Going Back in Time – A guide to Real Estate in Hayward WI
Have you ever been on the lake boating with your parents and they said, “Yup, We looked at that land back in the 1970’s but thought it was too much money.” “What was the price?” “$14,500 for a lot on Grindstone Lake.”
Take a look into the past, and see what homes and land were selling for back in the 1970’s. What are they worth now?
A Guide To Real Estate, 1976 Hayward, WI

7778 N Grindstone Landing Road, Hayward, WI, $475,000: This 0.77 acre lot is Sawyer County zoning-approved to build a cabin or home. Site is close to the boat landing and offers a beach area on premiere Grindstone Lake. A full recreational lake for great boating, swimming, and fishing.
Vacant Waterfront Lots
In today’s world, it is a rarity to find vacant land on a beautiful lake in Sawyer County. The town of Winter seems to have a few more options, but anything near Hayward and the surrounding towns is slim pickings and moves very quickly if priced right and appealing to buyers. As you can see, lake lots were viewed as pricey back in the day; however, compared to today’s market, are now viewed as dirt cheap. Those who thought about purchasing back then maybe wished they would have done so. People still say land is an investment! What will prices be in 20 or more years from now, only the future holds the answer.

Hayward Lakes Realty listing guide, vintage issue
Waterfront Homes and Cabins
Lake homes and cabins these days are worth far more than lots and land, ranging from $150k to several million dollars. Comparing the smaller lakes of Beaver, Murray, and Lake Hayward, it is not uncommon to pay $200k to $600k for similar properties that were previously posted on the Lakes Realty listing guide above. If looking for larger, more prestigious lakes in our area, the price significantly increases. Not all lakes, despite the size, are fully recreational, so it’s important to check the DNR website and verify with your local real estate agents before making an offer.
Condos
Resorts are considered a commercial property, and you’ll seldom find for sale these days. Throughout the years, most cabins in these once-popularized resorts have been sold off individually to private owners. Associations may still remain in effect for the purposes of lawn maintenance, snow removal, and garbage removal. Condo rules and regulations can also apply to maintain the use of the premises and provide owners a feeling of security knowing rules are enforced for the peace and enjoyment of all.
Buyers need to be aware condo rentals may be restricted due to association bylaws, so may not allow short term rentals. Learn more about potential condo association restrictions in Wisconsin.
Also, if you have a pet and are considering purchasing a condo, check condo covenants for any pet-related rules.
Most of the condos you see online when searching will be either a 3-season or 4-season cabin. This article Lake Homes and Cabins in Northwest Wisconsin discusses the difference between these two types of cabins and how to discern these differences when looking online or in person. A knowledgeable realtor can also help guide you, if you have an interest or questions about modifying a cabin from a 3-season to a 4-season home. Realtors will be familiar with the changes required.

9549 N Tanglewood Parkway, Hayward, WI, $165,000: This newly framed 1200 square foot, one-level home with crawl space is ready for completion. The 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on 1.95 acres located amongst the trees has septic and electric onsite along with a rough-in driveway.
New Construction
To build a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with an unfinished basement, like the one referenced on 1.5 acres in the Lakes Realty listing guide above on Tanglewood Parkway, estimate $300 per square foot at this time. With the cost of materials and labor charges, many of the local builders in this area will have similar-priced build quotes. When sourcing out builders, learn the lead times for completion, as that may differ from builder to builder. Find a reputable builder who does quality work. Check with friends, family, neighbors, local establishments, or realtors for recommendations.
A Piece of the Past
Here at Route 63 Realty, we hope the nostalgia of this article has been of interest! Feel free to share it with others in the area. Having a piece of the past to reference what homes and land were valued at 50 years ago is quite a treasure. Those who lived through those days and remember how much their first home was or what the cost was to build a home will maybe get a chuckle. I am sure many are wondering what prices will be in another 10, 20, or 30 years from now!

Stop by or give us a call at Route 63 Realty in Hayward, Wisconsin 715-558-7846. Our staff are readily available to help answer any questions you may have.
“Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together One Route at a Time!” – Route 63 Realty

