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“10 Best” Attorney Client Satisfaction in Real Estate Law|Award Recipients, Kevin Hirzel, Joe Wloszek, William Kolobaric and Brandan Hallaq

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Congratulations to Kevin Hirzel, Joe Wloszek, William Kolobaric and Brandan Hallaq on being the 2018 recipients of the “10 Best” attorney client satisfaction in Real estate law award. A significant achievement recognized by the American Institute of Legal Counsel. The AIOLC looks for attorneys who have achieved unparalleled success in their field but mostly have done so for the benefit of their

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Can a Michigan condominium ban solar panels?

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  Approximately 25 states have adopted some form of a solar access statute that makes it illegal for condominium bylaws to contain a provision that completely bans the installation of solar panels. There are approximately 15 different states that have adopted solar easement statutes that uphold the validity of contractual easements for solar access. A full list of states that

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HB 4503 and SB 329: Recent Skirmishes Regarding Short-Term Rentals and Their Effect on Community Associations

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            Tourism is a major part of the Michigan economy and its significance continues to grow.  From 2010 through 2014 tourism employment growth even outpaced overall state employment growth.  Further, for each month between 2015 and 2017, Michigan’s visitor occupancy rate has increased over the prior year’s occupancy rate for every month, except for two.  This growth has seen an

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PREEMPTION! The FCC’s Adoption of the OTARD Rules and their Application to Condominium and Homeowners Associations

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            In Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “Act”), Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) to adopt rules concerning Over-the-Air Reception Devices (“OTARD”) in order to provide limitations and guidance on governmental and non-governmental restrictions on viewers’ ability to receive certain over the air telecommunications.  In October 1996 the FCC adopted 47 CFR § 1.4000 (the

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Paris Meadows, LLC v City of Kentwood: Objecting to the Taxation of Common Elements

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Introduction In Michigan the question of whether the common elements of a condominium are taxable appears to be well-settled.  In Paris Meadows, LLC v City of Kentwood, 287 Mich App 136; 783 NW2d 133 (2010), the Michigan Court of Appeals held that pursuant to Section 131 of the Michigan Condominium Act, MCL 559.231, property taxes may only be assessed against

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The VA Home Loan Guaranty – A Valuable Resource for Veterans

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Introduction 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

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An Important Lesson For Condominium Developers

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On December 15, 2016, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued an unpublished opinion in the matter of Woodland Estates, LLC v. City of Sterling Heights and County of Macomb. The Woodland Estates case should be taken as a warning to developers. This case illustrates the importance of obtaining legal advice from an attorney throughout all stages of the development process. The

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