LANDLORD INFO:
Property manager tasks, duties, and minimum conduct expectations when managing properties that you do NOT own:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(glondcpqo5m3kvkjulsnkynn))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectName=mcl-339-2512c
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(1zkzqcm0uhi05hrfydl113qg))/mileg.aspx?page=getobject&objectname=mcl-339-2512
Related official real estate and property manager definitions:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(f2y1j3lc2ueld1i2zekluj01))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-339-2501
Fair Housing Information:
https://fairhousingdetroit.org/ (Has updates and advice on local city/township rules & regulations)
https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,4641,7-141-5564_46919-363585--,00.html
https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/fair_housing_rights_and_obligations
https://detroitmi.gov/news/detroit-city-council-passes-councilmember-ayers-fair-chance-housing-ordinance
https://detroitmi.gov/Portals/0/docs/HousingAndRev/2009%20AI.pdf?ver=2015-08-31-130547-140
Detroit’s Guide to Landlord-Tenant & Fair Housing Laws – Includes all federal and state categories of fair housing, plus public benefit status, sexual orientation, and gender identity https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2020-11/Detroit%20e-Brochure%20-%20Landlord-Tenant%20and%20Fair%20Housing%20%28Oct.%202020%29.pdf
Detroit Fair Chance Ordinance (for Tenants with criminal backgrounds)
https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2020-12/Landlords%20and%20Tenants%20Fair%20Chance%20final.docx%20%281%29.pdf
MI Landlord-Tenant Handbook:
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Publications/tenantlandlord.pdf
36th District Court Landlord-Tenant Case Search:
https://www.36thdistrictcourt.org/online-services/case-inquiry-schedule
36th District Court Officers (& we recommend veteran Carlton Carter after the judge signs the Order of Eviction):
https://www.mcodsa.com/general/custom.asp?page=91
Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher - MI Landlord Guidelines:
https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,4641,7-141-5555_41607---,00.html
Section 8 / Housing Quality Standards (HQS) - Property Inspection Checklist
https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/DOC_11775.PDF
Detroit Landlord Approval Info - Certificate of Compliance, Rental Inspections & Lead-Based Paint Risk Assessments:
https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department/bseed-divisions/property-maintenance/rental-property-information
Detroit Short Term Rental (Air BNB) Ordinance
https://detroitmi.gov/sites/detroitmi.localhost/files/2019-06/Short%20Term%20Rental%20staff%20recommendation%20to%20CPC.pdf
Detroit Property Maintenance Code - For Rental Inspections (scroll down on this page to the bottom to get to pdf file/ link):
https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department/bseed-divisions/property-maintenance
EPA's lead-based paint pamphlet for occupants of dwellings built BEFORE 1978 in Michigan
(& tenants must get copy attached to their very first lease if rental was built before 1978):
https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-lead-your-home-english
MI Dept of Civil Rights - Service Animals vs Emotional Support Animals:
(Only two questions that landlords are allowed to ask)
https://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/0,4613,7-138-74964---,00.html
MI Dog Bite Law - Landlord / Owner vs Tenant Liability:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(kopsuezx42o0yzfosmiltkoa))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-287-351
Detroit Water and Sewerage Dept (DWSD) - Landlord Info to Turn On/Off Tenant Direct Billing:
https://detroitmi.gov/departments/water-and-sewerage-department/customer-care/dwsd-landlord-and-tenant-agreements-information
RENOVATION AND/OR REHABILITATION (a.k.a. REHAB) INFO:
FHA - Info on the Prohibition on Flipping Real Estate Within 90 Days of Acquisition:
https://www.hud.gov/FHAFAQ
Detroit Applications for Historic Districts, Finished Basements, Roofs, Decks, Sidewalks/Driveways, etc.
