Woods & 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 ten grandchildren.
$329,900
MLS# 5642587
Active
22867 Cedar Lake Drive
Deerwood, MN 56444
Land
Escape to Cedar Lake and enjoy a large 1.05 acre lot with 212' of shoreline. This beautiful lot is the perfect place to start making your lake dreams come true! It is time to pass this wonderful property on to new owners that will cherish (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$75,000
MLS# 5666505
Active
43x 340th Place
Morrison Twp, MN 56469
Land
Hunters, wildlife, and outdoor enthusiasts - become one with nature here! You will have your own 80 acres plus the added benefit of being adjacent to approximately 1400 acres of public land. Many well traveled deer trails and wildlife g (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$54,900
MLS# 4806644
Active
TBD Ross Woodlands Road
Aitkin, MN 56431
Land
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.
$35,000
MLS# 5650125
Active
Lot A 287th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
Land
Need a place to build a garage to store the lake toys? Looking for a great place to build your home or cabin near Farm Island Lake? Here it is - a great 1.20 acre lot across the street from Farm Island Lake and approximately a half mile f (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$27,900
MLS# 5693359
Active
43231 431st Street
Aitkin, MN 56431
Land
Looking for a camping site all set up and ready to go - look no further! This site is approximately 1.12 acres and has electric, well and a nice outhouse with tank. Located near the Blind Lake ATV trail, many area lakes and thousands of (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$264,900
MLS# 5641489
Sold
35628 500th Lane
Palisade, MN 56469
Land
Build your dream home, create the hunting camp you always wanted or bring the RV and invite all your friends with their RVs - there is plenty of room! Come and see this amazing 115 plus acres with approximately 300 feet of shore on the gor (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$230,000
MLS# 5649917
Sold
33104 364th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 1 BA | 832 Sqft | Residential
Turn Key! New survey and New septic being installed in spring of 21. This is what cabin dreams are made of! Making smores around the campfire, listening to the crackling of the wood burning fireplace or the waves making soft music on t (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$19,000
MLS# 5500027
Sold
TBD Ripple Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
Land
Its time to start your building plans.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 stunnin (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$739,000
MLS# 5644780
Sold
36361 245th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 3 BA | 2,257 Sqft | Residential
SPECTACULAR! First time offered! One owner home! This highly coveted North shore Mille Lacs Lake home is breathtaking! It has everything you will need, want and love. Level and gorgeous 100 feet of sand shore, 0.97 acre lot, open concep (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$152,000
MLS# 5651121
Sold
29236 412th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
Land
PERFECT! Here is your chance to be on the highly sought after Spirit Lake. This stunning lot offers the perfect spot to place your RV or build your great escape. Enjoy the clean, clear waters of Spirit Lake, towering trees, amazing vie (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$295,000
MLS# 5638827
Sold
36341 245th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
Land
Dreaming of a sandy beach? It is undeniable, this property features some of the finest sand beach on Mille Lacs Lake! This north shore paradise would make you think you were in Florida, but those are not Palm trees and it is only 2 hour (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$322,317
MLS# 5646233
Sold
39751 State Hwy 18
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 1 BA | 1,024 Sqft | Residential
GRAB YOUR KEYS! You asked for it and here it is! Turn your dream to reality with this postcard setting on the renowned North shore of Mille Lacs Lake. This large 0.55 acre lot with 100 of stunning shore offers great privacy, easy elevat (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$235,000
MLS# 5639458
Sold
