Brainerd Real Estate Short Sale Opportunity

Looking for a great deal on a Brainerd home?  The real estate market is picking up, but that doesn't mean there aren't still real estate deals in Brainerd.

Check out this Brainerd house for sale:

Less than 5 years old, this home is situation on a private 2.5 acre wood lot just north of Brainerd and Baxter.  Two outdoor patios, oak vaulted ceilings, stainless steel appliances, fireplace, and mast suite with 6 foot soaking tub all on one level of living makes this home an excellent purchase.  View photos and details of this 3 bedroom Brainerd home at http://www.kw.com/homes-for-sale/56401/MN/Brainerd/6584-Ruby-Lane/3yd-GLARMN-206249.html.  And call me to go take a look.  I think you'll like what you see.

Joe Laudenbach
218-851-5540

North Long Lake Home For Sale

Have you been wishing you could live on beautiful North Long Lake? This well-desired piece of Brainerd lakefront real estate, this 3 bedroom well maintained home with a lakeside three season porch may just be be the perfect lake home for you.

Located on the sandy shores of North Long Lake, this house features an attached garage, a heated shop/recreation room, a people friendly kitchen, dining and living room. Great location and close to town makes fast action a must

Fabulous sunsets, sand beach and level elevation make for the perfect lake home.

View details of this North Long Lake Real Estate listing

Call me and I'll be glad to arrange a showing: 218.851.5540.

All I Want For Christmas Is To Live Near North Long Lake

Is a new home on your Christmas list?  Come tour this Brainerd house for sale near North Long Lake, and do some holiday shopping at the same time.

  

http://www.kw.com/homes-for-sale/56401/MN/Brainerd/6584-Ruby-Lane/3yd-GLARMN-206249.html

Join me on Saturday, December 3rd from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for an Open House and Holiday Shopping! Do some holiday shopping while visiting this lovely 3 bedroom/2 full bath home listed at $149,900.

Holiday Shopping with:
*Mary Kay Cosmetics *Glitter Make-overs
*Scentsy *Posh Designs
*Glory Hill Studio’s *Norwex
*Tastefully Simple *Fishing Rod’s by Russ
*Xocai Chocolate *Pampered Chef
*Unique Women’s clothing *Marlene’s jewelry
Bring a food shelf item and enter a drawing for a free gift!

Saturday, December 3rd
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
6584 Ruby Lane – Brainerd
From Baxter, North on 371 to Right on Johnson Road to Ruby Lane. Right on Ruby Lane to 1st home on the left. Follow the Open House signs.

Can't make the open house?  Call me anytime to arrange a showing.  218.851.5540

Listing Your North Long Lake or Brainerd Home?

Wondering if this is a good time to sell your home?  Brainerd real estate trends aren't too far off from national trends.  Take a minute to watch this short real estate update and hear what the average sales price of a home was in October, and learn tips to get the most from selling your house.

Whether your home is in Brainerd, Baxter, Merrifield, Little Falls, Crosby, Pillager, Pequot Lakes, Nisswa, or anywhere in the Brainerd Lakes Area, I would be happy to stop by and give you an idea of what your house would sell for.

Just call me at 218.851.5540 or send me a note.  If you've got a pot of coffee ready, even better. 

Brainerd Real Estate Listing Under $100,000

Are there still homes for sales in Brainerd for under $100,000?  You betcha!

Take a look at this remodeled 2 bedroom home in North East Brainerd:



The kitchen and bath have been updated with ceramic countertops and new hardware, and there's a nice 4 year old oversized garage (24x26).

1121 NE 4th Avenue Brainerd MN 56401 

I would be more than happy to chat with you about this home or other Brainerd area homes for sale...when I'm not on North Long Lake enjoying this excellent fall weather, that is!  Give me a call at 218-851-5540. 

Tips To Sell Your Brainerd Lakes Home

Here's a short video from Keller Williams on September 2011 real estate trends, along with some tips to sell your home.  Staging remains important...we all love those family photos, but a potential buyer needs to picture themselves in the house.  Watch the clip for more.

Wonder what else is currently for sale on North Long Lake in Brainerd?  I'll be more than happy to tell you more about what's available, whether you're looking to buy a house or want to check market value to see what your home could sell for.  Just send me a note or give me a call.

Northern Minnesota Lake Home for Sale

Looking for a northern Minnesota lake home further north than Brainerd?  Here's a great opportunity to live the lake life in Park Rapids.  This lake home sits on the shores of Portage Lake.  With 5 bedrooms, there's room for everyone to visit.  Want to know more?  View more photos and full details on my Keller Williams website at http://brainerd-homes.yourkwagent.com/

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Brainerd Lakes Real Estate: Brainerd Duplex For Sale

There are some good real estate prices in Brainerd right now.  Here's one worth checking out:

Brainerd Duplex: Country setting duplex with lake views close to Brainerd! Each unit has been updated and ready for occupancy, with 3 bedroom/ 2 bath and second unit has 2 bed/ 2 bath. Independant furnaces and central air, laundry facilities in both units, and decking overlooking private pond. $139,900. 

There are more photos and full details of this Brainerd home for sale on my real estate website. 

