Waterfront Homes in White Bear Lake: A Guide for Buyer

_{This recently sold 4-bedroom lake house in White Bear Lake, MN, sits on a 1.2-acre lot with 100 feet of shoreline.}

White Bear Lake is a gorgeous lake community 11 miles from downtown St. Paul in northern Ramsey County, Minnesota. The city has a population of 24,883 with a small-town feel even if it is a metropolitan area. There are many reasons to love this town, from its history and people to its breathtaking views and recreational activities.

If you’re looking for waterfront homes for sale in White Bear Lake, MN, this guide is for you.

Table of Contents

Why White Bear, MN Waterfront Homes Are Good Investments
Things to Know Before Buying White Bear, MN Waterfront Homes
Tips on Buying a Waterfront Property
The Pros and Cons of Owning a Waterfront Property
What to ask when buying a waterfront property
Find Your Dream Waterfront Home With Tim Ornell

Why White Bear, MN Waterfront Homes Are Good Investments

Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes – 11,842 to be exact. With all the beautiful lakeside properties in Minnesota, why choose the White Bear Lake community in particular? Why consider getting a lakefront property there?

Here are some of the reasons White Bear waterfront homes make good investments.

1. White Bear Lake real estate market is booming

White Bear Lake has a booming real estate market, thanks to the high demand for homes in the area. In fact, many homes receive multiple offers and are typically sold within a couple of weeks. That means waterfront homes for sale in White Bear Lake come and go quickly.In 2019, the median home value in White Bear Lake was approximately $226,000, according to the US Census. The median gross rent was $1,134. The percentage of owned homes is high at 68% while the percentage of rented homes is 32%.In January 2022, the median home price in White Bear Lake was $325,000. Properties stayed in the market for 47 days. In addition, homes sold at 2.73% above the asking price.Luxury properties with deeded access to the lake can go for $1 million and up.

2. Waterfront Homes for Sale in While Bear Lake Communities Are Widely Available

Lakefront homes and properties near the water with deeded access to the lake and dock association membership are widely available in the communities surrounding White Bear Lake, including Dellwood and Mahtomedi. While there is a limited number of available.

3. Waterfront Homes for Sale in While Bear Lake Are Convenient and Accessible

According to market research firm Niche, White Bear Lake is a great place for young professionals to reside in Minnesota, ranking 28th out of 137 neighborhoods. It’s also the 49th best place to retire in the state, out of 367 communities. Residing in the White Bear Lake community means that you have easy access to the lake and the many shopping places around the area. Getting to work or going to and fro is not a problem because the O-694, Interstate 35E, and Highway 36 are nearby.

4. Business Opportunities Await

There are many businesses and income opportunities in the White Bear Lake area. In fact, the local chamber of commerce represents over 400 businesses from a variety of sectors. About 66.3% of White Bear Lake residents ages 16 and up are employed. In 2019, the city’s median household income was $71,709.

5. White Bear Lake is Rich in History and Culture

The earliest inhabitants of White Bear Lake were the Dakota and Ojibwe peoples who used the area to hunt and cultivate crops. The rich soil and abundant wildlife attracted many settlers and when Minnesota’s statehood was announced in 1858, the White Bear Township was established. The name of the lake comes from a Native American legend about a Chippewa man who had to perform an act of bravery to stop an impending war and to win the hand of a Sioux maiden. The Chippewa brave succeeded in stopping a great white bear from attacking the maiden. Unfortunately, he and the bear perished after a long and grueling fight. This and the culture of the White Bear Lake community are celebrated every year in a three-week summer festival called Manitou Days.

6. The Largest Lake in Minneapolis is Clean and Protected

White Bear Lake is the largest, high-quality body of water closest to the twin cities. It spans 2,428 acres with a maximum depth of 83 feet. The water levels in the lake fluctuate depending on weather conditions but have remained stable over the years. Groundwater use in the lake meets Minnesota’s sustainability standards and will not harm the local ecosystem. The groundwater system in the area will also meet the needs of future generations. The lake teems with a variety of fish including walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, bullhead, and yellow perch. To protect the lake and manage invasive species, the White Bear Lake Conservation District works closely with other agencies and local governments. It also regulates boating activity, construction of docks and marinas, as well as weed removal in the lake.

7. There Are Recreational Activities for Every Season and Reason

_{Sail across the frozen lake in an ice boat}

The weather around the lake is fair and partly cloudy all year round. Summers in the area are long, warm, and wet, while the winters are freezing, snowy, and windy.

In milder months, the lake is a good spot for fishing, swimming, boating, and kayaking. There are two public fishing piers, the Lions Pier and the City Pier.

During winter, sail across the frozen lake in an ice boat, among other cold weather activities.

