MN Real Estate and Management LLC

08/14/2026

PLEASE BE AWARE — VACATION RENTAL SCAM ALERT

It is with great regret that I have to post this, but I want to make people aware of a very common scam taking place on Facebook and encourage everyone to be extremely careful.

Today, I received a phone call from a woman who was almost scammed out of several thousand dollars while trying to book a vacation rental she found on Facebook. I wanted to take a few minutes to explain how this scam works because, unfortunately, there is very little legitimate property managers can do to completely prevent it.

In this particular case, the scammer took a link from one of my successful VRBO vacation rentals and created a Facebook listing using that. Everything about the property itself was legitimate — except the person claiming to manage it.

Fortunately, the potential guest did some research. She looked through the legitimate VRBO listing, saw my name repeatedly in the reviews, and realized that I was the actual property manager. She contacted me before sending any money.

Here is how the scam works:

The scammers advertise a legitimate vacation rental on Facebook and claim they are the property manager or owner. Once a potential guest contacts them, they may tell the guest that they can book through VRBO or another legitimate platform, but that they can “save them money” by booking directly.

They then send the guest a fake rental agreement and ask them to send money directly through PayPal, Venmo, bank transfer, or another payment method. Once they receive the money, they disappear.

This is a particularly disgusting scam because it can cost families thousands of dollars. I have also heard stories of people traveling hundreds of miles, arriving at the property for their vacation, and discovering that they never actually rented it — and that legitimate guests are already staying there.

Facebook absolutely can be a legitimate place for property managers and owners to market vacation rentals. We advertise properties there ourselves. However, you must verify who you are dealing with before sending money.

Whenever possible, book through a legitimate OTA such as Airbnb or VRBO, or through a verified direct-booking website belonging to the actual property manager or owner.

A legitimate professional property manager should have an established website, verifiable contact information, legitimate reviews, and a secure payment system. Be extremely cautious if someone claiming to manage a property asks you to send money outside of their normal booking and payment system.

I personally take many direct bookings by phone, especially from repeat guests, referrals, and people who already know and trust us. Direct booking itself is not the problem. The important thing is verifying that you are actually dealing with the legitimate owner or property manager before sending any money.

Thankfully, this woman did exactly that and called me before she paid the scammer.

For those of us who legitimately work in the vacation-rental industry, it is incredibly frustrating to see scammers steal our listings, impersonate legitimate businesses, and potentially take thousands of dollars from unsuspecting families.

Please be careful. Verify the property. Verify the manager. Verify the website. And never send money simply because someone on Facebook is offering you a deal that sounds better than the legitimate listing.

LOL to drive the point home I had AI create us a scary anti-scammer pic.

05/14/2026

We wanted to share the property tour video I put together. This is a truly unique opportunity on North Long Lake, offering over 3 acres of land, exceptional privacy, and some very unique possibilities for the right buyer.

10251 County Road 127 • Nisswa, MN
Offered at $899,000
List #: 7045922

Set on over 3 private wooded acres with 97 feet of shoreline on beautiful North Long Lake, this exceptional lake property delivers the rare combination of privacy, expansive lake views, oversized storage, and true up-north lake living.

This well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offers over 2,050 finished square feet and has been thoughtfully updated for both full-time living and vacation enjoyment. The open-concept main level features a spacious kitchen, dining area, and living room positioned to capture stunning lake views from nearly every angle.

We wanted to share the property tour video I put together. In it, I do something I rarely do, which is give my personal opinion on what I believe I would do

05/14/2026

Great Lake Home on Platte & Sullivan

Welcome to this fully remodeled four-bedroom lake home offering nearly 200 feet of shoreline on beautiful Platte Lake. Located approximately 90 miles north of the Twin Cities and only minutes from Mille Lacs Lake, this property combines privacy, recreation, convenience, and exceptional lakefront living.

With over $250,000 in upgrades, this property is designed for both relaxation and entertaining. The home features panoramic lake views, a sandy shoreline, and multiple outbuildings that make it ideal as a full-time residence, seasonal getaway, or potential vacation rental investment.

MLS # 7029501

Click below to watch the videos!

Welcome to this fully remodeled four-bedroom lake home offering nearly 200 feet of shoreline on beautiful Platte Lake. Located approximately 90 miles north of

05/14/2026

RARE MILLE LACS OPPORTUNITY

Rare opportunity on Mille Lacs Lake! Those who truly know the lake understand how valuable protected channels are. With less than 2% of homes on Mille Lacs offering protection from the lake’s powerful waves and storms, channel properties are highly sought after — and this one also includes a large pole barn and exceptional boat storage.

This fully furnished, turnkey vacation home is ready for the next owner to start enjoying the Mille Lacs lifestyle immediately. Whether you are looking for a year-round residence or a weekend getaway this property is set up and ready to go.

The property includes four lots, a dock, oversized pole barn, and guest bunkhouse. The nearly 2,000 sq. ft. pole barn offers outstanding storage space, with one side heated. Currently a game room but built to be a shop with a water source.

