Real Estate Law, 6 th Edition

1Real Estate Law, 6th ed., by Siedel and Aalberts

Real Estate Law, 6th Edition

by George J. Siedel, IIIand Robert J. Aalberts

Slides prepared by Heidi Bulich


Real Estate Law• What is Law? System of rules and principles devised

by organized society for the purpose of controlling human conduct.

• Sources of Law• US Constitution – Sets up 3 branches of government. Powers

are express and implied.• Bill of Rights• Remaining amendments• State Constitutions• Statutes• Judicial• Administrative

Chapter 1


Important Principles

• Common Law – court-made law• Stare decisis – courts must rely on earlier

decisions involving similar facts and higher court decisions trump

• Equity – to provide relief to parties who had just claims but who can not be adequately compensated with monetary damages

Chapter 1


The Court System

Tria l C ou rtTrie r o f F ac t - H ears C rim in a l an d C ivil C ases

In term ed ia te A p p e lla te C ou rtH ears Q u es tion s o f L aw

H ig h es t S ta te A p p e lla te C ou rtH ears Q u es tion s o f L aw

D is tric t C ou rtTrie r o f F ac t o f fed era l is su es an d

d isp u tes in vo lvin g p erson s from d iffe ren t s ta tesD isp u te m u s t b e over $ 7 5 ,0 0 0 .

F ed e ra l C ou rt o f A p p ea lsH ears Q u es tion s o f L aw

U S S u p rem e C ou rt

Chapter 1


Nature of Property

• Property refers to rights and interests of ownership. Rights include:• Possession• Control within the law• Enjoyment within the law• Exclusion• Ability to convey

Chapter 2


Real Property vs. Personal Property

• Real Property – Immovable, fixed and permanent• Governed by case law and state statutes• Oftentimes conveyed with a deed• Often taxed

• Personal property – everything that is not real – main characteristic – it is moveable, may be tangible or intangible• Governed by UCC Article 2• Sometimes a bill of sale is required• Oftentimes NOT taxed

Chapter 2


Fixtures

• Annexation = Attachment. Two types of annexation• Permanent – Removal would cause serious

damage i.e. furnace, pipes.• Constructive – Property may not be physically

attached, but look at its relationship with the real property i.e. screens for storm windows, garage door opener

Fixture – a tangible object – formerly treated as personal propertybut now has become so connected with the real property that itbecomes real property

Chapter 2


Cont. Fixtures

• Adaptation – Adaptation of article to use in property i.e. plumbing apparatus designed for use in a plumbing system, air conditioning unit installed into a specific site. Some courts look to see if articles are necessary or beneficial to enjoyment of real estate.

• Intent – Most important. Did he/she intend to make article a permanent part of the real estate? Best if expressed in a contract.

Chapter 2


Cont. Fixtures

• Important to distinguish personal property from fixtures:• Different laws apply• Means of conveying differ• Fixtures are taxed• Eminent Domain• Mortgage instrument often describes a security interest in all

mortgagor’s originally owned and “after acquired” real property – NOT personal property.

• Foreclosure sales – fixtures, not personal property are subject to sale• Tenant fixtures

Chapter 2


Growing Crops

• Fructus naturales – Any plant with perennial roots (trees, shrubs, grasses) which is produced by the power of nature alone.

• Fructus industriales – Sometimes known as emblements. Plants which are sown annually and grown primarily by human labor (wheat, corn, soybeans).

• If real estate is sold – all unsevered growing things pass with the land.

