DO NOT buy a lake house in Michigan!

EVERYONE wants a lakefront home in Michigan BUT buying a lake house in Michigan is NOT all sunshine and rainbows. There are things YOU NEED TO KNOW before jumping in and buying a waterfront home. Stop looking at Zillow and watch this video!
Want to move to buy or sell a house on a lake in Michigan and need a (really good) agent? We can help! Visit my site to buy OR sell anywhere in Metro Detroit Michigan: www.movingmi.com
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If there's something you want to know about Michigan that you'd like us to do a video about let us know in the comments below.
We've helped hundreds of people make better decisions when moving to and from all areas of Michigan and LOVE it.
Paul Wolfert
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[@juliehebda1265]

Our vertical log cabin up north is 80yrs old and it's slice of heaven on the lake. We updated to metal roof, new windows, beautiful and quiet. Loons and Bald Eagles love our spring fed lake. Only 1 neighbor. Our Lake requires NO WAKE zones at 7:00pm. No regrets and hope to retire there

[@PaulWolfert]

Your cabin sounds like the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Who needs city noise when you have loons and Bald Eagles for company?

[@virginiaschott4482]

Glad you hit on the lack of Privacy. I'm a Realtor in NY, can't tell you how many potential buyers call asking for a lake property with several acres, they don't want to see their neighbors, private and wooded.. That's the Golden Unicorn if you don't have a Million or over.

[@PaulWolfert]

😅 "Golden Unicorn" is a PERFECT way to describe it!

[@scottz6052]

You only mentioned the positive of a deeper lake, in that it is clear. The downside is that it is also going to be colder.

[@manbtm1]

We love our lake house up in northern lower Michigan, it’s on a 100 acre springfed Lake with tons of pine trees and our place is a three level saltbox style home with 20 steps going down to the lake. It’s a wonderful area , we like it all four seasons otherwise we live in a condo in downtown Detroit and love it there , best of both worlds!

[@PaulWolfert]

That would be amazing!! How long have you owned it?

[@manbtm1]

@@PaulWolfert , had both for 10 years…

[@jimpalmeri5428]

I absolutely love living the lake life dream. I grew up in the same house that my parents bought. I understand how much work is required to keep it up.

[@veramae4098]

I replaced my septic system. First one lasted 80 years. "Lake Effect" weather is a real thing. He didn't mention at all -- the shore line can recede. Waves will eat away at it. Best is to put a natural plant buffer. Forget sinking logs 13 deep or steel. The natural plant buffer also needs some upkeep. Winter ice will slide up too.

[@ChrisHarden]

Didn't know that about the water utilities... At least we don't have to worry about gators up here!

[@PaulWolfert]

True! That's what I tell everyone who wants to move to Florida from Michigan. Even made a video about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qF6ooZuqlt6rgdk

[@andyd7374]

Nothing like lake living.

[@debradiefenthaler8284]

When you want to go to the lake or enjoy your lake so does everyone else. The noise is a real thing. And if you have sensitive pets be forewarned... the fireworks are relentless.

[@rpkietur]

my in-laws had a lake house. the lake was shallow, the fishing was BAD and pontoon rides got boring. at first i thought it would be a blast but it just wasn't so. pretty to look at but then its time to go home.

[@blakeharmer2558]

I bought a house NEAR a lake with lake access... seems to be the ticket for people like me who just like to fish from time to time!

[@PaulWolfert]

Absolutely! Lake access is the way to go if you don't want to pay the crazy prices. Great for rentals too

[@michguy1019]

"Lots of lakes....no ocean" - think again..... There's a good reason why the Great Lakes are called the Inland Sea!

[@walaamady8649]

Thank you for all the great tips 👍

[@sethsaxton5969]

My grandpa had a cabin n on a Northern Michigan lake. He loved nothing more than fishing. He always released his fish. A DNR officer walked up to him on his own land and gave him a hefty fine and a ticket. Also, maritime law states that anywhere water touches land is publicly c property. So, keep dreamin' ....he beach is NOT the property owners land.

