7 Things to Consider When Buying a Home

BUYING A HOME IS A SIGNIFICANT LIFE CHANGING EVENT. IT’S EXCITING, OVERWHELMING, AND A PROCESS THAT HAS A LOT OF STEPS. THIS LIST OFFERS SOME GOOD TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND AS YOU LOOK TO BUY A HOME.

#1 Choose the Location

The Brainerd Lakes Area is made up of several smaller communities each with their own vibe. Spend some time in each area so you can get a feel for what it would be like to live in that community. Think about the things that are important to you and your family. Do you want to be in Brainerd/Baxter and close to all of the shopping and amenities? Do you want land that offers privacy and hunting? Choosing your preferred location is an important step in the home buying process.

#2 Work with an Agent

Finding a real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of the area and the lakeshore market is an invaluable resource. Agents can help you steer clear of a potential money pit or alternatively help look past easy cosmetic changes. Agents will guide you through the whole buying process—some of which will be unique to waterfront property.

#3 Create a Budget

When searching online listings, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, discouraged or even set unrealistic expectations. Getting a preapproval letter gives you a good idea of what sort of mortgage you can handle. Do you have 20% for a down payment? Are you a first-time buyer? Are you buying land and building new construction? Working with a trusted realtor and lender will help guide you through the different buying scenarios and help you stay within your means. This will help keep the buying experience a positive one.

#4 Drive the Commute

One reason many people enjoy living in the Brainerd Lakes is the slower pace. No freeways, interstates, or rush hours here. But that doesn’t mean that drive times are always easy. In the summer months, traffic increases as our population swells with visitors. Ask yourself if your commute to work, errands, and kids’ activities is something that you can do longterm. Much of the driving here is rural roads, so also keep that in mind during the snowy winter months.

#5 Think About the Space

It’s tempting when looking at online listings—or when watching real estate reality shows—to think bigger is better. Don’t get sucked into trends. Think about what you really need out of a home and how you will use the space. Some smaller homes have been designed with an efficient use of space. Some larger homes have a lot of wasted space. Will you be expanding your family and you need kid-friendly zones? Are you retiring here and would prefer onelevel or maintenance free living? Choose what works for you and how you can put your own touch on your new place.

FINDING A REAL ESTATE AGENT WHO KNOWS THE INS AND OUTS OF THE AREA AND THE LAKESHORE MARKET IS AN INVALUABLE RESOURCE. AGENTS WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE WHOLE BUYING PROCESS—SOME OF WHICH WILL BE UNIQUE TO WATERFRONT PROPERTY.

#6 Look at Maintenance

When you’re at a showing, look past some of the cosmetic fixes like paint and décor choices that may prevent you from seeing the home’s positive features. Instead, look at things like the age of the shingles, kitchen appliances, and furnace. Look at utility costs from the current owner so you have a handle on these big ticket and fixed expenses that will add to your monthly mortgage. If the home needs some renovations and landscaping, do some research about general costs so you aren’t shocked at the expense later.

#7 Check the Neighborhood

A great way to get an idea of what life will be in your new home is to drive or walk around the neighborhood. How do the houses look? Are they well-maintained? Are there a lot of kids in the neighborhood? Or, if you’re on a lake, are your potential new neighbors seasonal? Take in the surroundings and really picture yourself living there.

Amy Price, REALTOR® - Realty Group

(218) 821-6760 www.amypriceisright.com

The dream of buying or selling your home starts with the right PRICE. Expect above & beyond, professional service at a better PRICE. I’m a lifelong Brainerd area resident & full-time REALTOR® who works hard for you. Call me for a no-obligation discussion regarding your real estate needs.

Cygneture Title Solutions

(218) 828-0122 www.cygnetureonline.com

13021 Evergreen Dr, Baxter, MN 56425 We provide abstracting, title insurance, & closings for all real estate transactions. We take pride in providing the best possible service to our customers.

Hy-Tec Construction

(218) 829-8529 www.hytecconstruction.com

Hy-Tec Construction is a full-service design/ build firm, specializing in commercial and residential construction. We offer a full range of building services, including design-build, general contracting, and construction management. Our goal is to find the best solution to get the job done while giving you the most seamless, streamlined experience.

