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Looking for a large acreage lot in the South Metro? Consider Cardinal Pass.
Buying acreage is fundamentally different from purchasing a traditional lot in a subdivision. There are unique considerations, potential challenges, and opportunities that first-time acreage buyers need to understand before making what's likely one of the largest investments of their lives.
If you're considering acreage lots in Prior Lake—particularly in the Credit River area at Cardinal Pass —this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process with confidence.
When you see listings for 2.5 to 4+ acre lots, it can be hard to visualize what that actually means in practical terms. Let's break it down.
One Acre Basics
Cardinal Pass Lot Sizes in Context:
A 2.5-acre lot provides approximately 108,900 square feet. That's enough space for:
A 4-acre lot offers 174,240 square feet, allowing for even more extensive amenities or simply more privacy and natural space around your home.
The actual usable space depends on several factors beyond total acreage:
Lot Shape and Configuration
Two 3-acre lots can feel very different depending on their shape. A long, narrow lot provides different building opportunities than a more square configuration.
Topography
Steep slopes, wetlands, or other natural features can affect how much of your acreage is practically usable for buildings, lawns, and amenities.
Setbacks and Buildable Areas
Local regulations require certain distances from property lines, roads, and easements. Understanding your buildable envelope is crucial.
Natural Features
Mature trees, water features, and rock outcroppings can be assets or challenges depending on your plans and preferences.
Once you've selected your lot, proper site planning ensures you maximize its potential while avoiding costly mistakes.
Where you position your home on your acreage affects everything else. Key considerations include:
Views and Orientation
Driveway Length and Access
Topography and Grading
Utility Access
Quality site planning typically requires professional input:
Surveyors
Essential for understanding exact property boundaries, easements, and creating accurate topographic information for planning.
Civil Engineers
Often required for grading plans, drainage design, and utility planning, especially on properties with challenging topography.
Architects or Designers
Help integrate your home design with site conditions to create cohesive indoor-outdoor living.
Landscape Architects
Valuable for larger acreage properties where landscaping, drainage, and outdoor spaces are complex.
Arc Properties works regularly with all these professionals and can provide recommendations based on 35+ years of development experience in the South Metro.
Unlike city lots where utilities are straightforward, acreage properties can have more complex utility situations. Here's what Prior Lake acreage buyers should understand:
Municipal Water (More Common in Prior Lake)
Well Water
Municipal Sewer (Where Available)
Septic Systems
Natural Gas
May or may not be available depending on location. Alternatives include propane (common on acreage) or all-electric systems.
Electric Service
Most Prior Lake acreage has standard electric service available. Some buyers add whole-house generators for backup power.
Internet and Communication
High-speed internet availability varies. Options may include cable, fiber (increasingly available), DSL, or satellite services. Research this carefully if you work from home.
Building a custom home on acreage typically takes longer than construction on standard subdivision lots. Understanding the timeline helps you plan appropriately.
Pre-Construction (3-6 months)
Permitting (1-3 months)
Site Work (2-8 weeks)
Construction (12-18 months for luxury custom homes)
Total Timeline: 18-24+ months from lot purchase to move-in is typical for custom luxury homes on acreage.
Quality developments like Cardinal Pass typically have building guidelines designed to protect property values and ensure community standards. Understanding these before you purchase is important.
Minimum Home Size
Many acreage developments require minimum square footage to maintain property values and community character.
Architectural Standards
Guidelines may address exterior materials, roof styles, and overall design aesthetic to create cohesion while allowing individuality.
Outbuilding Regulations
Rules about detached garages, sheds, and other structures ensure they complement the main home and don't negatively impact neighbors.
Landscaping Requirements
Minimum landscaping standards and maintenance expectations keep the community attractive.
These restrictions aren't meant to limit your vision—they're designed to protect your investment by ensuring all homes in the development meet quality standards. Cardinal Pass's guidelines balance freedom for custom design with protection of community character.
Not every custom home builder is experienced with acreage properties. The right builder makes all the difference in creating a home that maximizes your lot's potential while avoiding costly mistakes.
