Rodney Sparks, GRI
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc
Owner/REALTOR®
Phone:
218-851-2687Fax:
218-927-4909Woods & Shores
12 Minnesota Avenue South
Aitkin, Minnesota 56431
Rodney Sparks is a national Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designee. He has completed the required curriculum covering a variety of subjects including professional standards, legal issues, sales and marketing, finance and risk reduction, technology and social media. Rodney joins other top REALTORS® in the residential real estate industry from across the nation who hold this designation. With this achievement, Rodney has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional service by securing a strong educational foundation of knowledge and skills to better navigate the real estate market and serve prospective clients and customers.
Rodney grew up in the St. Paul area and attended Century College in White Bear Lake. His career experience includes real estate sales and appraisal, information technology, marketing, management, and client service.
Rodney is Owner of Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc. and Your Preferred Appraisers, Inc. He is known for his powerful negotiation skills, creativity, “outside the box” marketing strategies and has an eye for taking photos that “sell”. Rodney takes pride in his attention to transaction details, follow-up and responsiveness.
In his spare time Rodney enjoys hiking, fishing, and photography. He is a published photographer with the International Library of Photography. Rodney is also an advocate of adoption, having been blessed with three adopted daughters and having founded and managed a non-profit organization helping orphaned children. Rodney and his wife, Kathy, make their home in Aitkin. They have six children and eight grandchildren.
$264,900
MLS# 5264433
For Sale
35628 500th Lane
Palisade, MN 56469
115.00 Acres | LL
Priced below county value. Amazing 115 plus acres with approx 300 feet of shore on the gorgeous Waukenabo Lake. You will be in awe touring the rolling land, the trails with stunning views around every corner, old growth woods with Cedar, Pi (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$180,000
MLS# 5255053
For Sale
18835 Driftwood Street
Mcgregor, MN 55760
160.00 Acres | LL
THIS IS IT! Your hunting or nature preserve dreams just came to life. This is a stunning 160 acres with all mixtures of land, a beautiful creek and ponds to make the perfect habitat for all wildlife MN has to offer. This is an old homestea (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$110,000
MLS# 5237019
For Sale
405th Place
Palisade, MN 56469
2.25 Acres | LL
IT IS ALL HERE! Everything your looking for in a vacation lake lot get away. You will love the privacy of this over 2 ac lot with 150 feet of sand and gravel shore, 1 / 15th interest in outlot steps away for access to thousands of acres o (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$69,000
MLS# 5237064
For Sale
32098 408th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
3.60 Acres | LL
Picture perfect or absolutely breathtaking! You decide! You are sure to be in awe at the wonderful views you will have if you build a cabin, build a home or just camp on this stunning private 3.60 acre Ripple River lot with with 147 feet of (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$25,000
MLS# 5223556
For Sale
Ripple Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
0.86 Acres | LL
In the heart of Aitkin you will find this gorgeous Ripple River lot with approximately 100 feet of frontage. One of the last opportunities in this development. Do not let it get away. Enjoy the stunning views! It is ready to build and has (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$264,900
MLS# 5143567
For Sale
35628 500th Lane
Palisade, MN 56469
115.00 Acres | LL
Priced below county value. Amazing 115 plus acres with approx 300 feet of shore on the gorgeous Waukenabo Lake. You will be in awe touring the rolling land, the trails with stunning views around every corner, old growth woods with Cedar, Pi (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$799,000
MLS# 5136772
For Sale
18th Street
Princeton, MN 55371
42.58 Acres | LL
Time to invest in the future, because the future is NOW! Princeton is growing and here is your opportunity to be a part of this exciting growth. Extraordinary development land. You can see Walmart from the corner of this 42.58 acre parcel. (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$340,000
MLS# 5136681
For Sale
9795 18th Street
Princeton, MN 55371
5 BR | 3 BA | 2,918 Sqft | SF
If only the trees could talk. Tucked in among the mighty Oaks, this over 100 year old home has a story to tell. Upgrades such as Geothermal heating / cooling and countless other upgrades bring it up to date with today's living. Enjoy 10 acr (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$69,000
