You Don’t Know Jack? 40th Anniversary of Jack Chivers Realty.

In Minnesota, we all grow up with lakes. There is no way we Minnesotans would live life without them. And, we all celebrate the lakes year-round as we are surrounded by thousands of them wherever we live. For some, this relationship has been established for generations. For others, it came coincidentally.

This is the case for Jack who was not born and raised in the area. His story, which transformed into a Real Estate company and become a lifestyle brand for West Central Minnesota, began when Jack Chivers moved to Detroit Lakes in 1966. During this time many now famous brands and places were founded in the area such as Arctic Cat, Concordia Language Villages, Maplewood State Park, ZORBAZ and many more local lake icons. It seems this time was a lake life pioneer period.

JACK CHIVERS

Growing up in Pittsburgh, PA, in the 1950s— Jack wanted to see more of the world in his early years. At that time, Pittsburgh was going through a depression and he took the chance to leave by joining the Navy. After sailing all seven seas and spending time in Africa, his path led him to North Dakota at first to play college Basketball before he eventually arrived in Minnesota. Here he immediately became enamored with Lake Life. Jack found himself at the lake for the first time on July 4th, 1966, while attending a party in Detroit Lakes. This defining day, he decided to make Detroit Lakes his home and still lives on the lake today.

Back when he arrived, he enjoyed lake life year-round, snowmobile racing in the winters and jet skiing or sailing in the Summers. Jack started working as a full-time real estate agent for Calhoun Companies, based out of Minneapolis, selling commercial real estate properties and businesses in the tri-state area. He traveled all over and sold many businesses which got him in contact with people going into retirement. Jack began proposing to move to Lakes Country for their retirement before anyone else did. He eventually found his niche as a lake property expert and decided to open his own brokerage: Jack Chivers Realty was established in Detroit Lakes in early 1980.

For Lakes Country, the commodity of living on a lake is one that spans vast price ranges, styles, and demographics. With all the properties on nearly two thousand lakes between Becker and Otter Tail County alone, the competition is stiff. However, a forty-year-old brand that has sold billions of dollars’ worth of real estate, is a lakes area marvel. Jack Chivers Realty is one of the longest standing businesses and possibly the oldest real estate company in the area.

HOW DID THAT ALL HAPPEN?

Jack always shared his passion for Detroit Lakes and Lakes Country, saying, "Don't just visit... live it!" However, living life and seeing the world was also important for Jack. Besides his Real Estate agency, he founded Magnum Belize, a travel company for hunting and fishing which lead him to venture to Belize to open and manage a resort for a while.

Jack found himself traveling to this charming small country and building this venture company for over nine years with some business partners. Something from nothing. Prior to that Jack sold hundreds of resort properties in Minnesota and Canada which gave him the experience and insight in that industry. Captain Morgan’s Retreat became the first resort property of several, in which he was invested in. It's still going strong to this day, but Jack left Belize and the organization long ago.

Jack came back to the Lakes area after many successful entrepreneurial gigs. He learned so much about businesses when working to sell them, which in turn also led to many fruitful relationships with other entrepreneurs. These connections blossomed even more when getting buyers into lake homes.

The process of selling a lake home isn’t just about real estate. Jack describes it as getting the personality of the property to match the buyer. "What do you want the lake to do for you?" Jack was one of the first "Lake Experts" in the greater area around Detroit Lakes and known for that throughout the State of North Dakota. After he founded his own brokerage, he grew the company steadily offering residential and commercial real estate services.

To this day, Jack is the most experienced and most successful real estate professional in possibly the whole tri-state area. His company’s name has become an icon for recreational property sales and is known far beyond local borders. Jack Chivers is one of very few in the nation celebrating over 50 years of industry experience. He has resigned from the company a few years ago but his passion and love for the lakes is the spirit which drives the success of our group to this day.

A NEW BEGINNING

In late 2013, Dirk Ockhardt purchased the brand and took over as managing broker of Jack Chivers Realty. At this point he had no idea what it means to live on a lake, and he was of the belief he would simply be selling real estate. However, he soon realized he would be doing much more.

Dirk, Broker + CEO

Dirk was born and raised near Düsseldorf, Germany, and initially became familiar with West-Central Minnesota attending a high school exchange program in Barnesville where he graduated in 1996. He has remained friends with many of his classmates from that time and was the beginning of his Minnesota story.

After spending only one year as a foreign exchange student in Minnesota, Dirk had returned to finish school in Germany.

In Germany, he grew up in a very entrepreneurial household which inspired him to create his first company at age 18 while still attending high school. He founded a new sparkling wine brand called The young Paul, which he had produced through a winery in the Southern German wine region. He designed the brand, created marketing campaigns, and built his own distribution network. The passion for advertising and creating something new is one that never left him.

After that, Dirk became more familiar with the Midwest and Canada, first as a foreign exchange student, but later as an intern at an engineering firm in Calgary, Alberta after he graduated High School in Germany in 1999 and then as a member of the German Air Force, stationed for one year in Happy Valley Goose Bay, Canada.

In 2001, he started his sales career working with Dresdner Bank in Essen, Germany. He earned an associate degree in banking and planned to continue with an MBA program.

But he got swept up in the world of art and changed direction, running an art gallery for several years while studying art history and eventually opening his own gallery before returning to school in 2006 to earn a law degree. The art world allowed for experiences unlike any other. He traveled the world and met famous artists and collectors. His passion for the arts remains to this day.