31178 328th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
3 BR | 1 BA | 1,360 Sqft | Residential
Finally, a Rabbit Lake property is available! After 42 years of wonderful memories, it?s time to pass this on to the next family to love! It is rare that something becomes available on Rabbit Lake near Glen, but now is your chance! Th (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$130,000
MLS# 5278088
Sold
42986 322nd Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
Land
Beautiful Hammal Lake has just the spot for you! This gorgeous level and nicely treed lot has plenty to offer. Spacious 2 car garage with a kitchenette, heated half bath and tankless water heater. The cute 1 bedroom bunkhouse has a living (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$275,000
MLS# 5578443
Sold
31162 432nd Lane
Palisade, MN 56469
2 BR | 2 BA | 1,686 Sqft | Residential
Best of ALL worlds. Enjoy 2 lakes, the serenity of Whispering Lake and the larger stunning Wilkins Lake. Great location with end of road privacy, plenty of yard and breathtaking views. The Swedish hand-hewn logs have abundant history dati (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$483,900
MLS# 5607790
Sold
44409 238th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 2 BA | 1,487 Sqft | Residential
Dreaming of having your own family retreat? This property feels like you are at your own private 5 star resort! The picture perfect setting provides views you would see on a postcard! Plenty of room for everyone with this year around cab (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$117,500
MLS# 5285722
Sold
35022 322nd Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
1 BR | 1 BA | 312 Sqft | Residential
Escape to the lake! Great fishing! This 1.18 acre wooded lot with 200 feet of shoreline is located on Section 12 Lake in the heart of the lakes area. The 1999 park model has 2 slides and features 1 bedroom, 1 full bath, kitchen / dining a (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$265,000
MLS# 4987849
Sold
21301 324th Place
Isle, MN 56342
3 BR | 1 BA | 1,590 Sqft | Residential
Your own piece of paradise on Mille Lacs Lake with option to purchase back lot See MLS 5026340 for an additional 1.8 ac. Gated entrance ensures your privacy. Located on approx. 1.34 acre lot with 140 feet of level shore. This well built hom (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$90,000
MLS# 5237019
Sold
TBDx 405th Place
Palisade, MN 56469
Land
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 (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$255,000
MLS# 5557802
Sold
44412 238th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
1 BR | 1 BA | 648 Sqft | Residential
Picture this - It feels like you could make a movie here or write a novel. Welcome to the great escape on Big Pine Lake. This spring fed lake property has approximately 600 feet of total shoreline on a private peninsula and approximately 35 (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$910,000
MLS# 5542020
Sold
13192 Eagle Point Road
Ely, MN 55731
3 BR | 3 BA | 4,162 Sqft | Residential
One of a kind custom home! Appreciate the love, attn to detail and home bldg expertise that went into this home, the work of local artisans and the many world class finishes. Home sits on 3+ ac, 358 ft of White Iron Lake shore with c (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$210,000
MLS# 5291751
Sold
40646 320th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 2 BA | 1,212 Sqft | Residential
JUST RELAX. No worries. Its all here at an affordable price! Stunning year around home on the beautiful waters edge of Hanging Kettle Lake which connects to Diamond and Ripple lakes for more recreational fun. So close to the waters edge you (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$68,000
MLS# 5483148
Sold
33198 360th Street
Aitkin, MN 56431
1 BR | 1 BA | 864 Sqft | Residential
Capture the spirit of the Northwoods with this great opportunity to finish this dream getaway and make it your own. You will appreciate this beautiful 14 plus acre site located near Aitkin, close to all the great lakes, ATV / Snowmobile t (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$49,000
MLS# 4998245
Sold
35789 442nd Street
Aitkin, MN 56431
1 BR | 1 BA | 672 Sqft | Residential
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.
