Home sellers have a distinct obligation to disclose issues with the property. Under Michigan law, they generally have to let potential buyers know about any known issues. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the seller is obligated to know about everything. There could...
Relentless. Rigorous. Rutgers.
Commercial Real Estate
What should homebuyers know about easements?
Buying a home comes with many factors to consider, one of which is whether you can get the use out of the property that you want or not. While many people may check out the crime rate and similar factors when they’re looking at homes, most may not think to find out if...
Understanding adverse possession vs. doctrine of acquiescence
When investing in real estate, it is important to perform due diligence to make sure that the property is free from disputes that could complicate things down the line. Boundary disputes are among the most common real estate issues investors have to deal with. Adverse...
Why do boundary disputes happen?
Boundary disputes can affect both commercial and residential properties. Typically, the owner of a property owns not only the building but also the land around it, or at least has legal access to some of the land around the building. The ownership rights of property...
Can your HOA regulate political signs?
With election seasons bringing heightened political activity, homeowners often display political signs to express support for candidates or causes. But can a Homeowners Association (HOA) restrict these signs? In Michigan, HOAs have some authority over political...
5 requirements for a valid adverse possession claim
Also referred to as “squatter’s rights,” adverse possession is a legal doctrine allowing an individual to claim ownership of land under certain conditions despite not holding the title. In Michigan, as in many other states, the claimant must meet specific...
Why is real estate so expensive in Grand Rapids
If you are trying to buy real estate in Grand Rapids, you may be surprised to find out just how expensive it is. In the last decade or so, home prices have increased dramatically. Many homes have doubled or tripled in price. Grand Rapids is certainly a growing area,...
3 types of commercial boundary disputes you should be aware of
Current commercial real estate investments in Michigan have the potential to rake in significant profits for investors due to a thriving economy, strategic location and diverse range of industries. However, investors must perform due diligence before investing in real...
New property owners may have to honor an easement
An easement is an agreement between two property owners. It specifies that someone who is not on the title for that property still has a right to use it in a specific way. For example, a neighboring property owner may need to cross that property to enter their own,...
Negotiating a commercial lease for a retail store
If you decide to open a retail store in Michigan, you will probably look for a location that will provide good visibility and plenty of foot traffic. Once you have found the perfect location, you will be in a position to negotiate a lease with the landlord. This could...