• If growing crops are sold separately from land – UCC 2-107 applies (sale of forestry rights, sale of potatoes)

Chapter 2


UCC 2-107

• If articles can be severed without material harm to real estate, then they are:

Personal Property

• If material harm caused to real property if severed. . . Look to see WHO severed• If severed by S – then

personal property law govern

• If severed by B – then real property law governs

Chapter 2


Doctrine of Emblements• Emblements are annual crops produced by labor

and industry.• Doctrine applies in L – T situation.• T in interest of fairness, keeps fruit of labor if:

1. Period of Tenancy of uncertain duration2. Tenancy terminated by L or Act of God; and3. T can prove he or she planted crop during tenancy

Chapter 2


Competing Interests -- Fixtures• Transfer of Real Estate – Unless specified in the

purchase agreement to be personal property, will be considered real property and pass to the Buyer

• Tenant’s Fixtures – Some will be considered fixtures and remain on the property at the termination of the tenancy. If the tenant’s fixture is a trade fixture, agricultural fixture or a domestic fixture AND

1. Tenant can remove fixture without subjecting harm to premises; and

2. Articles are removed before surrendering premises to landlord, THEN : Article may be removed by tenant at termination of tenancy.

Chapter 2


Fixture Financing

• Real Property – Deed is used between B & S.

Mortgage is used between ME & B.

• Personal Property – Bill of Sale is used between B & S.

Security agreement is used between B & (Seller or Lender)

When property is transferred, the following rules apply:

Chapter 2


Important Definitions

• UCC – Compilation of commercial laws which were drafted by legal scholars. Adopted by every state except LA, therefore uniform laws in US regarding sale of personal property.

• Article 9 – Applies to “any transaction which is intended to create a security interest in personal property or fixtures.” To create a security interest, must obtain and perfect security interest.

Chapter 2


Creating Security Interests

• In Personal PropertyTO OBTAIN: execute security agreement between B & (Seller or Lender) or take possession of articleTO PERFECT: file financing statement (UCC-1) with Secretary of State. This gives secured party rights against third parties.

PRIORITY – Determined by who files first

• In Real Property TO OBTAIN: Execute security

agreement between B & (Seller or Lender) or take possession of article.TO PERFECT: file financing statement (UCC-1A) with Register of Deeds). This gives secured party rights against third parties.

PRIORITY – Determined by:Against Concurrent or later creditors – WHO FILES FIRSTAgainst all prior security interests, except construction mortgages – must be perfected at time fixture affixed or within 20 days to take priority over prior security interests (except construction mortgages)

Chapter 2


3 Common Fixtures Scenarios

• ME vs. MR – Many mortgages cover fixtures, therefore, all articles annexed to real property become subject to lien of mortgage and cannot be removed by owner.

• Owner vs. Secured Party – If security agreement executed and no other creditors, no need to perfect and secured party may repossess articles.

• Secured Party vs. Other Creditors – See page 38.

Chapter 2


Scope of Real Property

• Airspace – Ownership of land generally includes ownership of airspace above its surface. Owner of air rights may sell rights separately from surface of real estate, i.e. high rise real estate projects.

• Subsurface Rights - Ownership of land generally includes ownership of subsurface space below its surface. Owner of these rights may sell rights separately from surface of real estate, i.e. sale of minerals, oil and gas.Special considerations for oil and gas leases -- Some states permit oil and gas to be sold as real property (ownership principle). Other states do not consider oil and gas owned until they are captured. Right to extract = personal property right (exclusive right).

Chapter 3


Water Rights

• Limited Resource – Who owns land under water? Who has right to use water? How should water be used?

• Navigable Water – If a stream or body of water may be used for commerce between or among the states, it is navigable water – it becomes a public river or highway. Michigan has “floating log” test.

• Ownership of Land Under Water – If you are a riparian owner, how far does your land extend?

Chapter 3


Cont. Water Rights

• First Question: Is water navigable?

• If YES – STATE owns riverbed to “high water” mark

• If NO – You own to center of river, all submerged land and land on shore to “high water” mark.

Chapter 3


Use of Water• Distinguish ownership, use and control• Ownership – Just discussed• Use – Public has right to use all navigable water as

long as federal and state laws not violated. BUT NOTE – Right to use navigable water does not include license to go on riparian owner’s land. Private owners control use of non-navigable waters.

