Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Real Estate Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Michigan Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Lis pendens property judgement

A neighbor filed a lis pendens (adverse possession) on my father’s property ‘in 02. The lis pendens ended in a judgement in my father’s favor (got to keep the property, but no improvements could be made to formerly disputed property). The neighbor has died and sold the property. I purchased... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Jul 6, 2021

The lid pendins is no longer relevant after the judgment but the JUDGMENT may still be relevant. Without seeing RHC actual judgment and any documents recorded in the chain of title however , it is impossible to know the current state of affairs.

Judgments related to land OFTENZ (but not...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: What does this statement from a warranty deed mean?

What does this statement mean exactly in lay terms: ..."for $100,000 subject to easements and building and use restrictions of record and further subject to any encumbrances that have arisen under or through Grantee since September 2019, the date of the land contract pursuant to which this... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Jun 25, 2021

This is 'common boiler plate' language for a deed granted after payment in full on a land contract.

It means if the land contract buyer did something during the contract that may have impaired the title, the seller takes no liability for that.

If you don't...
View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Elder Law for Michigan on
Q: Mom is in the hospital in California and wants to do a ladybird deed for her house in Michigan how do we proceed?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Jun 21, 2021

You should have a Michigan attorney draft the deed, and then somehow, your mother will need to sign it before a California notary.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Neighborhood voluntary HOA now claims they are mandatory. They are threatening to put a lien on deed. Do I have rights?

I checked with the county records and there is definitely no HAO for my property. These people got together and just decided it's within their rights to create one. What can I do so I don't end up with issues when I go to sell?

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Jun 21, 2021

If you've never signed anything and there is nothing in your chain of title, there is no HOA.

If you've agreed to something then all bets are off however.

Without seeing all the documents however, we're shooting in the dark. You need to consult with a LOCAL real...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: A leasing agent is asking me to sign a lease/pay surety bond before I see the apartment. This legal? My rights? Options?

When I insisted I want to see my actual unit prior to move in, the leasing agent indicated I can’t view the apartment until move in day. I was informed in writing that if the apartment doesn’t need my standards I have the option to decline to move in. But that option will place my family at... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Jun 19, 2021

Advice?

Seek a different leasing agent/apartment.

Would you buy a house without looking at it first?

There is nothing LEGALLY requiring someone to show you an apartment before leasing it, but there is nothing LEGALLY requiring YOU to lease it either. If they are unwilling...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: I have a money judgement in Michigan. Can I have SOS suspend license for nonpayment?
Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on May 28, 2021

No. But have you tried filing for a debtor's exam with the court? If debtor doesn't show up, you can ask the court for a bench warrant. If they do show up, they must produce information regarding their assets under oath.

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Our neighbor followed our property surveyor around as he staked our property last week…he verbally shouted at my husband

Immediately after surveyors left the neighbor appeared in his driveway abruptly and shouted toward my husband and I that “ it will all be moved tomorrow” and “ he isn’t approaching us about it…it will be handled”

What is our next action legally as he has not removed his fence... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on May 24, 2021

You need to 1) document where the survey stakes are and include in the photo things like how far the fence is from the corners etc, by photographing tape measures along with the features of the land etc.

2) get a copy of the written survey report which ideally will also show these...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Does the CDC eviction moratorium apply to land contract forfeiture?
David Soble
David Soble
answered on May 23, 2021

No. Land Contracts are not leases and occupants under a land contract are purchasers, not tenants. In either case, during the pandemic, the court dockets have long delays, so if you can work out a settlement with the other party to resolve your issues, it will benefit both sides.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Michigan on
Q: Is it legal for real estate selling company to require purchase merchandise credit for store where outlot is located?

purchasing an outlot piece of land and they are tying theland purchase to the requirement to purchase a merch credit of 15% of the sale price at closing-- we would never purchase that much of material from them-- seems very shady

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on May 19, 2021

I’m not sure exactly what they are requesting, but they can ask anything that is not illegal.

You don’t have to agree to the terms requested though.

However — and I can’t emphasize this enough — before you sign an offer to purchase you absolutely should have it reviewed...
View More

4 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Is a hand written receipt legally binding on the sale of a house

Friend of mine sold me her house for very little money, and now a year later wants to take it back. I have a signed receipt from her and her ex husband. Will that be enough to stop her from kicking me out?

David Soble
David Soble
answered on May 13, 2021

The best receipt for a home sale is a deed. Anything else is suspect and may not evidence the parties intent. See more at www.provenresource.com

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: I cancelled my purchase agreement...Seller will not sign release

I, the buyer, entered into a purchase agreement which stated closing would occur by 4/23. On 4/28, I instructed my realtor to cancel agreement. Seller refuses to sign release and my realtor is suggesting that I offer up a portion of my earnest money deposit to the seller to cover money spent with... View More

Thomas. R. Morris
Thomas. R. Morris
answered on May 11, 2021

The answer depends upon whether your realtor is correct is his or her assessment of the issue whether you were within your rights when you claimed to cancel the agreement. You have not provided enough information to permit an assessment of that issue.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Can sellers realtor sue me if I cancel purchase agreement when closing did not occur by date listed in Purch. Agreement?

