Today I did what I routinely do on Thursdays around noon time – I visited the school where I mentor a student. I walked to the classroom and talked with his teacher who told me that this student was no longer enrolled in the school. Just like that, a relationship that I had developed overContinue reading “Today I was confronted with the Need For Affordable Housing in Grand Rapids.”
Category Archives: community development
Real Estate Investors and Property Managers – 2020 Update on the “Bed Bug Bill”
****Updated January 21, 2020**** Today RPOA Michigan reported that Grand Rapids, Michigan 18th on the List of Top 50 Bed Bug Cities. This is not a good list to be on. Every year for the last few years, I’ve reported on legislation introduced to address the allocation of responsibility for bed bug and other infestationsContinue reading “Real Estate Investors and Property Managers – 2020 Update on the “Bed Bug Bill””
Real Estate Law Update: Real Estate Investors Be Careful When Interacting with Occupants of Foreclosed Property.
It is a rainy Monday afternoon. It has been dark all day long. I took this picture earlier today and the rain isn’t letting up. As a way to distract from the gloomy weather I thought it might be a good opportunity to share some of my thoughts about a court case that came out aContinue reading “Real Estate Law Update: Real Estate Investors Be Careful When Interacting with Occupants of Foreclosed Property.”
OCC’s Remarks on Fintech Charter – “A Work in Progress”
It is already, Thursday. It has been a hectic week so far, so I thought I would include a photo I took of more peaceful and serene moments – Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Beautiful… Back to the issue at hand, Today, Keith A. Noreika, Acting Comptroller of the Currency gave remarks concerning Fintech Companies at GeorgetownContinue reading “OCC’s Remarks on Fintech Charter – “A Work in Progress””
Real Estate Investors: In Your Efforts to Make a Profit Be Wary of Cutting Corners.
Let me illustrate a picture for you: Let’s say you are a real estate investor. You show up for a foreclosure sale. There are several people present to bid on a specific piece of property. One of those guys winks at you, motions you to come over (in a clandestine sort of way). The guyContinue reading “Real Estate Investors: In Your Efforts to Make a Profit Be Wary of Cutting Corners.”
Join me at Mel Trotter Ministries 3rd Annual Season of Hope Event – Keynote by Author Ron Hall “Same Kind of Different as Me”
Occasionally when I am walking in downtown Grand Rapids I will run into a guy with dirty clothes, smelling bad, looking homeless. When I am asked for money, my gut reaction is to want to help. Honestly though, oftentimes I have no idea what is the right response. I will invariably pray for them,Continue reading “Join me at Mel Trotter Ministries 3rd Annual Season of Hope Event – Keynote by Author Ron Hall “Same Kind of Different as Me””
Real Estate Investors & Property Managers Should Avoid These Pitfalls: DOJ and Landlord Settle Allegations of Family Discrimination.
I’ve said it before, owning and managing real estate is challenging. Particularly residential real estate. I hear it from my Property Owner and Property Manager clients. I experience it when I am involved in negotiating in landlord/tenant disputes. Some of the pitfalls property owners have to watch out for are illustrated in a Wednesday, September 6 DepartmentContinue reading “Real Estate Investors & Property Managers Should Avoid These Pitfalls: DOJ and Landlord Settle Allegations of Family Discrimination.”
Real Estate Investors and Property Managers Should Keep Track of this Bill to Make Veterans a Protected Class in Housing Discrimination.
On August 16, 2017 HB 4872 was introduced into the Michigan House of Representatives. The Bill amend the “Elliott-Larsen civil rights act,” and would provide that veterans are included in the list of those protected by Michigan law against housing discrimination. The Bill would define Military Service as: “STATUS OF BEING AN ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERContinue reading “Real Estate Investors and Property Managers Should Keep Track of this Bill to Make Veterans a Protected Class in Housing Discrimination.”
Removing Employment Barriers For the Most Vulnerable. Work To Be Done.
Today I read an article from the ABA Journal – NY District Attorney’s efforts resulted in some $644,000 of minor offenses being dismissed. Check out the article here. In making his argument in support of the massive dismissals, the District Attorney explained to the Judge that: “New Yorkers with 10-year-old summons warrants face unnecessary unemploymentContinue reading “Removing Employment Barriers For the Most Vulnerable. Work To Be Done.”
Community Revitalization To Include Downtown Grocery Stores: Update on The Urban Food Initiative.
Yesterday I read a story about a Detroiter, Raphael Wright who plans on opening a “mission-driven supermarket” in downtown Detroit. Check out the article on NextCity. Raphael’s idea is sparked by a much needed grocery option in Detroit- particularly for low-income residents. I love this idea. A few years back I took my family toContinue reading “Community Revitalization To Include Downtown Grocery Stores: Update on The Urban Food Initiative.”
Purpose Driven General Counsel 