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Housing/Real Estate (MI) « Michigan Matters

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Resources on Housing/Real Estate Issues in Michigan,
Homeless Issues and Reverse Mortgage Info

 

2012 National Mortgage Foreclosure Settlement Summary

April, 2012:  Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette and 47 other states entered into a settlement with the five leading bank mortgage servicers to address allegations of faulty foreclosure processes and poor servicing of mortgages that harmed Michigan homeowners.

The settlement requires the bank mortgage servicers to provide up to $25 billion in sanctions and relief.  Michigan residents are expected to receive approximately $780 million in benefits, including a $97 million payment directly to the State of Michigan.

Resources and Information Regarding Michigan Real Estate:

  • Community Housing Network
    Committed to providing homes for people in need, including those who are homeless, people living with a disability or low income, and anyone facing a housing crisis.
  • Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County
    A nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. We seek to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from Oakland County, Michigan, and the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action.
  • Housing Bureau for Seniors
    Works throughout Washtenaw County to enable and assist older adults with seeking and maintaining appropriate and affordable living arrangements.
  • Terry Allon, Elderly Foreclosure Prevention Coordinator
    2401 Plymouth Road, Suite C
    Ann Arbor, MI 48105
    Telephone: 734-998-9341
    Email: tavny@med.umich.edu
  • Harriet Bakalar
    Elderly Eviction Prevention Coordinator
    Telephone: 734-998-9339
    Email: hbakalar@umich.edu
  • Making Michigan A Better Place to Live – MSHDA Program Guide 
    The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is building on 50 years of advocacy and actions that enhance community and economic vitality through housing and historic preservation. Developing new housing strategies to improve the quality of life for Michigan residents; assisting those in need with housing, education and community resources to overcome housing insecurities; helping families and individuals overcome barriers to having a home to call their own; and protecting Michigan’s archaeological sites and promoting the rehabilitation and reuse of Michigan’s historic built environment. 
  • Michigan Foreclosure Prevention Project
    A collaborative statewide project involving several legal services programs. The Project is comprised of attorneys from 7 major legal services programs who will work as a statewide foreclosure prevention unit. The goal of the Project is to provide comprehensive and coordinated foreclosure prevention advocacy throughout the state.
  • Michigan Housing Locator (Michigan State Housing Development Authority)
    To find affordable rental housing.
  • Michigan State Housing Development Authority
    Provides financial and technical assistance to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing. 
  • Report Fraud, Waste, and Abuse (FWA) (stepforwardmichigan.org)
    The Michigan Homeowner Assistance Nonprofit Housing Corporation (MHA) takes allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse seriously. If you know of, or suspect, any fraud, waste or abuse, please report your concerns to us.
  • Stanek & Perrin Construction (accessible housing contractor)
    Complete home modifications for the physically challenged.
    Patti's Note: We have not worked with these folks directly, but some of our clients have.
  • United Community Housing Coalition
    A non profit that focuses on community improvement and also offers free legal services to Detroit residents facing housing issues.

Articles and Publications:

  • New Law Regarding Principal Residence Exemption (4-17-08)
    Governor Granholm signed a bill into law that significantly changes the way the Principal Residence Exemption, also known as the homestead exemption, applies to Michigan property owners.
  • Notice Concerning Public Act 115 of 2012 (State of MI Dept. of Treasury)
    On May 1, 2012, Governor Snyder signed Public Act 115 of 2012 (2011 Senate Bill 349), which amended…, the General Property Tax Act. The Act makes two significant changes: It establishes two deadlines by which a Principal Residence Exemption may be filed, and it creates a new conditional rescission for "foreclosure entities."
  • Schuette Praises Governor And Legislature On $97.2 Million Fund To Help Troubled Homeowners (7/18/12 press release)
    Attorney General Bill Schuette today praised Governor Rick Snyder and GOP legislative leaders for passing legislation that largely follows his recommendations to strengthen Michigan’s economy and bring relief to countless residents struggling with foreclosure.  The legislation now heads to Snyder’s desk for final approval. 
  • Tenants and Landlords – A Practical Guide (MSU – Detroit College of Law)
    A booklet designed to inform tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities in rental relationships.
  • Troy Community Housing Network Gets Grant to Rehabilitate Homes (Crain's Detroit Business – 7/14/10)
    The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis has awarded Troy-based Community Housing Network a $155,000 grant to acquire and rehabilitate six Macomb County properties to provide affordable housing for people with disabilities.
  • Unlawful Eviction in Michigan
    In Michigan, a landlord is precluded from using self-help to evict a tenant. The landlord must use the court system and may not harass or try to force the tenant to move out by using violence or threat of violence.

Homeless Issues – Michigan:

  • Homeless Assistance Recovery Program (HARP) (Questions and Answers)
    A program from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority that administers the Section 8 Voucher Program.
  • Humble Design
    A Michigan nonprofit formed to provide families coming out of homeless shelters with functional and welcoming home interiors. 
  • Lighthouse/South Oakland Shelter
    Lighthouse of Oakland County and South Oakland Shelter (SOS) are joining forces to provide a stronger response to poverty in our community. SOS program maintains 30-35 unrestricted shelter beds. SOS accepts men, women, and children. Lighthouse works diligently to move individuals and families from homelessness to housing as quickly as possible. 
  • Neighborhood Service Organization
    NSO’s empowering programs and services provide assistance for: older adults with mental illness; children, youth, and adults with developmental disabilities; homeless recovery services; housing development; community outreach for psychiatric emergencies;  and volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups, and organizations.
  • The Empowerment Plan
    Empowerment provides employment and training to homeless parents who manufacture sleeping bag coats for those in need. We work to produce our durable and innovative coat that transforms into a sleeping bag. This employment opportunity ensures that each person we hire is able to earn a stable income, find secure housing, and regain their independence.

Reverse Mortgage Info – Michigan:

  • A Reverse Mortgage Solution (Mortgage Now, Inc. – John Markoul)
    In today's adverse financial climate many seniors find themselves either unable to comfortably meet their mortgage payments and or need additional income to meet their obligations. Selling your home in a declining real estate market may not be a wise option. Tapping the equity in your home through a reverse mortgage is worth considering.
  • Reverse Mortgage (Wells Fargo – Tim Thomas)
    A quick Q&A guide on how to optimize retirement cash flow without selling your home.

Tax Matters – Michigan:

  • Leavitt v. City of Novi (State of Michigan Court of Appeals – 11/18/08)
    Appeal challenging judgment rejecting challenges to City of Novi's denial of request for a principal residence homestead exemption.