The law school he attended is one of the oldest in Germany near the Baltic Ocean north of Berlin. During this time Dirk did not stop organizing and building things. He established the University’s Golf program and founded an annual student golf tournament for competing students nationwide. Procuring sponsors and organizing events became his hobby while cramming for exams. In 2007 he also founded the LLB Forum, which became Dirk's first digital platform, helping law students compile study material and form group meetings.

MADE IN MINNESOTA

Dirk is a true visionary and creator. He is an entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience as a brand manager and founder. When he purchased Jack Chivers Realty in 2013 he had no idea where it would lead to. He just wanted to own and operate his own company. Real estate made sense as he has experience in banking and education in contract law as a business lawyer. But as time would tell– Dirk would be handling more than just contracts.

He arrived in Fargo after graduating from Law School in 2009 and began his Real Estate career in 2011. When he moved from Fargo to the lake in the Summer of 2014, he had no idea what it meant to live lake life. He did not know how special it was and that living in Lakes Country is a lifestyle decision. Being so connected to nature gave him a new perspective on living life after growing up in a metropolitan area. He had always enjoyed water and nature, but this was different.

Shortly after moving to a small lake and raising his son rural, he felt the transformation which he began to incorporate in the communication and advertising of his company. He felt that Jack Chivers Realty is not just selling properties but that they are connecting people with a unique lifestyle by bringing them to the lake.

This understanding was the trigger for building more than a real estate company. In 2015, he began publishing a small booklet with stories about the area and including real estate listings which he distributed throughout the Fargo- Moorhead area and Lakes Country. Together with some partners, the pamphlet grew to become a small magazine with even more lifestyle content. The foundation for what became the LAKE LIFE WKND community was established. During the past years, Dirk added a podcast program, an annual expo event, and a digital map interface to the mix.

THE LAKE LIFE WKND COMMUNITY

Without the intent, Dirk transformed a traditional real estate brand into a lifestyle company by reinvigorating the brand's advertising and breathing fresh marketing campaigns into the often stale niche. Real Estate needed new ideas.

When Dirk bought Jack Chivers Realty, he actually began creating a network of companies all active in the communication and advertising industry. He concluded that a Real Estate Brokerage is in fact an advertising agency with one product: real estate property. After he built up his sales team which serves buyers and sellers directly, he spun off the marketing department of Jack Chivers Realty and founded Matz & Greiff Media Group in 2017. He purchased the old Matz & Greiff Garage in Perham which was founded in 1927 and added it to the company network.

Detroit Lakes Sales Team

The Perham group produces exclusive campaigns for a small number of companies including Jack Chivers Realty. It is the home of the WKND community and not only publishes the magazine but also other books. The most recent one was the Spanky’s Stonehearth cookbook 1st edition which was designed and created by Matz & Greiff.

Minnesota is a unique place and has brought up many products and ideas for many other people. Maybe it’s in the water. The water sure changed the lives of both Jack and Dirk. What Jack started was brought to the next level after Dirk took the brand and swam with it. Moving from the outside, to the lake, was the beginning of a personal and business transformation. Rather than approaching real estate in the traditional way, he realized lake life is a lifestyle product. His experiences have come full circle. Furthering the concept, he defined a vision by creating the WKND magazine that you hold in your hands. The need to communicate this community was paramount to the success of Jack Chivers Realty. For today, and the future.

Perham Sales Team

Dirk is very grateful for the many people who have helped him along the way. There are friends, neighbors, mentors, and most importantly the people that trusted him to join the group. Without the skilled and passionate individuals that work with him, he would have not been able to grow the company and build something so unique. Dirk is proud to have attracted such sales talent who live lake life and serve people in the area looking for it. The company has grown to a size, bigger than ever before, and is still growing. In its 40 year history, the brokerage has not yet seen so many consecutive years of growth year after year. Thanks to the team and dedication of each member in sales, marketing, and administration, the brand could not be in a better position to serve its clients. There are plans for more growth to the lake life companies already.

Are you ready for the wknd yet?

This time of year is better than ever to get out for mini-adventures in Lakes Country!

On September 26th, classic car enthusiast will gather in Perham for a fall colors road trip.

Drivers will start in downtown Perham with a car show on the Parking lot of United Community Bank.

Driver check-in is located across the street at Matz & Greiff building, home to Jack Chivers Realty’s marketing department!

Schedule of events has follows:

9:30am - Check-in Matz & Greiff Garage, Perham

10:00am - Car show

11:00am - Take off to Phelps Mill Park

12:00pm - Lunch Break

1:00pm - Fall Color Drive to Maplewood State Park

3:00pm - Final Drive to Vergas

LAKE LIFE WKND & Jack Chivers Realty are glad to bring you this event and hope you join as a spectator or driver!

GRAB YOUR FREE COPY AT ANY HORNBACHER’S LOCATIONS, HAPPY HARRY’S IN F-M AND ALL OVER LAKES COUNTRY

Inside this new issue you will find more destinations to explore this season along with family crafts and Made in Minnesota Stories.

We are excited to share with you three recipes from Sara Watson, Chef at Blackboard: a new dining destination near Maplewood State Park.

Join us for our Fall Colors Classic Car Rally on September 26th as a spectator or driver. You will find more details inside this issue or online at wkndrally.com

You can pick up the latest issue at any of the locations below. If you need it mailed, we’ll send you a copy!

