Real estate careers often start the same way.
You help a friend buy their first home.
You help a family member sell a property.
You help someone move from one chapter of life to the next.
That’s how my career started too.
But over time something became clear.
Not every real estate advisor serves every market the same way.
Some agents focus on volume.
Others focus on geography.
And some focus on a specific type of property.
For me, that focus became lake homes and higher-end real estate in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities.
Why Lake Homes Became the Focus
Lake homes are different.
They are not just houses.
They are lifestyle properties.
Every lake behaves differently.
Every shoreline has its own character.
And every buyer is usually looking for something specific.
Water clarity.
Shoreline depth.
Exposure to sunsets.
Boat access.
Privacy.
Understanding those details requires more than simply listing a home.
It requires living in the market and studying the lakes themselves.
Growing up in the northern suburbs, I spent time around many of these lakes. Over time, that familiarity became an advantage.
Today, much of our work at Ornell Group focuses on lakes such as:
• White Bear Lake
• Bald Eagle Lake
• Turtle Lake
• Centerville Lake
• Lake Owasso
• Forest Lake
These communities represent some of the most desirable waterfront real estate in the Twin Cities.
Still Helping Clients Move Up the Ladder
While our business today focuses heavily on lake homes and higher-end properties, the foundation of our work hasn’t changed.
We still help many friends, past clients, and families move up the price-point ladder.
For many homeowners, the journey to a lake home happens gradually.
A first home.
A second move.
Then eventually the lake property.
Being part of that process over time is one of the most rewarding aspects of the business.
Because real estate is rarely just one transaction.
It’s often a long-term relationship.
Why Lake Homeowners Choose Ornell Group
Selling a lake home requires a different approach than selling a typical suburban property.
Waterfront homes compete in a smaller and more specialized market.
Buyers are often researching specific lakes, comparing shoreline conditions, and evaluating long-term value.
That means marketing matters.
And preparation matters.
At Ornell Group, our process focuses on helping homeowners position their property to maximize value.
That often includes:
• strategic pricing analysis
• preparing the home before listing
• staging and design guidance
• professional photography and aerial imagery
• cinematic video storytelling
• targeted digital marketing and Google advertising
Many buyers today discover properties online first.
That means the way a home is presented digitally can have a significant impact on the level of interest it receives.
Our goal is simple.
Present the property in a way that reflects its true value and attracts the right buyers.
Preparing a Lake Home for the Market
One of the most important steps in selling a lake home often happens before the property ever hits the market.
Small improvements can make a meaningful difference in how buyers perceive a home.
That may include:
• landscaping and shoreline cleanup
• interior updates
• lighting improvements
• staging and furniture placement
• highlighting views and outdoor spaces
Lake homes are often judged within the first few seconds buyers see them online.
Preparation helps ensure the home shows at its best.
The Role of Marketing
Marketing lake homes requires more than posting photos online.
Buyers want to experience the property.
That’s why we invest heavily in creative video, aerial footage, and digital storytelling that highlights both the home and the lake itself.
We also run targeted Google advertising campaigns that help connect listings with buyers actively searching for waterfront homes.
When done well, marketing expands the pool of potential buyers and increases the likelihood of strong offers.
Commitment to the Client
At the center of everything we do is the client relationship.
Selling a home is often one of the most important financial decisions someone will make.
Our role is to guide that process with clarity, preparation, and strategy.
Because the goal is not just to sell a home.
The goal is to help clients move confidently into the next chapter of their lives.
Preparation creates leverage.
Relationships outlast transactions.
Tim Ornell
Luxury & Waterfront Real Estate Advisor
Ornell Group | Real Broker Luxury Division
651.263.8480
ornellgroup.com