Angell Team - Coldwell Banker Realty

(218) 297-4663 https://angellteam.com

With 40+ years of experience, customer service & meeting clients' goals are our top priorities. Our innovative marketing & negotiating strategies help sellers net more money & we walk buyers through the entire buying process from financing to closing & beyond... And we have some fun along the way!

Edina Realty

(218) 232-1946 www.MikeKennedyGroup.com

Knowing lake country, our communities, their history and the lakes that surround them is key to finding your ideal home, cabin or investment. Mike Kennedy extends proven expertise and Minnesota's most trusted real estate partner, Edina Realty; extending marketing-leading visibility and networking to achieve your real estate goals.

J. Hanson Real Estate Group

(218) 821-1135 www.jacobhansonrealestategroup.com

Jacob and Ruth Ann have the knowledge of all the Brainerd Lakes has to offer, while being backed by Edina Realty's years of experience, technology, and branding. This combination will bring your real estate goals to fruition whether that be buying or selling in residential, lakeshore, land, or commercial property.

Bathtub Refinishing USA

(218) 828-8600 www.BathtubRefinishingUSA.com

Recoating, color changes and repair specialists for bathtubs, clawfoots, showers, countertops, fiberglass, tile, porcelain, and cast iron. Saves time, money and can be completed in one day!

Greater Lakes Association of Realtors

(GLAR)

(218) 828-4567 www.greaterlakesrealtors.com

My REALTOR® knows! Your local REALTOR® knows many things, including the answers to your questions about buying and selling homes. Contact one of our many REALTOR® and/or affiliate members to guide you through the process.

LakeLife Homes

(218) 398-2156 www.lakeliferestoration.com

Tired of scraping and painting that tired old deck? Sun fading and drying out your logs or siding? "Live the LakeLife and leave the rest to us!" Exceptional staining & painting, full service log home care & maintenance, StruXures smart pergolas, Progressive retractable screens, custom built composite decks. Call today!

Lands End Development

(218) 692-5263 www.landsenddev.com

Voted "Best Builder/General Contractor" in Minnesota, Lands End Development is a unique design-build firm. Focusing on lake home & cabin design, we promote timeless design & exquisite craftsmanship in a wide range of architectural styles. Based locally in Crosslake, Lands End Development serves the entire Brainerd Lakes & surrounding areas.

Northland Sotheby's International Realty

(218) 692-1222 www.northlandsothebysrealty.com

Northland Sotheby's International Realty is a boutique real estate brokerage specializing in representing buyers and sellers of extraordinary homes throughout the lakes area of Central Minnesota. Our inclusive approach is to serve God by serving people.

Woods to Water Real Estate

(218) 961-1005 www.woodstowatermn.com

A boutique real estate company, serving the BLA, built on a passion for true northern Minnesota living. We strive to be immersed in our local communities and embrace the beautiful lifestyle this area offers. A catered approach to buying, selling, renting and property management in the Lakes Area.

Lonesome Cottage Furniture Company

(218) 568-8223 www.lonesomecottage.com

Looking to decorate your home or cabin?

Lonesome Cottage Furniture Company is the perfect place to start your search. Stop in for amazing factory direct deals on home furnishings from the nation’s largest rustic furniture manufacturer. Handcrafted furniture, flooring, countertops, cabinets, mantels, custom barn doors, design consultation, and more!

Positive Realty

(218) 829-1777 www.positiverealty.com

We have been serving our clients and customers since 1979 and in recent years have consistently led the way, annually producing one of the highest volumes of any Brainerd area real estate. We attribute our company success to the highest quality service, experience, vast range of services, and expertise.

Start to Finish Builders & Remodelers

(218) 828-0585 www.starttofinishbuilders.com

Mike's Tree Company

(218) 825-8207 www.mikestreecompany.com

Mike’s Tree Company, located in Brainerd Minnesota, has been providing the Brainerd Area with professional tree care since 1995. We take great pride in our work ethic and image. It is our mission to educate people on proper tree care practices to ensure the life and vitality of trees.

The Lakes Area's quality builder for over 30 years! Whether we're working on one of our famous remodels or building a new custom home, you can expect us to treat your project like it was our own. At Start To Finish, our quality craftsmanship and attention to detail are unsurpassed.