Locations:

Lakeland General Store in Dunvilla

Long Bridge in Detroit Lakes

The LAKE LIFE WKND Shop in Perham

Central Market in Perham and Detroit Lakes

and Hornbachers in the F-M area

HORNBACHERS LOCATIONS:

Hornbachers Azool
950 40th Ave S
Moorhead, MN 

Hornbachers West Fargo
2050 Sheyenne St
West Fargo, ND

Happy Harry’s
4001 53rd Ave S
Fargo, ND

Happy Harry’s
1621 45th St SW
Fargo, ND

Bottle Barn Liquors
2515 S University Dr
Fargo, ND

Bottle Barn Liquors
3171 Bluestem DR
Fargo, ND

Hornbachers Express
1433 S University Drive 
Fargo, ND

Hornbachers Northport
2510 N Broadway Ave
Fargo, ND

Hornbachers Southgate
1532 32nd Ave S
Fargo, ND 

Hornbachers Osgood
4151 45th St S
Fargo, ND 

Hornbachers Willage West
4101 13th Ave S
Fargo, ND 

Hornbachers Moorhead
101 11th St S
Moorhead, MN 

We welcome these new agents to our team and are ready to serve you even better in the surrounding lakes area! Meet Kristi Sands, Bob Hovde, and Jen Schalekamp.

Kristi grew up in the Alexandria Lakes area and later attended school at Minnesota School of Business in St. Cloud and worked for several years as a Vet Tech before she followed her calling in Real Estate. She has a passion for properties in Lakes Country and helping Buyers and Sellers with all their needs. She has been a licensed Realtor for 2 years now

Bob is new to the Chivers group, but not to the industry! He started working in Real Estate in the mid 60’s and received his broker license in the 70’s, meaning he has 50 years of experience. For 18 of those years, he taught school in the Lake Park, Audubon, and Frazee area whilst working as a Realtor.

Jen was born and raised near the Pelican Rapids area. She has a natural act for serving others, which ultimately led her to the University of North Dakota to obtain her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. She spent several years working as a PT but felt it was time to serve others in a new way. She decided working as a Realtor would be an exciting opportunity for her to connect with others one on one.

THE BIG BUILD

The need to expand housing opportunities throughout the county is critical in addressing the county’s workforce needs. There is limited projected population growth in Otter Tail County, with Otter Tail County currently lagging the growth of peer counties. With the limited growth and the continued aging of the overall population, there is projected to be a 4.6% reduction in the available labor force in Otter Tail County from 2020-2030.

For the past several years, Otter Tail County has made an intentional investment in rural rebound efforts to make the county front and center when people are looking for a place to relocate, especially within their prime working years.

However, there is a low supply of housing to meet the needs of newcomers or existing residents seeking options. To spur the growth of new housing and the reinvestment in existing housing, the County’s Community Development Agency has launched the Big Build.

SINGLE AND TWO FAMILY PROPERTY TAX REBATE PROGRAM

Otter Tail County has approved a program to encourage new investment in single and two family homes. The goal is to open up lower value, existing home stock to new home buyers as well as increase the tax base through a rebate of property taxes on newly constructed homes.

Program overview:

• Rebate of the County’s portion of the property tax, along with the City’s portion in participating cities (currently Fergus Falls, Henning, New York Mills, Ottertail, Parkers Prairie, Pelican Rapids, Perham and Vergas), based on the increase to real estate taxes as a result of building a new home

• Provides up to $10,000 in rebate in five years ($5,000 throughout the county plus $5,000 if residence being built is located in a participating city)

• Primary residences only (no seasonal owners)

• Rebate paid to the owner of record in December of the year, transfers with sale of the property

• Approval must be received before construction begins

• Applicant can be future homeowner or builder/developer

Bigbuildotc.com has the full program guidelines and application.

Information shared from the Otter Tail County Website.

First half of 2020 shows sales growth over 20% compared to 2019 in the local market place.

Since March we are living in unprecedented times with many changes including an economic shut down. While many industries were put at hold for conducting business, Construction and Real Estate Services remained active. +

It was unknown how the consumer was going to behave during a health crisis —however, to our own surprise, at Jack Chivers Realty we have sold significantly more properties during these times.

In the local market area we have sold and closed 20% more recreational real estate properties compared to 2019 which is an indicator of a very strong real estate market with buyers willing and able to execute a luxury purchase.

On top of that, we have seen many properties sell within 24 hours after listing. Buyers are ready to pull the trigger quickly. Sellers have an advantage with low inventory and may receive multiple offers depending on location and the right price.

The 2020 month of July sets a record in sales for the history of the company. We are happy to report that despite economic challenges in the nation we seem to have a very strong consumer base and local real estate market.

A beautiful new wind sculpture overlooking Detroit Lake brought to you by the Lakes Country Association of Realtors.

Jack Chivers Realty is happy to be a supporter of local art in Detroit Lakes and sponsor for the Glassinator.

The Lakes Country Association of Realtors applied for a Grant through the National Association of Realtors and donations from individual Realtors and Affiliate members to raise funds for the ‘Glassinator’.

The wind sculpture is located along the Highway 10 frontage road between The Lodge on Lake Detroit Detroit and the Holiday Inn. Created by artist Andrew Carson.

INVESTING IN LAND

LAND IS ALWAYS A GOOD INVESTMENT. THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH OF IT. ONCE YOU’VE DECIDED TO MAKE THE INVESTMENT, THERE ARE MANY POSSIBILITIES OF WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR PURCHASE. LET’S LOOK AT JUST A FEW OPTIONS ON HOW THAT INVESTMENT CAN MAKE YOU ADDITIONAL INCOME.