MLS# 4998245
For Sale
35803 442nd Street
Aitkin, MN 56431
1 BR | 1 BA | 672 Sqft | SF
Gorgeous and very private Mississippi getaway. Stunning lot and river views are abundant along with great fishing and recreational opportunities. This family getaway has created years of great family and friends memories. Grey Wolf travel t (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$139,900
MLS# 4987971
For Sale
212th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
0.92 Acres | LL
Your own piece of paradise on Mille Lacs Lake with the option to purchase adjoining lake home (see MLS 4987849) Gated entrance ensures your privacy. This lot is 0.92 acre, has level elevation with 105 feet of shore. Located near the family (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$279,900
MLS# 4987849
For Sale
32382 212th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
3 BR | 1 BA | 1,590 Sqft | SF
Your own piece of paradise on Mille Lacs Lake with option to purchase adjoining lake lot (MLS 4987971) . Gated entrance ensures your privacy. Located on approx. 1.34 acre lot with 140 feet of level shore. This well built home has 3 beds, la (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$1,700,000
MLS# 4959216
For Sale
29715 Pioneer Ave
Aitkin, MN 56431
3 BR | 2 BA | 1,284 Sqft | SF
Rarest of all opportunities! The exquisite beauty of this property will take your breath away! The talk of this popular area, this pristine FARM ISLAND LAKE property is like no other. The highly anticipated opportunity to purchase has arriv (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$95,000
MLS# 4936055
For Sale
201 Southgate Drive
Aitkin, MN 56431
0.99 Acres | CMU
LOCATION IS THE KEY HERE! Located on almost an acre at the main entrance and exit of Aitkins Southgate Center and surrounded by many other businesses including hardware, department store, bar and restaurant, meat market and a full service (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$54,900
MLS# 4806644
For Sale
Ross Woodlands Road
Aitkin, MN 56431
1.49 Acres | LL
Affordable slice of paradise. Heavily wooded Ross lake lot with 198 feet of shore and 1.49 acres. Build a possible walkout home or just camp / Rv on this very beautiful lot and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. You have a true north woods fe (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$25,000
MLS# 5212571
Sold
260th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
5.17 Acres | LL
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$65,000
MLS# 5216431
Sold
445th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
21.23 Acres | LL
Incredible 21 plus acres located in the heart of it all. Just steps away from Farm Island Lake and backs up to state land.
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$55,000
MLS# 5216452
Sold
44573 276th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
7.87 Acres | LL
Absolutely gorgeous land and barn located across from Farm Island Lake and in the heart of it all.
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$112,000
MLS# 4858794
Sold
407th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
0.71 Acres | LL
Catch the Spirit of SPIRIT Lake. It is a special lake with a life time of memories waiting for you. You will enjoy the clear waters, beautiful shore and stunning views. Build your special getaway on the lakeside lot with room for a septic (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$135,000
MLS# 4990298
Sold
39192 315th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
1 Sqft | SF
Time to finish this cabin on this gorgeous 1.34 ac lot and make it your own! Enjoy a huge open floor plan or make some bedrooms and a bath. Cabin has many large windows and a 16x20 screened porch to enjoy the outdoors bug free and has easy (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$92,000
MLS# 4967173
Sold
35691 498th Street
Palisade, MN 56469
2 BR | 1 BA | 856 Sqft | SF
FINALLY! An affordable, VERY NICE cabin getaway with stunning shared shoreline on Waukenabo Lake and your own private dock. Turnkey cabin is very well maintained, knotty pine throughout with 2B / 1B, wood burning fireplace and open floor (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$99,500
MLS# 5025850
Sold
35922 500th Lane
Palisade, MN 56469
2 BR | 1 BA | 1,128 Sqft | SF
Great opportunity to get on lake Waukenabo without the lake taxes. Situated beautifully on the lot for great lake views with beach and dock just steps away on public land. You have full use of lakeshore without the lakeshore taxes. (Per res (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$40,000
MLS# 4913115
Sold
3554 State Hwy 23
Askov, MN 55704
3 BR | 1 BA | 1,180 Sqft | SF
Great location in Askov. Located on 6.25 Acres. Needs some TLC but has a newer furnace and plenty of potential.
