There is no questioning the fact that the recession hit many communities hard; but as we've mentioned before, some were hit harder than others. This was definitely the case for Flint which is still trying to recover economically and having a difficult time doing so. It's not for lack of trying by the people in the community, say many experts; it's the difficulty of convincing out-of-state businesses to come to Michigan that's been the tricky part.
Andy Griffith home, not preserved in will, to be demolished
When you have significant assets and the desire to preserve a legacy, you sometimes need a few brainstorming sessions to cover all of the bases. It is also important for Oakland County residents to draft estate planning documents to ensure that your wishes are carried out; otherwise, unexpected decisions may cast asunder the plans that you assumed would come true.
Meth lab on property 'cooks up trouble' between landlord and tenant
As many residential property owners know, when it comes to accepting tenants, it's important to pick someone who is trustworthy and hopefully will not make a headache for you in the future. But despite many landlords' best efforts, sometimes a bad apple sneaks into the bunch which can sometimes create huge problems for not only property owners but for the entire neighborhood as well.
Mickey Rooney has new conservator following abuse allegations
In our last post we discussed the importance of making plans for the end of your life -- both death itself and the years leading up to it. As we grow elderly, we become much more vulnerable. Our bodies don't work as well and we may have a difficult time keeping track of personal and business affairs. Choosing a trustworthy power of attorney, conservator or estate administrator can provide some extra peace of mind as the ability to make complex health care or estate decisions gradually diminishes.
How rising building costs could affect new home buyers
When it comes to buying your first home, many Michigan families worry most about the headaches generally associated with first homes. Whether it's the expense of remodeling or replacing the entire roof after the first week of moving in, most people would rather forego these headaches and buy a new home instead.
Estate planning also includes preparing for life before death
When we talk about estate planning, the focus is often on how your assets and property will be distributed after you die. But Michigan residents should realize that it's also important to consider your needs as you become elderly or in need of significant -- and costly -- health care.
University of Michigan-Dearborn gets first close-to-campus housing
Few people may know this, but the University of Michigan in Dearborn is the only four year college or university in the state that does not have housing on or close to campus. It's a surprising fact for a school that hosts thousands of students each year.
Federal government fines company for violating Clean Water Act
Passed in 1972, the Clean Water Act, also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972, was considered to be a radical departure from previous federal water-quality legislation because it transformed how society viewed their impact on the environment on a whole.
Land dispute causing legal headache for Michigan Indian tribe
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in the Upper Peninsula is facing further difficulties this month as once again their plans to build a casino in Lansing have been halted. Despite moving forward since it was first announced, a recent lawsuit filed by Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has now blocked the tribe's plans to place the land the casino was to be built on into a trust.
Amicable end to 2008 Oakland County suit against trustee
The success or failure of a business corporation often depends on how smoothly the ownership and administration of the business is passed from the deceased founder to the heirs. Merely focusing on proper estate planning and ignoring estate administration can lead to prolonged litigation, which may affect the overall stability and growth prospects of the inherited businesses.
FBI raid on Michigan realty firm uncovers Freddie Mac troubles
The real estate firm Elias Realty, located just to our south in Livonia, has found itself in hot water this month after the FBI issued a search warrant on their offices a week ago. Although the former state attorney general representing the firm in the case is confident that the FBI will find no wrong doing, it has stirred up many of the problems the company has been having with Freddie Mac over the course of the last few months.
2013 the predicted year for a seller's market
It's been a long time coming but the real estate market may finally put a smile on the faces of people trying to sell their homes in Michigan. Many residents across the state anxiously looked on as home prices plummeted to all time lows during the recession and there was a real fear that the prices would never rebound. But as the country rang in the New Year, the spark in the economy breathed life into the struggling real estate market once more.
