grow vegetables or locate playgrounds above the area.

·    Keep heavy vehicles off area (cars, tractors, snowmobiles, boats, etc.).

·    Help prevent the system from freezing.

No matter where your lake home is located, the right solution for your well and septic is out there. Effective January 11, 2021 - Septic Tanks in Minnesota will be required to be pumped empty to complete a compliance inspection. Read more about septic tank inspection on our blog. If you have any additional questions, you can connect with one of our sales agents and learn what to do if you're buying and selling in Lakes Country.

If you're buying a property in Lakes Country, there's a significant determination to make. Do you want to have access to a recreational lake, one of high activity, or a more peaceful lake, like an environmental lake?

Whatever you're looking for in the land of one thousand lakes, there's something just right for your lifestyle.

On the mundane side, a lake is not determined by size or depth, as some may suggest. A lake is simply an enclosed basin filled or partly filled with water. But furthermore, what is a recreational lake, and what is an environmental lake?

We've got the answers.

Natural Environment Lakes usually have less than 150 total acres. Another feature is less than 60 acres per mile of shoreline and less than three dwellings per mile of shoreline.

These environments may have some winter kill of fish; may have shallow, swampy shoreline; and are less than 15 feet deep. Environmental lakes fall into two categories: Meandered and Non-meandered lakes.

Meandered Lakes are:

·    large streams
·    ponds
·    bodies of water

Not Meandered Lakes: National Parks, Indian Reserves, mineral claims, and any boundary line. Meander boundary lines rely on Ordinary High Water Mark.

The term ordinary high water mark means that line on the shore established by the fluctuations of water and indicated by physical characteristics such as a clear, natural line impressed on the bank, shelving, changes in the character of the soil, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, and the presence of litter and debris.

Minnesota's lakes range from the Arrowhead region's sterile rock basin lakes to the naturally fertile, shallow lakes of the southwest prairie region. Rivers vary from the Ottertail River to the small streams trickling into Lake Superior near Duluth.

These different types of lakes and rivers have diverse development standards determined by the Department of Natural Resources.

Natural Environment Lakes usually have less than 150 total acres, less than 60 acres per mile of shoreline, and less than three dwellings per mile of shoreline. They may have some winter kill of fish; may have shallow, swampy shoreline; and are less than 15 feet deep.

It's a common misconception that a natural environment lake designation indicates a wilderness setting with limits on motors, hunting, or fishing.

Recreational Development Lakes usually have between 60 and 225 acres of water per mile of shoreline, between 3 and 25 dwellings per mile of shoreline, and are more than 15 feet deep. You will find plenty of these in Lakes country.

General Development Lakes usually have more than 225 acres of water per mile of shoreline and 25 dwellings per mile of shoreline and are more than 15 feet deep.

The term "environmental lake" most likely is taken from the Natural Environment lake classification found in Minnesota's Shoreland Management Program.

Many people mistake the natural environment classification on many of Minnesota's smaller and shallow lakes. These are often wild lakes with limits on motors, hunting, or fishing. However, only to a degree. The Natural Environment classification is the strictest of the three lake classifications. However, the category mostly determines lot size, setbacks, and land uses on the adjacent land to a certain degree.

Every lake is different.

The classification has little to do with surface water use of boats or motors, hunting, fishing, or fish management.

Other regulations determine recreation on the lake.

As the larger, deeper lakes that are more suitable for recreational or general development (the other two lake classifications) become developed, there is growing pressure to form the smaller, more sensitive natural environment basins.

Hence there is no guarantee that the wilderness character that some of these lakes now have will be preserved. This is the growing concern of many local governments, outdoor recreation groups, and the DNR.

Such lakes may require more protection than currently provided in the rules.

The DNR established the shoreland management rules in the early 1970s to help govern the orderly development of land adjacent to Minnesota's many lakes and rivers.

If you are still uncertain about the classification of a lake or river and the dimensional standards that apply, contact your local planning and zoning office. Happy lake life!

Natural shorelines, unaltered by manicuring, clear-cutting, or concrete barriers, are the staples of lake living.

