Shannon Watters of Watters Edge Realty
As a Realtor®, Master Naturalist, Director with the National Loon Center Foundation and Whitefish Area Property Owners Association. I’m committed to providing my clients with the best real estate knowledge and service to help meet their buying and selling goals as well as equipping them with best stewardship knowledge and community connection to thrive for years to come.
Hello everyone!!
I have had a lot of questions lately about what the real estate market is like in northern Minnesota in the winter. Northern Minnesota's real estate market tends to be distinct from other Minnesota regions, especially during the winter months, due to several unique factors.
Seasonality and Demand:
Northern Minnesota: Winters in the northern part of the state are long and harsh, which can deter some buyers and sellers from engaging in the market. Properties in more remote or rural areas (like cabins or second homes near lakes) often see less winter activity, with many potential buyers waiting for the warmer months to search. However, for people looking for properties that are specifically suited to winter sports or seasonal getaways, demand can remain steady.
Other Minnesota Areas: In more urbanized regions, such as the Twin Cities, winter doesn't cause as much of a slowdown. These cities typically have more indoor amenities, better infrastructure for winter conditions, and a steady population flow.
Property Type and Appeal:
In Northern Minnesota, many homes are situated in rural, lakeside, or recreational areas. Properties are often sought after by those interested in winter activities (e.g., snowmobiling, ice fishing, or cross-country skiing). This niche market can keep demand more consistent, even in the colder months. However, properties that are not suited for winter living (or don’t have winter-ready features) may struggle to sell or may be offered at lower prices in the winter.
Road Access and Infrastructure:
Northern Minnesota: Many homes, especially cabins or lake properties, can be more remote and may require four-wheel drive vehicles to access during winter or early spring months. Snowstorms and ice can also affect travel and showings. Some sellers may choose to wait until roads are cleared, making listings less frequent or more restricted during the winter.
Price Fluctuations:
Northern Minnesota: Home prices in the winter months may see slight declines due to decreased demand, especially for homes that are more challenging to access or require higher winter maintenance. However, waterfront properties or homes in popular winter recreation areas might hold their value or even increase during this time.
Buyer's Profile:
In Northern Minnesota, buyers tend to be more niche—looking for recreational properties, seasonal homes, or homes with easy access to winter sports. These buyers are more likely to consider the winter season and properties’ suitability for winter conditions, whereas, in more urban areas, buyers are less influenced by seasonality and more focused on job changes or lifestyle shifts.
In summary, while winter slows down real estate activity in some northern parts of Minnesota due to access and harsh conditions, properties tied to winter recreation or second homes may still have a steady market. In the cities or less rural areas of Minnesota, the market tends to be more insulated from seasonal dips, with more stable demand even in the colder months.
Preparing to sell real estate in northern Minnesota in February, with an eye toward the early spring market, requires a combination of winter-specific tasks and spring prep to ensure the property is ready to shine once the snow melts. Here are some key things sellers can do to get a jump on the season:
1. Winter Maintenance and Curb Appeal
Clear Driveways and Walkways: If you are listing your property in the winter, make sure the driveway, walkways, and any other paths are cleared of snow and ice. This not only makes the property safer for showings but also ensures potential buyers can easily access the property when they arrive. It also makes it more appealing to view and gives the sense that it is being maintained in other ways as well.
Ensure Proper Winter prepared: Check that all heating systems are functioning properly, pipes are insulated to prevent freezing, and that there are no issues with the roof (e.g., ice dams). A well-maintained home is more appealing, especially when buyers are considering how it will hold up through future winters.
Keep Exterior Lighting Working: Winter days are short, so make sure exterior lights are in good condition and provide adequate illumination. Adding motion-sensor lights can also enhance security and curb appeal.
2. Clean and Declutter
Interior Cleanup: Even if the home is only being listed in spring, now is a good time to declutter and clean the interior. Make sure there are no lingering holiday decorations, and if you're storing things for the season, ensure they're tucked away out of sight.
Declutter Basements, Garages, and Sheds: Many buyers in northern Minnesota are looking for homes with storage for outdoor gear or recreational equipment. Clean and organize spaces like garages, sheds, and basements to make them look spacious and functional.