• Control - Congress – over navigable waters which affect interstate commerce. States – all navigable waters which do not affect interstate commerce. Private owners – all non-navigable waters.

Chapter 3


Cont. Use of Water• Riparian Rights Theories

1. Natural Flow - each riparian owner entitled to have water maintained in “natural state”. “Artificial” wants OK as long as they do not materially change quantity or quality of water. (NOT Common)2. Reasonable Use – each riparian owner allowed to use water benefits as long as owner does not interfere unreasonably with beneficial uses of other riparian owners.

• Prior Appropriation – FIRST come FIRST serve and first person must have used water

Chapter 3


Pollution Credits

• Transferable rights related to the use of air.

1. Clean Air Act standards – 1990 Clean Air Act amendments established the Acid Rain Program – permanent cap on total amount of sulfur dioxide emitted by electric utilities nationwide (about ½ of amount emitted in 1980)

2. Since 1995 US companies permitted to trade units (called allowances) of certain air emissions.

3. Clear Skies Initiative.

Chapter 3


Priority Among Lien Holders

Look to state law to determine when liens attach:

Some states: when any construction began or materials first furnished;

Others: when work completed;

Others: when contract signed or work ordered; and

Others: when notice of lien recorded.

Chapter 3


Cont. Priority4/15/02 : Owner of vacant lot hires contractor to build home

5/15/02 : Work begins

8/15/02 : Work completed

9/15/02 : House sold and mortgage to Last Bank. LB records mortgage.

11/2/02 : Notice of lien recorded because seller never pd. contractor. Contractor had 90 days to record lien IN MOST STATES contractor has to be paid by bank or purchasers to avoid property from being sold.

* In most states, mechanic’s liens have priority over mortgages.

Chapter 3


Environmental Liens

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation & Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA or Superfund) Federal statute for:

1. Cleanup of contaminated property, and2. Allocation of liability for costs

Retroactive, strict and where harm is indivisible, joint and several liability for costs of responding to a release. No showing of fault is required.

Chapter 3


Liability Under Superfund• Release has occurred or is threatened• Response costs were incurred• Person involved is 1 of the following:

• Current owner or operator of facility• Former owner or operator of facility• Person who arranges for transport, treatment or disposal

of hazardous substances• Transporter of hazardous substances• Note: exceptions apply

Chapter 3


Limited Defenses to Liability

• Purchasers of Property/Innocent Landowners • Innocent owner did not know nor had reason to know it was there• Importance of conducting Phase I and Phase II Assessments• Property acquired after hazardous substance placed on property

• Secured Parties• Court decisions finding secured lenders who acquired property

through foreclosure or who have restrictive covenants in loan agreements to be “owners or operators” and liable under CERCLA.

• EPA issued Lender Liability Rule in 1992. Struck down by DC Circuit.

• 1996 Lender Liability Amendments passed by Congress - - codified the Lender Liability Rule

Chapter 3


Cont. Limited Defenses to Liability

Small Business Liability Relief and Brownsfield Revitalization Act1. Signed by President Bush on January 11, 20022. Significant revision of Superfund law3. 2 parts of Act.

A. Part 1 – Establishes superfund liability exemptions for small businesses and nonprofit organization which ship only extremely small or de micromis quantities of hazardous substances to a site or whose contribution consists of “ordinary municipal solid waste”.

B. Part 2 – Establishes first federal statutory brownsfield program which includes federal money for remediation of brownsfield sites, liability protection for new purchasers of contaminated site and more support for state brownsfield programs.

Chapter 3


Easements

• Holder does not have an ownership interest in property, only a right to use

• These rights include:1. Use and enjoy land on limited basis.2. Entitled to protection from third parties.3. Easement owner NOT subject to will of owner

of land as with license holder4. Easement can be conveyed.5. Easement can be created in ways other than

by written agreement.

