Recent Articles
Selling a Home with a Well or Septic System
Does a well supply water to your home? Does a septic system handle sewage disposal? In either case, before you sell, you’ll need to comply with Washtenaw County rules. The County Environmental Health Division enforces the rules. You’re…
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Categories: Real Estate Law
The Closing Day Numbers
As a homebuyer, you’ll want to know how big a check to bring to closing. As a seller, you’ll be interested in the size of the check you’ll be getting. In either case, you probably won’t learn the exact number until a day or two befo…
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Categories: Real Estate Law
Working With a Real Estate Agent
If you’re looking to sell or buy a home, you’ll probably work with a real estate agent. Most sellers and buyers do. Before you sign a contract with an agent, here are some things you should know. Agents are licensed professionals. Under…
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Categories: Real Estate Law
Getting Hurt at a Business Location
What happens if you go to the store, restaurant, or office, and get injured while you’re there? Do you have a legal claim against the business? You might. It depends on how the injury occurred. Legal Duty A business has a legal duty to us…
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Understanding Title Insurance
Title insurance is a routine part of almost every home purchase. Actually, there are usually two title insurance policies. The first is the owner’s policy, which the seller typically pays for. If, after the closing, a flaw in the title tu…
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Categories: Real Estate Law
Auto Accidents: Compensation for Pain & Suffering
Question: “I was injured in an auto accident that wasn’t my fault. Can I be compensated for my pain and suffering?” Answer: “Perhaps.” In legal lingo, pain and suffering are non-economic damages. The Michigan No-Fault Insurance Ac…
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Categories: Civil Litigation
Getting a Michigan Transfer Tax Refund
If you bought a home from Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, you may have agreed to pay the Michigan transfer tax. Check your settlement statement to see if this was one of the items charged to you. If so, it likely was a whopping expense. The tax…
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Categories: Real Estate Law
Leaving Your Home to Your Children
If you want your children to own your home upon your death, there are several ways to accomplish this – including something called a “Lady Bird Deed.” For example, you (or you and your spouse) can: Make a Will. In the will, you can sp…
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Categories: Wills, Trusts & Probate
Good News on Property Taxes
As you may know, two factors determine the amount of your property tax bill. One is the local millage rate. The other is the taxable value of your property – which is 50% of its market value. When you buy a home, the taxable value is 50%…
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Categories: Real Estate Law
Starting a Home-Based Business
From a legal standpoint, a home-based business isn’t much different than any other business. You need to choose a business format – sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC. And you need to buy insurance, pay taxes, sign co…
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