This week I noticed several headlines that amount to bad news for big banks. I will give you my honest gut-reaction when first reading these headlines: 1. CommerceWest Bank Admits Bank Secrecy Act Violation and Reaches $4.9 Million Settlement with Justice Department (see Link) Violating the Bank Secrecy Act? Really? That just sounds bad… CommerceWest BankContinue reading “Banks, Lawsuits, and Settlements: What’s going on with Banks?”
Category Archives: Real Estate
Seven Indicted in Business Opportunity Fraud Scheme
Yesterday the Department of Justice issued a press release that several business men had been indicted related to a multi-million dollar business opportunity scam. You can check out the press release here According to the press release, the businessmen: “made material misrepresentations about the profits customers would make from vending machines and the locations customers wouldContinue reading “Seven Indicted in Business Opportunity Fraud Scheme”
Michigan Real Estate Legislative Update: Eviction Notice by E-mail?
About a year ago I posted an article on a Michigan House Bill that would allow landlords to evict tenants by e-mail. Check out my article here. I never reported back on that Bill, because it sat in the Judiciary Committee for the entire year. Suffice it to say, that Bill was never enacted, butContinue reading “Michigan Real Estate Legislative Update: Eviction Notice by E-mail?”
Landlords, Investors, and Real Estate Contractors – Made the AG’s 2014 Top 10 Consumer Complaints.
Today the Michigan Attorney General’s office issued a press release – “Top Ten Consumer Complaints” – check it out here The State of Michigan Attorney General office’s consumer protection division provides consumers a forum to issue complaints against businesses that may have engaged in deceptive and unfair business practices against consumers. The AG’s office madeContinue reading “Landlords, Investors, and Real Estate Contractors – Made the AG’s 2014 Top 10 Consumer Complaints.”
Lessons From Trial: Family Businesses and Disaster Prevention by a Proper Business Succession Plan.
I just finished up a complex and messy trial that spanned over a few weeks centering on a family owned and operated business. The case involved multiple family members over multiple generations, and differing levels of involvement in the family business, and, as it turned out, differing expectations of the business succession plan once theContinue reading “Lessons From Trial: Family Businesses and Disaster Prevention by a Proper Business Succession Plan.”
Celebrating Entrepreneurship and Crowdfunding
February is the time to celebrate Entrepreneurship. The National Entrepreneurship Week is slated for February 21 – 28 – you can check out the National website here to see what’s going on nationally to celebrate entrepreneurship. What’s going on In Michigan… Detroit is currently in its Entrepreneur Week – you can check out some of what’s beenContinue reading “Celebrating Entrepreneurship and Crowdfunding”
Local Businesses: More on Crowdfunding
Is Crowdfunding Right for Your Business? An interesting article in Crain’s Detroit addresses crowdfunding and whether its right for businesses. Check it out here. The article is meant for small and large businesses alike to consider whether or not crowdfunding is a viable source of funding for their respective businesses. The article addresses “rewards based”Continue reading “Local Businesses: More on Crowdfunding”
Michigan Real Estate Law Update: Investors: If you Intend to Redeem, Better Record that Deed.
Happy New Year! A brief Michigan Legislative Update that affects real estate investors. HB 5795 was passed into law on December 29, 2014 and given immediate effect. The law amends the redemption from foreclosure statute. MCL 600.3140. See the legislative analysis of the House Bill here Purchasing Property at (and after) Foreclosure. Under the prior language, anyone “lawfullyContinue reading “Michigan Real Estate Law Update: Investors: If you Intend to Redeem, Better Record that Deed.”
Michigan Crowdfunding Law Update: Viable Tool for Social Entrepreneurs?
I had a client come in yesterday – a local restaurant owner. A startup business. – quick comment – Gotta love local start up businesses. I love their value in being an active part of a local community – their entrepreneurial spirit – willingness to take risks. – Ok – back to where I was going… One ofContinue reading “Michigan Crowdfunding Law Update: Viable Tool for Social Entrepreneurs?”
Latest Headlines: Fraud and Abuse in Real Estate Investment & Banking
Headline News today – Fraud and abuse in real estate and banking. Today a press release was issued from The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) assessing $950 million in fines against three national banks for “unsafe or unsound practices related to their foreign exchange trading businesses.” You can see the press releaseContinue reading “Latest Headlines: Fraud and Abuse in Real Estate Investment & Banking”
Purpose Driven General Counsel 