By Larson Group
We work with buyers and sellers across Crosslake, Breezy Point, Pequot Lakes, and Nisswa, and one thing we see consistently is how much the outdoor space shapes a buyer's first impression — and their final offer. In a market like the Brainerd Lakes Area, where buyers are choosing between properties specifically for the outdoor lifestyle, a well-designed backyard can be the detail that tips a sale. Whether you're planning to sell in the next year or simply want to invest wisely in your property, knowing which backyard renovations actually move the needle on home value is worth your time. We've seen it play out in listings across the Whitefish Chain, and the results are clear: the right outdoor upgrades pay.
Key Takeaways
- Patios, decks, and fire pits consistently deliver strong returns in lake country markets
- Landscaping upgrades can recover their full cost — and then some — at resale
- Buyers in the Brainerd Lakes Area prioritize outdoor entertaining space
- Not all backyard projects are equal; some cost more than they return
Why Outdoor Space Matters More in a Lakes Market
In most real estate markets, outdoor space is a nice bonus. In Crosslake and the surrounding Brainerd Lakes Area, it's a primary driver of value. Buyers looking at lake homes and cabins on the Whitefish Chain or Gull Lake Chain are buying into a lifestyle — and that lifestyle happens outdoors.
Properties with functional, polished outdoor spaces consistently sell faster and attract stronger offers than comparable homes with neglected yards. When buyers can picture themselves on a lakeside deck or gathered around a fire pit on a cool Minnesota evening, the emotional connection to the property deepens.
Properties with functional, polished outdoor spaces consistently sell faster and attract stronger offers than comparable homes with neglected yards. When buyers can picture themselves on a lakeside deck or gathered around a fire pit on a cool Minnesota evening, the emotional connection to the property deepens.
The outdoor features buyers in this market prioritize:
- Covered decks or screened porches that extend the usable season
- Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces for fall and shoulder-season entertaining
- Well-maintained lawn and landscaping that frames the property
- Patios with defined seating and dining areas
- Outdoor lighting for evening ambiance and safety
Decks and Patios: The Highest-Return Outdoor Projects
Few backyard renovations deliver a more reliable return than a quality deck or patio. According to the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, a wood deck addition recoups roughly 83% of its cost at resale, while refurbishing an existing deck can return up to 400% because repair costs are far lower than new construction. For Crosslake homes where outdoor entertaining is a year-round consideration — from summer boating to fall bonfires — a well-built deck is rarely a hard sell to buyers.
Composite decking has become a top choice in 2025 because it requires minimal upkeep, which matters to buyers who want to enjoy their lake home rather than maintain it. Low-maintenance materials are a strong selling point, particularly in a vacation and second-home market.
Composite decking has become a top choice in 2025 because it requires minimal upkeep, which matters to buyers who want to enjoy their lake home rather than maintain it. Low-maintenance materials are a strong selling point, particularly in a vacation and second-home market.
What to focus on for maximum deck ROI:
- Composite or pressure-treated wood that holds up to Minnesota winters
- Built-in seating, lighting, and storage to increase functionality
- A layout that connects naturally to interior living spaces
- Safety railings that meet current code requirements
Fire Pits, Landscaping, and Finishing Touches
A fire pit is one of the most cost-effective backyard upgrades available, with an average return of around 78% — and that figure climbs when the fire pit uses quality stone or brick and includes built-in seating. In the Brainerd Lakes Area, where evenings cool quickly even in summer, a fire pit extends the time buyers can picture themselves enjoying a property well past Labor Day.
Professional landscaping is one of the most overlooked investments sellers make before listing. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, professional landscaping can boost resale value by 15–20%. For a Crosslake property priced at $500,000, that's a potential gain of $75,000–$100,000 — a significant return on a relatively modest investment.
Professional landscaping is one of the most overlooked investments sellers make before listing. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, professional landscaping can boost resale value by 15–20%. For a Crosslake property priced at $500,000, that's a potential gain of $75,000–$100,000 — a significant return on a relatively modest investment.
High-value landscaping upgrades for Crosslake properties:
- Native Minnesota plants and trees that require minimal watering and care
- Defined beds with clean edging along driveways and entryways
- Outdoor lighting along walkways and around the deck or patio
- An irrigation system, which the NAR estimates recovers 83% of its cost
Upgrades That Often Cost More Than They Return
Not every backyard project makes financial sense before a sale. In-ground pools are a good example — they typically recoup less than half their cost and add significant maintenance burden. In a market like Crosslake where lake access is already part of the lifestyle, a private pool rarely adds the value it would in a landlocked suburban market.
Overly personalized features — elaborate outdoor kitchens loaded with custom cabinetry, pizza ovens, and wine coolers — can also fall short if they appeal to a narrow slice of buyers. A functional grill station with durable countertops and storage tends to perform better than a full-scale kitchen build because it reads as versatile rather than specific to one owner's preferences.
Overly personalized features — elaborate outdoor kitchens loaded with custom cabinetry, pizza ovens, and wine coolers — can also fall short if they appeal to a narrow slice of buyers. A functional grill station with durable countertops and storage tends to perform better than a full-scale kitchen build because it reads as versatile rather than specific to one owner's preferences.
Backyard projects to approach with caution before selling:
- In-ground pools, which require high maintenance and appeal to a smaller buyer pool
- Highly custom outdoor kitchens with specialty appliances
- Elaborate water features that need professional maintenance
- Pergolas and shade structures built for a specific aesthetic that may not transfer
FAQs
How much value does a deck add to a home in the Brainerd Lakes Area?
A well-built deck typically recoups 80–85% of its cost at resale nationally, and in lifestyle markets like Crosslake where outdoor entertaining is central to the buying decision, the return can be even stronger. The key is choosing durable, low-maintenance materials and a design that connects naturally to the home's interior.
Should I renovate my backyard before listing my Crosslake home?
It depends on the condition of your current outdoor space. Fresh landscaping, a clean deck or patio, and functional outdoor lighting tend to deliver strong returns for relatively modest investment. We can walk through your property with you and help identify which improvements will make the biggest difference for buyers in your price range.
Does landscaping really affect the sale price of a home?
Yes — consistently. The American Society of Landscape Architects estimates that professional landscaping can increase resale value by 15–20%, and the NAR's data shows that a standard landscaping upgrade recovers its full cost at resale. In the Brainerd Lakes Area, where properties compete on outdoor lifestyle appeal, a well-maintained yard is one of the first things buyers notice.
Sell Your Crosslake Home With the Larson Group
The Larson Group has been helping sellers across Crosslake, Breezy Point, Pequot Lakes, and Nisswa for nearly four decades, and we know exactly what buyers in this market respond to. We can help you assess your property's outdoor space, identify the improvements worth making before you list, and price your home to reflect every dollar you've invested. When you're ready to put your property on the market, we're ready to go to work. Reach out to us to learn more about how we prepare and position Crosslake homes for sale.
