Create Your Dream Minnesota Cabin With These Easy Rustic Design Ideas

If you love rustic style design, your cabin is a great place to run wild with your rustic design dreams. Because this style focuses on bringing the outdoors in with natural materials and rugged elements, you can give your cabin the makeover you’ve been waiting for Up North in Minnesota! Here are some ways you can create that rustic feed in your cabin. 

Rough-Hewn Beams

Rough-hewn beams add instant charm and can be used as ceiling beams,  door or window frames, and as a mantle for your fireplace, creating a classic cabin feel. 

Earth Tones

Think colors you would commonly see in nature, like the woodsy tones from tree bark, rocks, and soil, or subtle green tones from plants, trees, and grass. Keep it simple and mix in creams and whites if you don’t want the color or design to feel too “heavy.”

Weathered Materials

Aged wood, reclaimed wood, hammered metal, and seeded glass are all options that provide visual interest and texture and are perfect for decorating your cabin. You could find furniture or art made with these materials or have them custom-made.

Organic Materials

Organic materials like wood, rock, and leather help you feel connected to nature and provide the warmth people love from rustic design. These items can be easily incorporated into flooring, tiles, or furniture to help bring your design together. 

You can take many directions with the rustic design feel from traditional rustic, farmhouse, simple, or modern! The best part is you get to choose! Creating a rustic design in your Northern Minnesota cabin is a fun project and is made all the more meaningful when incorporating elements from our beautiful Minnesota nature! If you’re looking to remodel soon, check out these 6 Priorities for Remodeling Your Cabin

Five Reasons Why Working With a Real Estate Agent Matters

You might wonder if buying or selling your next vacation home is something you can tackle yourself without a professional. While you can certainly manage the details of buying or selling a home, here are some excellent reasons why working with a real estate agent makes a difference. 

You have access to their professional network

Real Estate Agents have a vast professional network that can be beneficial to expand your options for buyers or sellers. They work to find the perfect fit for you that you might not have known about otherwise. They also often work closely with trusted mortgage brokers, inspectors, and repair people that could help make your process effortless.

A Team of Knowledge

Often with your real estate agent, you’ll also get a team of people behind them who are experts in different steps of the process and can ensure that everything is happening smoothly and above board. 

Price and Perks Negotiation

Real estate agents are masters when it comes to the art of negotiation. They’ll ensure you are getting the absolute best deal possible when it comes to making a deal on buying or selling your Minnesota home. 

Expertise with Legal Terms and Documents

If you’ve never bought or sold a house before, you should know that A LOT of paperwork is involved. Having someone to help explain it to you and ensure everything looks legitimate and above board is crucial in keeping yourself and your finances safe. 

They’ll Advocate for You

Ensuring that you are getting the best service, value for your money, or offer on your property is at the top of a good real estate agent’s list. They love meeting your needs and advocating on your behalf with all of the parties involved.

Looking for a real estate team committed to doing the best job possible for you and being your local resource long after your sale? Look no further than Our Team at Bill Hansen Realty! 

3 Fun Day Trips Under 3 Hours from the Leech Lake Area

Summer is a great time to take a day trip or two with family or friends for some new scenery and fun activities. These 3 day trips are under three hours of driving and have a ton of options for everyone at every age. 

Fargo, ND

Fargo offers everything from art to history to amusement parks to outdoor recreation. Spend some time at the Red River Zoo or stop by the Plains Art Museum. With events happening all year round, this city can satisfy the itch to get out of town and see something new. 

Duluth, MN

On the shores of Lake Superior, you can find something for everyone in Duluth. Visit the Fresh Water Aquarium, check out the lighthouses on Superior’s shores, or browse through the shops downtown. End the day at one of Duluth’s restaurants, breweries, or distilleries. 

International Falls, MN

Just on the border between Canada and Minnesota – this tiny town packs a lot of punch. At the Smokey Bear Park you can get your photo taken with a giant statue of Smokey the Bear, and take a boat tour around or spend the day hiking at Voyageur National Park.

Take some time away from your Northern Minnesota cabin and explore these fun cities and their attractions. If you’re looking for something a little closer to home, check out these local summer festivals

4 Popular Housing Market Myths vs. Reality

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about purchasing a home and what’s happening in the housing market. Here are four common myths going around and the facts that debunk them. 

Myth #1: I have to renovate/fix up my house or vacation home before selling it. 

Reality: That might have been true several years ago, but in today’s seller’s market, it’s less likely you’ll have to do much work if your house is in decent shape. Set up a time to talk to your real estate agent, and we can guide you on the projects you need to tackle and what you can leave for the next owners. 

Myth #2: I can set the asking price to whatever I want. 

Reality: Unfortunately, you can’t arbitrarily price your home. Several factors need to be considered when choosing a listing price, including the house’s condition, the neighborhood, and how quickly you want to sell, among other items. Connect with a real estate professional with expertise in appropriately pricing properties. 