Land-based activities White Bear Lake is known for include wildlife and bird watching, hunting, camping, hiking, and archery.

8. The Schools Are Top Tier

Families with school-age children will be happy to note that the White Bear Lake community has top-tier schools and institutions. Here are some of them:

Century College
The Level Up Academy
Liberty Classical Academy
Frassati Catholic Academy
Magnuson Christian School
Minnesota Online Colleges and Universities
White Bear Lake Area Schools
White Bear Montessori Schools
White Bear Lake Area High School
Central Park Middle School
Hugo Elementary

Aside from these, there are also other public elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools in the area.

9. There Are Tons of Amenities

There’s more to White Bear Lake than water sports and other athletic activities. The community boasts many parks, restaurants, theaters, places of worship, and shopping areas. Spend time at Matoska Park and White Bear Lake County Park and explore the many public access sites to the lake, including a municipal swimming beach. There’s also the Sports Center Ice Arena where you can watch ice skating and hockey. You can attend classes and check out the exhibits at White Bear Center for the Arts. Or catch a play or staged entertainment at the Lakeshore Players Theater and the Hanifl Performing Arts Center.

Things to Know Before Buying White Bear, MN Waterfront Homes

If you’re planning on settling down in this warm and welcoming community or purchasing an investment property, here are a few things you should know:

Tips on Buying a Waterfront Property

Availability, competition, and amenities are some of the challenges homebuyers face when looking for properties to buy. Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind if you’re planning on buying a waterfront property:

1. Examine the Listing Carefully

It’s easy to fall in love with waterfront homes for sale in White Bear Lake. The properties are gorgeous, the community serene, and the investment potential hard to resist.
But it pays to keep yourself in check. For example, you need to pay attention to what’s stated on the listing. Terminologies can sometimes be tricky and misunderstood by buyers. A lake home doesn’t necessarily mean it has direct access to the lake. The term “lake home” can be used to describe anything from actual lakefront homes to properties that simply provide lake access to houses that only offer views of the lake.
Here, then, are terms, decoded:

Lakefront properties lie on the waterfront and typically have direct access to the lake.
Lake view homes are a distance away from the water but still have a beautiful view.
Homes in lake communities are a fair distance away from the water but have ready access to amenities such as golf courses, clubhouses, and shopping centers.

To make doubly certain you’re reading things right, give your real estate agent a call.

2. Order a Specialized Home Inspection

Some waterfront properties are prone to corrosion, mold, and floods. It’s important to consult a waterfront properties expert and have a specialized inspector conduct a thorough examination of the home before you proceed with closing. Surveys, elevation certification, water quality tests, foundation inspection, seawall inspection, as well as soil and water inspections may be needed.

3. Choose the Waterfront That Matches Your Lifestyle

There is a wide variety of waterfront properties, but not all are the same. It’s important to choose the location and body of water that suits your needs and lifestyle. The salty ocean air makes beachfront properties excellent summer homes. Meanwhile, large lakes like White Bear offer a more varied range of activities in, on, and off the water. That’s one of the reasons waterfront homes for sale in White Bear Lake are highly sought-after.

4. Apply for Additional Insurance

Acquiring a waterfront property has its advantages, but it also comes with risks. Flooding, for one, or frequent weather disturbances. Therefore, to protect your investment, buying additional home insurance is crucial. Private insurance programs are available, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also offers national flood insurance programs to residents in certain areas.

5. Determine What Improvements You Can and Cannot Make

Local government ordinances and homeowners’ association bylaws can dictate home improvements both on land and in the water. It’s best to check the local rules regarding building docks, seawalls, and other structures that may go out into the water.
Access the complete set of White Bear Lake ordinances as of January 22, 2022. It covers everything from building structures on the lake like docks and boat mooring to the types of watercraft permitted on the lake, including the operation of snowmobiles and other winter vehicles.

6. Look for Hidden Costs

Aside from insurance and dock construction costs, there can be other additional expenses that you might not be aware of when you purchase a waterfront home. Depending on the area, water and sewer rates can be more expensive. You may even have to install your own septic tank and well. If you own a boat or a water vehicle, there may also be boat dock and lift fees too.
In White Bear Lake, check out the Services page of their website for standard fees and requirements.

7. Research the Property’s History and Future

Shorelines and riverbanks are subject to erosion, which is why reinforcements such as seawalls, netting, bulkheads, and vegetation, are some of the techniques used to stabilize the water’s edge. Without intervention, water levels that rise and fall can literally eat up a chunk of your property.
When dealing with any waterfront property, it’s important to assess any future risk of the water source drying up or flooding over.
And it goes without saying that local ordinances designed to protect the body of water and the area surrounding it must be followed.

