Buyers in Pelican Lake, Crosslake, and Lake Ossawinnamakee in Minnesota have plenty of opportunities to buy, but they are cautious, says a local Realtor.

"Inventory is low, so properties sell if priced right," says Realtor Diane Anderson. "Buyers are cautious. They want value for their dollar and are quick to see through properties priced too high."

Pelican Lake

"Nisswa and Pequot Lakes are to the west and Ossipee and Merrifield to the east," says Anderson. "Crosslake is to the north. It's 8,253 acres of beautiful blue water and crystal sand with depths of up to 104 feet. Pelican Lake is one the state's most desired lakes to be on with beautiful sugar-sand beaches.

"Breezy Point Resort is located on the northwest corner," she adds. "There are opportunities in the Breezy Point area for condos and time-shares with lake access or shared lakefront or channel access to Pelican.

"Many reasonably-priced lots are available in Breezy Point, suggests Anderson, with many nice homes being built in the under-$200,000 range.

"A new multi-million dollar school is being built nearby and the area is known for it's excellent schools," she says. "Expansion is everywhere and being only 20 miles north of Brainerd, you can 'live in the woods' yet be near everything you need."

Crosslake

Crosslake is both a lake and a city in north central Minnesota, says Anderson.

"Crosslake is 23 miles north and east of Brainerd. It's on the Whitefish chain of lakes which is over 14,000 acres of water with 14 connecting lakes," says Anderson. "Buyers are becoming more sophisticated. They are comparing more and are quick to see value. Baby boomers are looking for that retirement home in the lake country and there are only so many lakes."

Lake Ossawinnamakee

"Lake Ossawinnamakee is west and south of Crosslake," says Anderson. "It includes the communities of Ideal Corners and Breezy Point. It's 644 acres of lake with an astounding clarity of 18.5 feet. Lake Ossie is actually a chain of lakes navigable by small boat to Strawberry, Kimball, Bass, Star and Round."

She concludes, "If you can say 'Ossawinnamakee' (ah-saw-wan-na-mah-key') then you are a true native, but you can also call it Ossie and everyone will know what you mean. Ossie is actually a chain of five lakes that meanders peacefully through pine and hardwood forests with lots of hills -- a beautiful medium-sized lake with lots of variety, and many beautiful year-round homes tastefully decorated. It's truly the retirement dream."

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Published: December 24, 2003

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