Enjoying time on the lake with family is central to the experience of owning a property with a shore. Often, lake lifers want to know how to optimize their beach and what is allowed via the Department of Natural Resources.

As owners of land in Minnesota, we are also proud stewards for a better natural environment.

Optimizing the shore is easier than one may think. Here's our guide to the shorelines of the many Thousand Lakes in Minnesota.

A Laissez Faire Approach

Although it can be tempting to start pulling up logs and rocks on the shoreline, one should ignore the impulse. Instead of using your vacation to "tidy up" the water's edge, you can relax in a hammock, enjoying the summer months' perfect weather.

The reason for this approach is the "green barrier."

This is a strip of native plants, shrubs, and trees with their extensive root systems form a "green wall" of protection for shorelines. The barrier buffers erosive forces from the lake, such as waves and boat wakes and prevents runoff from carrying nutrients and sediments into the water.

Longtime residents know just how damaging flooding can be to a shore that has erosion damage.

A healthy shore is a home to countless wild species. Up to 90 percent of all lake species are born, raised, and fed within the shallows of your beach.

Learning What to Weed and When to Be Active

Residents of lake country might not know that when weeding the shoreline, they're, in fact damaging local fauna.

People might dig up what they think are weeds along their shore, then go to the local nursery to buy the same wildflowers. Technology can be a guide in this with apps like iNaturalist. Some apps can take a picture of a plant or animal and then help you identify it.

While we may be encouraging more recreation than you're comfortable with, here are times to take action when caring for your lakeshore property.

We always have recommended residents keep grass clippings, leaves, and washed up plant debris out of the lake. Use a mulching lawnmower and leave grass clippings on the lawn as a natural fertilizer; keep in mind that excess material can be blown around with a good strong wind.

Minimize Your Mowing

Lawns can be a touchy topic. You'll rarely see an unkempt yard in lakes country. However, it's worth noting that shallow-rooted grass is essentially ornamental and a hardened surface that gives contaminants such as fertilizers and pesticides a quick ride into the water.

The easy solution is to cut grass a little taller and minimize your fertilizer application by the lake. Take note of how water travels through your yard. Landscapers in lakes area can advise the best way to prevent erosion and keep a well-manicured yard.

Optimized Landscaping

In the past, many lake residents sought retaining walls to combat erosion. Hardened structures cause waves to reflect with tremendous energy. In the end, there's a more exposed shoreline and more erosion. If you bought a home with a retaining structure and are looking to remove it, look at the adjacent shorelines that haven't been altered, and you'll see they aren't receding.

Don't Sacrifice Trees for Sight

The green giants on your shoreline aren't there to prevent your view. Trees absorb runoff, taking water from the ground and releasing it back into the air. Overhanging vegetation provides shade and a steady supply of dead insects and other organic "fall" for young fish sheltering in the shallows.

In Minnesota, trees aren't as plentiful as in rainforests like the Pacific Northwest. We have to be selective about uprooting trees. Although services can move trees, one should do this with caution.

By being mindful of your shore's ribbon of life, you can have your lake time and hear loon calls too. We encourage all lake life residents to promote the health of our natural resources and celebrate the beauty of nature that we all get to enjoy.

Effective January 11, 2021 - Septic Tanks in Minnesota will be required to be pumped empty in order to complete a compliance inspection.

Although Minnesota does not have a state-wide septic inspection point-of-sale requirement, this new rule does apply to properties in counties that have this requirement or any property where the owner/seller is completing an SSTS compliance inspection.

How does this rule affect you as a seller?

If you have your property listed for sale, and there is not a current Purchase Agreement on your property, you can still be proactive in getting your septic pumped and inspected prior. This information will be helpful to you if your septic needs replacement and will speed up the transaction process if this information is already known.

How does this rule affect you as a buyer?

In many cases, the seller will pay for a septic inspection, however, they may ask the buyer. It’s important for buyers to understand the transaction process so there are no surprises.