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$161,900
MLS# 5016915
Sold
8362 Tuxedo Road, Unit 333
Onamia, MN 56359
2 BR | 3 BA | 1,040 Sqft | SF
JUST RELAX! Kick your feet up, listen to the waves and warm your feet by the new gas fireplace or relax on your deck or porch with amazing views and sounds. There is plenty to enjoy about this well-kept, updated and partially furnished Izat (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$165,000
MLS# 4977965
Sold
33584 366th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
1 BR | 1 BA | 816 Sqft | SF
Total escape. You will truly appreciate the privacy this property has to offer. 160 feet of stunning sandy level shore on the beautiful Sissabagamah Lake. Cabin is nestled nicely on the 1.95 acres with panoramic views. Everything in the ho (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$21,000
MLS# 4948028
Sold
309th Street
Aitkin, MN 56431
4.70 Acres | LL
LOCATION is the key here! Affordable building or camp site in the heart of the lakes area. 4.7 acres of beautiful private woods located minutes from Aitkin, across the road from Elm Island Lake and steps away from the public access. Enjoy t (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$225,000
MLS# 4976338
Sold
32382 318th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
1 BR | 468 Sqft | SF
Simply stunning! Perfect in many ways. You have been asking and now all that shoreline and acreage on the lake is here. Choose a simple cabin life to the modest or extravagant build. With 6.39 acres and 300 feet of gorgeous shoreline on the (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$175,000
MLS# 4965732
Sold
33378 364th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 1 BA | 656 Sqft | SF
Bring your dreams to life! Generations have loved this cabin and now it is your turn. Use as is or build your dream cabin / home on this stunning lot. Fiber internet line just installed a few yards away. You will enjoy the great privacy wit (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$345,000
MLS# 4977699
Sold
33656 450th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
3 BR | 2 BA | 1,059 Sqft | SF
Living the dream on Cedar Lake! Nestled on the waters edge, it just cannot get any better. But wait, it can! Enjoy 100 feet of level sandy shore, log sided exterior and some knotty pine interior. Cozy master suite in the loft with 2 main fl (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$120,000
MLS# 4854010
Sold
22938 Hwy 47
Aitkin, MN 56431
3 BR | 1 BA | 969 Sqft | SF
Country Charmer. Cute as can be hobby farm on 8.44 panoramic acres. Room for the horses, toys and small hobby farm. Also near all the activities of Mille Lacs Lake, ATV and snowmobile trails. Enjoy great privacy, large kitchen, open floor p (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$83,000
MLS# 4963596
Sold
Grove Street
Palisade, MN 56469
40.00 Acres | LL
Absolutely gorgeous 40 ac parcel. Backs up to 1000???s of acres of state land and the highest quality of the state land adjoins to the South to expand your adventures. Located near quality lakes such as Round, Waukenabo and Esquagamah. (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$85,000
MLS# 4819548
Sold
24153 435th Avenue
Aitkin, MN 56431
2.40 Acres | LL
Do not let this one get away! Wow, approximately 2.40 heavily wooded acres in the heart of lake country with 30 feet of private shore on beautiful Big Pine Lake. Also enjoy your 30x35 garage with cement floor for all your storage needs. Pro (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$95,000
MLS# 4749444
Sold
37918 440th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 2 BA | 980 Sqft | SF
Finally, an affordable year around getaway on the mighty Mississippi. Enjoy the amazing views from your large bunk house deck with stairs leading to the river�??s edge. Main house is a 1995 14'x70' Dutch, has 2 bed an (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$29,000
MLS# 4950076
Sold
56948 233rd Place
Mcgregor, MN 55760
6.67 Acres | LL
Exceptional beauty abounds on this affordable 6 plus acre Mississippi lot located in the heart of the Big Sandy Lake recreation area. You will enjoy exceptional privacy with 650 feet of river frontage. Why rent a spot in the crowded RV park (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$96,500
MLS# 4946017
Sold
48821 400th Place
Palisade, MN 56469
40.00 Acres | LL
Amazing opportunity! Selling after 30 years of incredible outdoor adventures. Turnkey 32x24 2 bed,1 bath cabin with well, septic, heat / ac and fp. Also deer stands, quonset shed and storage-woodshed. Adjoins and located near thousan (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$197,000
MLS# 4844109
Sold
26880 State Highway 47
Aitkin, MN 56431
3 BR | 2 BA | 1,836 Sqft | SF
Plenty of BANG for the buck here. 40 ac, 5 ac pond, trails, 3 bed 2 bath home with massive deck system, gazebo, huge fenced yard, 30x28 det garage with electric hookup up for generator back up, 32x60 garage with a 24x32 heated and AC wood s (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$107,000
MLS# 4871746
Sold
