The Community Associations Institute ("CAI") Board of Trustees recently appointed Kevin M. Hirzel, Esq. to the national Government & Public Affairs Committee for a two year term from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018. CAI is an international membership organization with more than 34,000 members in partnership with 60 chapters around the globe. CAI provides information, education and resources to…
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When a developer starts a project in Michigan, often it is easier/cheaper to create a site condominium or a homeowner’s association (“HOA”) rather than platting single family homes. As the developer sells enough units, control of the site condominium or HOA transfers to the homeowners in the project. Once the transition occurs, it is the homeowners’ responsibility for making sure…
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What do Apple Computer, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and the Ford Motor Company all have in common? These corporations all started out as home-based businesses. With recent technological gains, more individuals are not only working from home but, in fact, more than half of all U.S. businesses are based out of an owner’s home[1]. In addition, with technological advances, many tasks…
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On January 12, 2017, House Bill 4015 (2017) was introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives and would make significant changes to the Michigan Condominium Act. The bill is a reincarnation of former House Bill 5655 that had failed to pass in 2016. Similar to House Bill 5655, House Bill 4015 is extremely problematic for Michigan Condominium Associations.
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A home loan through the Loan Guaranty program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) presents a real opportunity for U.S. veterans to purchase a home when they may otherwise not be able to do so. Benefits to a VA loan include lower interest rates, more flexible underwriting requirements, no down payment, and increased purchasing power. One potentially under-utilized way…
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Many condominium board members volunteer to serve their condominium association for altruistic purposes. While often well intentioned, it is not uncommon for board members to not have any training that would make them aware of potential pitfalls that commonly entangle a condominium association in litigation. In other instances, co-owners may have self-interested motives for serving on a board that cloud…
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