Woods to Water Blog - Colton Maher's Blog



In the Brainerd Lakes Area, our local farms aren’t just about producing food—they play a vital role in strengthening and sustaining the community. Buying local doesn’t just mean fresher produce and better flavor; it means investing in the people who make northern Minnesota thrive. And whether you’re picking up veggies at the farmer’s market, signing up for a CSA, or heading out to a U-pick farm, there are so many ways to access this homegrown goodness.

Why Buy Local?

When you buy from local farms, you’re not only enjoying the freshest fruits, vegetables, and meats, but you’re also supporting sustainability, boosting the local economy, and keeping family farms alive. These farms use eco-friendly methods and focus on producing food…

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Kyle Narveson, Realtor®

In the Brainerd Lakes Area, new construction offers an opportunity to create a home designed for modern living while also being a solid long-term investment. Whether you’re looking for a primary residence or a vacation property, building new comes with several advantages that make it a smart choice in today’s real estate market.

Customization to Fit Your Lifestyle

One of the biggest perks of new construction is the ability to design a home that works for your specific needs. Instead of adapting an older property to fit your vision, you start with a blank slate. Whether you need space for hosting gatherings or a practical layout for everyday living, building new allows you to customize everything from the floor plan to…

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ACBS Vintage Boat Week and International Show

SEPT 11 - SEPT 14 | BAR HARBOR SUPPER CLUB, NISSwa, MN
The Antique & Classic Boat Society's International Boat Show will return to Gull Lake September 8-15, 2024. The 49th edition of this renowned gathering is themed "Woods And Water II" and will again be situated at the famous Bar Harbor Supper Club in Lake Shore, Minnesota. The ACBS International Boat Show consistently draws some of the top vintage boats in the world. The opportunity to see over 100 of the finest boats on the planet assembled in one place will make this an extraordinary show! Don't miss it. See the event page for details. 

Cheers to 3 years - Anniversary Party at MN Traders Co.

SEPT 14 | MN…

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Content by Isaiah Moengen, Realtor®

Dreaming of owning a home?

Whether it’s a lake home, a cozy cabin in the woods, or somewhere inbetween — many of us dream of homeownership. With the right resources and guidance, turning that dream into reality is more achievable than you might think! In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to make homeownership a reality, starting with the most crucial first step: the buyer consultation. This meeting with your real estate agent is your chance to lay the groundwork for your home search and ensure you’re on the right path.

1. Understanding the Buyer Consultation

What is a Buyer Consultation?

A buyer consultation is the initial meeting between you and your Realtor. During this session,…

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A sunset on Summer 2024 (sigh).

We've rounded up all of the local happenings in the lakes area to make the most of the last days of the season up north. Let us know if we'll see you!

FRIDAY

Meat Raffle at JJ's Pub

AUGUST 30 FROM 5:30 - 8:30PM | JJ'S PUB, BREEZY POINT, MN 

A weekly staple in the Lakes area. View their full weekly events schedule. 

Meat Raffle at Crosslake American Legion

AUGUST 30 AT 5:30PM | CROSSLAKE, MN
Every Friday! Tickets on sale beginning at 5:30pm + drawing begins at 6:30pm with dinner specials. See their event page for updates!

Live Music at Snarky Loon

AUGUST 30 FROM 6-9PM | JENKINS, MN
Live music by the Rusty Zippers & craft beer! See their event page here.

Meat Raffle…

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You know that feeling when you walk into a home and say to yourself, “I want to live here”? It smells good, it’s tidy, and all-around pleasing. I've seen firsthand the power of staging when it comes to selling a home. In today's competitive market, presentation is key. Staging plays a monumental role in showcasing your property in its best light and can significantly impact the success of your home sale.

Spotlight Character

Highlight the potential of each space to help buyers envision themselves living there. Arrange furniture, art, and decor strategically to create an ambiance that welcomes buyers and encourages them to picture themselves calling your house their home. In smaller rooms, focus on maximizing the available space, while in larger…

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Off the Rails Spring Market

APRIL 26TH & 27TH | NORTHERN PACIFIC CENTER, BRAINERD

Browse over 150 vendors all in one place at the Northern Pacific Center. Early access and general admission tickets available for purchase here. For more general information on the event, visit their Facebook event page. 

Tequila and Dinner Night

MAY 3RD FROM 5:30-8:30PM | NATURE LINK RESORT 

Hosted by Prairie Bay Grill, enjoy a 4-course meal with tequila pairing options at Nature Link resort in Nisswa. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for more info + to register. 

Kentucky Derby Party 

MAY 4TH FROM 4-7PM | MN TRADERS CO., PEQUOT LAKES
Dress up in your best derby attire, enjoy a themed spread of food and featured cocktails with race viewing!…

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Content by Paul Augustinack, Realtor® 

Investing in real estate is like planting seeds for your financial future. It's not just about buying and selling properties - it's about finding your slice of the market and making it work for you. Whether you're eyeing up a cozy home or a bustling commercial space, real estate investment is all about turning bricks and mortar into a solid source of income and stability. In this blog, we're going to break down the basics of real estate investment, so whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, you can make your money work harder for you.

Why invest in Real Estate?

Building Wealth

Real estate investment provides an avenue for building wealth over time. Property values tend to appreciate, leading to…

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Hello, I’m Dan Eigen, also known as Walleyedan. My wife Shelley and I own and operate Walleyedan’s Guide Service. We have 6 guides that are working under our name and there are days we call on others to fill in during busy times. Of course, each of the guides is great, and have their favorite fishing techniques, species they like to target and their favorite lakes. I’ve been guiding my whole adult life — and looking back on my fishing career, it’s the people that I have met along the way that make it so special! We have so many repeat guests and I have so many memories with them! There’s one group in particular, from Iowa, that have renamed me “RockbassDan”. And it has become quite the joke! And this winter the story got even better as I was guiding…

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Insights for Sellers: Beyond the Market Analysis of Your Home 

When it comes to selling your home, there's more to consider than what meets the eye in a market analysis. Here are some crucial points to keep in mind from Woods to Water agent, Isaiah Moengen.

Attention to Detail

Sometimes, it's the little things that make a big difference. Factors like odors, staging, and lighting can significantly impact a buyer's perception of your home. As a seller, it's essential to address these details to ensure a positive impression.

Hidden Costs

Standard MLS listings may not highlight potential costly issues such as roof damage, furnace problems, or septic issues. Disclosing known issues upfront or addressing them before listing can help maximize…

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