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Free Guide to Hiring a Real Estate Lawyer
Keego Harbor, United States Attorneys in related practice areas.
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Read full answerKeego Harbor is a small lakeside city in Oakland County, Michigan. Real estate transactions and disputes in Keego Harbor are governed by a combination of federal law, Michigan state law, county rules, and local city ordinances. Common matters include buying and selling homes, waterfront and riparian issues, zoning and building permits, landlord-tenant relations, property tax assessment and appeals, title and lien problems, and homeowner association covenants. While many routine transactions are handled by real estate agents, mortgage lenders, title companies, and escrow officers, legal issues often arise that require an attorney familiar with Michigan real estate law and local practice in Oakland County and Keego Harbor.
You may need a lawyer for a real estate matter when the issue involves rights, obligations, or risks that are unclear or could have significant financial consequences. Typical situations include:
- Reviewing or negotiating purchase agreements, contingency language, and seller disclosures to protect your interests.
- Resolving title defects, unknown liens, easements, or boundary issues discovered during a title search or survey.
- Handling closings where complicated financing, short sales, or seller or lender issues exist.
- Representing buyers or sellers in disputes over property condition, repairs, or disclosure violations.
- Navigating landlord-tenant disputes, evictions, deposit disputes, or habitability claims.
- Advising on waterfront rights, dock permits, shoreline setbacks, and state environmental permitting that affect lakefront property.
- Appealing property tax assessments or defending against tax foreclosure actions.
- Addressing building code violations, zoning appeals, variances, or permit denials with the city.
- Litigating or settling construction defect claims, boundary disputes, or quiet title actions.
Having an attorney early can reduce risk, speed resolution, and preserve options that might be lost by missed deadlines or incorrect procedures.
Key legal points relevant to real estate in Keego Harbor include:
- State and local framework - Michigan statutes set many core rules for real estate transactions and landlord-tenant relations. City of Keego Harbor ordinances and local zoning rules add requirements on land use, structures, docks, and permits.
- Written contracts - Real estate purchase agreements must generally be in writing to meet the Statute of Frauds. Written leases over a year are also subject to formal requirements.
- Seller disclosures - Michigan law requires sellers of residential property to provide a written disclosure of known defects for most single-family home sales. Federal law requires disclosure of lead-based paint hazards for homes built before 1978.
- Title and recording - Deeds, mortgages, and other instruments are recorded at the county level. Oakland County recording rules affect priority of liens and public notice.
- Landlord-tenant rules - Michigan law governs security deposits, repair obligations, notice requirements, and the eviction process. Evictions require court action and specific notice procedures.
- Zoning, permits, and building codes - Additions, accessory buildings, docks, and major renovations typically require city permits and inspections. Zoning ordinances control use, setbacks, height, and lot coverage. Zoning variances and special use permits are decided through local boards.
- Waterfront and environmental regulations - Waterfront property raises issues involving riparian rights, docks, shoreline setbacks, erosion control, and wetlands. State environmental permitting may be required for shoreline structures or work near regulated waters. County drain and watershed rules may also apply.
- Property taxes and appeals - Property taxes are assessed by the county and billed through local offices. Owners may appeal assessments through local boards of review and, ultimately, the Michigan Tax Tribunal.
- Foreclosure - Michigan typically uses a judicial foreclosure process for mortgage foreclosures. Mortgage default and foreclosure timelines, notice requirements, and redemption rights vary by circumstance.
- Homeowner associations and covenants - Private covenants, conditions, and restrictions enforced by HOAs or subdivisions can restrict use, improvements, and rentals. These are contractual rules that can be enforced in court.
No state law requires an attorney for a residential purchase, but a lawyer is often helpful. Real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and title companies handle many routine steps, yet an attorney can review contracts, advise on contingencies, resolve title issues, and handle complex or high-risk transactions.
