You can buy in Interlochen without hopping on a plane. If you are eyeing a lake cottage, wooded acreage, or a full-time home near Traverse City, you can tour, inspect, and close from wherever you live. All it takes is the right plan, the right local team, and smart use of digital tools. In this guide, you will learn how remote buyers evaluate homes, complete due diligence for wells and septic, secure financing and title, and close confidently in Northern Michigan. Let’s dive in.
Interlochen market at a glance
Interlochen sits in Northern Michigan’s Benzie and Grand Traverse area, known for the Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen State Park, and lakes like Green Lake and Duck Lake. You will see a mix of single-family homes, lakefront cottages, and rural acreage. Many properties have private wells and septic systems, which makes local guidance essential.
Seasonality matters. Listing activity and showings typically rise in spring and peak in late spring and summer. Winter weather can slow access, inspections, and appraisals, so plan extra time when snow and ice are likely. If you are comparing locations, factor in commute times to Traverse City and proximity to year-round services.
How to tour homes from afar
Combine digital tools
Ask for multiple formats so you get a full picture. You can review the listing photos and floor plan, then request a 3D tour for spatial context. Follow that with a live video walkthrough so you can ask questions in real time.
For large parcels or waterfront, request drone video to understand elevation, shoreline, and proximity to neighbors and roads. If you progress to inspections, many inspectors can stream parts of the inspection so you can hear findings as they occur.
What to ask your agent to capture
- Driveway and road access, including slope and winter plow feasibility.
- Parcel boundaries, tree lines, and distance to water or roads.
- Close-ups of the roof, foundation, mechanicals, and any signs of moisture.
- Basement and crawlspaces, attic insulation, and utility panels.
- Heating fuel setup, water softener or filtration systems, and well head location.
Plan around seasons and schedules
Confirm that inspectors and appraisers can access the interior on your timeline. In winter, make sure snow removal is handled so inspectors can reach the property. If you need a “final” walkthrough, ask your agent to record a detailed video that confirms condition and any agreed repairs.
Due diligence that matters here
Northern Michigan’s rural and waterfront features call for focused verification. Build these items into your offer and timeline.
Wells and water quality
Private wells are common. Request certified testing for coliform bacteria and nitrates and plan for lab turnaround time. Keep water quality results within your inspection contingency so you can approve or cancel based on findings.
Septic system evaluation
Most homes outside municipal systems use on-site septic. Order a septic inspection or evaluation and pull any available permits or records. If you plan changes or expansions, discuss percolation requirements with local health authorities.
Shoreline and waterfront specifics
For lakefront or near-water property, confirm riparian rights, shoreline setbacks, and whether the parcel sits in a flood zone. Review high-water mark history and recent erosion patterns. Shoreline improvements may require permits, so coordinate early if you have plans.
Boundaries, easements, and access
Rural parcels often include shared driveways or recorded easements. Obtain a survey or boundary verification, and review recorded documents for access and utility rights. Verify who handles year-round road maintenance and winter plowing.
Utilities and broadband
Ask which provider handles electricity, what the primary heat source is, and whether propane, oil, or wood is in use. Confirm internet options if you plan to work remotely. Have your agent verify availability with local vendors during your contingency period.
Who to contact locally
- Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department for well and septic guidance and records.
- Benzie County Register of Deeds for recorded deeds, easements, and surveys.
- Township zoning for setback rules, shoreland regulations, and rental ordinances.
- State environmental authorities for shoreline and water resource guidance.
Financing, title, and closing from out of town
Choose a lender who knows the area
You can work with a local or national lender. Local lenders may better understand rural and waterfront valuation. Allow extra time for appraisal scheduling, especially for unique or seasonal properties.
Understand appraisal types
Depending on your loan, you may see a traditional interior appraisal, drive-by, hybrid, or desktop format. Lender policy sets the method. Unique or waterfront homes often need interior access and additional market support, so build time into your contract.
Title, taxes, and recording
Your title provider will run a title search to check for liens and easements. Review the commitment carefully. Confirm property tax cycles and any special assessments. Recording is done with the county, and availability of e-recording can vary, so ask your title company what to expect.
Remote notarization and signing options
Remote online notarization may be an option depending on your title company and lender. If not, you can use a mail-away signing or meet a local notary near your home. Set your signing plan early to avoid last-minute delays.
Wire safety and final walkthrough
Wire fraud is a real risk. Only use wiring instructions confirmed directly and verbally with your title company. Before funding, arrange an in-person final walkthrough or have your agent perform and record it with date-stamped photos and video.
A practical remote-buyer timeline
- Days 0–3: Hire a local buyer’s agent, request full listing materials, and schedule a live video tour. If waterfront or large acreage, request drone footage.
- Days 4–14: Conduct a full home inspection and any specialty inspections. Order well water testing and a septic evaluation. Start title work and survey or boundary check if needed.
- Days 10–28: Your lender schedules the appraisal. Provide the appraiser with access and any relevant information. Continue title review and resolve questions about easements or road maintenance.
- Days 21–35+: Finalize loan conditions and choose your closing method. Confirm wire procedures by phone. Complete final walkthrough in person or by recorded video.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Relying only on MLS photos. Pair 3D, live video, and drone for context.
- Skipping well, septic, or radon testing. Build them into your contingency.
- Underestimating appraisal timelines for unique or waterfront homes. Pad your schedule.
- Overlooking winter access plans. Confirm who maintains the driveway and road.
- Accepting wiring instructions by email alone. Always verify by phone with the title company.
Copy-and-save checklist
- Hire a local buyer’s agent experienced in Benzie and Grand Traverse properties.
- Request photos, floor plan, 3D tour, and drone video where relevant.
- Schedule a live video walkthrough and direct your agent to focus on key systems.
- Order home, well, septic, radon, and any specialty inspections.
- Verify boundaries, easements, shoreline considerations, and flood maps.
- Start title work and review the commitment for easements and liens.
- Confirm appraisal access and timing with your lender.
- Choose remote signing method and confirm wiring procedures by phone.
- Conduct a final walkthrough, in person or recorded by your agent.
How we support remote buyers
Buying from out of town should feel simple and safe. With local market knowledge across Interlochen and the broader Benzie and Grand Traverse corridor, we coordinate live video tours, secure inspections, and clear communication with lenders and title. Our vendor network understands wells, septic, shoreline concerns, and rural access, so you can make decisions with confidence.
Ready to explore an Interlochen home from wherever you are? Schedule your free consultation with Craig Real Estate.
FAQs
How do remote video tours of Interlochen homes work?
- Your agent conducts a live walkthrough on video, focuses on your questions, and provides recordings, plus 3D or drone footage for lot and shoreline context.
What inspections are most important for rural Benzie County properties?
- Prioritize a full home inspection, well water testing for bacteria and nitrates, septic evaluation, radon testing, and boundary or survey verification.
Can I close on a Michigan home without traveling to the title company?
- Yes, many buyers use mail-away signings or remote options supported by their title company and lender; confirm the exact process early in your timeline.
How should I handle the appraisal if the property is unique or waterfront?
- Expect a traditional interior appraisal and allow extra time; provide access and be ready to supply local market context through your agent if needed.
What steps help prevent real estate wire fraud during closing?
- Never rely on emailed instructions alone; call the title company directly at a known phone number to confirm routing and account details before wiring funds.
Who do I contact for well, septic, and property records in Benzie County?
- Work with your agent to request documents from the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department, the Benzie County Register of Deeds, and the township zoning office.
