MLBO Real Estate: A Guide to Buying and Selling a Home
Step-by-step information to help Mille Lacs Band members prepare, list, purchase, and close on a home.
Whether you are preparing to sell your home or looking to purchase one, understanding the process is an important first step. This page provides Mille Lacs Band members with guidance through every stage of buying or selling a home, with special attention to properties located on the Reservation. Below, you’ll find information about preparing a property for sale, determining land status, exploring financing options, and completing the steps needed to successfully close a transaction. Band members can also learn how to list homes for sale at no cost on the Inaajimowin Rez Real Estate Listing page, helping connect buyers and sellers within the Mille Lacs Band community.
Buying a Home
Assess Your Finances
Before purchasing a home, review your financial situation.
Key Steps:
Determine your budget based on income, savings, and expenses
Consider additional costs such as:
Homeowners insurance
Maintenance
Property taxes (if not on tribal trust land)
Check your credit score
Address any credit issues before applying
Mortgage Pre-Approval:
Getting pre-approved helps you:
Understand how much you can borrow
Strengthen your offer when buying a home
Research Financing Options:
Mille Lacs Band One-Time Home Loan Program:
Requires application and qualification: millelacsband.com/government/resources1/housing
Must meet income and debt-to-income requirements
Currently has a waiting list
HUD 184 Loan Program:
Available for Tribal fee or trust land
Offered through lenders such as Woodlands National Bank: woodlandsnationalbank.com/home-mortgages
Other Financing:
Homes off Tribal land may be financed through any lender of your choice
If approved and purchasing on Tribal fee or trust land:
Contact the Real Estate Department to apply for a land lease
Search for a Home
Once financing is in place:
Consider:
Number of bedrooms
Yard size
Garage space
Location
Schedule Showings and Take Notes On:
Property condition
Features you like and dislike
Make an Offer
After Selecting a Home:
Submit a formal offer
Negotiate price and terms if needed
Most Lenders Require:
A home inspection
An appraisal
These steps help protect both the buyer and seller.
Close the Sale
Once Your Offer is Accepted:
Final contracts and legal documents are signed
The sale is completed and processed
You receive the keys to your new home
At this point, you are officially a homeowner.
Final Note
Miigwech for taking the time to learn about the process of buying and selling a home through the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Real Estate website.
If there are questions regarding the MLBO Housing Department Home Loan program, contact Jamie Walock, 320-733-8272
If there are questions regarding the MLBO Land lease process, contact Brandi Sam, 320-364-3969
If there are questions regarding the HUD 184 Loan program, contact Woodlands National Bank, 888-532-4142
Selling Your Home
Prepare Your Home for Listing
To begin the process of selling your home, you must get the property ready to list and make the home presentable for potential buyers. This includes:
Repairs and Improvements:
Fix leaks
Repair broken tiles
Replace cracked windows
Address damaged flooring
Secure loose railings
Touch up paint
Replace lightbulbs
Detailed Cleaning and Decluttering:
Windows
Carpets
Walls and baseboards
Exterior of the home
Deep clean the home
Declutter living spaces
Pack up seasonal items
Clear walkways, drawers, cupboards, and countertops
Remove unnecessary items
Determine Land Status
Another important step is to determine the land status of your property before listing.
Your Home May Be Located On:
Private land
Tribal fee land
Trust land
Allotted land
The land status affects how the property can be sold and what steps must be followed.
Consider Appraisal and Real Estate Agent Support
Before listing your home, consider the following:
Appraisal: Provides an accurate estimate of your home’s value and helps set a realistic listing price. It may also highlight improvements that could increase value.
Real Estate Agent: Can assist with understanding the market, handling paperwork, and connecting you with inspectors, lenders, and title services.
List Your Property
To post your home on the Mille Lacs Band Real Estate page you must complete a listing form.
Required Information Includes:
Contact information
Property address and land status
Year built
Listing price
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Total square footage
Short property description
Photos of the home
The listing form must be completed and approved before your property is posted.
Market Your Home
Once Approved:
Your home will be listed on the Real Estate page on the Inaajimowin website.
A summary and photo will appear in the monthly Inaajimowin publication.
Additional Marketing Options You Can Utilize:
Yard signs
Flyers
Interested buyers will contact you directly to schedule showings or ask questions.
Review Offers and Close the Sale
When Offers Are Received:
Review each offer carefully
Negotiate price and terms if needed
Important Considerations:
Contracts and disclosures are required
You may want to consult a real estate attorney
You will work with lenders, title services, and the DNR Department of Real Estate
Once all documents are signed and closing is complete, ownership officially transfers to the buyer.