Easement = interest in land which gives the owner the right to use real estate owned by another for a specified purpose

Chapter 4


Cont. Easements• 3 Different Ways Property Can Be Used:• EASEMENT - Steve (Servient Estate) owns

property in fee simple, grants right-of-way easement to Diane (Dominant Estate). Gives her an easement, NOT a possessory interest in Steve's property.

- She may use road, but may NOT stop others from using it except to extent their use prevents her full enjoyment.

- Steve, as possessor, may exclude all others, except Diane, even though crossings pose no harm to Steve.- Steve may use road as long as it does not interfere with Diane.

Chapter 4


Cont. Easements• LEASE - Steve leases road to Diane --

transfers full possession. Diane can exclude Steve and all others from road. Steve transferred full possession to Diane, therefore she could have excluded Steve and all others from road during term of lease.

• LICENSE - Steve grants Diane a right-of-way for 10 years -- NOT written down. Statute of Frauds requires grants of interests in land over one year MUST BE IN WRITING. Steve may rescind at any time.

Chapter 4


Types of Easements• Affirmative and Negative Easements

Affirmative - owner of easement has right to use land that is subject to easement. (i.e., construct sewer tunnel, walk on it.)Negative - owner of easement can prevent owner of land from performing certain acts on land. (i.e, negative easement to prevent sun.)

Chapter 4


Cont. Types of Easements• Easements Appurtenant and in Gross

1. Appurtenant - an easement which benefits easement owner in that easement owner uses land appurtenant to his land. Must have two tracts of land owned by different parties. Two tracts need NOT adjoin, though they generally do. Servient estate -- tract over which easement runs.Dominant estate -- tract which benefits from easement.

Is ALIENABLE and can be SUBDIVIDED

Easement appurtenant is considered PART of the dominant estate. If dominant estate is conveyed, easement passes with title; HOWEVER, title to actual land over which easement runs is retained by owner of servient estate -- such as easement, "runs with the land.“

Chapter 4


Cont. Types of Easements2. Easement in Gross -- personal interest in or

right to use land of another that is NOT appurtenant to ownership or possession of real estate.- ONLY have servient estate no dominant.

1. (Alienability) Right to Convey Easement in Gross -- this right connected to the easement is dependent on whether the easement is commercial or noncommercial.

2. Subdivision or Apportionment of Easement in Gross -- If easement in gross is transferable, can it be sold to more than one buyer? Look at intent of parties of original easement agreement.

Chapter 4


Creation of Easements• EXPRESS – must satisfy formal requirements – in writing, signed,

witnessed and recorded• IMPLIED

1. By Reference to Easement or to Plot--where legal description identifies road or path as boundary and GR owns fee in such path, easement is path passes to GE.2. By Prior Use -- Parties situated in such a way that easement could have been granted or reserved by express language, BUT NO STATEMENT made. Commonly occurs when owner of two tracts of land sells or mortgages one tract and does not mention an easement, BUT as a result of transaction, an easement is created.3. By Necessity

Chapter 4


Easement by Estoppel• If owner of servient estate allows user to make

improvements re: use, servient owner is estopped from denying existence of easement.

ILLUSTRATIONR owns sewer and water pipes in street running past his house and vacant land he owns. - sells lot to E, but says nothing of pipes. E builds house and R without objection watches E tie into sewer and water pipes. Thus, easement to use sewer and water created by estoppel.)

Chapter 4


Extent of Easements• General Rule: Scope of use is determined by

how and for what reason the easement was created.

• Owner of easement cannot materially increase burden on servient estate or impose a new and additional burden.a. If conditions for use specifically provided in easement, use is limited to that use and those which are necessary to its proper enjoyment.b. General grant however, may be used any way as long as it is reasonable

Chapter 4


Cont. Extent of Easements• Easement Appurtenant - used only for benefit of dominant estate.

May not be used for benefit of any other tract of land. Thus, land acquired by owner of dominant estate AFTER creation of easement, has no right to use easement.Note situations regarding development and subdivision of dominant estate.

