There are some amazing homes for sale in places like Novi, Northville, Ann Arbor, Birmingham, Plymouth and even in the Downriver communities.  Still, sometimes you want something a little more comfortable and off the beaten path.  If you’re on the hunt for waterfront property in southeast Michigan then there’s more to just finding the perfect shore and view.

Waterfront property in Michigan poses some unique challenges and requires a slightly different approach; there’s a lot to keep in mind.  This includes things like appraisals, termite inspections, lake levels and flood zones, coastal commissions, flood insurance, zoning restrictions and more.

The first step toward buying waterfront property in Michigan after getting pre-approved by your Michigan mortgage lender is to talk with an experienced real estate agent who knows these types of properties

Here are some questions to ask when you’re looking at various waterfront property in Michigan.

Do I want beach access?  Homes with beach access will usually have a higher value, especially if the beach access goes down to a private strip of beach or lake shore.  The location of that access is important to:  Is the access direct to your home or is the beach access some distance from your property?

Is the beach access public or private?  Whether it’s a dock or a walk down to the beach, it’s important to find out who can use it as well as who is responsible for the maintenance.  Many homeowners with waterfront property can be territorial when it comes to access and privacy concerns, so knowing whether or not access is yours to own or public is important.

Do I need a vacation rental permit? If you’re purchasing property as a vacation rental, you might find that a permit is required or not allowed at all.  It can be a deal breaker if you can’t obtain a permit in a timely manner and you’re out of the income because you cannot rent the property.  Keep in mind that zoning requirements for waterfront property can be extremely strict, and hang-ups with a permit can create issues that can require a court to intervene.  That can take months – even years.

Can I have motorized craft? It stands to reason if you have waterfront property, you may want to setup a dock for your boat or other watercraft later on.  Before you get too attached to waterfront property in southeast Michigan, find out if you’re allowed to have a dock and motorized craft.

Are there restrictions on remodeling and renovation?  If you want to improve on you home, find out the local regulations.  Waterfront property in southeast Michigan is unique and some areas have restrictions on additions and remodeling that could obstruct views or block access.

When working with a good, quality buyer’s agent who knows waterfront properties, you should be able to find the best real estate for personal use or investment property while avoiding any surprises.