Spring 2023

Volume 50, No. 1

FEATURE ARTICLES

By Kevin T. Smith

Ad valorem real property taxes in Michigan are assessed and collected under the provisions of the General Property Tax Act (GPTA). In 1999 PA 123 (Act 123), the Legislature adopted the current tax lien foreclosure process, converting Michigan from a tax lien state, where liens for delinquent taxes are offered at public auction, to a tax deed state, where liens are foreclosed and fee simple title to foreclosed properties are offered at public auction.

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By Lawrence Dudek

The full scope of the resulting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic remain to be seen. During the pandemic there were significant bankruptcy filings by large retail chains, as well as by many smaller businesses in the hospitality, restaurant, and retail industries. 

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By John A. Weiss and Thomas H. Forshee

In a 5-2 decision authored by Justice Elizabeth Welch, the Michigan Supreme Court recently clarified that property ownership is not a requirement to appeal an unfavorable zoning decision under the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MZEA).

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COLUMNS

By Thomas A. Kabel, Butzel PC

Nearly three years after the Covid-19 pandemic compelled the Real Property Law Section’s leadership to make the difficult decision to cancel its premier event–Summer Conference–our Section is in many ways stronger than ever. We had already been making changes in the educational programming that we offered to our members, both substantively and in the manner of delivery.

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By Dawn Patterson

The Real Property Law Section is active in the judicial process in a variety of ways, such as preparing amicus curiae briefs and monitoring cases of interest to real estate lawyers. This Article provides a periodic report designed to inform Section members about the Section’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the law and to advise Section members about published decisions that may affect real estate practice.

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By Dawn Patterson

One of the primary responsibilities of the Real Property Law Section (“Section”), as set forth in Article I, Section 2 of the Section’s Bylaws, is:

to promote the fair and just administration of Real Property Law; to study and report upon proposed and necessary legislation, including, but not limited to, pending legislation and drafting and introducing legislation …

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• All Articles
• Chair's Report
• Condominium
• Construction
• Easements
• Foreclosure
• Judicial Decisions
• Legislation
• Miscellaneous
• Mortgages & Foreclosure
• Residential
• Zoning

Issue Archive Beginning 1974 (for RPLS members only)

Real Property Winter Conference 2024

Dates: March 7–9, 2024
Location: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, AZ

More Information & Registration

Save the Date—Summer Conference 2024

Date: July 17–20, 2024
Location: Grand Traverse Resort, Traverse City, Michigan

More Information & Registration Coming Soon

Save the Date—Real Property Law Academy I

Date: September 17-18, 2024
Location: L.V. Eberhard Center, Grand Rapids

More Information & Registration Coming Soon

Chair
Dawn M. Patterson
dmpatterson@firstam.com

Section Administrator
Karen Schwartz
rplsks@gmail.com

Officers & Council Members PDF

Special Committees

Standing Committees