Looking for real estate on North Long Lake?  Check out what's currently for sale.

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

After spending many summers on North Long Lake in our family cabin, we're now year round lake residents.  We've enjoyed getting to know other North Long Lake residents over time; it's a great group of people that I'm proud to call my neighbors. 


When I'm listing a North Long Lake cabin or home for sale, I know I'm not just putting a For Sale sign on another lake place in the Brainerd area, I'm opening the opportunity for someone to experience lake life on the best lake in Minnesota.

But I may just be biased.

Cabin Life's forum has a few comments from North Long Lake residents.  

Are you considering selling your North Long Lake home or cabin?  Send me a note.  I promise to treat it as if I was selling my own home.

Secrets to Selling Your Home

If you are considering selling your Brainerd Lakes Area house, here are some tips to selling your home from Keller Williams. 

- Price it right
- Know what the trend is
- Consider a pre-sale inspection
- Don't just consider the highest offer

The first tip is generally the one most sellers are thinking about prior to selling.  What is my house worth?  I'll be happy to help answer that.  Send me a note and I'll compare your home with what other Brainerd homes are selling for.

East Gull Lake MN Home For Sale

I truly enjoy the beauty throughout the Brainerd area, especially as you head north of the Brainerd/Baxter area and find great communities such as East Gull Lake.  As the crow flies, it's just a few minutes from my North Long Lake deck.  Take a look at this home for sale in East Gull Lake:

A quality home for sale not far from North Long Lake.  Check out more photos and details at http://www.kw.com/homes-for-sale/56401/MN/East-Gull-Lake/772-Gull-Bluff-Drive/3yd-GLARMN-204172.html

Do You Know The Market Value of Your Home or Cabin?

Whether you're thinking of selling or planning to stay in your home for 25 more years, you're likely wondering what your home is worth in today's market. I launched a new resource this week to help determine your home's value in today's market. Whether you live in St. Cloud, Little Falls, Brainerd, Baxter, or anywhere in Central Minnesota, I'll provide a custom market value report.

And if you're curious (aren't we all?) about what other homes are priced at, here are links to real estate listings in and around the Brainerd area.

• Baxter MN Homes for Sale
• Brainerd MN Homes for Sale
• Crosby MN Homes for Sale
• East Gull Lake MN Homes for Sale
• Merrifield MN Homes for Sale
• Motley MN Homes for Sale
• Nisswa MN Homes for Sale
• Pequot Lakes MN Homes for Sale
• Pillager MN Homes for Sale
• St. Cloud MN Homes for Sale

Thinking of Selling? Here's a tip to help you get a higher price.

Here's an interesting stat: sellers that invest as little as $250 in staging their home have higher list-to-sell prices.  If you're thinking of selling your Brainerd Lakes Area home or cabin, you'll want to view this month's Real Estate Market News to hear more about this great tip.


Wondering what the real estate market is doing overall?  Here's a great overview of the U.S. real estate market. Send me a note and I can share how the Brainerd Lakes real estate trends compare and contrast.

Brainerd Lakes Area Relocation Information

When we moved to the Brainerd Lakes Area, we had been seasonal residents for years, so we had many of the utility needs, etc. already figured out.  But there were other things we needed to know; things that help make the transition to a new community easier.  Like where the back roads are during road construction season (a piece of knowledge that's very helpful right now!)

The Brainerd Lakes Area Guide from the Brainerd Lakes Chamber covers the information you need to live, work, and play in lake country.  Take a look.





Keller Williams joins Brainerd Lakes Chamber

That's me in the back!

Just Another Brainerd Lakes Home For Sale? Or Your Next Home?

I had the pleasure of touring a beautiful home recently a few miles north of my own. What struck me about this new listing is the 38 acres of prime Minnesota hunting land it sits on.  Take a look; if you're interested in learning more, check out the details of this Pequot Lakes home situated on acres of hunting land.

Curious What Your Home is Worth in Today's Market?

Chances are, the market was in a different place when you bought your home.  You may be wondering what it's worth in today's market, and if it is indeed the time for you to sell.

Pricing to sell is key, as noted in the tips on my website.  Take a peek at what else is on the market in the Brainerd Lakes Area to give you a feel for what your competition would be:  http://tinyurl.com/brainerdrealestate

Take a minute and submit this form and you can start to see a picture of what your home may be worth today.

For those of you in the Brainerd Lakes Area, register for food and networking this Thursday when we host C.H.O.W. Time with the Brainerd Lakes Chamber.  I'll be there, and look forward to seeing you!

Real Estate Trends: Mortgage Interest Rates

Is this the right time to buy?  How do you decide in this economy?

If you ask 10 people, you'll get 10 opinions.  Now more than ever its important to be informed so you can make the decision that's right for you.

What are the trends?

Freddie Mac reports that in April, interest rates hovered in the 4.8%-4.9% range. In early February they had climbed above 5% for the first time in nearly a year.  It is anticipated that they'll start moving upward throughout the year.  Is this an indicator that it's time to buy?  It certainly seems that way.

Here's more to think about if you're considering purchasing a home:



My opinion? Moving to the Brainerd Lakes Area is always a smart choice.