AGRICULTURE

When looking for a property to invest, one option would be to find a parcel that has tillable acres. These acres can either be farmed by the owner, or rented out to a local farmer to produce income. A couple of options for renting would be a rate per acre, or crop sharing, where the landowner gets a portion of the crop after harvest. Of course there are some variables when it comes to farming. The soil type is one consideration as is the soil productivity index. The more fertile the ground, the more the rental will bring. Also the types of crops that are grown in the area are to be considered. The local Farm Service Agency office can assist with in determining soil types and rental rates for your area. There are also websites such as Acrevalue.com, that will help in determining soil types, crop history and values.

CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

Another option when looking for a land investment would be a parcel that had or has the potential for conservation programs. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is the program that most people are familiar with. It takes marginally productive farm lands and restores the land back to native grasses and forbs. There is quite a process to get your property enrolled, but it is certainly one option for landowners to look into and recently, rental rates have increased as well. Another program available for conservation is the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). This program pays the landowner for different conservation practices, whether it benefits the farmer, rancher or wildlife enthusiast. These programs, along with many others, are implemented through the Natural Resource Conservation Service. A consult with their office will get you pointed in the right direction on what you are looking to do on your land.

SUSTAINABLE FOREST INCENTIVE ACT

This program is through the State of Minnesota, and is meant to protect forest land from development. If you have a tract that is 20 acres or larger, you may qualify for the SFIA program. As with any government funded program, there is a process that needs to be followed to enroll, starting with a Forest Management Plan. There are several forestry consultants that provide this service. These forestry consultants will meet with you and discuss your goals and objectives for the property. They will write an in depth plan on how to meet those goals, whether it be for wildlife habitat, forestry management or both. Once you have a plan for your property, this will need to be submitted and approved by the Dept of Natural Resources. A covenant will be placed on your property for a determined number of years, 8, 20 or 50 years. The longer the covenant the higher the payment rates per acres. Another option under the SFIA, would be the Class 2C managed forest land. This process is basically the same as the SFIA, but the 2C program gives the landowner tax incentives vs a payment per acre. Please consult a local forester to determine which program is the best option for your land.

LOGGING

If you decide to purchase land that is mainly forested, along with the above options, another option would be to consider logging. Once again, consulting with a forester will be valuable. Whether you are looking to enhance wildlife habitat or make a profit, your forester can put you in touch with the best resource for your needs.

This is just a very brief list of options that may be available for your property. I would be happy to assist you with finding a property that is right for you and providing further assistance in having that property meet your financial goals. ▪

Mike Brown | Land expert and avid hunter

WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A WEEKEND CABIN OR A PLACE TO PERMANENTLY RESIDE, WE KNOW A PLACE FOR YOU IN LAKES COUNTRY.

Have you ever considered to live on a lake? Or do you feel that it is just a dream not to come true? Well—it might be more realistic than you think. Lake Style Living to us means generally speaking living in Lakes Country. And, we would like to help you find your place in this beautiful part of the world.

With things changing more than ever it may become appealing for some people to leave bigger cities and enjoy smaller communities to not only retire, but of course raise their families. We are experiencing a greater demand for homes in the area and fewer properties becoming available for sale. That does not necessarily mean that prices are sky rocking, but we have witnessed many sales contracts being made within 72 hours after a listing hit the market.

The market seems to be hot. That does not mean you should stress out. Our company has served the area for over 40 years with expert advice and we continue to help our clients find the right place for their future. Whether it is a weekend cabin you are looking for or a permanent home to live year round.

Recent changes to our lives and the possibilities to work from home, thanks to available technology and flexible employers, may be an opportunity to find a peaceful place to homestead here. Lake style living gives you the chance to find very affordable housing in a small community and enjoy the outdoors for a better work-life balance. There are so many wonderful towns in the area and incentives to receive to start living here. In Otter Tail County, you can receive up to $10,000 incentive if you build new.

What we love most about the area is access to the lakes with literally 1,000s of public boat launches. You are surrounded by State land and Parks to spend time outside, hiking or hunting. If you like to live in the city and want a more private escape to rejuvenate, you can find your dream cabin, too. Tucked away in the woods or at the edge of the water. We love lake life and we will help you find yours! Excited to connect with you and hear your story.

Find real time properties for sale in Lakes Country at www.jcrlake.com

GRAB YOUR FREE COPY AT ANY HORNBACHER’S LOCATIONS, HAPPY HARRY’S IN F-M AND ALL OVER LAKES COUNTRY

This issue is packed with local stories, cabin chef recipes, things to explore in Lakes Country and much more about lake style living.

You can pick up the latest issue at any of the locations below. If you need it mailed, we’ll send you a copy! Send an email to hello@lakelifewknd.com.

Locations:

Lakeland General Store in Dunvilla

Long Bridge in Detroit Lakes

The LAKE LIFE WKND Shop in Perham

Central Market in Perham and Detroit Lakes

and Hornbachers in the F-M area

HORNBACHERS LOCATIONS:

Hornbachers Azool
950 40th Ave S
Moorhead, MN 

Hornbachers West Fargo
2050 Sheyenne St
West Fargo, ND

Happy Harry’s
4001 53rd Ave S
Fargo, ND

Happy Harry’s
1621 45th St SW
Fargo, ND

Bottle Barn Liquors
2515 S University Dr
Fargo, ND

Bottle Barn Liquors
3171 Bluestem DR
Fargo, ND

Hornbachers Express
1433 S University Drive 
Fargo, ND

Hornbachers Northport
2510 N Broadway Ave
Fargo, ND

Hornbachers Southgate
1532 32nd Ave S
Fargo, ND 

Hornbachers Osgood
4151 45th St S
Fargo, ND 

Hornbachers Willage West
4101 13th Ave S
Fargo, ND 

Hornbachers Moorhead
101 11th St S
Moorhead, MN 

FOUR DO’S AND ONE DON’T

WHETHER YOU ARE PURCHASING YOUR DREAM LAKEFRONT FIXER-UPPER OR MAKING SOME MUCH-NEEDED UPDATES TO THE CABIN THAT’S BEEN IN YOUR FAMILY FOR GENERATIONS, HERE ARE OUR BIGGEST TIPS FOR WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO- WHEN RENOVATING YOUR LAKE PROPERTY.

