real estate – Page 2 – Purpose Driven General Counsel

Lessons From Trial: WORDS MATTER when Drafting Real Estate Documents

I recently had a trial over a relatively simple real estate document (that, just to be clear, I played no part in drafting). The Owner and Buyer negotiated the terms of an option to purchase real estate. The Investor and Buyer negotiated terms that they both thought were plain. No one thought that the dealContinue reading “Lessons From Trial: WORDS MATTER when Drafting Real Estate Documents”

LINC Real Estate Development News, and Lessons from Recent Court Decision

Happy Friday! News in local real estate development…. Yesterday, the Grand Rapids Planning Commission approved a $15 Million Project. Article here. The Project, 70 housing units with retail on the first story, is being developed by LINC – a Grand Rapids based non-profit focused on Community Revitalization. LINC is great example of a local non-profit doingContinue reading “LINC Real Estate Development News, and Lessons from Recent Court Decision”

Michigan Real Estate Law Update: Landlords May Send Eviction Notice by E-mail

Happy Friday! I’ve previously posted on the Michigan Bill introduced in the House that would allow Landlords to send Tenants eviction notices by E-mail – check out that article here Yesterday, the Governor signed the Bill into Law. The Story was reported by the Midland Daily News The Law allows service via e-mail based uponContinue reading “Michigan Real Estate Law Update: Landlords May Send Eviction Notice by E-mail”

New Michigan Bill: Investment Property Owners Should Keep Track of this “Bed Bug Bill”

Last Thursday a class action case against a Real Estate Owner reached a settlement involving payment of over $2 Million to 100 tenants – ABAJournal reports that story here One of the primary complaints was that “the 26-unit building had a massive cockroach infestation.” Infestations are an issue for every property manager or owner ofContinue reading “New Michigan Bill: Investment Property Owners Should Keep Track of this “Bed Bug Bill””

Business Case Law Update: Personal Guaranty…a “Special Kind of Contract”

Over the last few years I’ve posted a few articles on Personal Guarantees in a business transaction. I’ve noticed recently people coming across my articles while searching for “enforceability of a personal guarantee” – so this article, and the new case law I just reviewed is timely. To summarize – Yes – a personal guarantyContinue reading “Business Case Law Update: Personal Guaranty…a “Special Kind of Contract””

What’s Going on With Banks? Part II: Comptroller on Currency and Community-Based Banks

In my March 11th Post on “What’s Going on With Banks” I made an observation: such worldwide bad press on big banks might lead to increased lending at community based banks. No sooner than I hit “publish” on my post did I receive several more news headlines regarding big bank lawsuits. I get regular “Enforcement Actions”Continue reading “What’s Going on With Banks? Part II: Comptroller on Currency and Community-Based Banks”

Michigan Real estate law update: House Passes “Notice to Evict by E-mail” Bill

Happy March Madness Friday! Yesterday House Bill 4038 allowing eviction notices to be sent to residential tenants by e-mail passed the Michigan House. Now on to the Senate. You can check out the latest Legislative Analysis here The Passed Bill looks a bit more complicated (as anticipated) than the original bill that was proposed backContinue reading “Michigan Real estate law update: House Passes “Notice to Evict by E-mail” Bill”

Michigan AG is cracking down on Fraudulent Businesses, Unlicensed Real Estate Professionals

Ag Cracks Down on Bad Michigan Businesses. I just received this press release today from the Michigan Attorney Generals Office announcing the Investigation of 10 Michigan Businesses related to faulty Anti-Freeze Distribution. You can check out the Ex-Parte Petition filed in Court here The Court granted the AG’s request for subpoenas in an order signedContinue reading “Michigan AG is cracking down on Fraudulent Businesses, Unlicensed Real Estate Professionals”

Banks, Lawsuits, and Settlements: What’s going on with Banks?

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?”