Buyers of Michigan Waters, “Beware”
I can point anyone to a riparian river or lake anywhere in the State, as versus one that very much appears to be such a body of water but is simply land covered with water. The goal is to OWN the land you are buying but also OWN the land under your dock, boat and hoists. Unfortunately, most owners of the land next to the water do not own that precious lake property.
There’s no majic legal formula involved. Very simply, I will know what waters and land you are buying and, if you contact me, you will, also. However, do not ever sign any document which obligates you to buy any property without such knowledge. Too many of you obligate yourselves to buy without knowing WHAT YOU WILL “OWN” when you fork over that large amount of money.
Buying Water-Covered Property
Unfortunately, and despite being federal issues, many of these water bodies have intentionally or otherwise been identified by the State of Michigan as riparian when they aren’t. Again, be in the know before you buy. Contact me in regard to whether a lake is riparian and whether you may have any legal title and rights IN THE LAND PART AND THE WATER PART.
Selling Water-Covered Property
Many years of experience have taught me to not get involved in the legal representations of sellers of lands and adjacent waters. It very much appears that potential liability of sellers may be with them for the remainder of their lives.
Michigan Lake and River Bottomland Titles and Rights
The problem with lake and river ownership in Michigan is just that. Once you own it, whatever it is, IT’S YOURS! It is an absolute that diligence is a must. Buying water property with a realtor, seller, lender and title insurance involved is not enough.
Michigan’s Waters That Are Not Riparian
My familiarity with the legal aspects of water bodies also allows me to easily distinguish water covered lands that are not riparian. I have nearly a half century of experience in many areas of the law and this area has been a concentration for many years. While it is complicated, it is not the fantasy that many professionals claim it is.
Michigan Subdivision and Condominium Plats, and Certified Surveys
I would never recommend anyone buying or selling any of the above lots, units or other water properties without my review of the plats of the subdivision and condominiums involved. The statutory provisions and resultant surveys that the state has enacted relative to waters are glaringly unconstitutional and fraudulent. Prior to signing any document with a realtor or seller regarding the buying of a subdivision lot, a site condominium unit or any other property adjacent to water, contact me.
3-Sided, Open-Ended Parcels of Water-Covered Lands Throughout the State
Unfortunately, 2 or 3 sides of a parcel of property is what you got for your money when you purchased. As a seller of thousands if not more of these lines which may have been owned for years, finding any market for them can be a nightmare.
Lender Investment in Michigan Water Property
The willingness of the mortgage markets to continue to invest in Michigan waters and adjacent lands, where titles and rights as established and sold by the federal government 2 centuries ago have been so falsified and emasciated, is shocking indeed!