8. Consider the Real Estate Market in the Area

Remember that there are fewer waterfront properties than there are inland homes. Therefore, their relative scarcity dictates their value. Prices tend to be at a premium, even if the market is soft. Location is another consideration: is the area easy to get to? Is it a well-known destination with lots of amenities? Does it have internet access, especially if you plan to work from your waterfront home? Think about your non-negotiables so that you can do a targeted search for waterfront homes for sale in White Bear Lake.
If you don’t plan on living full-time on your waterfront property, renting it out can give you a stable source of passive income. Leasing your property also lowers the cost of ownership, which includes taxes, insurance, mortgage, homeowners’ association (HOA) fees, etc.

9. Work With a Waterfront Property Specialist

If you’re looking for a waterfront home for sale in White Bear Lake, you will need a team of experienced real estate specialists.
Buying and selling this type of property requires extensive knowledge about the area and an established network of likely sellers and professional associates who can tip you off on unlisted properties.
Real estate agents who specialize in waterfront properties also know the ins and outs of buying, owning, and maintaining these types of homes. With their knowledge and expertise, you can rely on them to advocate for you during the entire buying and selling process.

The Pros and Cons of Owning a Waterfront Property

_{A portion of a recently sold waterfront property in White Bear Lake}

Homebuyers need to be aware of the rewards and risks of owning any property near a body of water so they can make a decision that’s in line with their real estate goals.

Here are some of the pros and cons of owning a waterfront property:

Pros

You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the water anytime you please.
You can enjoy the feel of a vacation home while having access to essential goods and services.
You can perfect or take up that water hobby you’ve been raring to have a crack at.
You can finally buy your own boat.
You can use your waterfront property as a peaceful primary residence or an excellent family vacation home.
You can also turn your residential investment into a legacy property you can pass down to your children.
The appreciation rates are generally stable.
Waterfront properties steadily grow in value and are less prone to market fluctuations compared to inland properties.
They’re also a good source of passive income if you plan to rent them out.

Cons

Waterfront homes typically come with higher taxes.
Services and utilities for waterfront homes may be less accessible, so you may have to pay a higher rate.
Waterfront homes are more prone to wear and tear because of the environment they’re in.
Expenses for seawall, dock, and boat lift upkeep need to be factored into your budget.
For lakeside properties particularly, the cost of treating the lake for invasive species is covered by the lakeshore landowners rather than the local government.
Depending on the area, you’ll need to prepare and stick to a rigorous maintenance schedule to keep the house in top shape.
Waterfront homes have a higher risk of flooding, erosion, and being subjected to severe weather conditions. Therefore…
Waterfront homes have higher insurance costs.
Waterfront homes may be situated along a busy waterway where boat traffic, jet ski riders, speedboats, and tourist activities can disrupt the peaceful environment or compromise your privacy. To gauge the noise levels and privacy of a particular property, you may need to visit it on a weekday and a weekend, preferably during peak season.

Before you buy, assess the benefits and risks of owning waterfront property in the location you’re interested in. By weighing the pros and cons of your choice, you can confidently reach an informed decision and avoid falling prey to buyer’s remorse.

What to ask when buying a waterfront property

If you’re acquiring a waterfront home for the first time or if you’re just looking at waterfront homes for sale in White Bear Lake, MN, it’s important to know everything about the property. Searching for the right waterfront home can be overwhelming, so you may overlook important details.Before you decide on which home to buy, here are some questions you may want to ask your real estate agent:

How much access to the water will the property have?
Is there a barrier or a seawall between the water and the land? How is it maintained? Who maintains the barrier and who pays for its upkeep?
What are the HOA fees and regulations?
What are the local rules and ordinances affecting my property and my use of water vehicles?

Find Your Dream Waterfront Home With Tim Ornell

The competition for Minnesota’s best luxury properties is strong, given the low inventory and high demand. The best way to achieve your investment goals is to work with an experienced real estate agent with a special understanding of luxury real estate. Look for a trusted and established local realty group that will help you negotiate a good deal while protecting your interests.

Tim Ornell is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist™ (CLHMS) who has an in-depth knowledge of local housing market trends and uses tactful negotiation to close deals.

If you’re looking for waterfront homes for sale in White Bear Lake, MN, Tim and his team of specialists are ready to assist you. Schedule an appointment today by calling (651) 263-9480 or sending an email to [email protected]. Or contact him here.

WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE IN WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN: A GUIDE FOR BUYERS

Why White Bear, MN Waterfront Homes Are Good Investments

1. White Bear Lake real estate market is booming

2. Waterfront Homes for Sale in While Bear Lake Communities Are Widely Available