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Housing/Real Estate (Michigan) « Michigan Matters

Housing / Real Estate Matters – Michigan

  • Community Housing Network of Troy
    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.
  • Facing foreclosure?
    There is now a toll-free number (866-946-7432) offering information and counseling to those with mortgage problems. It is operated by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). Last week the state announced two new programs: one to help families with adjustable rate mortgages who need a lower-interest fixed rate mortgage, and another program to assist people with delinquent mortgages at risk of losing their home. Both programs are available to those with household incomes at or below $72,250, with a home price no greater than $216,750.
  • Foreclosure Assistance Links
    From the State Bar of Michigan.
  • 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
  • Housing Planning Library (Community Housing Network)
    If a person wants to explore their housing options, or plan for a family member in the future, these links to subjects about housing issues will provide the background and information necessary for a well informed decision and an opportunity to explore the various available choices.
  • Humble Design
    A Michigan nonprofit formed to provide families coming out of homeless shelters with functional and welcoming home interiors.  Also see blog post.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • United Community Housing Coalition
    A non profit that focuses on community improvement and also offers free legal services to Detroit residents facing housing issues.
  • 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.
  • Neighborhood Service Organization
    A private non-profit human service agency with focus on homelessness, among other issues.
  • South Oakland Shelter
    Dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness.
  • The Empowerment Plan
    There are 20,000 people in Detroit that are homeless. This is my story about a humanitarian project called The Empowerment Plan. Meet the re-designed coat, Element S. It is self heated, waterproof, and transforms into a sleeping bag at night. Made by a group of homeless women who will be paid minimum wage, fed and housed to create these coats for those living on the streets. The focus is on the system to create jobs for those that desire them and coats for those that need them at no cost. The goal is to empower, employ, educate, and instil pride.

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.