Azek Decking

Earlier this morning I was sitting outside with some coffee and the June 2012 issue of Coastal Living and came across this ad. Part of the ad copy says "Preferred by builders across the country". That isn't hyperbole. I recently met with a respected local builder, John McCabe, at a lake home a client of mine is buying in Alexandria. There is quite a bit of work needed including replacing the deck. John told me that Azek is the best. He said while he likes Trek, it will stain and get scratches while Azek won't.

Learn more at azek.com

Reflections of Lake Ida

It isn't officially summer but it sure feels like it. If you are considering buying a lake home and want a home with a great view and nice lakeshore at  a top lake (4,426 plus acre Lake Ida) in Douglas County that you won't have to spend weeks if not months with maintenance work when you'd like to be enjoying the lake, take a look at 10082 Leaf Lane (http://mnlak.es/JIZihS). The neatly coiled hoses in this photo tell you a lot about this lake property.

First Quarter Real Estate Sales : 2012 vs. 2011

The first quarter of 2012 was a good one nationwide for real estate sales according to the National Association of Realtors. The median sales price increased from a year earlier in 74 of 146 metropolitan areas measured. In the fourth quarter, only 29 areas had gains.

In Greater Alexandria Area Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, the real estate market in the first quarter of the year also improved nicely.

• The median sales price for all residential home sales in Alexandria, MN increased nearly 20% in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.
• Lakefront homes (excluding deeded and association access) , the median sale price was essentially flat ($220,000 in 2011 versus $219,075 in 2012) but the volume increased this year with 22 sales ($5,649,850) compared to 19 ($4,668,200) last year
• Lake homes that are part of an association there were 3 sales in 2012, 1 in 2011 and deeded access sales took a big jump with 22 sales in January, February and March of 2012 contrasted against 1 in 2011.

Lake Ida's Leaf Lane

Leaf Lane is located on the east side of Lake Ida and is pretty much at the center point between the lake's north and south ends. The result of this location is a broad, pleasing view of the lake and a nightly show provided by the setting sun. A few days ago, owners of a two bedroom, two bathroom home with a two car garage listed their property for sale with Counselor Realty. It has the qualities that many want and desire such as a lot that has a gentle walk to a sandy shoreline and a well cared for year round home that is ready to go so you can spend your time enjoying the lake on weekends instead of working on projects.

MLS 10-9531 details and photos

ATV-ing at Turtle Ridge

Yesterday, while at a new listing at Lake Chippewa, one of the owners offered to give me an ATV ride on one of the many trails of the 54.65 acre property. We had just left the dock area when I started recording. Know as Turtle Ridge (named as such because each year turtles come to lay their eggs on the side of the driveway), you are surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and native grasses. It is nature paradise.

Lake Geneva

A view of Lake Geneva a few moments ago as I passed by while out for an inline skate on the Central Lakes Trail.