The area is packed with year-round activities including golfing, hiking trails, state parks, snowmobile trails, world-class fishing, casino entertainment, restaurants, and endless adventures. There is ample parking inside and out for boats, trailers, RVs and more!

An exceptional opportunity to own a highly desirable protected-channel property on Mille Lacs Lake.

MLS Listing #7072945

Click below to watch the property video!

Rare opportunity on Mille Lacs Lake! Those who truly know the lake understand how valuable protected channels are. With less than 2% of homes on Mille Lacs

05/07/2026

Travel isn’t a trip anymore, it’s a lifestyle.
In the past, travel meant hotels and quick stays. Now, people are “living” in places temporarily, working remotely, staying longer, and experiencing destinations like locals.

This shift has blurred the line between home and vacation. It’s no longer just about where you go, but how you stay. From weekend escapes to month-long retreats, people are redefining what “home” feels like, even if it’s temporary.

05/06/2026

BTW, we have just added a new local, talented and vetted service provider to directory. One way we thank the folks who help our clients is by actively referring them to others with no strings attached! We hope to be mutually beneficial for everyone! The link is below if you need help with anything!

We have spent years developing trusted relationships with some of the best local service providers in the Brainerd Lakes Area. If you ever need help with your property—whether it’s maintenance, repairs, improvements, or an urgent situation—don’t hesitate to reach out. There’s a strong likelihood we already have a reliable, proven contact who can step in and get the job done right.

Our philosophy is centered on community and being a resource in every aspect of property ownership. Whether we’re helping clients buy or sell lake homes, manage residential properties, or develop short-term rentals, we’ve consistently seen how challenging it can be to find dependable contractors and service providers—especially when timing matters most. Over the years, we’ve built a network of trusted “go-to” professionals who show up, communicate, and deliver. We’re proud to share those relationships as a way to create value for our clients and support the local businesses that help make this community strong.

We have spent years developing trusted relationships with some of the best local service providers in the Brainerd Lakes Area. If you ever need help with your

05/03/2026

Sun, water, and surprisingly smart economics.

Vacation trends have shifted big time over the years. More people are choosing lakeside getaways for privacy, space, and that “escape from reality” feeling. What’s interesting is how seasonal demand spikes, especially during summer, can outperform steady, long-term rental income in certain locations. It’s all about timing, demand, and experience-driven travel.

Whether you're into real estate or just love a good lakeside vacation, this is one of those trends that shows how lifestyle and economics collide in the most unexpected ways.

04/25/2026

Stay longer. Live better. Stress less.
Looking for a flexible place to stay without the long term commitment? Our midterm rental program offers the perfect balance between short stays and long term comfort. Whether you are relocating, working temporarily, building your dream home, or just need a peaceful getaway, we have fully managed lake properties ready for you.

Enjoy fully furnished homes, utilities included, and a seamless booking experience for stays from one to six months. From cozy cabins to spacious lakefront homes, there is something for every lifestyle and budget.

This program is ideal for traveling professionals, families in transition, and anyone seeking a relaxed stay surrounded by Minnesota’s beautiful lakes. With monthly inspections and full service management, both guests and owners enjoy a hassle free experience.

Explore premium stays near stunning locations like Mille Lacs Lake, Crosslake, and Breezy Point while you plan your next move or simply enjoy a change of scenery.

If you are also exploring lake homes for sale Mille Lacs, this is a great way to experience the area before making a long term decision.

04/22/2026

More value. Better results. Lake life done right.
Dreaming of lake life in Minnesota? Whether you are looking to buy your perfect getaway, sell for top dollar, or turn your property into a high-performing vacation rental, we make it happen with proven strategies and real results.

From luxury lake homes to smart investment properties, our team specializes in helping clients maximize value every step of the way. With expert marketing, strong negotiation, and hands-on experience, we consistently deliver outcomes that outperform the market.

Looking for cabins on lake Mille Lacs for sale or a peaceful retreat near the water? We know the best spots, hidden opportunities, and how to secure the right deal for you.

Want to earn from your property too? We help homeowners generate significant rental income while keeping their lake home ready for personal use. It is the perfect balance of lifestyle and investment.

No pressure. No gimmicks. Just honest advice and results that speak for themselves.

Start your lake journey today.

04/07/2026

The Soundtrack of the Lake!
One of the most iconic sounds of northern lakes is the haunting call of the loon. For many people, hearing it across the water instantly brings back memories of peaceful nights by the lake.

Loons are incredible birds. Their calls aren’t random sounds — they’re actually part of a sophisticated communication system. Different calls can signal warnings, help locate family members, or mark territory.

The famous “laughing” call, often heard at night, is usually a territorial signal telling other loons to keep their distance. Meanwhile, the softer hoots are often used between parents and chicks to stay connected across the water.

Loons are also amazing divers. They can dive up to 200 feet deep and stay underwater for over a minute while hunting fish.

Because they need clean water and healthy fish populations to survive, loons are often considered indicators of a healthy lake ecosystem.

So the next time you hear that eerie, beautiful call echoing across the lake at night, remember — it’s not just a sound. It’s part of one of nature’s most fascinating lake traditions.