1. Take the time to list the following:

Five reasons I want to operate and own a resort.


Ten items I want to have in my resort (cabins, bar, food, etc.).
Ten items I do not want in my resort.

After doing these lists, sit down and compare them with your partners. You have determined the type of resort you want and can now help your REALTOR^® find that property that fits your need.
 

2. If you are in the area and out for a ride, stop and visit with me. I would be glad to show you my operation at Kingfisher.
3. When you view a resort with a REALTOR^®, bring your video camera (or any other camera) and ask if the seller will allow you to video the resort as you go through it. Please remember to ask before you tape. This is a valuable tool for you when you get home and begin to discuss your visit. It can aid you in your determination on conditions as you saw them, and basically help you to make a decision.
4. If you have questions, Ask... Ask... Ask! Only by asking questions can we, as Realtors, begin to aid you in your search. 
5. Cast iron pans tends to indicate fish are being caught.  This is from an old resort owner. 
6. When looking at a property, remember that the north shore tends to have less bugs in the summer with the prvailing winds blowing them inland. 
7. Ask the owner how they handle the fish remains.  Freeze, wrap in paper, bury, or grind to a holding tank. 
8. Are you handy?  Remember that there may be plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and moter repairs, not to mention possible dock repair in the spring. 
9. I would suggest one have inspections done on the water, septic, buildings and any other item you feel needs to be looked at.  these should be done by a third party who is qualified in those fields. A REALTOR can assist you in finding them 
10. How will you handle putting docks in and out? 
11. Is the size of the resort going to require you to hire help? would it be better to have the laundry done by an outside firm. 
12. How many docks do you have and or need?  Remember that more and more people are bringing their own boats and the newer boats are larger.  Can the docks handle them. 
13. A nice touch these days is to put ceiling fans into the cabins.  Sure helps on hot days if the cabins are not air-conditioned. 
14. Keep your linens in two places.  If one were to have a fire or other disaster, you may be still able to get right back into business. 
15. Be sure to have your ads reflect your mail and street location if they are different.  I speak from experience.  A map to the resort on your flyers along with the layout is a big plus. 
16. mark your batteries in the smoke detectors with the date they were installed.
17. Is a generator needed?  It sure can save the day if you can run a well, refrigerator, freezer or other items if the power goes out.
18. Filters on the septic system will kept unwanted items out of the drain field and make the entire system last longer.
19. Keep a chainsaw sharp for those unexpected storms.
20. Be up and current.  get an e-mail address and a homepage for the resort.  Register with people such as www.lodging.org
21. Offer discounts to past customers for new customers.  We do it and it really helps to fill the year out.
22. Arrange for a spot at your old home stomping area for a booth display if a sport shop puts on a fishing show over the winter and spring.
23. When you bury plastic water lines, run an 18 ga wire along with it so you can use a metal detector to find it later.
24. Remember to double check your water lines after you blow them out (to prep for winter on seasonal cabins.).  Wait a day or so and recheck for water at your drains.

Prepared by Bob Hartman, REALTOR^{®   CRS GRI RRS}

If you are ready to begin your search, let me as a REALTOR^® and RESORT OWNER, assist you in fulfilling your dream. Call me at 715-924-4200 or 715-924-4937 (at the resort) or e-mail me.