31190 State Hwy 47
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 2 BA | 888 Sqft | SF
Welcome to your private Oasis in lake country. Located across from Rabbit Lake, just up the road from Mille Lacs and Clear lake you will feel at home in this cozy country setting on 4.51 ac with the option to purchase the adjoining 38.61 (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$65,000
MLS# 4913092
Sold
219 3rd Street Ne
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 1 BA | 704 Sqft | SF
Lots of love shows in this home. Why Rent? This affordable and adorable home in town is in great condition. You will enjoy the serenity of the Ripple River from your large back yard, end of road privacy, within walking distance to all the (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$66,000
MLS# 4916013
Sold
35567 500th Lane
Palisade, MN 56469
2.20 Acres | LL
Rare opportunity and you just found it! Over 2 acres of beautiful land with stunning shared access to Waukenabo Lake just steps away or golf cart back after a hard day of fishing to your huge 55x80 pole building where all the toys can be st (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$142,000
MLS# 4701082
Sold
30308 422nd Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 1 BA | 720 Sqft | SF
The cabin has been loved for many years as you will see it is as cute as can be with 2 of the best level and sandy shore lots on the lake with stunning tall pines. You will appreciate all the updates such as steel roofs on all the buildin (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$35,555
MLS# 4910398
Sold
4215 Trinity Road
Duluth, MN 55811
2 BR | 1 BA | 784 Sqft | SF
Priced below market value, here is your opportunity to build equity. Needs some major TLC and foundation repair or tear it down. Maybe build new! You will enjoy the private 0.65 acre lot and mature trees, 2 bed and full bath. You are surrou (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$55,000
MLS# 4879773
Sold
Nature Ave
Palisade, MN 56469
40.00 Acres | LL
Just in time for the 2017 / 2018 season. Better hurry! This Extraordinary 40 ac hunting retreat is surrounded by hundreds of acres of state land for your never ending hunting and nature loving opportunities. Just a mile away you will find (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$217,500
MLS# 4878802
Sold
30040 414th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
3 BR | 1 BA | 844 Sqft | SF
INCREDIBLE best describes this stunning cabin on the waters edge of renowned Spirit Lake. Much love and many updates went into this super clean cabin. You will enjoy the private surveyed 1.52 acre lot with 180 feet of sandy shore, and natur (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$36,000
MLS# 4863607
Sold
13525 County Road 103
Crosslake, MN 56442
CMU
2015 Quality built private ownership storage units. Best in the area of Crosslake. Drainage and pavement should be completed by 8 / 25 / 2017 (weather permitting). Assessment already paid for. This unit is 30x40ft with a 12x14ft overhead d (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$189,995
MLS# 4782318
Sold
30251 450th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 1 BA | 1,184 Sqft | SF
Ultimate in privacy. Meander down the pine forest road to come upon your private oasis in the woods. With optional turnkey purchase, you will enjoy this well maintained cabin with 5 rolling acres on the gorgeous Thornton Lake with towering (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
Reviews on Zillow
See all reviews on Zillow
Highly likely to recommend
05/22/2019 - dianeandluis3
Sold a Vacant Land home in 2019 for approximately $75K in Aitkin, MN.
Rodney was great throughout the entire process. He kept me up to date on everything I needed to know and what was required of me. He was able to sell 2 properties at full asking in just 2 days!!! I would highly recommend Mr. Sparks to anyone.
Highly likely to recommend
05/01/2019 - mary07730
Listed, but didn't sell my Single Family home in 2019 in Aitkin, MN.
Rod was very thorough in handling a number of complicating issues.
He provided helpful suggestions.
He checked on the property.
Rod was always available and responded to concerns quickly.
Rod was pleasure to work with.
He provided helpful suggestions.
He checked on the property.
Rod was always available and responded to concerns quickly.
Rod was pleasure to work with.
Highly likely to recommend
04/16/2019 - tamirae71
Bought a home in 2018 in Aitkin, MN 56431.
Was great to work with!! Always got back to us right away with any questions. Helped make purchasing our home a very easy process!! We were in a unique situation and we were looking for specific things when buying our new home, and we were relocating quite a distance from the home we sold. We were told by a couple other realtors that we probably wouldn't be able to go the route we hoped.. between Rod and our mortgage broker the two of them made it happen. Can't thank them enough!!
Highly likely to recommend
04/13/2019 - zuser20181230193107319
Sold a Single Family home in 2018 for approximately $125K in Aitkin, MN.