Myth #3: I should wait to buy until home prices and mortgage rates fall. 

Reality: Market and financial experts say that the cost of homes will only continue to rise this year. If you’re thinking about buying, now is the time to get in touch with a real estate agent and mortgage broker to start the process so that you can take advantage of current rates and prices.

Myth #4: Waiving the home inspection will help my offer stand out. 

Reality: While it might be tempting to waive the inspection so that you can nab your dream home, an inspection is a vital step in buying a home. A proper inspection helps you understand your home’s condition and can prevent unwelcome surprises after you close. Before you consider waiving the inspection, check with your real estate professional to see what is best for your situation.

If you’re looking for an honest professional who will help you navigate today’s Northern Minnesota market, reach out to Bill Hansen today!

Fun Northern Minnesota Summer Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss

In Minnesota, we know how to do summer right! With long winters and a short opportunity to enjoy the warm weather, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of summer, get outdoors, and enjoy some local events that will create lasting memories. 

Sweetheart Days (July 8-13) – Hackensack, MN 

Since 1952 Hackensack has been celebrating Sweetheart Days as an homage to Lucette Diana Kensack or “The Lady of the Lake.” Lucette is Paul Bunyon’s wife, and the festival celebrates Lucette’s faithful waiting for Paul to get back from his work in the woods. Her statue stands by the lake, and the festival includes parades, contests, games, art, and more! 

Northwoods Art & Book Festival (August 13) – Hackensack, MN

This event is the longest-running art and literature festival in Minnesota! Featuring local artists and writers, there is plenty to do and see during this one-day festival, including live music, beer, food trucks, lots of booths to visit, art to see, and books to read! 

Moondance Music Festivals (Country: June 16-18, Rock: July 21-23) – Walker, MN

Whether you love rock-and-roll or prefer to two-step to country music, Moondance offers two music festivals in the summer to let you jam out to your favorite music and artists. Since 1992, Moondance has provided music for all at their Walker, MN venue. Be sure to check out their other year-round events to see if your favorite artist might be visiting! 

We’re excited to enjoy summer with you this year! Check out our available properties if you’re looking for your dream cabin to stay in after all of the local fun. 

6 Easy DIY Home Improvement Projects to Spruce Up Your Cabin

If you’re tired of looking at the same spaces in your cabin, here are some super simple DIY projects you can do to enhance any room and make you want to linger Up North a little longer.

1. Paint the Walls

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for any room. You can bring brightness to your kitchen or make a statement in your living room with dramatic color. This is a great weekend project that can really make a long-term difference in the feel of your cabin.

2. Update Fixtures

From outlet and light switch covers to vent covers and lighting, these simple replacements can bring new life to your spaces. Removing outdated fixtures can modernize your cabin and add an expensive feel for a low price.

3. Paint or Stain Your Cabinets

If your cabinets are still in good shape, it’s simple to give them new life with a fresh coat of paint or new stain. You’ll be amazed at what a difference this can make in your kitchen or bathroom – you’ll feel like it’s a brand new space!

4. Power Wash the Exterior

The outside of our cabin goes through a lot. From dry, hot summer days and rainy nights to the harsh wind and cold of the winter, there can be a lot of wear, tear, and build-up on your exterior. Rent a power washer or borrow one from a friend and clean your siding, garage door, deck, and driveway. It will look fresh and bright and give your cabin a newfound curb appeal.

5. Create an Accent Wall

A great way to add interest to any space and freshen it up is to add an accent wall. Paint it a different color, create a design, or use peel-and-stick wallpaper. Let your creativity flow, and you’ll find yourself wanting to spend more time in your new space.

6. Bring the Outside In

Bringing plants into any space brings life and a cozy feel. If you are new to caring for plants, start with a few that are easy to take care of, and then start adding more once you’re comfortable. A fun bonus is picking out planters and pots to put your plants in that go with your decor!

Looking to do some projects that are a little more involved? Here are the 6 Top Priorities for Remodeling your cabin

Four Outstanding ATV and OHV Trails in Northern Minnesota

If you love getting outdoors on your All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) or Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV), there are four great trails in Northern Minnesota that you should check out this year. 

Soo Line North Trail: Cass County

This 52-mile trail makes its way through Bowstring State Forest and lands you on Cass Lake. The trail shows you various odds and ends that make Northern Minnesota unique and give you a great day trip with friends or family. 

Martineau OHM Trail

With single-track trails that loop within each other, this has rugged trails for more experienced riders and smooth trails for beginners. Found in Paul Bunyon State Forest, this trail is a great option for everyone to enjoy their time Up North. 

