After helping families buy and sell waterfront properties throughout the northern suburbs for years, I know exactly what gets buyers excited and what makes them walk away. Whether you're buying or thinking about selling, understanding these preferences makes all the difference.
Today's waterfront buyers want the complete package — a home that looks amazing and actually works for how they live. Here's what I'm seeing drive decisions in our market.
Kitchens Sell Houses
The kitchen makes or breaks waterfront home sales. Period. Buyers want spaces that can handle everything from quiet morning coffee to big family gatherings. Shaker cabinets are everywhere right now because they work with any style home — vintage cottage or modern lakefront.
I've helped families tear down walls between kitchens and living areas because that's what waterfront living is about. You don't want to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the lake view. Open floor plans aren't just trendy — they're practical for how people actually live.
Good appliances, countertops that can handle lake life, and storage for all the entertaining stuff are must-haves. Buyers notice when these things are done right.
I've helped families tear down walls between kitchens and living areas because that's what waterfront living is about. You don't want to be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying the lake view. Open floor plans aren't just trendy — they're practical for how people actually live.
Good appliances, countertops that can handle lake life, and storage for all the entertaining stuff are must-haves. Buyers notice when these things are done right.
Opening Things Up
Most older lake homes have these choppy layouts that don't work anymore. I've worked with tons of families to figure out which walls can go and which ones need to stay.
Sometimes it's the wall between kitchen and dining room. Sometimes it's opening up a closed porch to get better indoor-outdoor flow. The key is being smart about it — you need someone who knows what's structural.
Before you start knocking down walls, talk to someone who knows what they're doing. I work with contractors who do this stuff all the time and can tell you what's possible.
Sometimes it's the wall between kitchen and dining room. Sometimes it's opening up a closed porch to get better indoor-outdoor flow. The key is being smart about it — you need someone who knows what's structural.
Before you start knocking down walls, talk to someone who knows what they're doing. I work with contractors who do this stuff all the time and can tell you what's possible.
Stonework Adds Real Value
Beautiful stonework sets properties apart. A natural stone fireplace, exterior stone that looks like it belongs there, stone patios that feel permanent — buyers see this stuff and know it's quality.
I've seen stonework justify significantly higher prices. A well-done stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the room. Exterior stone makes the house look like it grew out of the landscape instead of just being dropped there.
Use materials that make sense for the setting. Local stone that echoes the shoreline, fireplaces scaled right for the room, outdoor stone that creates natural gathering spots.
I've seen stonework justify significantly higher prices. A well-done stone fireplace becomes the focal point of the room. Exterior stone makes the house look like it grew out of the landscape instead of just being dropped there.
Use materials that make sense for the setting. Local stone that echoes the shoreline, fireplaces scaled right for the room, outdoor stone that creates natural gathering spots.
Landscaping That Makes Sense
Waterfront landscaping should enhance the lake connection, not compete with it. I've helped families create outdoor spaces that frame views, provide different areas for hanging out, and use plants that actually thrive by the water.
This isn't just about looks — it's about creating outdoor rooms that extend your living space toward the lake. Patios, fire pit areas, gardens that lead naturally to the shoreline help buyers see how they'd actually use the space.
The best waterfront landscaping looks effortless while giving you everything you need. Paths to the water, spots for outdoor dining, plants that give privacy without blocking views.
This isn't just about looks — it's about creating outdoor rooms that extend your living space toward the lake. Patios, fire pit areas, gardens that lead naturally to the shoreline help buyers see how they'd actually use the space.
The best waterfront landscaping looks effortless while giving you everything you need. Paths to the water, spots for outdoor dining, plants that give privacy without blocking views.
Character Sells
Buyers love homes with personality. Original craftsman details, tudor elements, colonial features — properties with real architectural character get premium prices.
I've worked with families to keep and highlight original details while updating for modern life. Crown molding, original floors, built-ins, period fixtures — this stuff adds appeal and value.
Know what's worth saving and what needs updating. Original windows might need restoration, not replacement. Beautiful woodwork might just need refinishing. Sometimes the best improvements are revealing details previous owners covered up.
I've worked with families to keep and highlight original details while updating for modern life. Crown molding, original floors, built-ins, period fixtures — this stuff adds appeal and value.
Know what's worth saving and what needs updating. Original windows might need restoration, not replacement. Beautiful woodwork might just need refinishing. Sometimes the best improvements are revealing details previous owners covered up.
Indoor-Outdoor Connection
Waterfront buyers want seamless flow between inside and outside. French doors opening onto decks, covered outdoor dining, spaces that bring the outside in.
This might mean bigger decks, screened porches for three-season use, outdoor kitchens for lakefront entertaining. The goal is making indoor-outdoor transition feel natural.
Weather protection matters in Minnesota. Covered areas you can use even when weather's not perfect extend the season and add real value.
This might mean bigger decks, screened porches for three-season use, outdoor kitchens for lakefront entertaining. The goal is making indoor-outdoor transition feel natural.
Weather protection matters in Minnesota. Covered areas you can use even when weather's not perfect extend the season and add real value.
Quality Over Trendy
Waterfront buyers value quality over flashy trends. Well-built cabinets, solid hardwood floors, quality tile, fixtures that last — buyers see their lake home as a long-term investment.
I've learned buyers prefer classic materials that age well over trendy stuff that looks dated in a few years. Stone, wood, quality tile create timeless appeal whether your home is traditional or contemporary.
I've learned buyers prefer classic materials that age well over trendy stuff that looks dated in a few years. Stone, wood, quality tile create timeless appeal whether your home is traditional or contemporary.
The Complete Package
Waterfront buyers want it all — a home that respects its character while meeting modern expectations, outdoor spaces that enhance lake living, and quality throughout that justifies waterfront pricing.
I've helped families navigate this whether they're buying their dream lake home or getting their current place ready to sell. Understanding what drives buyers helps you make smart choices that maximize both enjoyment and value.
Ready to find your perfect waterfront home or get your lake property ready for today's market? Let's talk about what works in our northern suburbs waterfront market.
Reach out to the Ornell Group for trusted guidance as you explore your real estate options in on the water.
I've helped families navigate this whether they're buying their dream lake home or getting their current place ready to sell. Understanding what drives buyers helps you make smart choices that maximize both enjoyment and value.
Ready to find your perfect waterfront home or get your lake property ready for today's market? Let's talk about what works in our northern suburbs waterfront market.
Reach out to the Ornell Group for trusted guidance as you explore your real estate options in on the water.
