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If you are looking for Recreational Property...Don't ask a couch potato!

By
Real Estate Agent

I get a lot of people looking for land or cabins both with acreage or on water.

"My friend tells me I should have..."

"Really?" I ask. "What are his reasons?"

"Well, I am not sure but he sounded like he know what he was talking about."

"OK, is he a person that hunts, fishes, hikes, camps or does some other outdoor activity?"

"No, he doesn't do any of that.  Why do you ask?"

"I just want to know where he came up with his qualifications for what you want."

This is not a one time conversation, although not always the exact same, it is similar most of the time.  How does someone who has never owned Recreational land know what you need to ride a 4 wheeler, or to hunt.   The same kind of land is not good for deer hunting that is good for Pheasants or Ducks.

If you are a person who loves to fish, not all lakes are as good for Fishing and some are better than others for the type of fishing you do.

Here is a list of some things to consider when buying Recreational property...

What is the land being used for:
Hunting
Hiking
ATV use
Cross country skiing
Snow Shoeing

How much land should you have to do these activities.
Should you by land that abuts State land to maximize you enjoyment?

What kind of a cabin do you need:
Should it be year round or just seasonal.

Do you prefer Lake shore:
What is the main use of this property?
Fishing
Swimming
Jet ski
Skiing
Canoeing

If fishing is your main enjoyment:
What type of fish are you looking for.
Are you a trophy Fisherman
Do you want a clear lake or is bog stained better for the type of fish you are looking for

As you see, there are a lot of different things to consider and this is just a short list.  So, Ask someone who knows and not the person who never sees the light of day.

*** A special thanks to my Broker for the use of this photo!

Comments (8)

Leslie G. Rojohn
MoonDancer Realty - Sylva, NC
GRI, ABR ~ MoonDancer Realty

Your criteria for who gets to sell what seems a little restrictive.  I've never built a house, but I know how to sell one.  I've never done heart surgery, but I could help you find a good heart sugeon.  I get that you are an outdoorsman but I don't think we need to start restricting those who can sell recreational property to just those who dig all that stuff.

Mar 20, 2012 04:49 AM
Than Maynard
Coldwell Banker Heart of Oklahoma - Purcell, OK
Broker - Licensed to List & Sell - 405-990-8862

I think the point is that people who don't know should not be offering advice. When I was building I would hear that Uncle Fred said they should put re-bar every 12". Uncle Fred said they sheet rocking is run the wrong way (HUH?)

Many times people ask for advice and the person feels obligated to voice an opinion instead of saying..I really don't know.

Also, he isn't saying you can't sell the property, because you don't do that activity he saying get your advice from someone who does that activity.

 

Mar 20, 2012 04:56 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Leslie...Vern is not restricting who should sell what.  He is not even talking about agents.  he is talking about the back yard professional.  But now that you bring it up.  If an agent does not know anything about your needs or how to fulfill them is that agent working for the best interests of the client.

Recreational properties have many faces and many rules that pertain to them that a house in the city doesn't worry about.   If a person wants a good walleye lake, you don't set them up on a lake that has few walleyes and mostly Northern pike. If the person wants to hunt deer you don't sell them a property that is all grass land.

There are also issues with septics and well setbacks, upgrades and mandatory pumping and reporting.  Vern did not say that an agent that sells primarily in town homes won't be qualified, he is saying make sure that agent you are talking with understand and know how to get you what you want and not just what they want in their pocketbook.

Than...You have it right.   Would you by a sports car from some one who only sells furniture?

Vern good points...Sorry, I had to jump in on this one.

Mar 20, 2012 05:47 AM
Vern Eaton
Askov, MN
Realtor 651-674-7449

Leslie...I am not sure if you read the entire blog or skimed it, but Bill is right...I was mainly talking about listening to friends that don't enjoy the same past imes as you do and have never enjoyed the same at any time in their lives.  How can they give advice that is valid.

Than...Yes you got it.  Thanks

Bill...I think you said what I was thinking much more calmly than I would have.  Thanks

Mar 20, 2012 06:03 AM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

Great advice, Vern.  And, I loved the title.  It is so true when they come to you and say, "My brother, neighbor, cousin said......".

Mar 20, 2012 10:52 PM
Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

Between you and Bill, I am pretty sure that you have the aspects of selling recreational land down pat.  Good work!

Mar 21, 2012 12:22 AM
Don Sabinske
Don Sabinske, Sabinske & Associates Inc. - Zimmerman, MN
Sabinske & Associates Inc.

Keep up the good work, Vern.  And this post is great information for those looking for any kind of land!

Mar 21, 2012 04:26 AM
Juli Vosmik
Dominion Fine Properties - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale/Cave Creek, AZ real estate 480-710-0739

Vern, great questions to ask home buyers in the Askov MN area.  Lifestyle is so important when buying a home - more important than what a friend of a friend says!!!  Asking a Realtor® like Vern Eaton who knows the right questions will make their home purchase more satisfying.  

Mar 31, 2012 12:02 PM