DO CONSIDER THE WHOLE PROPERTY

The most important part of a lake home is the lake. You can always change a countertop or a light fixture; you can’t change the view. The best way to add value to your lake cabin is to upgrade your outdoor spaces. Build a spacious dock with outdoor seating where you can soak up the sun while watching the kids play in the water, or add an outdoor kitchen to keep the fun going through dinnertime.

DO CHOOSE YOUR MATERIAL WISELY

Even if you envision elegant mahogany floors for your lake cabin, consider cost and longevity before you buy. Especially if your property is right on the lakefront; kids, animals, and adults alike will be tracking in water, sand, and mud all summer long, resulting in potentially pricey damage. Vinyl or linoleum flooring is much more resistant to damage at a fraction of the price. And, forget about those tacky yellow tiles your grandmother’s kitchen; with the vast array of options on the market today, you can find a beautiful pattern to fit any budget.

DO PROTECT YOUR CABIN FROM THE OUTSIDE, IN

Before you get started on any aesthetic changes make sure that you are working with a sound structure. Start your renovation project by having your cabin’s roof, foundation, and siding inspected for any water or wind damage or general wear and tear. Then, make any necessary fixes to protect your property from the elements.

DO GET SMART WITH SPACE

While many of us dream of owning a large, luxury lake home, an under-1,000 square foot cabin can provide cozy comfort at a much lower cost. The key to a smaller cabin is to maximize what square footage you do have. Install high shelving units to keep floor space open. Utilize bunk beds for the kids’ room. Make the most of every square foot, even those unexpected, often wasted spaces- how about a reading nook under the stairs, or built-in show cubbies in the entryway?

DON’T CHASE AN INVESTMENT

At the end of the day, your lake cabin should be a reprieve from the stress of day-to-day life; a place for you and your family to relax, rejuvenate, and take advantage of the natural beauty that lakes county has to offer. Unless you are purchasing your property for the express purpose of flipping it to sell, don’t get caught up in the return on your investment.

Focus on what works best for your family, not what’s trending. For some, it may be a luxury like a wine cellar; for others, it may be as simple as a fire pit ring, a stick, and a bag of marshmallows. Any renovations you make, as long as they are tailored to you and your family, will become memories that last a lifetime.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A LAKE HOME

For those of us who were fortunate enough to grow up in lakes country, childhood  memories are filled with minnows caught off the dock, sandcastles built along the  shore, and marshmallows roasted around the campfire. As we grow older and have  children of our own, many of us dream of purchasing a lake home and sharing those  memories with another generation.    Purchasing a lake home can be one of life’s most exciting moments. But without  proper preparation, it can also be one of life’s most stressful decisions. We sat down  with a panel of experts to find out what you need to know before purchasing a  lakefront property. 

Do Your Research   
Whether you are purchasing an existing home or building your own, make sure you  research the land, the lake, and the responsibilities that come along with them.    Les: There are a lot of rules and regulations to be aware of, especially if you are  purchasing a lot to build a new property. You cannot build anything closer to the lake  starting at the high water mark. And before you build anything, you need to be so  many feet behind your neighbor’s boundary line.    Wendy: Unless it’s a brand new construction, usually a lake home has started as a  cabin and has been built on due to setback regulations—if you were to tear it down  and build new, you would have to go further away from the lake. So you have to make  sure that all of the setbacks meet regulation.

Be Prepared to Spend   
Many buyers are surprised when they discover the additional costs that come with  purchasing a secondary property, especially on a lake. Knowing about these costs  ahead of time can allow you to budget accordingly and avoid financial strain later on.    Vikki: The down payment on a second home is 10 percent, as opposed to 0 to 5  percent, because a second home poses a greater risk. If you fall into hard times, what  will be the first thing to go? Not your primary residence.    Colleen: All lake home owners should consider getting liability insurance. There is  greater liability associated with a lake home—say, if you have a guest over and they  fall off your boat and get injured. You need to make sure that you are adequately  covered. Depending on the elevation of the property and where it sits versus the lake,  it may be in a flood zone. If it is in a flood zone, then you will be required to have flood  insurance. So you really need to consider that flood insurance is an extra expense as  well.   

Opt for Year-Round   
Even if you anticipate primarily using your lakefront property in the summer, Vikki  recommends purchasing a year-round home over a seasonal cabin. Opting for  year-round will not only allow you to trade in your jet ski for a snowmobile and enjoy  beautiful winters in lakes country; it can also save you money.    Vikki: In order to be considered for long-term fixed rate financing, the home needs to  be suitable for year-round use versus just a seasonal cabin. Sometimes it’s an easy fix;  I've seen seasonal cabins that truly just needed a heating source in all rooms. It could  be as simple as protecting the well so that it can sustain winter.   