[@johncronin5311]

When the ice breaks up in the winter , and it gets windy. it will push the ice sheets waaay up towards your house too , many have been wiped out because of this

[@Fossillarson]

Yup ice push :)

[@stevensproull9388]

Hopefully, in most cases, the house is back far enough from the shoreline...It's usually the boathouse that gets the ice damage...

[@JasonKingKong]

If you have a lake house, people are constantly looking to get an invite to come over. If you're gregarious, that's fine, but you want it to just be you and your family, you have to get accustomed to not letting other impose.

[@mkbuser]

Especially if you have a boat.

[@PaulWolfert]

Yes! Just like owning a pool.

[@kurtlennon5580]

There is only a limited amount of lake properties a great investment

[@tymesho]

The very best thing is to EXPLORE our state extensively, each lake offers an explosion of opportunities. Decide your wants/needs, travel travel travel, and you'll easily find your perfect location. You will be surprised how easy it is with the right plans!

[@PaulWolfert]

Agreed!! What's your favorite place in Michigan?

[@tymesho]

@@PaulWolfert Munising, and south of L'Anse thru the forests.

[@jenscheibner792]

@@PaulWolfertSilver Lake, jet skiing on Silver Lake, playing on the dunes and in Lake MI...

[@user-jn9gv9ve6e]

taxes are high.

[@PaulWolfert]

Taxes on lake homes are only higher because the value of the home is higher than off-water properties. People buying lake front homes should know that their homes are worth more.

[@vmj255]

@@PaulWolfertyou didn’t mention riparian fees, which are separate taxes (on top of the already high property taxes) paid by people who own lake front property. And those fees can be quite hefty.

[@MagicByEli]

Can you make a video about Grosse Pointe and one about Dearborn? Both are areas I’m considering moving to / living in long term. I loved your royal oak video. Thanks!

[@PaulWolfert]

Hey Eli! I DEFINITELY plan to make a video about the Pointe's and would love to help if/when you pick an area. Dearborn is crazy different from that area.

[@MagicByEli]

@@PaulWolfert Oh I know it's comparing apples to oranges haha. I'm just curious :)

[@croswellianprincess3590]

@@MagicByEli I’d go with the pointes. You have residents only parks with lake access. Plus being so close to the lake it always smells good.

[@gwenshin]

Dearborn has the best food. That includes grocery stores with fresh produce, fresh made hummus, and it's fresher than major grocery food stores, and far less money. Restaurants there are amazing too if you like authentic Arabic food, and prices are reasonable. So if you move to Dearborn, if nothing else, you'll get to eat very well.

[@fatalcreeper8694]

If I had a lake house I would go fishing every day that shit is the dream no more asking people for rides to take me fishing I hate living so far away from anything cool I have to ride my bike 5 miles just to fish off a boat launch

[@longmuskox4194]

3:33 Paul, did you take the drone footage of Jobbie Nooner? That place is such a crazy circus. But, if you're into that sort of thing, then don't miss it in three days from now, June 28th. It's the 50th anniversary.

[@debmanley3316]

How about actor Jeff Daniel's Chelsea mi. Or where Ted nugget lived in Jackson mi.

[@PaulWolfert]

Those would be good for another celeb vid! I did hear that Ted Nugent moved away though

[@vivaldi1948]

I wouldn't live on a lake in Oakland County if it was free. Party central, especially Cass Lake.

[@PaulWolfert]

Haha, sounds like you're not a fan of the party scene! I agree depending on the lake. There are a few private lakes but you'd need to spend a small fortune to live there.

[@Mirrormouth12]

@@PaulWolfertwrong. Rose township

[@AlexanderWaylon]

What would be the best lake area in your experience (property safety, bigger lots etc) in Metro Detroit?

[@PaulWolfert]

It depends on what you'd like to spend 😄 - send an email my way! [e-mail]

[@StevenEdwardDetroit]

To answer your question, it really depends on the "Lifestyle" you are looking for. Are you a power boater? or, enjoy sailing? maybe you like fishing? Do you prefer more of a cottage? Is privacy important? Knowing the answers to these questions will allow a waterfront specialist to zero in on the correct area to find that perfect home.

[@croswellianprincess3590]

Only lake would be Lake St. Clair.