Spider Lake ATV Trails

Winding through Foot Hills State Forest, this trail takes you by lakes and ridges, over hills, and down slopes throughout the woods. There are 29 miles of both smooth and rocky trails that make it an excellent place for the whole family. Spider Lake Trails also are open year-round so bring your snowmobile in the winter! 

Axtell ATV Park

This off-the-beaten-path ATV park is accessible on the Soo Line North Trail in Aitkin County but boasts a more rustic and natural-feeling ride. This area is part of the 200-mile Northwoods ATV trail system, an excellent option for a weekend of off-roading. 

We hope you take advantage of the great outdoors Up North in Minnesota this summer, and if you’re still on the hunt for your dream cabin, we have some tips to help you find your Northern Minnesota vacation home

5 Common Mistakes Home Buyers and Sellers Make That You Can Avoid

Buying or selling a home is an exciting time and often means a fresh start. There are many ways that a home deal can go sideways, but staying aware and educated can help you to make the process more approachable and uncomplicated. 

  1. Being unrealistic about price/value

When both the buyer and the seller have unrealistic expectations about the value of a home, it can lead to unintentionally offensive offers or even a lack of decent offers. Take the time to understand the value of homes in the area by looking up comparable properties.

2. Skipping the Inspection

When you skip the inspection as a buyer, you are opening yourself up to the potential of major costly repairs in the future. As a seller, it might seem to your advantage to skip the inspection, but in reality, there could be major issues that you should have disclosed during the purchase process that could turn into legal issues. 

3. Being Inflexible

The truth is, it’s hard to get everything on your checklist as a buyer or as a seller. You’ll likely have to make concessions on amenities, location, price, etc., to get the deal closed. The more open you are to working with the other party, the more likely you will come to an agreement that benefits everyone.

4. Not including the right conditions in your offer

Without a detailed offer, you could be missing out on getting what you need out of the deal. Ensuring that the right conditions are included will help ensure you won’t be taken advantage of.

5. Not hiring an agent

Hiring an agent can make a big difference in the success of your buying and selling process. Having a professional on your side to advocate for you and who knows the ins and outs of the real estate process can ensure that your buying or selling process goes smoothly and provide you peace of mind. 

Bill Hansen Realty is ready to be your Northern Minnesota realtor to get you into the dream market lake homes, lake cabins, lake lots, hunting land, and other recreational properties. Contact us today

3 Prize Winning Lake Fishing Spots to Check out this Year

Lakes are beginning to thaw this spring, and many Minnesotans are dusting off their boats and tackle boxes. We’ve got the lineup for you if you’re looking for a record-breaking, prize-winning, or rare fish! Here are the best lakes to fish in when you head Up North this year. 

Leech Lake

If you’re looking to take home a prize-winning fish, Leech Lake is your place! Several anglers have reported reeling in 30, 40, and even 50-pound fish! This 112,000-acre lake has room for everyone and sits near local towns like Walker, MN, with excellent shopping and restaurants to check out when you need a break from the water. 

Lake Winnibigoshish

Nicknamed “Lake Winnie,” this lake has something for everyone in the family – fishing, swimming, and beaches. A record-breaking 54-pound muskie was caught here, and many continue to praise this fishing hole’s reputation throughout the years. 

Sand Lake

This 4,328-acre lake has shallow waters and protected bays that allow for many different types of fishing, so pull out your boats, your waders, and your fly fishing poles. Sand Lake is regularly stocked with lots of different kinds of fish, so it’s a great spot if you’re looking for variety or something a little different. 

Wherever you decide to head to spend the day with your line in the water, don’t forget to secure your fishing license before you go and enjoy the great outdoors! We can help you find the perfect spot to head back to after a perfect day on the lake! Reach out today

Four Tips for Buying Your Dream Waterfront Cabin

Is this the year you’re looking to buy your dream waterfront vacation property Up North? We’ve got four tips to help you find a cabin that meets your needs! 

Know What You’re Looking For

The first step is to be clear about what you’re looking for. Make a list of your must-haves: is there a specific lake you want to be on? Are you looking for something more rustic or more modern? How much space do you need? Being clear about what you want will help your realtor find your dream property. 

Check on Accessibility to the Water 

You probably want a waterfront property for more than just a beautiful view; you probably want to get out on the water! Whether you need a boat dock or are just looking to swim or fish – make sure that your property has the water access you’re looking for. 

Keep Maintenance in Mind

Lakefront properties often mean higher exposure to the elements, water and wind damage, critters, and bugs. Be sure that you are prepared for what it will take to keep up with your new property. 

Be Prepared to Move Quickly

When looking for your dream vacation home, you want to be sure that you are ready to make an offer when you find that property you’ve been searching for. Make sure to have your financial situation solidified and your mortgage broker prepared to act. 

We want to get you on the lake this year! Let us help you find your new property for your weekend getaways. Check out our current properties