Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Many buyers start from a distance. We can walk a property on video, send photos and documents, and help you line up inspections. Closings can often be handled by mail or with a remote notary, depending on the title company and your lender, so ask them early how they work with out-of-state buyers.

Usually yes, for homes on a plowed road. Cabins on private roads may need plowing first, and island property depends on safe ice. Winter is a good time to see how a place handles cold and snow. We share photos and video first, then plan a visit when access is safe.

International Falls, Rainy Lake, Littlefork, Big Falls and Northome are in Koochiching County. Ash River and Crane Lake, and most of Kabetogama, are in St. Louis County. Permits, taxes and septic rules go through the county where the property sits, so check this first.

In open water you need a boat and a place on the mainland to launch and park. In winter, travel depends on the ice, and around freeze-up and ice-out there are weeks when neither works well. Ask the seller how they get in, where they park and how supplies arrive.

Most homes and cabins outside town have a private well and septic system. Plan for a water test and a septic inspection before you close. Each county sets its own septic rules, and some require an inspection when a property sells. Ask the county which rules apply.

Land near lakes and rivers falls under shoreland rules. They cover how far buildings must sit from the water, how much you can clear and where a septic system can go. Rules differ by county and by lake, so ask the county zoning office before you plan to build or clear.

Use the Home Valuation page or call 805-558-9429. We look at recent sales and current listings near your property and get back to you with a price range and a plain talk about selling.

No. A valuation comes with no obligation. It gives you a price range based on recent sales, so you can decide when and whether to sell, with no pressure from us.

Open the report for your area from the home page or from any community page. It shows active listings, recent sales and price trends for that area, and you can sign up by email on the report page.