Not long ago, lake home buyers focused on views, frontage, or water depth. Today, the question that can make or break a deal is simple: “Can I actually work from here?”
Remote and hybrid work haven’t just added a new “feature” to Michigan lake homes. They have completely reshaped what buyers prioritize.
Every week, I see clients fall in love with a property’s waterfront charm. Then pause when they realize their livelihood depends on reliable internet and power. For these buyers, connectivity matters just as much as the scenic backdrop.
The Reality for Remote Workers Buying Lake Homes
For many buyers today, a lake home is no longer just a retreat. It is a command center.
Remote professionals approach their checklists very differently from those focused solely on lifestyle. The internet is not a nice-to-have; it is a must. They need a home that can handle daily work without interruptions, including:
- Video conferencing with no drops
- Upload speeds that meet modern work demands
- Stable power during storms, not just on sunny weekends
- Backup options for outages
If these boxes aren’t checked, the lake dream can turn into daily frustration sooner than buyers expect.
Outdated Assumptions About Connectivity
One of the most common myths I still hear is that rural lake living automatically means poor connectivity. That used to be true in many cases, but it’s no longer accurate across much of Michigan.
Over the past several years, fiber networks have expanded aggressively into lake communities. Some areas now offer gigabit speeds that rival or even exceed those in urban neighborhoods. Cable infrastructure has improved, and wireless solutions have matured.
The real divide today isn’t rural versus urban. It’s serviced versus unserviced. Two lakes just five minutes apart can have completely different connectivity realities. That’s why assuming internet quality based on location alone often leads buyers astray.
The Question for Every Remote Worker
I slow buyers down and get very specific at this stage. Instead of asking, “Is the internet good?” the real question is, “What internet works, is active, and proven at this address?”
Savvy buyers verify details before emotions take over. That means confirming which providers currently service the property, not which ones might arrive someday. It means checking service availability by address, not by town. You should verify real upload speeds, not just advertised download numbers.
I also advise confirming whether fiber or cable is already run to the home. Promises, future expansion plans, and marketing claims do not keep Zoom calls from dropping. Installed infrastructure does.
Reliable Power Is a Must
High-speed internet means nothing without reliable power, the second half of the equation that many buyers underestimate. In rural and wooded lake areas, outages can be more frequent and restoration times longer. Storms, fallen trees, and distance from main lines all play a role.
For buyers who rely on remote work, we focus on outage history, including:
- How often does power go out?
- How long does it usually take to return?
- Do neighbors rely on generators?
- Are there seasonal patterns that matter?
For many lake homes, installing a whole-house generator costs around $10,000. However, the price can be higher depending on size and setup.
Reliable connectivity isn’t a luxury. It’s essential for protecting income, staying on top of work, and maintaining peace of mind.
Local Insight Beats Generic Checklists
The most valuable information about a lake home rarely comes from a listing or a utility website. It comes from the people who already live there.
Lake association leaders, long-term residents, and nearby owners often know which providers actually perform well. They know how quickly power crews respond and which parts of the lake are most likely to lose service during storms.
This kind of local insight rarely appears in marketing descriptions. Yet, it can make a huge difference in a buying decision. That’s the advantage of working with a Realtor® who knows the community, not just the addresses.
Buyer Priorities Have Changed
Fiber internet and remote work have done more than change the lifestyle. They have reshaped the expectations.
Connectivity is no longer optional. Buyers screen for it early. A lake home that cannot support modern work life is no longer charming or rustic. It is limiting.
I see buyers walk away from beautiful properties simply because the infrastructure doesn’t meet their needs. A decade ago, that would have been unthinkable. Today, it’s both common and rational.
Helping Remote Workers Navigate Modern Lake Buying
The lake home buying process has evolved, and so has the way I advise my clients.
Key steps I take include:
- Discussing internet and power before offers, not after inspections
- Verifying providers during due diligence
- Planning for generators when necessary
- Having honest conversations about trade-offs, costs, and long-term usability
This approach keeps buyers from falling for a property that can’t support work, income, or daily life. It also prevents expensive surprises after closing.
What Remote Buyers Ask Most
Can I rely on advertised internet speeds when buying a lake home?
Advertised speeds are a starting point, not a guarantee. Verify actual service at the property address and talk to current owners or neighbors about real-world performance.
Is fiber internet standard in Michigan lake areas?
It is becoming more common, but it is not universal. Some lakes have excellent fiber access, while others do not. Verification is essential.
How vital are upload speeds for remote work?
Upload speeds are critical for video calls, cloud backups, and file sharing. Many buyers focus only on download speeds and later regret it.
Are power outages really that frequent near lakes?
It depends on the area. Tree coverage, distance from main lines, and weather patterns all affect outage frequency and duration.
Do I need a whole-house generator to work remotely from a lake home?
Not always, but many buyers choose one for peace of mind. It depends on outage history and how critical uninterrupted power is to your work.
Can I install better internet after buying?
Sometimes, but not always. Providers determine infrastructure availability, not homeowners, which is why checking before buying is so important.
Does this affect resale value?
Yes. Homes with reliable internet and power are increasingly appealing as remote work remains common.
Make Your Lake Home Work for You
Remote work has changed the way many buyers operate in Michigan. Waterfront views and frontage are essential, but reliable internet and power are just as critical.
At Lake Life Realty, we help buyers verify providers, test speeds, plan for backups, and evaluate long-term usability.
Protect both your lake lifestyle and your work life. Start your conversation with us today.