Rodney is very knowledgeable and thorough with everything he does. If I ever had a problem I would want Rodney on my side. I would recommend him to anyone.
Highly likely to recommend
10/25/2015 - tdean123
Bought a home in 2015 in Aitkin, MN 56431.
Rod went the extra mile for me in every way on my purchase of a cabin. I live 1500 miles from Aitkin, and Rod guided me through the entire purchasing process. He provided me with names of landscapers to mow the lawn, local banks for the mortgage, surveyors to eliminate flood insurance, and watched over the cabin to make sure everything was in order. He came to the cabin while we were moving in to show me the idiosyncrasies of the cabin. He didn't push any of the cabins we looked at on me, just opened the door, and replied to my questions. I could not have asked for a better realtor or a better buying experience.
Highly likely to recommend
10/20/2015 - bbunkers1
Bought a home in 2015 in Bay Lake, Deerwood, MN 56444.
Rod,
I want to thank you very much for making our buying experience very enjoyable. As someone from out of the area, I was very concerned about finding a realtor that we could trust and have confidence in. You certainly met those expectations and then some. Within 30 minutes of meeting us, you knew exactly what we were looking for. You did not try and sell us something just so that you could make a profit. When it came to the negotiation phase of our purchase, it was very clear to us that you were representing our best interest. I am a relationship person. I like to do business with people that I have a relationship with and can trust. I am very pleased to add you to that list.
Sincerely,
Brian and Kari B.
I want to thank you very much for making our buying experience very enjoyable. As someone from out of the area, I was very concerned about finding a realtor that we could trust and have confidence in. You certainly met those expectations and then some. Within 30 minutes of meeting us, you knew exactly what we were looking for. You did not try and sell us something just so that you could make a profit. When it came to the negotiation phase of our purchase, it was very clear to us that you were representing our best interest. I am a relationship person. I like to do business with people that I have a relationship with and can trust. I am very pleased to add you to that list.
Sincerely,
Brian and Kari B.
Highly likely to recommend
02/18/2015 - kayfiege
Sold a home in 2015.
Rod Sparks is the Realtor you hope to find when buying or selling a property. His willingness to provide services beyond just the paperwork was exceptional. He is reliable as well as knowledgeable. We have bought and sold many properties and have also worked in the real estate and mortgage banking industries. Rod is truly exceptional his field.
Highly likely to recommend
10/09/2014 - bompaboma
Bought a Single Family home in 2007 for approximately $375K in Hill City, MN.
"Rod more than earned his commission with us. We actually bought 3 houses with contingencies in our search. He masterfully wrote up purchase agreements so we were able to bypass the first 2 when the contingencies weren't met. He eagerly showed us homes in quite a few towns because we were open to location. There was never any pressure, but he willingly provided his expertise and input when asked and we certainly valued his opinion. He even met us at one home with his 4 wheeler so we could tour the grounds. We met at another in sub-zero weather when time was of the essence. Finally, we closed during a snow storm because he knew we were anxious and our schedules limited. His partner, Kathy (Sparks), played a key role in helping us strategize our financing package. We could not have ended up in our absolute dream home without Rod and Kathy. His help did not end at the sale...Rod was instrumental in clearing up an easement issue having spotted it and drawing up the papers and making the contacts to clear the easement from our property. We continue to seek his advice on many homeowner issues and he is always spot on and responsive. Beyond his fabulous Realtor skill, we have become and remain friends today. While we don't anticipate moving from our dream home, if we did, Rod would without question be our realtor and I strongly recommend him to anyone who wants their own best interests to be carried forward in their search for their dream home or property. He will make it happen for you and then some!!!! Gary and Penny Karasch"
Highly likely to recommend
10/06/2014 - mark fandrey
Sold a Single Family home in 2014 in Minnehaha Woods, Edina, MN.
This is the second time I have used Rodâs services. He is a very honest and detail orientated realtor. Iâd highly recommend him to my friends and relatives.
Highly likely to recommend
10/05/2014 - ChattiKathi03
Bought a home in 2014 in Aitkin, MN 56431.
Looking for a realtor to find your perfect place Up North? Seek out Rod Sparks at Woods and Shores Real Estate. He treats your investment as if it were his own. Extreme level of integrity. His knowledge of the area, real estate market, and expertise in the process is second to no one. We were happy to have him in our corner as he led us through the process of finding a fabulous home.