If you have any additional questions, you can connect with one of our sales agents or find answers to FAQ’s at https://www.mnrealtor.com/blogs/mnr-news1/2021/01/08/ssts-rule-change

BY RYAN DE LA ROSA

Open skies, surrounded by lakes, and the kind of neighbors you instantly connect with. These are all facets of living in bountiful, rural Minnesota.

2020 left many looking for a new direction, with shifts in work, school, and social life. It is no surprise that more folks are finding their way out of the city and starting fresh.

You can own a house on a lake, have a fish camp on the river, or buy hunting land. Mark your spot in the rural countryside. Rural regions and urban areas are pretty much polar opposites.

There could be several reasons people move from the country to a big city: Three of the top reasons are jobs, education, and lifestyle.

Here's our guide to help your transition to living rural.

The Countryside Life Awaits

Convenience certainly marks the spot in a large metro area. And that comes with a cost. Moving rural might be an opportunity to sell high and move into a lower-priced market. Often a lower-priced market allows you to create instant savings account for yourself through the sale of your old house.

·    Supply and Demand: Rural properties tend to be less per square foot because most people choose to live in the city, thus driving up costs.

The Statistics of Rural Realty

Homebuyers are increasingly purchasing properties within the suburbs, small towns, or Rural Areas. NAR's October 2020 REALTORS® Confidence Index Report indicates a demographic shift from the cities to the suburbs, or to smaller counties, less dense counties.

Lot sizes decrease in the city; maybe one could own a half-acre in the city or suburbs. Rural areas typically offer homes that sit on multiple acres, giving you the ability and freedom to build, remodel, and expand.

Larger lots provide another layer of privacy simply because there are fewer people around. Obvious? Sure, but there's a sense of privacy that even a seven-foot fence can't deliver.

Imagine your break from working at home, punctuating your day with a nature walk. There is something to be said for peace and serenity. Noise and light pollution be gone! Crickets, the sound of birds, and the night sky are open for stargazing.

When you can take away pollution, traffic, stop lights, and everything else the city offers, it helps you relax and de-stress. In Lakes Country, you'll enjoy the sunset over a tree line instead of many buildings. Nature alone can bring with it a sense of serenity that is unmatched.

No one has ever complained about having cleaner air, and most people would probably agree that country air is more sanitary than city air.

Adventure in A New Lane

Living the rural life provides you the opportunity to own things that you couldn't use in the city, snowmobiles, boats, cross-country skiing, or whatever your heart's desire. Nearby recreation is just outside your front door. Generations of Minnesotans have enjoyed the outdoors and built traditions with the four seasons in mind.

The great outdoors has more to offer than just recreation:

City dwellers who have a green thumb grow herbs or may have a tomato plant or two; however, you can grow as much of your own food as you'd like in the country.

Whether it's growing your own vegetables, raising your own beef, producing water from a well, or even implementing solar panels, living in a rural area allows you to rely on yourself as much as you would like. You could even go off the grid altogether!

Remember that living rural isn't just about a house and property; it's an adventure. Rural life can require some self-sufficiency, which builds unforgettable memories and creates a strong sense of identity for our family too. I can deal with some ugly walls for a few years for that!

Looking to buy land or a home in Lakes Country?

Whether it's for recreation or your family's future, our land experts and residential realtors will analyze all available properties for sale to identify the right place for you and guide you through the purchase process. Get in touch today!

Our healthcare workers and educators have made many sacrifices for our community this past year and have endured challenging times to guide us all through the unexpected new life we have all been confronted with.

They are of great value to everyone in our community and to show our appreciation, our team provided a lunch by La Barista to all employees this week at Essentia Health and Sanford Health in Detroit Lakes. For our elementary staff at Rossman and Roosevelt in Detroit Lakes, we gifted a LAKE LIFE calendar and partnered with Val at Detroit Lakes Floral to create a beautiful small bouquet.

It’s more important than ever to support the essential workers in our community. We were honored to give back in this way and hope this small gift in the New Year helps them to remain motivated and optimistic through 2021.

BY RYAN DE LA ROSA

Looking to summer on the lake or escape the hustle and bustle in a remote cabin?