Sellers must generally provide a written residential property disclosure statement that identifies known defects and material facts. For homes built before 1978, federal law requires disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards. Failure to disclose required information can lead to post-closing claims.
Order a title search through a title company, closing agent, or attorney. The county register of deeds records liens, mortgages, easements, and prior deeds. Title insurance can protect against many undisclosed title defects that survive a search.
Tenants have rights around habitability, repairs, privacy, and due process for eviction. Landlords must follow Michigan notice requirements and use the court system to evict for nonpayment or other breaches. Security deposit handling is regulated; landlords must return deposits within required timeframes and provide an itemized list of deductions if applicable.
Yes. Waterfront properties involve riparian rights, shoreline setbacks, dock and seawall permits, and potential environmental permitting. Work near the water or on the shoreline may require local and state approvals, and lake associations or HOA rules can add private restrictions.
Start with the local assessor and your township board of review during the designated appeal periods. If that does not resolve the issue, you can file an appeal with the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Gather comparable sales data, a recent appraisal, and documentation supporting your claim.
Contact an attorney immediately. Foreclosure involves strict timelines and procedures. An attorney can review your loan documents, confirm whether proper notice was given, determine available defenses, and advise on loss mitigation options such as loan modification, short sale, or bankruptcy where appropriate.
Title insurance is highly recommended. It protects buyers and lenders from many title defects, unknown liens, forged documents, prescription easements, and other problems that could jeopardize ownership. The cost is generally a one-time premium payable at closing.
Common steps include hiring a licensed surveyor to establish boundary lines, reviewing deed descriptions and recorded easements, negotiating with neighbors, and, if necessary, filing a quiet title action or other litigation. Many disputes are resolved through mediation or settlement once the exact boundary is determined.
If your planned use or improvement does not comply with zoning rules - for example setbacks, lot coverage, accessory structures, or docks - you may need a permit or a variance from the local zoning board. Building permits are required for many structural changes and major repairs. Contact the city building and zoning department early in planning.
Helpful local and state resources for Keego Harbor real estate matters include:
- City of Keego Harbor - city clerk, building department, and zoning office for local permits and ordinances.
- Oakland County Register of Deeds for recorded documents and deed records.
- Oakland County Treasurer for property tax billing and delinquencies.
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for environmental and shoreline permitting questions.
- Michigan State Bar and Oakland County Bar Association for lawyer referral services and to verify attorney credentials.
- Michigan Tax Tribunal for property tax appeals beyond local review.
- Title companies, licensed surveyors, and local real estate agents who can assist with searches, surveys, and market data.
- Legal aid and pro bono organizations listed by the State Bar for low-income residents who need legal assistance.
If you need legal assistance with a real estate matter in Keego Harbor, consider these practical next steps:
- Collect relevant documents - deeds, mortgage statements, purchase agreements, inspection reports, surveys, tax bills, lease agreements, and any correspondence related to the issue.
- Identify the core issue - purchase, title defect, landlord-tenant dispute, zoning permit, foreclosure, tax appeal, boundary problem, or environmental concern.
- Contact a qualified real estate attorney - look for experience in Michigan real estate law and local knowledge of Oakland County and Keego Harbor practice. Ask about fee structures, initial consultation procedures, and whether they handle negotiation, litigation, or both.
- If you have an immediate deadline - such as an upcoming foreclosure sale, an appeal period, or a statutory notice period - contact an attorney right away to preserve your rights.
- Use the city and county offices for preliminary information - check zoning requirements, permit history, and county records to inform your conversation with an attorney.
- Consider obtaining a recent survey and a title commitment early in a purchase or dispute, and obtain inspections for structural, septic, and environmental issues when appropriate.
- Prepare for your first meeting with the attorney - bring documentation, a clear timeline of events, and specific questions. Ask about likely outcomes, costs, and next steps in writing.
Real estate matters can be complex and time sensitive. Early, informed steps and experienced legal help will increase your chances of a favorable outcome and reduce the risk of costly surprises.
