“Lakeview” vs. “Lakefront”

[Editor’s Note:  The views expressed here are solely those of Ross Kaplan, and do not represent Edina Realty, Berkshire Hathaway, or any other entity referenced.  If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.]

In a state famed for its 10,000 lakes (actually, 11,842), you’d figure that there are LOTS of lakefront homes in Minnesota.

And there are.

But, I’m guessing, not nearly as many as are indicated on MLS.

Close But No Cigar

My test for truly qualifying as “lakefront”:  someone can walk barefoot — at least in the Summer 🙂 — from the property to the waterfront, without crossing anyone else’s property or leaving the subject property.

Which means that at least a few “For Sale” homes are more properly billed as “across from” a lake, “next to” a lake, “deeded lake access,” etc.

P.S.: Can a Buyer sue a Seller for misrepresenting that a home is “lakefront” property?

My hunch is “no,” at least in most cases.

That’s because one of the elements for proving misrepresentation is reliance, and someone who’s viewed the property and had a chance to determine that the home isn’t in fact on the lake would no longer be entitled to rely on the Seller’s representation otherwise.

See also, “How Big a Premium for Small Lakefront?“; and “Skyline Views? You Judge.”

About the author

Ross Kaplan has 19+ years experience selling real estate all over the Twin Cities. He is also a 12-time consecutive "Super Real Estate Agent," as determined by Mpls. - St. Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business Magazine. Prior to becoming a Realtor, Ross was an attorney (corporate law), CPA, and entrepreneur. He holds an economics degree from Stanford.

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