If you were fortunate enough to grow up on one of the thousand lakes of Minnesota, then you already know the reason for making it out here on the weekends. If you've got children, you know how important it is to pass the lake life experience on to the next generation.

Buying a second home is the best way to enjoy the great outdoors of Minnesota. However, many secondary homebuyers aren't sure where to start. Searching without understanding those financial requirements and expenses are often heightened the second time around.

ESCAPING TO LAKE LIFE

Imagine having a designated vacation spot. If you and your family are tied to the city for work and school, getting away is necessary. It's easy to spend more time getting out if you have a house in a place you love to be.

Although many first home buyers haven't thought this far ahead, a second home can easily equate to a house to retire in. If you plan to move after you retire, you can get a head start on creating a community in a place you love by purchasing a second home.

·    A retreat now is a home to retire in later.

More often than not, homes tend to increase in value, so you can use your second home as a means of investing. Keep or sell your home down the road; the choice is yours.

THE SECOND MORTGAGE PROCESS

Take time to familiarize yourself with the upfront and long-term costs associated with purchasing a second home can save you from complications during the process.

First, let's define a second mortgage.

A second mortgage is a charge over a property that already has another mortgage on it. The mortgages are ranked in the order in which they were lodged. So if the debt isn't paid and the property is sold, the first mortgage is paid back before any money is paid to the second or third mortgagee (lender).

A Higher Down Payment?

It's a common misconception that the standard 20% down payment made for a primary residence will also apply to purchase a second home.

Down payment requirements are typically more significant than that of the typical first home purchase, depending on property cost, applicant credit score, geographic location, and other factors.

Higher Interest Cost

Investment property purchasers are likely to face mortgage rates about one half of a percent higher than those seen by primary and vacation home purchasers. There is also often a fee, between one-half and a full percent of the loan value, assessed for investment properties at settlement.

Additionally, second home buyers face more stringent credit score requirements than those experienced by primary home purchasers. Individuals with a top tier credit score will generally have access to the most attractive mortgage prices.

CROSSING STATE LINE

An unsuspecting buyer can run into a few snags when purchasing a property in a new state. For instance, a buyer in North Dakota may not know to prepare for a mortgage tax, for example, in Minnesota. Also, settlement costs and requirements vary by state, and sometimes quite dramatically.

For first-time second home buyers, these unfamiliar requirements can add additional out-of-pocket costs or needlessly delay a purchasing timeline.

Working with a banker or financial planner early in searching for another property can help a family or individual plan a working budget and prepare for the additional costs and requirements associated with purchasing your second home escape.

THE BEST TIME TO BUY A SECOND HOME ESCAPE

According to studies, the best time to buy a second home in beach areas is winter when the market and tourism is slow. Combine that with another fact about Lakes country of Minnesota, and you have a solid buying season. In rural areas, fall and winter are good times to buy second homes since those areas also cycle with the typical primary homeowner markets of spring and summer.

In resort-towns, spring and fall are the best times to buy. Those are the slow times for tourism and, therefore, fewer buyers to compete with, and more sellers need you. The only caveat would be areas with a lot of beautiful fall foliage, then you would want to wait until after the beauty of autumn has waned, and tourism drops off.

It is your due diligence to research the market you're thinking of buying in.

If we look at the current real estate market in Lakes Country, we are experiencing very low interest rates and low inventory. Meaning, not many homes are for sale on the market. It's best to know what you are approved for in advance, so when a property in your criteria comes on the market, you can pull the trigger quickly. If you're ready to learn more about purchasing your new (or next) home, we are prepared to help you explore your options and find the right place for you in Lakes Country.

If you're ready to learn more about purchasing your new (or next) home, the Lake Country experts at Jack Chivers Realty are here to help you explore the possibilities.

Nestled on a beautiful level lot on the north shore of Big Detroit Lakes sits a 1977 rambler that has recently been transformed into a curbside beauty. The once unappealing, basic rambler was purchased in 2018 by a renovation loving couple who were more than excited to take on both the interior and exterior updates to make it their home.