• Easement by Prescription - use of easement after prescriptive period must remain almost the same as use at the beginning of prescriptive period. (i.e., private right-of-way acquired by prescription is limited to uses made during prescriptive period. Prescriptive easement to carry water in open ditch over another's property, does not include the right to carry same quantity in covered pipes in a closed ditch). No different or materially greater use may be made of easement except by further adverse use for a prescriptive period (i.e., in first example--if G continued to ride motorcycle for another 10 years--would have prescriptive easemt. to ride motorcycle.)

Chapter 4


Cont. Extent of Easements• Easement by Prior Use - Look to prior use, may use

easement for uses which existed at time original estate was severed AND all uses reasonably contemplated by parties.

• Easement by Necessity - Lasts as long as there is a necessity

• Express easements - Usually provided by terms.

Chapter 4


Use by Easement Owner• Since easement is a RIGHT to use another's land for a

specific purpose, easement owner must use easement premises only for that purpose. (i.e., If I grant Bob an easement for ingress and egress over part of my land, Bob has no right to lay gas pipes in the easement.)

• Also use by easement owner must not interfere with landowner's use. (i.e., If I give Mary a driveway easement over my land, I do not expect her to park in my driveway all night and prevent me from entering my garage.)

Chapter 4


Duty to RepairIf I give Mary an easement over my property, who has duty to keep it in repair?

1. The fact that I gave an easement does not impose duty on me, the servient tenant, to repair easement. 2. Parties could agree in express easement who would be responsible. 3. If no express agreement, easement owner (Mary) does have duty to make easement usable. To repair existing road, trim encroaching trees, remove impediments. 4. In order for easement owner to perform duty to repair, has right to enter servient estate at all reasonable times to make repairs and maintenance. a) This right called a "secondary easement" -- may be used only when necessary and in a reasonable manner so as to NOT burden owner of servient estate. 5. If both easement owner and landowner use road -- they share costs in proportion to use of road. 6. If easement owner allows right-of-way to fall into disrepair, no right to travel along another route.

BUT, IF: 7. If Landowner impedes easement owner from using easement, easement owner may travel around obstruction and over other land belonging to landowner.

Chapter 4


Termination of Easements• Cessation of Purpose – terminates when purpose no longer exists• Expiration of Period – Express easements freq. Have term -- when term

expires, easement expires• Merger – When 1 owner acquires both servient and dominant estates• Abandonment – Requirement of intent• Destruction of Servient Estate • Estoppel• Prescription• Cessation of Necessity – Applies to easements implied by necessity• Condemnation• Release

Chapter 4


Prescriptive Easements• By Prescription --acquiring right to use land

NOT by express agreement or agreement between parties, BUT by lapse of time and certain use of property during that time.

• REQUIREMENTS:• 1. Use must be ADVERSE (hostile, open,

notorious and visible)-- no permission by O -- NOT a neighborly accommodation. (i.e., A's driveway used by B to get car into B's backyard. Never got A's permission. Prescriptive easement, not a neighborly accommodation.)

Chapter 4


Cont. Prescriptive Easements• Cont. Requirements

a. Hostile -- User does not recognize owner of land has authority to prevent his use--use is hostile in that he does not recognize authority of owner. i.e., Preshlock never thought Brenner could prevent his use of driveway. See case p. 99

b. Open, Notorious, Visible -- Use must be open, notorious and visible so that owner would learn about it if he kept informed about his property through ordinary inspections. p. 101 Downie

Chapter 4


Cont. Prescriptive Easements

Cont. Requirements

2. Use must be continuous and uninterrupted for the required period. (i.e., occasional entries on neighbor's land DO NOT ripen into a prescriptive easement.)

