Livability AARP maintains a Livability Index (), scoring neighborhoods and communities across the U.S. for their impact on seniors. The index identifies availability of multi-family housing, the percentage of housing units that are not single-family, detached homes,...
Condominium association insurance policies are rapidly increasing in cost, outpacing inflation. The changes have affected property, liability, and directors and officers (D&O) policies. Why are these changes occurring, and how should associations respond?...
Condominium and homeowners associations have restrictions on use of the property, contained in governing documents. Over time, associations may find the need to amend the governing documents to address technological developments or changing property use. Amendment...
When damage occurs to a condominium building or Unit, who makes the first insurance claim, who oversees the repairs, when can responsibilities shift, and who pays the deductible? Association Insurance Responsibilities The Michigan Condominium Act, MCL 559.154(4)...
Land contracts are a less-common and lesser-known type of real estate transaction. What are they, why are they used, and what are some of the considerations involved? Background and Nature Land contracts are the “rent-to-own” of real estate. They are a mechanism for a...
Each election season, we receive questions about political signs in condominiums and homeowners associations. Can community associations restrict political signs, and what are some of the considerations? Freedom of Speech There is a US Supreme Court case, Reed v. Town...
When a homeowner gains election or appointment as a director or officer of a corporation, they become a fiduciary for the corporation, and undertake duties to the corporation, and ultimately to the members it represents. What is a Fiduciary? A fiduciary is a person...
Private land is bought, sold, or transferred using deeds. This Blog will address the four most common types of deeds in Michigan and what each of the different types guarantee. Warranty Deed A warranty deed provides the strongest protection to a buyer. The “warranty”...
