As a realtor who knows White Bear Lake and the surrounding 30+ lakes in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities, MN. I know how competitive our waterfront market can be. By the time a great lakefront property hits the MLS, you're already competing with dozens of other buyers.
That's why I've developed a system to find homes for my clients before they're officially listed. Here's how I do it and how it can work for you.
Door Knocking Still Works
I regularly walk the neighborhoods around White Bear, Turtle, Bald Eagle, Centerville, Lake Owasso, and more in the northern suburbs lakes, looking for properties that might be coming on the market. When I see a home that could be perfect for one of my buyers, I knock on the door and introduce myself.
You'd be surprised how many homeowners are thinking about selling but haven't taken the first step. Sometimes they're waiting for spring, sometimes they're not sure about the process, sometimes they just need the right person to ask. When I knock and mention I have a qualified buyer looking for exactly what they have, conversations happen.
I've had homeowners invite me in to see their property that same day. We talk about their timeline, what they're hoping to get, and whether my buyer might be a good fit. Some of these conversations turn into off-market sales that work perfectly for everyone involved.
You'd be surprised how many homeowners are thinking about selling but haven't taken the first step. Sometimes they're waiting for spring, sometimes they're not sure about the process, sometimes they just need the right person to ask. When I knock and mention I have a qualified buyer looking for exactly what they have, conversations happen.
I've had homeowners invite me in to see their property that same day. We talk about their timeline, what they're hoping to get, and whether my buyer might be a good fit. Some of these conversations turn into off-market sales that work perfectly for everyone involved.
Strategic Mailers to Lakefront Homeowners
I send targeted mailers to specific neighborhoods around our lakes, focusing on areas where my buyers want to be. These aren't generic "I sold your neighbor's house" postcards. I'm talking about personalized letters that explain I have a qualified buyer looking for their specific type of property.
The mailers work because they're targeted and personal. When someone gets a letter saying I have a buyer specifically looking for a lakefront home on their street, in their price range, with their type of features, they pay attention. Especially when that letter comes from someone they might see around town or at local events.
I track which neighborhoods are getting the most interest from my buyers and focus my mailings accordingly. If I have three buyers looking for homes around Turtle Lake, those homeowners are going to hear from me regularly.
The mailers work because they're targeted and personal. When someone gets a letter saying I have a buyer specifically looking for a lakefront home on their street, in their price range, with their type of features, they pay attention. Especially when that letter comes from someone they might see around town or at local events.
I track which neighborhoods are getting the most interest from my buyers and focus my mailings accordingly. If I have three buyers looking for homes around Turtle Lake, those homeowners are going to hear from me regularly.
Flyers in the Right Places
I put flyers in strategic locations around White Bear Lake — coffee shops, the yacht club, community centers, anywhere lakefront homeowners gather. But these aren't "buy or sell" flyers. They're "I have a buyer looking for..." flyers that describe exactly what my client wants.
The flyer might say something like "Local buyer seeking 3-bedroom lakefront home on White Bear Lake's west side, boat lift preferred, $800K-$1.2M range." When someone sees that and thinks "that sounds like my house," they call me.
I also leave flyers with other local businesses that cater to lakefront homeowners — marina shops, landscaping companies, dock services. These business owners know their customers and sometimes pass along information about who might be thinking of selling.
The flyer might say something like "Local buyer seeking 3-bedroom lakefront home on White Bear Lake's west side, boat lift preferred, $800K-$1.2M range." When someone sees that and thinks "that sounds like my house," they call me.
I also leave flyers with other local businesses that cater to lakefront homeowners — marina shops, landscaping companies, dock services. These business owners know their customers and sometimes pass along information about who might be thinking of selling.
Building Relationships in the Community
Living on the lake myself gives me a huge advantage. I run into people at the marina, at 7 Vines Winery, at community events. Conversations happen naturally, and sometimes those conversations lead to opportunities for my buyers.
When I'm at the White Bear Yacht Club or playing golf at Dellwood, I'm always listening for hints that someone might be considering a move. Maybe their kids graduated and they're thinking about downsizing. Maybe they got a job transfer. Maybe they want to move closer to grandkids. These conversations help me connect buyers with sellers before anyone else knows there's an opportunity.
When I'm at the White Bear Yacht Club or playing golf at Dellwood, I'm always listening for hints that someone might be considering a move. Maybe their kids graduated and they're thinking about downsizing. Maybe they got a job transfer. Maybe they want to move closer to grandkids. These conversations help me connect buyers with sellers before anyone else knows there's an opportunity.
Working My Network
After years in this market, I have relationships with other agents, contractors, bankers, and service providers who work with lakefront homeowners. They often know about properties that might be coming on the market before the homeowners have even called a realtor.
A contractor might mention that a client is renovating to sell. A banker might know someone's considering cashing out their lake house equity. An estate attorney might be working with a family that needs to sell inherited property. These relationships give me early insights that benefit my buyers.