$500,000
MLS# 5337375
Sold
9795 18th Street
Princeton, MN 55371
5 BR | 3 BA | 2,918 Sqft | Residential
Time to invest in the future, because the future is NOW and this exceptional property is PRICED TO SELL! Princeton is growing and here is your opportunity to be a part of this exciting growth. Extraordinary development land or whatever you (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$456,000
MLS# 5290107
Sold
33624 450th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 2 BA | 1,452 Sqft | Residential
Beautiful home in need of a family! Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this home on the highly sought after Cedar Lake! Take in the breathtaking views that feel like you are the only one on the lake. Built in 2012, this like new and we (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$420,000
MLS# 5335014
Sold
36588 334th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 2 BA | 2,440 Sqft | Residential
Slice of PARADISE or piece of HEAVEN! You decide. This is one of the most PRIVATE lake homes you will find in the area! The lot has 152 feet of gorgeous sandy shore with easy elevation, end of road privacy, surrounded by beautiful mature (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$259,000
MLS# 5347976
Sold
37760 Dove Street, Unit 13
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 3 BA | 2,692 Sqft | Residential
The Woods at Otterbelly is a 55 plus association townhome community, tucked in the woods just minutes from Aitkin. This quality built home features all main floor living with open concept, master suite, den, laundry, guest bath, firep (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$456,000
MLS# 5271934
Sold
29230 412th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 2 BA | 1,913 Sqft | Residential
Stunning will be your first word when you walk into this home on Spirit Lake. Here is your chance to be on the highly sought-after Spirit Lake with all the amenities the lakes area has to offer. Outside features a 32x40 pole building with a (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$550,000
MLS# 5276149
Sold
34127 Pioneer Avenue
Aitkin, MN 56431
5 BR | 4 BA | 2,993 Sqft | Residential
Incredible Nor-Son built custom home is located on the shores of beautiful and highly sought after Cedar Lake. Property offers very hard to find privacy with over 2 acres and 180 feet of stunning sandy shore with a sand beach! Part of the a (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$275,000
MLS# 5283548
Sold
40630 320th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 2 BA | 1,744 Sqft | Residential
Are you kidding! Look at this place. Its the dream retreat! No work just play, play, play. This quality built, well maintained cabin has all you need and then some. Enjoy year around living on awesome Hanging Kettle Lake! Property feat (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$375,000
MLS# 5285518
Sold
36307 245th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
2 BR | 3 BA | 1,300 Sqft | Residential
Looking at this beach you would think you were in Florida, but those are not Palm trees, it is the mighty Mille Lacs lakes north shore. Your dreams can come true with this amazing 100 feet of sand beach! Built in 2005, this home has so m (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$95,000
MLS# 5278009
Sold
55 Nature Avenue
Palisade, MN 56469
Land
Adjoining public land, its your lucky day! You may have just found the most well taken care of and well thought out hunting retreat around. You will appreciate this 40 acre parcel with connecting groomed trails, pond, 5 food plots with r (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$65,000
MLS# 5237064
Sold
32098 408th Place
Aitkin, MN 56431
Land
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 o (more...)
Woods & Shores Real Estate, Inc.
$127,000
MLS# 4987971
Sold
TBD 212th Lane
Aitkin, MN 56431
Land
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.
Reviews on Zillow
See all reviews on Zillow
Highly likely to recommend
08/10/2020 - zuser20200530152241372
Bought ahome in 2020 singleFamily in Aitkin, MN 56431.
We had a great experience with Rod. His work ethic, vast experience in real estate and the market, and his honesty and straight forward approach really stood out.
Rod also helped us beyond the transaction with tips on internet service, gas and electric service, insights on the property - he cared beyond the sale.
We couldn't recommend Rod more highly.
Rod also helped us beyond the transaction with tips on internet service, gas and electric service, insights on the property - he cared beyond the sale.
We couldn't recommend Rod more highly.
Highly likely to recommend
06/19/2020 - wannis4065
Sold a for approximately $925Khome in 2020 singleFamily in Burntside, Ely, MN 55731.
Rodney is the type of real estate agent that all agents should model themselves after! We had our lake home on the market for three years with another agency. We did not receive any offers. Rodney signed our property and sold it in less then sixty days! He took care of all the details related to the sale. It was a very pleasant selling experience! He is also a very heartfelt personality! We enjoyed getting to know him and hope to cross paths again in the future. Another note, Rodney came highly recommended to us by good friends of ours that had the same experience! He is remarkable at his job!
Highly likely to recommend
05/22/2019 - dianeandluis3
Sold a for approximately $75Khome in 2019 land in Aitkin, MN 56431.
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 myhome in 2019 singleFamily in Aitkin, MN 56431.
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 ahome 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 for approximately $125Khome in 2018 singleFamily in Aitkin, MN 56431.
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 ahome 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 ahome 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 ahome in 2015 singleFamily in Aitkin, MN 56431.
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 for approximately $375Khome in 2007 singleFamily in Haypoint, Hill City, MN 55748.
"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"