Deciding Whether a Home on a Minnesota Wetland or Environmental Lakeshore is Right for YOU!

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.