3. Photography and Virtual Tours
High-Quality Winter Photos: If wanting to list in the winter, we would schedule a professional photographer to take photos of the property in its winter glory. Snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, or cozy fireplaces can highlight the property's winter appeal, especially if it's a recreational or vacation home.
Virtual Tours: Since showings can be trickier during February or March, we always plan for and prepare virtual tours. Buyers may want to preview the property before they visit in person, especially if they are out-of-state or traveling in inclement weather.
4. Begin Minor Repairs and Improvements
Tackle Minor Fixes: February is a great time to address any small maintenance issues, such as patching up holes, painting baseboards, fixing leaky faucets, or cleaning carpets. Buyers are often more critical during winter when homes are closed up, so ensuring everything is in good shape will help you stand out.
Inspect the Roof and Gutters: Winter weather can take a toll on roofs and gutters, so having a professional inspect these areas for ice dams or damage is a good idea. Address any issues now, so you aren’t scrambling to make repairs once the snow melts.
Refresh the Paint: If the weather allows, touch up the exterior or refresh the paint on high-traffic areas (e.g., trim, doors). A fresh coat of paint on the front door or trim can go a long way in giving a home a welcoming vibe when buyers first see it.
5. Plan for Landscaping in Spring
Pre-Spring Prep: Start planning for landscaping once the snow melts. Consider marking areas for flowers, shrubs, or even a lawn that could make a difference in your property’s curb appeal in the warmer months. Take note of areas that might need new mulch, or that could benefit from trimmed or cleared brush.
Tree and Shrub Care: If you have trees or bushes, winter is a good time to evaluate their condition. Early spring can bring a burst of growth, so planning to trim or shape plants now will ensure they’re healthy when buyers visit.
6. Pricing Strategy and Market Research
Research the Local Market: Reach out now to stay informed on market trends and comparable sales in your area. The real estate market in northern Minnesota can be seasonal, so understanding how it’s performing in early spring versus winter will help us price your home competitively.
Reach out to us: Now is a great time to get together to discuss strategy. We can help you with an accurate pricing strategy and provide insight into buyer expectations.
7. Prepare for Showings
Keep your house clean and tidy: Continue to move unneeded items from your home. You want your home to flow easily. Buyers will want to envision themselves in the space, and a clean, tidy home will help with that.
Keep the Home Warm: If you live in a home that’s prone to cold spots in the winter, make sure the house is cozy and inviting during showings. Nothing will deter potential buyers more than a chilly interior, especially when it's still cold outside.
By getting ahead of the game and doing some of these preparations in February, you’ll be well-positioned for a successful listing as the market begins to warm up in the early spring. It’s all about making sure your property is well-maintained, inviting, and ready for potential buyers as soon as they’re ready to make a move.
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Recipes of the Month:
We had most of our Trivia Teams over for lunch the other week and one of the awesome Trivia Hosts, Mary brought a FABULOUS salad and I wanted to share it with you!!
A great and easy variation is using Honey Mustard salad dressing which is incredible with this salad!!
We also had a wonderful Chili recipe brought by two of the other brilliant Trivia Hosts, John and Holly as well as a really good chocolate chip bar provided by Mary Jo. If you are interested in either of these recipes, please message me and I will see if they will share!! As a little plug for our incredible trivia events, please watch for those dates to come up on my website:
WAPOA and Loon Center Community Events: |
January 30 - Loon and Lakes Trivia at 14 Lakes Brewery 6-8 pm to celebrate Winterfest! February 15 - Back to Basics Pine River/Backus School 8-5 March 13 - Loon and Lakes Trivia at 14 Lakes Brewery 6-8 pm to celebrate St. Patty's!! April 10 - Loon and Lakes Trivia at 14 Lakes Brewery 6-8 pm May 8 - Loon and Lakes Trivia at 14 Lakes Brewery 6-8 pm June 19 - Loon and Lakes Trivia at 14 Lakes Brewery 6-8 pm As the Loon Center and WAPOA start to gear up for the excitement of 2025 season, if you are interested in being added to the volunteer list for opportunities: |
If you have a recipe, tip or question about real estate, nature or community, send us a note:
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