Lakeville · Buying a Home

Buying a Home in Lakeville: New Construction and the I-35 Commute

A clear plan for buying your next home in Minnesota, from the first conversation to the keys in your hand.

Buying a home in Lakeville

Lakeville is the largest city in Dakota County and still growing. I'm Lesley, a REALTOR® with Bridge Realty, and we help buyers here, especially those building new.

What should I know before buying a home in Lakeville? New construction is common, so many buyers work with a builder, and the builder's sales consultant does not represent you. Also weigh the distance: both downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul are about 20 miles north on Interstate 35.

If you are buying new construction

  • Bring your own agent to the first visit. Builders often require your agent to register with you then.
  • Read the builder's contract. It is written by the builder. We review deadlines, deposits, and what happens if the home is late.
  • Price the upgrades. The base price rarely includes what you saw in the model.
  • Inspect anyway. A new home still benefits from an independent inspection before closing.

Prefer an existing home? Look near Lake Marion, Orchard Lake, and the historic downtown. Three school districts serve different parts of the city, so we confirm the district for each address.

How we help Lakeville buyers

We set your budget, compare builders and existing homes, and test your commute. See how we help buyers and buying a home in Minnesota. Selling a home to move up? Read our page for move-up buyers. Our Lakeville page covers parks and schools, and we also work in Bloomington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an agent to buy new construction in Lakeville?

It is strongly recommended. The builder's consultant represents the builder. Bring your own agent on your first visit.

How long is the commute from Lakeville?

Both downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul are about 20 miles north on Interstate 35. Drive it at rush hour before you decide.

Which school districts serve Lakeville?

Lakeville Area Schools serves most of the city. Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan and Farmington districts serve parts of it.

Homes For Sale In Lakeville

See every home on the market in Lakeville right now, updated from the MLS.

Lakeville

What buying a home looks like in Lakeville

Lakeville is the largest city in Dakota County, about 20 miles south of both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul on Interstate 35, with more than 60 parks.

Lakeville is a fast-growing south metro city with newer neighborhoods, a historic downtown, and Lake Marion at its center.

The homes
Newer neighborhoods and active new construction in a city of more than 38 square miles.
Schools people ask about
Lakeville Area Schools serves most of the city, and Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan and Farmington serve parts. Confirm the district for any address.
Getting around
Interstate 35 is the main route north. It splits into Interstate 35W toward Minneapolis and Interstate 35E toward St. Paul, each roughly 20 miles away.
Nearby
Lake Marion, Ritter Farm Park, more than 60 parks, and Airlake Industrial Park on the south side.
The trade-off
A newer home for the price, with a longer drive to either downtown.