My realtor says I was within my right to cancel but also suggests I release all or part of earnest money to seller to make the sellers broker go away. Will I end up paying more if he takes this to court? Closing was to occur by 4/23 and I cancelled on 4/28.

David Soble
David Soble
answered on May 4, 2021

Generally "no," the seller's agent has no rights against you directly for commission or any other fees. Their agreement is between the seller only. However, a buyer's agent can bring an action against you for their portion of the commission that buyer agent would have earned... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Am I able to sue for damages of undisclosed fire damage in my home?

Hello, hopefully I can get some answers as local attorneys i've spoken with have told me I am out of luck. Approximately two years ago I purchased my first home. Last year when I went to replace drywall and flooring I discovered that my home was structurally unsound, even being condemned by... View More

David Soble
David Soble
answered on May 1, 2021

Past fire damage is definitely something that a seller should disclose about their home if indeed the seller knew about the past fire damage and that it affected the structural integrity of the property (known structural issues are a line item on the disclosure form).

Under Michigan law,...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: I have lived in my house for 10 years. Now the neighbor behind me is saying the fence is on 2ft of his property.

He says he will take fence down and I have to pay to put one up. This includes 5 other homes on the block. Don't I own the property since I have maintained it? He is just now saying something.

David Soble
David Soble
answered on Apr 25, 2021

Unfortunately no. You would need to have 15 years of maintenance to assert an action for adverse possession. The statutory period for acquiescence is also 15 years, and just like adverse possession, the acquiescence of predecessors in title can be tacked in order to establish the 15 year period .... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: I think I have been emailed by a scammer he says he is an attorney from london england robert kaan

He says something about family heritage and a lawrence treloar who I have never heard of and they need a beneficiary to claim his assets and ect... He said he was a hemp oil business man. Who inherited the business from his mother kate treloar

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Apr 23, 2021

If you THINK it’s a scammer it probably is. The best course of action is to ignore it.

This one is a bit craftier than most as it appears they have picked the name of a real barrister from Britain, but if it smells funny you can always ask that they mail you something documenting their...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Michigan on
Q: If my father died with no will and there are two total children, can I finance his mortgage debt and get the house?

My father recently died and had his previous wills canceled for religious reasons but never redid them. When I went to the bank to inform them that he was deceased, they noticed that I was the beneficiary of the accounts and said that I could finance his balance due for 44K or put a full estate... View More

Michael Zamzow
Michael Zamzow
answered on Apr 21, 2021

Generally the assets of a decedent must be filed and managed through probate, and it would not likely be permissible to buy the house without probate. Without a will there are statutory rules regarding allocation. This is a situation where you should speak with an attorney to avoid unintentionally... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: all of my property was stolen by the manager of Flint-Stor-All, 3502 Gorey Ave Flint, MI 48506. while i was in Montana

he gave me a 24 hour Eviction notice and took all of my property the next day. i was paid until the end of the month and got there in 2 days to save my property but he said he sold everything already! isnt this considered a burglary?

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Apr 18, 2021

Burglary— no.

Perhaps a ‘civil conversion’ or improper lien attachment but without seeing the lease and notice it is hard to say for sure. ...

Bring your paperwork to a Genessee County attorney to review ASAP to determine what if anything you can do and how much it will cost...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: Trailer park sold me a mobile home then told me they dont have a title for it what do I do to get the title

They gave me a bill of sale after I paid for it and told me to get an abandoned title from secretary of state the previous owner passed away but they have a son who said he couldn't find the title

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Apr 15, 2021

So in essence they sold you something they didn't own ....

Under what authority would YOU have to apply for a lost title? That sounds like something the HEIRS of the previous owner could do, and if the park took an assignment from those heirs something IT might be able to do, but the...
View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Michigan on
Q: Is there anything, in Michigan, a renter has to sign that states specifically that they’re off of a lease?

I’ve moved my furniture out of the place, returned my keys, and have started the process of returning my deposit. Is there a written agreement in Michigan specifically that is required?

David Soble
David Soble
answered on Apr 14, 2021

A lease is a contract. Generally, the parties are bound by the provisions of a signed lease. Turning in the keys is a unilateral step only. Without the landlord's release, you would still be obligated on the contract.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Michigan on
Q: LLC formed in new york want to use it for a rental property in michigan do I need to obtain a Certificate of Authority
Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on Apr 13, 2021

Yes, but you don’t ‘obtain’ it, you file it with the state’s corporation bureau.

The form is pretty self explanatory, but if you’re going to be renting property in Michigan it makes sense to hire and retain a lawyer in the area of that property to insure you comply with...
View More

View More Answers

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.