ILLUSTRATIONS• A owns house -- constructs garage. Builds driveway over part of B's

lot without B's permission. After 20 years has prescriptive easement.• A builds driveway over B's land -- uses it for five years without B's

permission. A sells land to C -- uses for 5 years. C sells to D -- uses for 10 years. D now has prescriptive easement. Prescriptive uses of A, B, C and D can be tacked

- since easement benefits TRACT A -- becomes easement appurtenant

Chapter 4


Estates in Land

4 Types of Freehold Estates1. Fee Simple

2. Fee Simple Determinable

3. Fee Tail

4. Life Estate

Chapter 5


Fee Simple• Absolute ownership – greatest extent of ownership interest

recognized by law 1. Holder is entitled to all rights of property ownership.

2. No time limit on existence -- upon death, passes to heirs.3. Owner can dispose of property as she wishes4. Only subject to government regulations and duties which arise out of tort law (i.e., nuisance)

• TO CREATE INTEREST IN FEE SIMPLE "TO BOB"--This is enough even if NOT expressed as estate in fee simple, most statues assume conveyance of fee simple estates

Chapter 5


Fee Simple Defeasible Occurs when fee simple is qualified by language

which causes fee simple to end when a certain event occurs. Three types.

1. Fee Simple Determinable - fee simple estate continues as long as certain event continues or building remains, etc. (See pp. 130-131) Thus, when grantor conveys estate, there is a possibility estate would revert back to him or his heirs.

POSSIBILITY OF REVERTER: (i.e., Bob holds land in fee simple. Conveys land to Ellen and her heirs as long as land is used to farm. Ellen has fee simple determinable and Bob has a Possibility of Reverter. Bob or his heirs will get land back automatically if Ellen or her heirs stop farming. Thus estate--fee simple determinable with Possibility of Reverter

Chapter 5


Cont. Fee Simple Defeasibleb. Fee Simple Subject to Executory Limitation - Fee simple estate ENDS

when certain event automatically occurs and passes to 3rd person. (See pp. 130-131)

c. Fee Simple Subject to a Condition Subsequent - Fee simple estate ends if a certain event occurs, but unlike above, where grantor automatically gets land, here, grantor MUST TAKE SOME ACTION TO RETAKE PROPERTY. (i.e., Go to court) (See p. 131). Grantor's interest is right of entry or power of termination.

Thus, when grantor conveys estate, he has retained a POWER OF TERMINATION or a RIGHT OF RE-ENTRY.

(i.e., Bob holds land in fee simple. Conveys to Ellen, but if liquor is ever sold on the land then Grantor may re-enter and repossess. Bob has a power of termination. Ellen has fee simple subject to condition subsequent.)

Chapter 5


Cont. Fee Simple Determinable Limitations on creating fee simple defeasible which LIMIT

use of property:

* May not unreasonably restrict ability of grantee to transfer real estate.

* In Michigan a reversion or right of entry is unenforceable if specified contingency does not occur in 30 years. May extend contingency for another 30 years if record affidavit that construction began within 5 year period prior to expiration.

Chapter 5


Fee Tail

Estate conveyed to grantee until grantee dies without children surviving then back to grantor. Can not be inherited by others outside family.

* If grantee dies without heirs, property reverts to grantor.

* Abolished by statute in most states because it is a severe restraint on alienation.

Chapter 5


Life Estates

Generally is an estate whose duration is measured by life of a person. Two types:

1. Conventional life estate - created by act of parties

2. Legal life estate - created by operation of law

Chapter 5


Conventional Life Estate

1. Ordinary - limited to lifetime of owner of life estate, the life tenant.*Upon death of life estate owner, FULL ownership reverts to original owner or his heirs. THUS, grantor conveys life estate and retains a reversionary interest or may pass to third party

2. Pur Autre Vie - estate limited to life of a third party.*Upon death of third party, FULL ownership reverts to grantor, THUS, grantor conveys life estate pur autre vie and retains a reversionary interest or FULL ownership can pass to another party, thus party gets remainder interest.

Chapter 5


Legal Life EstatesLegal life estate - marital estates of dower, curtsey, homestead and

community property.

1. Curtsey - Husband's life estate in real estate of deceased wife. At wife's death, widower entitled to life estate in all wife's real property inheritable by issue of M & W IF a child of marriage was born alive.