https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department/bseed-divisions/plan-review/building-permit-requirements
Detroit Applications to Pull Permits for Building, Electrical, Mechanical, HVAC, Plumbing, Boiler, etc.:
https://detroitmi.gov/search?search=permit+application
MI Lien Waivers and Sworn Statements to Certify Labor on Rehab/Renno Projects (usually for commercial real estate):
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_Sworn_Statements_and_Waivers_of_Lien_Forms_427408_7.pdf
MI Information on Mechanic's Lien, Notice of Commencement, and Notice of Furnishing (usually for commercial real estate):
https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(owk0gf21jxahw1wwjax415vd))/mileg.aspx?page=GetMCLDocument&objectname=mcl-570-1108
Detroit Property Maintenance Code (scroll down on this page to the bottom to get to pdf file/ link):
https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department/bseed-divisions/property-maintenance
EPA's lead-based paint pamphlet for occupants of dwellings built BEFORE 1978 in Michigan:
https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-lead-your-home-english
Denise's Old Basics on Renovating Houses for Rehabbers to Consider Before Seeking 1st Project:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DnkItErG2wnw1r4NzEKj779pqXsml19NkV9ooxqVJPs/edit?usp=sharing
MI License Verification Search - Blue Collar (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Boiler, Builder, etc.):
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_10575---,00.html
REAL ESTATE INVESTOR AND BUYER INFO -
Issues that need to be reviewed BEFORE making offers to property owners:
Detroit Search for Blight Tickets:
https://app.detroitmi.gov:8443/DAHOnline/
Detroit Property Maintenance Code (scroll down on this page to the bottom to get to pdf file/ link):
https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department/bseed-divisions/property-maintenance
Wayne County Search for Overdue / Back Property Taxes:
https://pta.waynecounty.com/Home/PropertySearch
MI Property search by owner/ address/ parcel # to look up CURRENT CITY TAXES OWED, school district, legal description, sale history, assessed value, taxable value, state equalized value, land value, year built, square footage of real estate, tax bill mailing address, etc. (and note there is a $2 fee for Detroit, MI & Highland Park, MI look ups):
https://bsaonline.com/MunicipalDirectory
Detroit Demo List Deferral Info on Abandoned Buildings:
https://detroitmi.gov/departments/buildings-safety-engineering-and-environmental-department/bseed-divisions/property-maintenance
Wayne County Land Records Search (to query for recordings of deed type, judgments, liens, mortgages, investigating timeliness and/or appropriateness of various recorded documents, etc. - if not working with title co):
https://www.waynecountylandrecords.com/recorder/web/
Wayne County Register of Deeds - How to Record Documents (if not working with title co):
https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/deeds/document-recording.aspx
Wayne County Register of Deeds - Deed Fraud Complaints (if not working with title co):
https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/deeds/complaint-submission-form.aspx
MI approved notary look up / search:
https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1640_14837_23708-85862--,00.html
MI approved virtual and electronic notary vendors:
https://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1633_95527-512986--,00.html
MI Land Contract info and associated maximum loan rates:
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/cis_ofis_ceilings_24956_7.pdf
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(v1eg1zcuu4yebdjhtlrzs0qr))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-438-31c
Detroit Interactive Map - showing neighborhoods / subdivision boundaries and district boundaries, for verifying comps:
https://data.detroitmi.gov/datasets/neighborhoods?geometry=-83.644%2C42.264%2C-82.557%2C42.442
https://detroitmi.gov/webapp/interactive-district-map
MI business entity look up resources, if seller is NOT an individual (in addition to checking LinkedIn & various social media):
https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/SearchApi/Search/Search
IRS informational video on The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980, also known as FIRPTA, regarding buying from (not selling to) a foreign owner
https://www.irsvideos.gov/Individual/education/FIRPTA
Landgrid / land survey investigatory tool:
https://regrid.com
Flood map investigatory tool:
https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps
Sinkholes USA non-interactive map:
https://www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/sinkholes
REAL ESTATE INVESTOR AND BUYER INFO -
Issues usually looked at after an offer is accepted by the seller but BEFORE the CLOSING:
MI Property Checklist - For RETAIL Buyers That Already Have an Inspection Report from a Property Inspector:
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mshda/HUD_Property_Checklist_418922
Have general seller disclosures completed before closing:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(sqbrhhwachm2uabrhncukzb4))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-565-957
For Michigan dwellings built before 1978, have lead paint disclosure done before closing:
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/landbank/lead_base_paint_disclosure_423990_7.pdf
Detroit Water and Sewerage Dept (DWSD) - Real Estate Closing & Final Meter Read Info (if not working with title co):
https://detroitmi.gov/departments/water-and-sewerage-department/resources/request-dwsd-real-estate-closing-bill
MI Law on Squatting is Illegal (so 1st call local Police to get rid of squatters):
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(yclkan2ysvf5lepow41i45xe))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-750-553
https://detroit.curbed.com/2014/8/18/10059508/there-are-some-new-squatters-laws-on-the-books-in-michigan
MI Law on Squatters may bring legal actions against owner for possession after fifteen years:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(mb3rbzwkphvkriy0p4wrzxaf))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-600-5801
Detroit - Property Tax Assessor's FAQs on appealing taxes, splitting/ combining taxes, tax calculations, etcetera:
https://detroitmi.gov/departments/office-chief-financial-officer/ocfo-divisions/office-assessor/property-assessment-faqs#collapse-vbp-accordion-13811-1
MI License Verification Search - White Collar (Accountants, Architects, Appraisers, Surveyors, Real Estate Pros, etc.):
https://www.lara.michigan.gov/colaLicVerify/
REAL ESTATE INVESTOR AND BUYER INFO -
Issues that may or may not need attending to immediately AFTER closing:
Detroit - Property Transfer Affidavit form & info (to ensure new owner gets property tax bills - if not working with title co):
https://detroitmi.gov/departments/office-chief-financial-officer/ocfo-divisions/office-assessor/property-assessment-documents
Detroit Online Request to Report Blocked Basins, Sinkholes, Sewer Cave-Ins, Missing Manhole/Catch Basin Covers, Water Main Breaks, Potholes, Street Light Out, etc.:
https://detroitmi.gov/webapp/improve-detroit-report-issue-online
Detroit Online Search - Trash, Recycling, Yard and Bulk pick up dates & how to properly dispose of certain items:
https://detroitmi.gov/departments/department-public-works/refuse-collection/bulk-yard-waste
Detroit Police Dept - Precinct Locations AND Neighborhood Police Officer Look Up (but call 911 for emergencies):
https://detroitmi.gov/departments/police-department/precincts-and-neighborhood-police-officers
EPA's lead-based paint pamphlet for occupants of dwellings built BEFORE 1978 in Michigan:
https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-lead-your-home-english
MI Dept of Insurance & Financial Services (DIFS) Complaints:
https://www.michigan.gov/difs/0,5269,7-303-12902_12907---,00.html
MI Real Estate Agent Complaints - scroll half way down on this web page (but call managing broker 1st to resolve issues):
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-89334_72600_73836---,00.html
REPUTABLE SOCIAL MEDIA SITES:
There are many FREE and useful social media platforms to join for online/ virtual professional development. It is suggested that one starts with these sites if you are a newcomer and then add others later. ALWAYS do a key word search before posting a question! NEVER feel obligated to purchase any products or services ever! RESEARCH any information from social media before implementing! Do due diligence and be vigilant!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/WholesalingFT/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MetroDetroitRealEstateInvestorsGroup/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcsj9IjfX7-fhzLZRPtWo1Q/videos
https://www.youtube.com/user/savehouses/videos
https://www.youtube.com/user/BiggerPockets/videos
POSSIBLE MOTIVATED SELLER LEAD INFO:
Wayne County Probate Court FAQs for Real Estate Heirs Who May/ May Not Want to Sell:
http://wcpc.us/Info/FAQ/estate.htm
Wayne County Probate Court Case Search:
https://public.wcpc.us/eservices/home.page.2
MI Preforeclosure Timeline and FAQs - info for real estate owners who are way behind on mortgages:
https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,4641,7-141-45866-177816--,00.html
Wayne County - Property Tax Auction FAQs:
https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/treasurer/auction.aspx
Wayne County - Lists of Properties Subject to Property Tax Foreclosures:
https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/treasurer/forfeited-property-list.aspx
Wayne County - Delinquent Property Tax Lien Search:
http://legalnews.com/detroit/tax-liens/
MI Bankruptcy Exemptions on Real Estate - info for real estate owners who are in major financial trouble:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(ljdj1totr2gnpes4zoyretji))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-600-5451
Detroit Open Data Portal - for example do key word search on words like "code violation":
https://data.detroitmi.gov/
Always scrub all leads you plan to call/ text/ do ringless voicemails against the federal and state DNC lists as well as the litigators list before reaching out to property owners in order to avoid unnecessary litigation/ liability:
https://litigationscrub.com/
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0108-national-do-not-call-registry
https://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-359-81903_20942-252775-00.html
Only call, text, and/or send ringless voicemails between 8am and 9pm of the call recipients' time zone:
https://www.sec.gov/reportspubs/investor-publications/investorpubscoldcallhtm.html
NON-TRADITIONAL REAL ESTATE CONTRACTS INFO:
Wayne County Glossary of Terms for Investors:
https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/deeds/real-estate-glossary-of.aspx
Call/Text the REIA office at the phone number in the footer of this web site for referrals to investor-friendly title companies and lenders that are used to processing non-traditional agreements such as lease options, subject to's, contract assignments, land contracts, double/ simultaneous closings, split/ blind HUDs, etcetera, as appropriate document handling is strongly recommended before closing.
See an attorney licensed in MI that is very experienced for questions on legal obligations and contract verbiage as well as to provide contract templates and/or contract verbiage. Have the intent and capacity to close on every lease and/or purchase agreement that you sign, whether or not unforeseen circumstances cause cancellation/assignment in the end, by established relationships with lenders and/or your own funds. Assignors need to ensure valid seller/owner signature(s) as well as consideration are already in their contract before offering said agreement to Assignees.
Consider adding any of these OPTIONAL contingencies in agreements as needed such as: sale price cannot exceed appraisal value, seller providing clear title, buyer's financing approval (if not paying with all cash), buyer's inspection approval, buyer's right to have access to premises during due diligence period, buyer's right to assign, buyer's right to final walk through on the day of closing, property to be vacant upon closing, property to be broom clean upon closing, seller to provide lease with move in checklist and tenant payment ledger (if occupied), etcetera. See licensed attorney for help.
Seller(s) cannot approve / sign off on anyone else to circumvent state law and publicly advertise their property for sale / lease except via a signed agreement with a licensed real estate professional.