Steve Humes Real Estate

Residential • Commercial • Waterfront

Waterfront Real Estate Expertise on Lake St. Clair

Live, Invest, and Own with Confidence in Macomb & Saint Clair, MI


Waterfront property is different—and so is the expertise required to buy or sell it correctly.

Steve Humes Real Estate provides specialized waterfront residential representation for buyers and sellers throughout Chesterfield, Michigan, Lake St. Clair, and surrounding Macomb–St. Clair County communities. With more than 25 years of experience, we help clients navigate the unique financial, structural, and lifestyle considerations that come with owning property on the water.

From canal-front homes and lakefront estates to protected marinas and deep-water access properties, Steve Humes understands what truly drives waterfront value. Seawalls, flood zones, water depth, boat access, insurance requirements, and long-term maintenance all matter—and overlooking any one of them can be costly. Our role is to help you evaluate waterfront homes clearly, price them accurately, and negotiate from a position of strength.
 
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Whether you’re upgrading to waterfront living, selling a long-held lakefront property, or investing in a high-demand lifestyle asset, Humes Real Estate delivers informed guidance, disciplined negotiation, and local insight you can trust.
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Waterfront Real Estate on Lake St. Clair

Trusted Waterfront Expertise in Chesterfield, MI & Surrounding Communities


Waterfront property is unlike any other category of real estate. Beyond the view, ownership involves unique financial, structural, regulatory, and lifestyle considerations that require specialized knowledge.

Steve Humes Real Estate provides experienced waterfront residential representation for buyers and sellers throughout Chesterfield, Michigan, Lake St. Clair, and select inland lake communities across Macomb and St. Clair Counties.

With more than 25 years of real estate experience, Steve Humes helps clients navigate waterfront transactions with clarity and confidence, whether you are purchasing a canal-front home, selling a lakefront property, or evaluating long-term value in one of Southeast Michigan’s most desirable lifestyle markets.
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Why Lake St. Clair Waterfront Real Estate Is Unique
Lake St. Clair is the centerpiece of waterfront living in Southeast Michigan. Known for its boating culture, fishing, and easy access to the Detroit River system, Lake St. Clair offers a lifestyle that consistently drives demand—and protects long-term property value.

However, not all waterfront homes are equal. Value is influenced by factors that don’t apply to inland residential properties, including:
  • Canal width and water depth
  • Direct lake access vs protected canals
  • Seawall condition and replacement costs
  • Flood zones and insurance requirements
  • Boat size limitations and marina access
  • Long-term shoreline maintenance

Steve Humes understands how these variables impact pricing, marketability, and resale. Buyers benefit from informed guidance before committing, while sellers benefit from accurate positioning that attracts qualified waterfront buyers.
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Waterfront Homes We Represent

Steve Humes Real Estate represents a wide range of waterfront residential properties, including:
  • Lakefront homes on Lake St. Clair
  • Canal-front properties with protected docking
  • River and marina-adjacent homes
  • Seasonal and year-round waterfront residences

While Lake St. Clair is the primary attraction, we also assist buyers and sellers with select inland lake properties in Southeast Michigan. Inland lakes often appeal to clients seeking quieter settings, lower maintenance, or recreational use without the exposure of open-lake frontage.

Each property type requires a different valuation and marketing strategy, which is why specialized waterfront experience matters.
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Inland Lakes vs Lake St. Clair – Understanding the Difference
While Lake St. Clair is the region’s flagship waterfront destination, inland lakes offer different advantages. Inland lake properties often feature calmer water, reduced exposure, and simpler maintenance. However, they may lack the boating range, resale demand, and lifestyle appeal of Lake St. Clair.
Steve Humes helps clients weigh:
  • Lifestyle preferences
  • Budget and maintenance tolerance
  • Long-term resale potential
  • Usage patterns (full-time vs seasonal)

There is no “better” choice—only the right choice for your goals.
20 Macomb & Saint Clair Area Waterfront Property Questions Answered
Are waterfront homes on Lake St. Clair a good investment?
Yes. Lake St. Clair properties tend to retain value due to limited inventory and consistent lifestyle demand.

What should I look for when buying a canal-front home?
Canal width, depth, turning radius, seawall condition, and proximity to open water are critical.

Do waterfront homes require flood insurance?
Some do. Requirements depend on flood zone designation and lender guidelines.

Can I dock a large boat at my property?
Boat size limits depend on canal depth, width, and access to the lake.

How do appraisals work for waterfront homes?
Appraisers compare similar waterfront sales, not inland homes, and adjust for access and frontage.

Is maintenance higher for lakefront homes?
Yes—seawalls, docks, and shoreline exposure require ongoing maintenance.

Can you help negotiate repairs or credits?
Yes. We evaluate condition issues and negotiate accordingly.

How much is my waterfront home worth in Chesterfield, MI?
Value depends on location, access, frontage, condition, and recent waterfront comps.

Should I repair the seawall before selling?
Sometimes. We assess ROI and buyer expectations before recommending major work.

Do waterfront homes sell faster?
Well-priced waterfront homes often attract strong interest, especially in peak seasons.

How do you market waterfront homes differently?
By emphasizing lifestyle, access, and technical details waterfront buyers care about.

Can waterfront homes be sold as-is?
Yes, when priced and positioned correctly.

What affects net proceeds the most?
Pricing accuracy, condition disclosure, and skilled negotiation.

Do waterfront homes appreciate faster than inland homes?
Often yes, due to limited supply and strong lifestyle demand.

Are canal-front homes better than lakefront?
Canal homes offer protection; lakefront homes offer views and access—each appeals to different buyers.

Can I rent my waterfront home seasonally?
Rules vary by municipality and HOA. We help clarify restrictions.

What insurance should I expect?
Homeowners, flood (if required), and sometimes additional coverage for docks or seawalls.

Do you represent luxury waterfront properties?
Yes—pricing and discretion are critical in higher-end waterfront sales.

How seasonal is the waterfront market?
Spring and summer see the most activity, but serious buyers shop year-round.

Where should I start if I want to buy waterfront in Macomb County?
Start with a consultation to define access needs, budget, and usage goals.

 
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Why Choose Steve Humes for Waterfront Real Estate

 

Waterfront real estate carries higher stakes—financially and emotionally. Clients choose Steve Humes because he offers:
  • 25+ years of negotiation experience
  • Specialized waterfront insight
  • Deep local knowledge of Chesterfield & Lake St. Clair
  • Honest guidance without pressure
  • Clear communication from listing to closing

Whether you’re buying your first waterfront home, selling a long-held lakefront property, or exploring alternatives on inland lakes, Steve Humes provides steady, informed representation you can trust.

Steve Humes Real Estate proudly serves waterfront buyers and sellers throughout Chesterfield, Harrison Township, New Baltimore, St. Clair Shores, Algonac, Marine City, Port Huron, and surrounding Macomb–St. Clair County communities.

 
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