Experience with Acreage Properties
Builders who primarily work in subdivisions may not understand the unique challenges and opportunities of acreage lots. Look for demonstrated experience with similar properties.
Site Planning Expertise
The best acreage builders think beyond just the house, considering how the home, outbuildings, outdoor spaces, and landscaping work together across your entire property.
Luxury Custom Home Portfolio
If you're building a luxury home with premium amenities, choose builders with proven experience delivering high-end finishes and complex features.
Clear Communication and Process
Building custom takes time. You need a builder who communicates clearly, provides realistic timelines, and keeps you informed throughout the process.
Cardinal Pass has partnered with Homes by Moderno, a custom home builder specializing in luxury acreage properties throughout the South Metro. Homes by Moderno brings deep experience in creating custom homes that take full advantage of acreage lots, from site planning through final finishes.
This exclusive partnership ensures Cardinal Pass homeowners work with a builder who understands the vision for the community and has the expertise to deliver exceptional results.
Financing acreage and custom construction is more complex than buying an existing home. Understanding your options helps you plan appropriately.
Cash Purchase
The simplest option if you have the resources. Owning your lot outright provides flexibility in timing your construction.
Land Loans
Specialized loans for land purchase typically require 20-50% down payments and may have higher interest rates than traditional mortgages.
Home Equity
Using equity from an existing home to purchase land is common, though it requires careful planning if you need to sell your current home before moving.
Construction-to-Permanent Loans
These convert from construction financing to a traditional mortgage once the home is complete, requiring only one closing.
Construction-Only Loans
Short-term loans covering the building period, then refinanced into a permanent mortgage upon completion.
Builder Financing
Some builders offer financing programs or can connect you with lenders familiar with their process.
Work with lenders experienced in acreage construction loans. The process is more complex than traditional home purchases, and experienced lenders make it smoother.
Choosing Cardinal Pass means choosing Prior Lake—and that decision comes with significant advantages for acreage buyers.
Prior Lake consistently ranks among the South Metro's most desirable communities for good reason:
Prior Lake's established reputation and limited land availability support stable property values. When you invest in acreage here, you're investing in a proven market with strong fundamentals.
Unlike rural areas where services can be limited, Prior Lake provides:
The Credit River area specifically offers a more established, mature feel than newer development areas. You're buying into an area with proven desirability and character.
Beyond your lot purchase, expect:
Total investment for lot, luxury home, and site improvements at Cardinal Pass typically ranges from mid-six figures to well over $1 million depending on your vision.
Consider:
Arc Properties will walk you through each Cardinal Pass lot's characteristics to help match you with the perfect property.
After lot closing, plan for 3-6 months of design, permitting, and preparation before construction actually begins. Patience in this phase pays off with better results.
Many buyers secure their lot well before they're ready to build. Land is an appreciating asset, and securing your preferred lot location now makes sense even if construction is years away.
Buying acreage in Prior Lake's Credit River area is a significant decision that affects your lifestyle, daily routine, and long-term financial picture. Cardinal Pass offers a rare combination of genuine acreage, convenient location, and quality development that's difficult to find in the South Metro.
Acreage living is ideal if you:
Cardinal Pass specifically is ideal if you:
If you're seriously considering acreage in Prior Lake, here's how to move forward:
1. Contact Arc Properties
Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals, budget, and timeline. We'll provide detailed information about available Cardinal Pass lots.
2. Visit the Property
See Cardinal Pass in person to understand the location, topography, and character of the development.
3. Review Lot Options
We'll walk you through the specific characteristics of available lots to help you identify the best fit for your plans.
4. Connect with Homes by Moderno
Meet with our exclusive builder partner to discuss your vision and get a sense of the building process and costs.
5. Secure Your Lot
Once you've identified your preferred lot, move quickly to reserve it before someone else does.
With only 12 lots at Cardinal Pass and lots moving quickly, now is the time to begin your acreage journey.
Buying acreage in Prior Lake's Credit River area represents more than just a real estate transaction—it's an investment in a lifestyle. Cardinal Pass offers the rare combination of genuine space, convenient access, quality development, and partnership with experienced professionals who understand acreage living.
