Author says new book on lakefront property is unrivaled

Purchasing property can be a difficult and confusing process on its own, but when it’s lakefront property, there are even more pitfalls and confusing entanglements, which has prompted attorney Clifford Bloom, a renowned riparian and water law expert, to write a book on the subject.

“There is no comparable book in the whole state,” said Bloom, a Michigan Riparian Magazine columnist. “Over the years, I’d get a lot of questions on waterfront property, buying and selling, and other aspects of waterfront property. There’s a lot of interest in the topic, but there was no good resource that dealt with all of it.”

In its 251 pages, “Buying and Selling Waterfront Property in Michigan” covers a slew of topics ranging from riparian property rights to financing, from encroachments to buildability and lake associations.

“It contains probably every major topic regarding waterfront property: What is it? What should you look for in a Realtor? What about the purchase agreement and the types of inspections you should do? It tells you how to deal with local municipal officials. And it explains dozens and dozens of words and phrases regarding waterfront transactions, such as pitfalls, easements and road ends,” said Bloom, who said the book is written for lay people and will help “anyone who has an interest in waterfront property.”

“I will admit the book is not exactly the most exciting reading in the world, but I think it fills an important information gap for people looking to buy or sell waterfront property in the state of Michigan,” said Scott Brown, the director of the Michigan Lake and Stream Associations, a non-profit, statewide organization dedicated to preservation, protection, and management of Michigan’s lakes and streams. “Waterfront property is fraught with all types of complications and legal entanglements that people need to be aware of. This is a complete guide with checklists for people who want to do those types of transactions in Michigan.”

Proceeds from the book will go to the Michigan Lake and Stream Associations. The book costs $20 plus postage and can be ordered at www.mymlsa.org/books-publications, or by calling 989-831-5100.

“Buying and Selling Waterfront Property in Michigan” will also be available at bookstores around the state, including Nicola’s Books in Ann Arbor and Schuler’s Books and Music in Grand Rapids.

“It’s a small $20 investment in a book that could save you a lifetime of grief and hundreds of thousand of dollars,” Brown said. “Knowledge is a powerful thing, and reading the book from either end of the transactions can save a lot of grief and money.”