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Michigan homeowners can claim an exemption on the property taxes levied against their primary residence. The size of the exemption is not insignificant. If the “taxable value” on your notice of assessment is $150,000, for example, the “principa… Read More

Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code provides a valuable tax deferral mechanism for real estate investors. The provision, commonly referred to as a “like-kind exchange,” allows for the exchange of one investment property for another… Read More

Many commercial leases contain a provision either permitting or prohibiting the parties from recording a Memorandum of Lease. Although a Memorandum of Lease is not the most complex aspect of any lease, it may provide crucial protection to certain ren… Read More

Unlike residential tenants, most commercial tenants were not relieved of the obligation to pay rent during the pandemic. In a recent case, the tenant alleged that the purpose of the lease—to use the property to operate a gym—was frustrated by the… Read More

Commercial property owners wishing to obtain financing will likely be required by their lender to sign a document generically referred to as an “assignment of rents and leases” as additional security for repayment of the loan. In the even… Read More

A family cottage can be a gathering place that brings loved ones together generations to come. Unfortunately, without a proper succession plan, disputes over ownership and operation can lead to litigation among the family. Consider the example of a c… Read More

Retaining a principal residence exemption (“PRE”) can sometimes be tricky. (The PRE exempts a homeowner’s principal residence from property taxes levied for school operating expenses.) Naturally, the tax assessor wants to collect every tax doll… Read More

Recently, frantic ads have warned that thieves can record forged documents to steal title to your home. While title theft insurance companies claim to offer protection to homeowners, there are a few things to consider before purchasing a policy: A fo… Read More