Woods to Water Blog - Colton Maher's Blog

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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Content by Mara Christenson, Realtor®

Spring is in the air, and we anticipate an exciting spring market! With high demand and low inventory, standing out from the crowd is imperative. Submitting a compelling offer requires strategic thinking and creativity. Let’s discuss six strategies for buyers to make their offers shine in a competitive seller's market.

Financial Preparedness

In a seller’s market, being financially prepared is a must. Obtain a pre-approval letter from a local lender to demonstrate your ability to close the deal. You could also consider offering a larger earnest money deposit to show your commitment to the purchase. Demonstrating your financial stability can instill confidence in sellers, making your offer more attractive.

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Spring on the Horizon 

With the mild winter we have had so far, it sure feels like spring is near! February presents a lot of great outdoor opportunities!  

ICE FISHING ANGLERS REPORT A SLOWER BITE WITH LIVE BAIT STILL DOING THE BEST.

Ice conditions are changing daily so make sure to get the local report from bait shops and local guides before you go.

It’s time to "get sheddy" as my good friends at Domain say! February is go time for shed hunters. Bucks are losing their headgear daily. With these mild temps, it sure makes putting on the miles more enjoyable. While shed hunting I take the opportunity to do some scouting and look at all the sign from the past fall. I have been out a few times doing some TSI (Timber Stand Improvements) work…

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The Mortgage Pre-Approval Process and Its Game-Changing Benefits

by John Kinkeade, Branch Manager of Refined Lending / Baxter, MN 

Buying a home is a significant milestone in one's life, and the journey toward homeownership often begins with a crucial step: mortgage pre-approval. In this blog post, we'll delve into the intricacies of the mortgage pre-approval process, exploring its steps, and shedding light on the benefits it offers to prospective homebuyers.


Understanding the Mortgage Pre-Approval Process

1. Application Submission: The journey starts with the completion of a mortgage pre-approval application. This involves providing detailed information about your financial history, income, debts, and assets. The lender uses this data…

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Content by Isaiah Moengen, Woods to Water Agent. Photo by BlazeAir Productions 

Winter may bring a chill to the air, but for savvy homebuyers, it also ushers in a season of unique opportunities in the real estate market. In this blog post, we'll explore a valuable off-season tip for buyers – one that encourages embracing the chill and turning the winter months into a prime time for finding your dream home. 

THE OFFSEASON ADVANTAGE

House hunting during the colder months may not be as popular, but it comes with its advantages. Sellers looking to make a move during winter might be more motivated, presenting an opportunity for buyers to negotiate favorable terms, including potentially flexible pricing. 

UNCOVER HIDDEN GEMS

Winter can…

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It's finally Winter in the North. Can you feel it? 

brave the cold for a game of bingo, trivia, or a good old-fashioned local meat raffle. See ya there?

BINGO 

Wednesdays | ERNIE'S ON GULL | EAST GULL LAKE, MN 

Join for Bingo and grab a smash burger and any tap beer for $12 bucks through the Winter season. Visit their Facebook page for more info.


 
Wednesdays | nisswa American legion | Nisswa, MN 

Each week starting at 6:30pm. Check their calendar and Facebook page for updates. 

 
Thursdays + saturdays | The Commander | Breezy Point, MN 

Thursdays at 6:30pm & Saturdays at 2pm upstairs at The Commander in Breezy. Full menu + bar offerings as well! View a full list of their events. 

 
THURSDAYS | snarky loon…

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*PLEASE NOTE WITH THE UNSEASONABLE WEATHER, WE RECOMMEND YOU CHECK EVENT PAGES FOR UPDATES LEADING UP TO THE EVENT DATE FOR CANCELLATIONS, ETC. 

Breezy Point Ice Fest 

JANUARY 5TH + 6TH | BREEZY POINT RESORT, BREEZY POINT, MN 

Enjoy specialty drinks, great food, and ice skating on Breezy Bay with a full schedule of events. See more info on their Facebook page. 

Haapajoki Memorial Cup 

JANUARY 6TH | BAXTER, MN 

The Jake Haapajoki Memorial Cup is a 3 on 3 hockey tournament in memory of Jake Haapajoki who took his life in 2018. Jake was a bright, loving, and caring kid who could always make everyone laugh. In his memory, the tournament raises money for suicide prevention and awareness and funds a scholarship to give to students at…

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By Isaiah Moengen, Realtor® 

Welcome to the world of Real Estate. Ever heard some of those wild stories about buying and selling houses and thought, 'Can that really be true?' Well, you're not alone. Whether you're looking to buy your first place, thinking of investing, or just curious about all things real estate; we're here to guide you on your journey! 

Myth #1: Spring is the Best Time to Buy or Sell

The Truth: While spring is a popular time for real estate, it's not the only time to make a move. Every market is different, influenced by local economic trends and the balance of supply and demand. The right time to buy or sell is when it matches your personal needs and the market's conditions.

Myth #2: You Need a 20% Down Payment for a…

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