June 2020

An informative e-newsletter for the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

Seller Disclosure Act and COVID-19

Seller Disclosure

By Brad Lambert, LAMBERT LAW

As the real estate market reopens in Michigan, one issue which will arise concerns the duty of house sellers to disclose the presence of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases on their property.

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Increased Vacancies Require Immediate Action to Limit Increased Risks

By Ethan A. Gross, Globe Midwest Adjusters International

The vacancy rate in commercial buildings is increasing and will continue to increase as the full economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold. Many businesses that are also tenants are losing substantial income as a result of the state mandated shutdowns. Vacant buildings have a higher risk of suffering a loss. Even partial vacancies may impact insurance coverage, increasing the building owner’s risk of suffering uninsured, or underinsured, damage to their property. As counsel for building owners and managers it is important that you understand these risks and how to protect against them.

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Follow the Rules for Online Closings

By Pat McVeigh and David Grigg, Liberty Title

The COVID-19 “lockdown” has pushed much of the real estate world into online platforms at a breakneck speed. While it is now possible to close a transaction entirely online, don’t forget the basics and jeopardize a transaction.

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Legislative Report

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Join a Committee!

Take the opportunity to get involved by writing for one of our publications, presenting at a conference or seminar, or joining one of the committees that cover virtually every area in real estate law. See our committees and how you can join or see the committees you're already subscribed to.

Note to Committee Members:
Communication settings for RPLS Special Committee members have been changed to "Daily Digest." This means when a message is posted on your Committee page, you will receive the message the day after it is posted.

Write an Article

Interested in writing an article for the e-Newsletter? Contact co-editors Samuel Kilberg at SKilberg@dykema.com or Glen Zatz at gzatz@bodmanlaw.com.

Can't remember where you saw that e-Newsletter article? Check the e-Newsletter article index.

We are also looking for suggested authors and topics for the Michigan Real Property Review. Please contact Chair-Elect, Mike Luberto at mluberto@Chircotitle.com for suggested topics and ideas.

The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors, and they do not reflect in any way the positions of the State Bar of Michigan or the Real Property Law Section. These columns are meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the Internal Revenue Service, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) was not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of (i) avoiding tax-related penalties or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another person any transaction or matter addressed in this communication.