A contractor might mention that a client is renovating to sell. A banker might know someone's considering cashing out their lake house equity. An estate attorney might be working with a family that needs to sell inherited property. These relationships give me early insights that benefit my buyers.
Following Up on Past Connections
I keep in touch with homeowners I've met over the years, even if they weren't ready to sell when we first talked. Markets change, life circumstances change, and someone who wasn't interested in selling two years ago might be ready now.
I send periodic updates about market conditions, recent sales in their neighborhood, and changes in buyer demand. Sometimes these updates prompt someone to reach out about selling, especially when they see how much their property value has increased.
I send periodic updates about market conditions, recent sales in their neighborhood, and changes in buyer demand. Sometimes these updates prompt someone to reach out about selling, especially when they see how much their property value has increased.
Estate Sales and Family Situations
Lakefront properties often stay in families for generations, but eventually situations change. I work with estate attorneys and financial planners who know when families might need to sell inherited properties or when life changes make downsizing necessary.
These situations require sensitivity and patience, but they often result in properties that never hit the open market. Families appreciate working with someone who understands the emotional aspects of selling a longtime family lake home.
These situations require sensitivity and patience, but they often result in properties that never hit the open market. Families appreciate working with someone who understands the emotional aspects of selling a longtime family lake home.
Staying Connected to Market Changes
I monitor building permits, estate sales, divorce filings, and other public records that might indicate someone's situation is changing. It sounds intensive, but it's part of serving my clients well. When I see signs that a property might become available, I reach out respectfully to see if there's a match.
Creating Win-Win Situations
The goal isn't to pressure anyone into selling. It's about creating opportunities that work for everyone. When I can connect a motivated buyer with a homeowner who's been thinking about selling, everyone benefits.
The seller gets to avoid the stress and expense of preparing for the open market. No staging, no endless showings, no uncertainty about whether offers will come through. The buyer gets access to a property before competition drives up the price. And I get to help both sides achieve their goals.
The seller gets to avoid the stress and expense of preparing for the open market. No staging, no endless showings, no uncertainty about whether offers will come through. The buyer gets access to a property before competition drives up the price. And I get to help both sides achieve their goals.
Why This Approach Works in White Bear Lake
Our lakefront market is small and tight-knit. People know each other, word travels fast, and relationships matter. The traditional approach of waiting for MLS listings doesn't serve buyers well when good properties get multiple offers within days.
My approach works because it's based on relationships and local knowledge. I'm not some outside agent trying to break into the market. I live here, I'm part of the community, and I understand what makes each neighborhood special.
My approach works because it's based on relationships and local knowledge. I'm not some outside agent trying to break into the market. I live here, I'm part of the community, and I understand what makes each neighborhood special.
How This Benefits You as a Buyer
When you work with me, you get access to properties before they hit the market. You can make decisions without pressure from competing offers. You often get better prices because sellers appreciate the convenience and certainty of off-market sales.
You also get the benefit of my local knowledge. I know which properties are worth pursuing and which ones have issues that might not be obvious. I can tell you about neighborhood dynamics, upcoming changes, and long-term value potential.
You also get the benefit of my local knowledge. I know which properties are worth pursuing and which ones have issues that might not be obvious. I can tell you about neighborhood dynamics, upcoming changes, and long-term value potential.
If You Live on the Lake
If you live on one of our beautiful lakes and you're reading this, I'd love to meet you. Whether you're thinking about selling now or just curious about the market, I'm always happy to chat about what's happening in our community.
I'm not the guy who's going to pester you with calls or show up uninvited and been selling lake homes for 10+ years. But if you ever want to know what your property might be worth, or if you're considering a move, I'd be glad to help. Living on the lake myself, I understand the lifestyle and the market in ways that benefit both buyers and sellers.
The northern suburbs lakes are special places, and the people who choose to live here appreciate quality, community, and the unique lifestyle that comes with waterfront living. My job is connecting the right people with the right properties, and I love helping families find their perfect lake home.
Ready to find your dream lakefront property before everyone else sees it? Let's talk about how my approach can work for you. I hope you connect with the Ornell Group to move forward with confidence.
I'm not the guy who's going to pester you with calls or show up uninvited and been selling lake homes for 10+ years. But if you ever want to know what your property might be worth, or if you're considering a move, I'd be glad to help. Living on the lake myself, I understand the lifestyle and the market in ways that benefit both buyers and sellers.
The northern suburbs lakes are special places, and the people who choose to live here appreciate quality, community, and the unique lifestyle that comes with waterfront living. My job is connecting the right people with the right properties, and I love helping families find their perfect lake home.
Ready to find your dream lakefront property before everyone else sees it? Let's talk about how my approach can work for you. I hope you connect with the Ornell Group to move forward with confidence.