Get Inspected   
Every single one of our experts had one piece of advice in common: get an inspection  before you buy.    Wendy: An inspection will always be money well spent. An appraiser can tell you that  the house is there and that it’s worth the value; we will not be able to tell you how  long your furnace is going to last, or your appliances, or when you need to replace  your windows or your roof.    Jon: An inspection is non-negotiable. Lake homes are unique in that they sit empty for  a lot of the year, so they are more subject to things going wrong. If something  happens with the water, it could run for a week before anybody notices. With cabins,  we often run into deferred maintenance, or neglect. 
 

Make a Plan   
When you finally take the leap and purchase your lake home, the last thing you want  to think about is what will happen to it when you are no longer around. But setting up  a cabin trust ensures a plan for the property’s future—allowing your family to enjoy the  property for many generations to come.     Jon: A common scenario for cabins is that mom and dad have four kids. Once mom  and dad are gone, the costs of upkeep on the cabin continue (taxes, upkeep, repair of  toys, etc.) when the four kids inherit the cabin. We encourage clients to set up either a  cabin trust or an LLC for the cabin which sets the rules for the cabin after they pass  away, most specifically how expenses are paid and the mechanism for the siblings to  buy each other out if people don't want anything to do with the cabin.   

It’s a Great Investment!   
Les: I don’t think a lake home will ever go down in value. It’s a great investment, plus  you get to use it and enjoy it. They’re not making any new lakes. As long as it is a  decent lake and property, there will always be a strong market.    Vikki: Owning a second home is work. It’s another lawn to mow, another home to  clean, a dock to stain. But I would not give it up for anything. The memories made with  our friends and family trumps it all!    Purchasing a lake home doesn’t have to be a challenging experience. With a little  research, a plan for the future, and the right experts on your side, you can start making  your own Lake Life memories—without the stress.   

Our Contributors:    Leslie A. Anderson, Attorney at Leslie A. Anderson, Ltd.   Wendy Caswell, Owner and Certified Residential Appraiser at Caswell Appraisal  Colleen Karst, Senior Vice President and Mortgage Lending Manager at Choice Bank  Vikki Miller Johnson, Vice Presidents and Mortgage Loan Officer at Choice Bank  Jon Schindel, Attorney at SeilerSchindel

Update—after speaking with City of Fargo officials we decided to not have Friday's event. We will keep you updated. As producers of this event it is our responsibility to keep everyone safe which led to our decision. Please know that "keeping the curve low" is a priority during these times. Thank you for your understanding. UPDATE 2020 event is cancelled.

KICK CABIN FEVER AND AND PARTY INTO THE LAKE SEASON WITH TRIPWIRE!

Cabin Fever?

Winter is fun but Spring cannot come soon enough! Join us for our 2020 lake life wknd season opener party at the Civic Center in downtown Fargo on Friday, March 20 @ 5 - 11pm.

This is a FREE ADMISSION event — courtesy of Choice Bank and Jack Chivers Realty.

It’s cold but the market is active this year. Are you voting for Lake Life this year?

We have experienced many sales during the first couple months of 2020 and it looks like we are going to have many new property owners in Lakes Country this year.

Since our company was founded on April 1, 1980 we have specialized in recreational real estate sales and have grown into a unique lifestyle agency over the past 5 years. With that much experience in the local market we believe it is fair to say that we are experts in our field. When it comes to predicting the future we cannot promise real property value to increase. It is in fact against the law to make such promise. However, looking at historical data it is a fact that the value of properties in West Central Minnesota has significantly increased over the past 4 decades.

One thing Jack Chivers always used to say to me was: “they don’t make any more lakes”. Indeed, lake shore property is a special kind of real estate and a very popular one, too. That being said, when you find what you have been looking for you should pull the trigger. The past year we have had less properties come available for sale which resulted in less days on market on average until they sold. Again, it feels that people who have been waiting to find their lake home are now making decisions fast.

On the other hand we think that many younger families have invested in lake shore property during the past 10 years and are still enjoying lake life. Many owners are not ready yet to let go again of their property which means that new buyers have fewer available properties to choose from. It feels like we have more undeveloped lots available now and buyers are considering to build new.

Whatever it is that you are looking for when considering to own real estate in Lakes Country please contact us and we like to make our local expertise your advantage when searching for your future property. Meet the Chivers team on the following page and a collection of currently available properties. You will find all available properties for sale online.

In lakes country, the town of Detroit Lakes marks the hub of some of the best food, culture, and commerce in the western edge of Minnesota.

It should come as no surprise then that some of the best real estate properties are available in the area. 

Here's some background on the city.

There are more than 400 lakes within 25 miles of Detroit Lakes in northwest Minnesota, and many of them feature beautiful lakeside properties. 

Enjoying the great outdoors is easy, with many attractions at hand. There are many parks and nature refuges within a short drive. Downtown features shopping and dining at many specialty shops, boutiques, and local fare eateries in the Detroit Lakes area. 

Detroit Lakes is a very dog-friendly community as well. There's even a Dog Park at 1023 10th Avenue SE in Detroit Lakes. 

LIVING IN DETROIT LAKES

Detroit Lakes is a somewhat small city; population-wise, it is in the hundredth percentile of small towns located in the state of Minnesota. 

Unlike some cities, Detroit Lakes isn't mainly white-collar or blue-collar. 

Instead, the most prevalent occupations for people in Detroit Lakes are a mix of both white- and blue-collar jobs. You'll see a diverse range of professions for such a tight-knit community. 

Overall, Detroit Lakes is a city of service providers, professionals, and sales and office workers. There are especially a lot of people living in Detroit Lakes who work in office and administrative support and healthcare. 

Living and working in Detroit Lakes also means having one of the shortest daily commutes compared to the rest of the country. On average, they spend only 16.5 minutes getting to work every day.