[@user-ih8tq7it5k]

Northern Michigan lakefront property is the best investment in the State, regardless of what this genius thinks

[@pinkcardigan3329]

Where can I check which cities or counties don’t allow renting?

[@PaulWolfert]

I wish there was a site that listed them all. Your agent will need to do research on each house. I can help if you're looking in my zone! Movingmi.com

[@loriwhinery3210]

Our daughter has two lake houses in the upper peninsula of Michigan on Lake Michigan and they can’t have a dock because they keep getting destroyed, so no dock.

[@PaulWolfert]

That's a great place to have TWO lake houses! I should have mentioned that about docks.

[@Mister8224]

It's true docks don't work on Great Lakes, unless you're in protected bay. Like Grand Traverse Bay.

[@traveldreamer4616]

Good info. No Lake frontage for me.

[@alfaridzy]

thanks bro, im from Indonesia and appreciated for your video, coz i just bougt house beside lake

[@PaulWolfert]

Glad I could help! Contrats on the new home!

[@interestinglystrangethings]

Moving up to Onaway or Gaylord in like a month do u know of places to buy or atleast rent in those areas need a 3 or 4bdrm. 1 to 2 bath house w lots of privacy

[@croswellianprincess3590]

Did you find anything yet? They’re building like crazy around there.

[@Linda-9037]

Two more things that a drawback about owning on a lake....If people moore their boats right in front of your house all day...and are talking , laughing, screaming kids, playing music you hate..or are sunning a pasty, big fat, hairy back that you can clearly see, etc...there isn't much you can do about it..actually many boats can moore in front of your house...So there goes your dream "VIEW"as well as piece and quiet..(No escape when you have a headache and really need a nap or your very expensive calming view) If people like that spot they could show up everyday...(You may as well own on the public beach) Also...if it rains or is even overcast for several days..what you are looking out your window out is grey, grey, grey...GREY for as far up as you can see up and grey all the way down as far down as you look... the lake takes on the color of the sky and you can be looking at gray gray gray gray gray gray for days and days and days depending on the weather actually it's very very depressing when that happens........Just telling the truth here

[@day2daylife1]

Thanks to greedy realtors and a lack of housing, prices have gone through the roof in the last 4 years. Note, as a realtor I wouldn't recommend you to my worst enemy.

[@PaulWolfert]

The prices going up is not because of "greedy realtors" - it's simple supply and demand. Prices are driven up with people have to compete with a ton of other buyers (because there are no homes available)

[@miked8236]

The last 4 years saw the explosion of work from home, low interest rates (until last year) and a highly active market. Remote work had a bigger impact on housing prices than "greedy realtors".

[@SlimForever007]

For the breadwinner who has to earn the big money to pay all the extra costs associated with having a desirable lakefront property, it's not such a great deal. Even successful doctors struggle to keep on top of the high costs associated with their 2 or 3-million-dollar lakefront property. Property taxes can be HUGE, for example, $10,000 or $20,000 per month. And when they are home, they get to hear the constant drone of jet skies ridden by teenagers who have nothing else to do but do water-donuts for six straight hours. For those who can sit around and enjoy the lakefront property all day and have their friends over without a care in the world, then of course it's great if they don't mind the fact that they almost never see the breadwinner. Personally, I would rather have a more modest house in-town, have a few toys, and most importantly have time to enjoy the very short life we all have with friends and family than to have to work 70 hours a week every week to pay for a lakefront home. It's amazing how short a lifetime is.

[@PaulWolfert]

I've found that the wealthiest people actually work less and enjoy their homes more. Bob Segar has one of the largest lake homes in the state (26,000 sq/ft+) and he pays 10k/month in taxes. Not many homes are that big on lakes around here.

[@SlimForever007]

Of course, there are celebrities, sports players who made $20 million a year, and super-wealthy business moguls who have millions in the bank, paid for their home with a check, and are financially independent. I am talking about for the millions of people who still have to work for a living and who don't have $100 million in a bank somewhere. @@PaulWolfert

[@tobyradenbaugh8965]

worthless info joke dismiss it all

[@scottz6052]

You only mentioned the positive of a deeper lake, in that it is clear. The downside is that it is also going to be colder.

[@PaulWolfert]

Ah, true. Good point! I'm going to be making a new version of this video.