Waterfront descriptions are essential for accurately listing properties and running effective MLS searches. Below are the terms available to describe waterfront features in listings or to include or exclude from property searches.

Outside of providing these definitions, NorthstarMLS defers to the expertise of real estate professionals in choosing how and when to use them in your listings. Not sure whether a body of water is a lake or pond? Check with your broker for clarification.

Also, while we strive to comply with the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO), Minnesota and the Upper Midwest have unique and abundant waterfront. Not all the waterfront types described below have RESO definitions, but we have indicated the ones that do.

Lake Front

Property is directly adjacent to a lake. The only things that may intervene between listed property and the lake are a public thoroughfare or association owned land. This term is also recognized by RESO, which defines it as “The property is on a lakefront.”

River Front

Property is directly adjacent to a river. The only things that may intervene between listed property and the river are a public thoroughfare or association owned land. RESO also defines this term as “The property is located on a riverfront.”

Creek/Stream

Property is located along a natural stream of water normally smaller than and often tributary to a river, or such a stream of water runs through it. RESO provides individual definitions for “Creek” as “The property is either on or near a creek” and “Stream” as “The property is on or near a stream.”

Association Access

The property has access to a lake through association-owned lake front.

Deeded Access

The legal transfer of rights to access a body of water by means other than public access.

Shared

Access to the lake is through lake front land owned by this and one or more other owners.

Pond

Property is located along a body of water smaller than a lake. RESO also provides a straightforward definition: “The property is on or near a pond.”

Lake View

Ability to see the lake from inside the dwelling without the aid of instruments.

River View

Ability to see the river from inside the dwelling without the aid of instruments.

Dock

The property has a dock in the body of water. A dock is a place such as a wharf or platform for the loading or unloading of materials, persons or boats.

Channel Shore

The property is located on a straight or narrow body of water between two close land masses.

Other

This selection can be used to describe other waterfront related features of a property that isn’t well described by the terms above.