The percentage of people in Detroit Lakes who are college-educated is somewhat higher than the average US community of 21.84%: 27.78% of adults in Detroit Lakes have at least a bachelor's degree.

The people who call Detroit Lakes home belong to a variety of backgrounds. Which, in turn, creates a tapestry of unique businesses and opportunities. 

REAL ESTATE IN DETROIT LAKES

When thinking about moving to Detroit Lakes, the first question that comes to mind is location. For instance, which are the most popular neighborhoods and most convenient located houses near schools and shopping: 

1.Westbury / Richards

2.City Center

3. Shoreham / Bucks Mill

4. Route 10 / N Shore Dr

These areas have been most demanded since 2000 according to value market.

These are all locations with expected growth and plenty of expected comforts. The idea of living on a lake or nearby brings people from all regions of Minnesota and North Dakota. Many residents are transplants from the closest major city, Fargo. 

HOME OWNERSHIP RATE

Though it may be hard to pinpoint all the reasons for the demographics of the market in a unique place like Lakes Country, we can be sure that there is value in living near such natural resources. 

The vast majority of residents are homeowners in the Detroit Lakes area. 56.9% own their own house while the remaining 43.1% of residents either live with someone else or rent. That number is likely due to average market rent: $964 / per month. Mortgages come in at a comparable rate per month. 

If you are looking to buy real estate in Detroit Lakes, there are a few variables such as location and distance to your primary home, type of lake, the setting of the property, condition, and more. It is hard to determine if it is a strict buyer's market or seller's market when considering scarce goods like lake property. Connect with our team and we will help you find your new home.

Welcome, Scott!

Scott was born and raised in the Fargo-Moorhead area and like many, grew up coming to the lakes every weekend. He spent summers fishing, skiing and tubing, rain or shine, on Leaf Lake in the Cormorant area and knows lakes country like the back of his hand.

He went to college at MSUM for Business Administration and began his career in hospitality management which then lead him into sales. He relocated to Detroit Lakes and continued his career before taking an opportunity to help build and grow a new business as branch manager in Tucson, Arizona.

His wife's roots in Detroit Lakes brought Scott and his family back to the area where he now pursues a career in Real Estate. He is heavily involved in the Detroit Lakes Chamber and United Way organization. Since childhood, he has been a hockey player and spent many years teaching children to play the sport. Scott is all about serving the community and brings that same passion to his clients whether buying or selling real property.

Meet Scott at Jack Chivers Realty's Detroit Lakes office at 816 Washington Avenue.

Nobody buys or sells a home in the winter, right? The numbers tell a different story.

A large percentage of the property purchased by home buyers is during the coldest months of the year. As 2019 comes to a close, many are making plans for a new year and prepping for their next move. That means that even if you live in the colder north, homes are still getting bought and sold despite icy roads and snow-covered roofs.

All of these factors beg the question: Is winter a good time to sell your house?

Research shows that March is a popular month for buyers to close on their purchase, with April and May following. Therefore, now is the best time to get a CMA and start the home selling process. 

Though the timeline varies, there are several reasons you'd want to start selling this winter. 

Statistics

Here are a few surprising facts about selling during the winter season.  

Almost one million homes were sold in the U.S. last winter (973,000, to be exact, from December 2018 to February 2019). In perspective, that means every five (19%) of the homes that were sold in the 12-month period between September 2018 and August 2019 closed when temperatures plunged. 

So, if you're wondering if you should put off buying or selling a home until Spring, why wait? If the numbers weren't enough, there are some practical advantages to buying or selling while the snow is flying. 

The Internet 

You probably already know that most buyers go online to search for homes, no matter what the temperature is outside. In fact, nearly all buyers (93%) used the internet to search for properties. The instant access to property listings has had an impact on the regular season's buyers look for homes. 

While Spring is still the hottest home-buying season, serious home buyers are always on the lookout—checking the latest listings during any free moments throughout the day. 

Even though the weather might prohibit buyers from getting out and about, it doesn't stop home buyers from shopping.

More Visibility

Other sellers will flood the market when warmer months come just due to convenience. Your listing will have much more competition. 

During winter months there's a limited number of sellers on the market. In 2018, 210,000 homes dropped off the market between November to December.

If that pattern repeats this year, you'll have less competition on the market. Buyers have fewer homes to choose from, which means you could sell your house faster and at a better price.

Buyers Mean Business

Winter buyers are typically working against a deadline, whether it's an expiring lease, relocation, or any need vs. want situation.

If a buyer is trudging around in freezing weather or breaking away from their holiday schedule to look at your home, they must be serious about buying. 

Time Off

You may think people are less likely to see your home amid their hectic holiday schedules. That can definitely be true. However, most people also have more time off around the holidays. 

More time translates to more browsing Zillow, Craigslist, or local map search. Consider making the most of this holiday season. 

Tax Breaks 

Winter home buyers may also be motivated to capture the tax benefits of buying a home before the year ends. 

Tax benefits could make a potential home buyer act fast to get a house bought and closed. If you're selling your home and buying another, the benefit is two-fold. 

Home buyers can write off some of the expenses of their home purchase on their taxes. If it's been a particularly hard year, a new homeowner can make purchases tax-deductible in the following ways:

• Mortgage interest

• Private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums

• Real estate taxes

Tips for Selling During Winter

Nothing says welcome home as much as walking out of the cold into a warm house. If you've decided to sell this winter, here are a few tips to help attract the right buyer:

•  If you're selling around a holiday and have decorations up, make sure they are not overwhelming. You're trying to display the house, not the holiday. 

