Winter 2024

Volume 51, No. 1

FEATURE ARTICLES

By Kayleigh B. Long

Michigan’s Marketable Record Title Act (the “MRTA”) has ignited much discussion, and debate, among real property law practitioners over the last several years in the wake of amendments to the act in 2018 and 2022. Each of these amendments left various stakeholders dissatisfied with their potential implications, spawning renewed calls for further amendments, and even the repeal of the MRTA altogether.

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By Holly M. Zoe, Dickinson Wright

In August of 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced her administration’s policy initiatives for the fall and beyond, which included an ambitious “100% clean energy standard”—a proposal to produce 100% of the state’s energy needs through clean sources such as wind and solar energy facilities. In July 2023, DTE Energy, a Detroit-based energy company, obtained state approval for its CleanVision Integrated Resource Plan. Among other things, the plan calls for DTE to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 and develop an additional 10,000 MW of renewables.

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By Daniel R. Kubiak, Mika Meyers PLC

Commercial site condominium developments are common. In many cases, the groundbreaking occurs prior to the recording of a Master Deed. These circumstances raise issues as to the extent of a construction lien under the Construction Lien Act and the Condominium Act.

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COLUMNS

By Dawn M. Patterson

This year, it has been my privilege and honor to serve as Chair of the Real Property Law Section. One aspect that continues to impress and inspire me is the number of members who graciously share their knowledge and offer their service to the Section. Being able to network, collaborate and learn from seasoned real estate attorneys is truly a priceless benefit of being involved in the Section.

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By Jason C. Long

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 Jason C. Long

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