Troy & Skye Fingalson, owners of Design 2 Sell and North Shore Tile in Detroit Lakes are amongst the handful of people that can see the new through the old and envision the potential. “We love walking through a home, seeing the potential, and bringing it back to life”, stated Skye. “I always feel like I’m making the home happy again, almost like I can feel that it is talking to me.” Troy and Skye are no strangers to the renovation and building process; both have been in the industry for many years, and have unintentionally flipped the last 4 homes they have lived in.

“We have moved 4 times, brought life back to each home, and then moved on”, Skye said.

“We tend to always say that this will be our forever home while we are fixing it up, but so far it hasn’t ended up that way”, she laughs. “I’m addicted to the MLS and am always envisioning what I would do in the space if it were mine because that is what we enjoy doing.” “You never know where life will bring you and I love a good opportunity when I see one.” However, she does say that THIS will be their forever home. The location being close to town, the large and private backyard, and the beachfront make it hard for her and her husband to leave.

When they purchased the home in the Summer of 2018, they immediately began renovating the interior of the home, all while living in their Master Bedroom during the process. “We have two young children, so doing this was not easy, but it is always worth it”. After finishing up the interior, they took a little break and began the planning stages of the exterior of the home. “I knew that we needed to add dimension,” Skye said. “The home was basic and flat. The windows and the brick were not to scale with the home, and it needed a new roof.” “I wanted dimension, texture, and I really wanted to bring color back. Everything has been so neutral, and I did not want that. I fell in love with Benjamin Moore’s paint color “Dark Harbor” and designed the entire home around that.

Incorporating texture and high contrast was also important. They used stained cedar to build their pergola over top of the garage, the posts by the front porch, and the custom-made planter box. “A great way to determine which colors compliment each other is to look at a color wheel and select colors that are opposite of each other. The cooler tone of the teal paint and warm tone of the cedar work great together and mix cool with warm. The white trim gave the home that high contrast.” Adding the right stone in the right place on the home was also something that Skye knew had to be done correctly. The home is not tall enough to do a wainscot among the front. “It would have made it look smaller.” That is when she decided that all it would need was the face of the garage, the chimney, and the bottom of the pillars to give it the right texture. Troy and Skye opted for real stone, and stone that was irregular shaped that would pull out the cedar color. When replacing the windows along the front of their home, they made them much larger and Skye was completely set on the gridded look. “I have always loved the gridded windows. They give a cottage feel, and they look welcoming.” By enlarging the windows, the home appeared larger.

Another unique feature about the home is the wider siding. They chose a 12” wide siding instead of the standard narrow siding. “Larger scale pieces make a small space feel bigger.

It is a common misperception that if you have a small space, you should use small scale pieces, when in fact, the larger scaled items you use, the bigger the space will appear”, Skye mentioned.

By adding the front porch area, and the pergola over the garage, we were able to add a lot of dimension to the home. The soffit is not your standard aluminum soffit, and instead, is painted shiplap. The painted shiplap also lines the ceiling underneath the front porch, where Skye has a beautiful chandelier hanging. “Lighting is everything, so we chose what we wanted to highlight with the chandelier, the lanterns that hang from the pergola, the under-soffit lighting, and the landscaping lights.”

One problem that Skye had while designing the exterior of the home was finding that perfect garage door color to match her front door. “I really wanted that orange-cedar tone and the factory colors were too brown. I took the front door swatch into Detroit Paint & Glass, where they color matched the front door for me so I could send it in to the garage door factory to custom match.”

In any great design – it is truly all in the details. So, by adding a decorative old barn rope railing, the beautifully curved sidewalk, the unique floor to ceiling cedar planter box, and the gorgeous landscaping, the icing was now on the cake. “It takes a village of talented people in various trades to accomplish a great renovation. Let the experts be the experts and trust the process”, Skye stated. “We couldn’t have accomplished all of what we did without the help of everyone and their amazing expertise.”

Stop into Skye’s beautiful flooring and Interior design studio, “Design 2 Sell” in Detroit Lakes to visit with her about your next building or renovation project.