Scott McKinney of McKinney Realty has been serving the people of the Hayward/Cable area for the past 10 years. Scott was kind enough to take a few moments out of his busy schedule to talk with LakeshoreDreams.com to answer a few questions.
LD:
How did you get started in the real estate business?
McKinney: My father stated this brokerage 31 years ago. When I was 27, I was living in Twin Cities, working at a job that I didn't particularly care for. I considered moving home and maybe starting grad school when my father offered me a position at the brokerage. He told me that if things didn't work out grad school would still be there waiting. So I took a shot. I joined my dad's team in 96 and within 8 months I earned my license and received my first commission. After that the rest, as they say, was history. I was hooked.
LD: What do you find to be most rewarding about your job?
McKinney: I never liked being stuck behind a desk. I like to go out and about to learn more about the people I'm working with and the property I'm showing. Working in and traveling around the area has given me a unique insight to the area. There is just something about Hayward that just makes people feel good when they're in the area. That's what keeps them coming back.
That's why I work closely with my clients and try to understand them. Together we discover how they want to use the lake because sometimes they're not sure about it themselves.
LD: You mentioned earlier that Hayward has a way of making people feel good. Why?
McKinney: Well, there are the more obvious reasons, the beautiful forests and lakes are abundant in this area. But the thing I think most people overlook is the people here. On average, there are about 800 people who live in Hayward year round. During the peak season, you can usually count on 4 to 5 times that amount. The residents here make all visitors feel like they are part of the community. For example, we have a lighted Christmas parade every year in Cable. Now there are only two streets that run through Cable, but there is always a large turnout, over 20 floats, and the volunteers who work it. That's the kind of attitude the forest puts you in. Everyone feels welcome here.
LD: What kind of growth do you see coming to the Hayward/Cable area?
McKinney: It's been pretty steady as of late. No real big contractors or developments; maybe a few 4 plot and 8 plot subdivision here and there. Property value has been steadily on the rise, maybe about 12-15%. It's leveled off some now, but that's still quite an impressive increase.
LD: What are some of the more popular lakes out in your area?
Mckinney: The big ones are Hayward, Round, Grindstone, and Lac Courte Oreilles. The smallest lots on those lakes can run from $300,000-$500,000. The good news is that the property values on the homes around the smaller lakes are on the rise as well because of the big name lakes. But what it really comes down to is what you want to do on the lake.
The smaller lakes good for tranquility, nice views and quiet water sports like canoeing. The bigger lakes have tranquility and the views as well, but have the room necessary for larger water sports, jet skiing and boating.
For more information on properties in the Hayward Lakes region please visit Scott McKinney's listing page on LakeshoreDreams.com.