Selling On Your Mind?

Does spring have you thinking of selling your home?   Wonder if the time is right to find that dream home?  Take a look at what's on the real estate market in the Brainerd Lakes Area right now.  Window shop, if you will.

Check out the tips in the video if the time to sell is right for you. Curious about your home's value in today's market?  I'm happy to just chat over coffee.

The Brainerd Lakes Area: Living the Dream in Minnesota

I've loved playing in the Brainerd Lakes Area for years.  It's a great up north vacation getaway, and provides a fun experience year around.

Beyond the recreational side lies a business community ideal for entrepreneurs or those looking to relocate or expand a business. The Minnesota State Demographer predicts we'll grow another 45% by 2030.  That opens up the area to new business opportunities galore.

The Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation (BLADC) provides some great data on the demographics of the Brainerd Lakes Area, information on the economic vitality, and the skilled workforce you'll find here.

I call the Brainerd Lakes Area home, and that brings me joy.   Living and working in God's Country is a dream come true for me; I want to make it come true for you too.

Spring Fever Hits North Long Lake

Despite the massive dumping of snow in the Brainerd Lakes Area this past week, spring will soon be here.  I'm ready to dive into yard work, garden planning, and spring cleaning.

Is spring inspiring you to make a move?  If you're curious to find out what the market value of your home or cabin is, just fill out this short form.  I'm happy to take a look. Wondering what's on the real estate market on and around North Long Lake, or anywhere in the Brainerd Lakes Area?  Window shopping is always free. Start browsing for your dream home at http://www.mlsfinder.com/mn_glar/josephlaudenbach/index.cfm.

With Access Comes Responsibility

The year round and seasonal residents of North Long Lake understand the responsibility that comes with having access to the gift nature has provided.  This beautiful natural resource is a gift we must protect.
 
The Thirty Lakes Watershed is one organization promoting efforts to keep our waters clean, understanding that the responsibility falls to all of us.
 
If you're a North Long Lake year round or seasonal resident, check out the cost-share grant program they're offering to encourage innovative Best Management Practices.  The grant application is available at http://www.30lakes.org/Images/Cost%20Share%20Form2011PDFForm.pdf
 
Learn more about Thirty Lakes Watershed at www.30lakes.org.

  

From Winter to Spring

This truly is God's Country.  As I look out at the snow slowly melting around the shores of North Long Lake, I know spring is not far off.  Living in lake country brings new beauty each season.

Now is a great time to start looking for a cabin on Merrifield Bay, or a lake home across from Iven's on the Bay.

To help you envision life in the north country, I suggest you visit Lake Country Journal Magazine's website at www.lakecountryjournal.com.  Picture yourself in front of a fireplace, looking out over the beauty of Minnesota's lake country.  Then give me a call, and we'll start making that picture a reality.

North Long Lake Fishing..err, CATCHING!

Only the brave joined us for the Keller Williams 1st Annual Ice House Open on Merrifield Bay in Brainerd.  

For those of you who missed it, fish were caught, and here's proof.
 

I enjoy fishing on North Long for the pure joy.  I also enjoy showing off the beautiful lake homes and cabins for sale on North Long.  Check out currently available Brainerd Lakes Area properties, and give me a call.  I'll be happy to help find the right property for you.

Fishing secrets are extra. 

Up North Fun

As much as I enjoy fishing on North Long Lake, what I truly love about this area is the variety of events year round.

Check out these local activities that lake home owners will surely enjoy:

February 16 - Ibedirod For Youth - Mattress Races
March 5 - Wine Tasting & Tapas
March 19 - Hill Cross Racing at Ski Gull 

Ready to move to North Long Lake and become part of the up north community?  Give me a call.  I'll help you find the perfect spot to call your own.

WHAT? You've Never Fished North Long Lake?

One of the joys of living on North Long Lake is that I can literally take a few steps out my front door and drop a line in anytime of the year.  After spending a few hours today moving the fish house, it dawned on me that many of you haven't had the opportunity to fish North Long Lake.

Let's change that.

In fact, I'll take you myself.  Sunday, February 20, 2011, Curt and Joe are hosting the Keller Williams 1st Annual Ice House Open on Merrifield Bay in Brainerd. Everyone is welcome to join us for brats and beans on the grill. Catch a fish and get entered into a drawing for some fabulous prizes. Bring your fishing gear and we'll punch a hole in the ice for you. Come on out and have some fun!!

Before you do, take a few minutes to read the Minnesota DNR's lake report at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/showreport.html?downum=18037200.

It's more than owning a home on North Long Lake. It's about being part of the community.

I've been a seasonal and now year round resident of North Long Lake for more years than I'll admit here, or you'll figure out I'm not really as young as you guessed.

Even when my permanent home was far away, North Long Lake was always home.  It's where my children grew up.  It's where I built campfires, baited lures, and swatted mosquitos.  What made it home was the community of people that have grown to be family.

Location, location, location is the mantra when you're buying real estate.  When the location includes groups of neighbors that support the root of what brings us together, like the North Long Lake Association, you know you've found more than a piece of property on a beautiful Brainerd Lakes Area lake, you've found home.