• Winter days are short, and buyers will stop by at various hours. Be prepared to light the home's exterior with proper lighting. 

• If you're preparing to list online, make sure there are ample pictures of the home in Summer.  Snow does not help a buyer when looking at exterior shots of the home. 

• Provide details of the outside when they are not visible in winter. 

Hopefully, these tips will help you get ready to sell this winter. If you're curious about other options for buying and selling, please check out the rest of our site.

The Real Estate Market in Lakes Country has been strong in 2019. Strong but different. Strong and also difficult.

We find it hard to pin point the exact reasons for market behavior and market change particularly in a unique market as Lakes Country. National or even metro markets are very different from our local market place. We are generally experiencing an above average strong market in our area. We believe most of us understand that buying and selling property on a lake is a different kind of real estate than city properties are. Lake shore property is a luxury good and is being valued for many more reasons than location alone. However, we have to distinguish between weekend properties and rural homes used as primary residences. We saw many rural homes sit on the market longer than expected this year. Some buyers were also able to get a lot of home for a very affordable price in smaller communities in Lakes Country. There is a large price gap between lake properties being used as second homes versus primary residence homes in the area.

If you are looking to buy real estate on a lake you will be confronted with a number of variables such as location and distance to your primary home, type of lake, setting of property, condition of the dwelling and other factors. It is hard to determine if it is a strict buyer’s market or seller’s market when considering scarce goods. We like to compare lake property with the purchase of a collectors car or an original piece of art. If the perfect property comes on the market it will have its price. The same as a Picasso may reach a record auction price a unique and prefect lake property may sell for an incomparable price. However, the same goes for less desirable property. If the property is not perfect it will be hard to achieve a record breaking price. The same goes for an old car which is more of a restoration project than a show car—it will sell for a discounted price only.

Looking at the statistics and comparing 2018 vs 2019 sales we have 2% fewer properties being listed in 2019 but about 5% more dollar volume in sales which means we have had a more expensive market this past year. Another reason for higher volume sales is a median property price increase of %6.5. Surprising is that we have 4% less new listings coming on the market in 2019, however the listing dollar value is 3% higher and the median list price is 9% higher.

Since the national housing crisis during 2007-2009 we have seen property value going up on average. One important piece about today’s lake shore property value is as mentioned earlier: how unique and how perfect is the lake lot. As we know that there will never be more lakes to develop we have to distinguish between good and better lakes or even bad lakes. If you are in the market for a recreational lake shore property you may have to have the patience to find the perfect place or pay a premium if you find it. Another obstacle we have noticed is that many buyers since 2011 are enjoying their lake life and are not intending to give it up any time soon. That means the perfect lake property will become even more scarce to find.

Consult with a local expert who can assist you to find and price the right property for you. Your lake life advisor needs to know the market from within. At Jack Chivers Realty you will only find full time local real estate experts who love lake life and are the best lifestyle ambassadors helping you make this place memorable to you and your family. #weknowaplaceforyou

Dirk Ockhardt

Broker, CEO

When thinking about selling real estate, the first question that comes mind is usually its value.

What is my house worth? To determine the sales price of real property we use a CMA, which stands for “comparative market analysis”.

This study of sold and closed properties shall be as similar to the property to be evaluated as possible. Several aspects such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, year built, style and location will be compared. What homes “have sold for” in the past is the foundation for this analysis.

Sometimes sellers have a list price in mind based on their own research. The CMA gives direction for pricing a house but other factors may be included, too.

The final list price can be determined by multiple factors such as the seller’s price goal, the CMA suggested price, and other available properties competing on the market.

Therefore, a CMA is a valuable and highly recommended study of property value but is only one element to price real estate.

The more unique a real property is, the more resources need to be considered to determine a sales price.

Fill out the form below to connect with a real estate expert if you are interested to know your property’s value.

GRAB YOUR FREE COPY AT ANY HORNBACHER’S LOCATIONS, HAPPY HARRY’S IN F-M AND ALL OVER LAKES COUNTRY

This issue has another exciting installment of the Made In Minnesota series: a local entrepreneur from Alexandria, MN and how he’s making waves in the car industry. You will also find tasty pumpkin recipes, decor tips to bring the fall season into your home, seasonal tips to take the best care for your lake home and more.

You can pick up the latest issue at any of the locations below. If you need it mailed, we’ll send you a copy! Send an email to hello@lakelifewknd.com.

Locations:

Lakeland General Store in Dunvilla

Long Bridge in Detroit Lakes

The LAKE LIFE WKND Shop in Perham

Central Market in Perham and Detroit Lakes

and Hornbachers in the F-M area

HORNBACHERS LOCATIONS:

Hornbachers Azool
950 40th Ave S
Moorhead, MN 

Hornbachers West Fargo
2050 Sheyenne St
West Fargo, ND

Happy Harry’s
4001 53rd Ave S
Fargo, ND

Happy Harry’s
1621 45th St SW
Fargo, ND

Bottle Barn Liquors
2515 S University Dr
Fargo, ND

Bottle Barn Liquors
3171 Bluestem DR
Fargo, ND

Hornbachers Express
1433 S University Drive 
Fargo, ND

Hornbachers Northport
2510 N Broadway Ave
Fargo, ND

Hornbachers Southgate
1532 32nd Ave S
Fargo, ND 

Hornbachers Osgood
4151 45th St S
Fargo, ND 

Hornbachers Willage West
4101 13th Ave S
Fargo, ND 

Hornbachers Moorhead
101 11th St S
Moorhead, MN