2. Dower - Wife's (life) estate in real estate of deceased husband. Unlike curtsey, dower did not require birth of child, only that child be capable of inheritance. Dower attaches at marriage, or when property is acquired. After dower attaches, H is powerless to defeat it. Not terminated by divorce. Can only be released by wife's consent. See also Chapter 10.

Chapter 5


Cont. Legal Life Estates

• In Michigan, the W is entitled to 1/3 of all lands H held in fee simple estate during the marriage. Thus, dower does not apply to:1. Leases2. Life Estates3. Joint Tenancies4. Partnerships5. Land Contracts6. Oil and gas leases

• W must be party to conveyance of property acquired during marriage – if not, 3rd party owns subject to W’s dower rights

Chapter 5


Cont. Legal Life Estates

• Homestead - A tract of land that is owned and occupied as the family home. As a homestead, protected from claims of owner's general creditors and can only be subjected to certain liens – need to look at particular state law.

• Community Property - Adopted by eight western and southwestern states. Consists of all property real and personal acquired by either spouse during marriage. Each spouse owns 1/2 of community property

Separate Property - is not subject to community property. This is property acquired and owned by either spouse prior to marriage or acquired by gift, devise or descent.

Chapter 5


Life Tenant’s Use of Property

• Rule: Life Tenant's interest in real property is a true ownership interest and generally Life Tenant can do what he or she pleases with property without consultation from grantor of life estate or remainderman if life estate passes to third party.

• Taxes and Interest1. Life Tenant pays all taxes and interest on

debts on land IF Life Tenant has received profits, rents or income from property. In some states, once Life Tenant has earned profits derived from land, must pay taxes. In others, mere possession is enough to trigger tax obligation.

Chapter 5


Cont. Life Tenant’s Use of Property

• Special Taxes and Assessments - Life Tenant NOT responsible for special taxes or assessments. (i.e., city installs new sidewalks and assesses each property owner an assessment.) Considered permanent public improvement that raises the value of property -- so property will be worth more when it reverts to grantor.

• Insurance - Who insures improvements on real property? Who is entitled to proceeds of insurance if buildings are destroyed?Neither Life Tenant nor remainderman has duty to insure; but if either insures, he or she is entitled to proceeds, depending on facts

Chapter 5


Cont. Life Tenant’s Use of Property• Duty to Repair and Rules Regarding Life T’s Use of Property

• General Rule: Life T is NOT to commit waste on life estate. Life T has role of trustee of life estate in the sense that he or she cannot injure or dispose of the property to the injury of the rights of remaindermen BUT he or she can use the property for his or her exclusive benefit and take all the income and profits.

• Extent of Duty to Repair1. Life T has obligation to return premises to remaindermen

unimpaired by neglect.2. Life Tenant not responsible for extraordinary repairs.3. If Life Tenant makes improvements, these are considered

fixtures and may be removed at termination of life estate, provided improvement is not an integral part of real estate.

Chapter 5


Cont. Life Tenant’s Use of Property

• Life T’s Use of Property - Life Tenant may act as fee simple owner would if owner were on property, BUT he may not use property in such a way to limit or diminish market value for remainderman.

• 1. Life Tenant may keep rents and profits he produces.2. Life Tenant may sell his interest in property BUT he may

not sell more than he owns. 3. Life Tenant may continue profitable operations on the land

if land used for such operations BEFORE creation of life estate.

4. Life Tenant not permitted to commence waste -- to destroy property in such a way to cause harm to reversion or remainder.

5. Right of Estovers – Life T may take whatever he/she needs from land to make necessary repairs. May NOT take timber for purely commercial purposes.

Chapter 5


Concurrent Ownership

Joint Tenancy Planned Unit DevelopmentTenancy By the Entirety CondominiumTenancy in Common TimesharingCommunity Property

UNITIESTime Title Interest Possession Person

Joint Tenancy X X X X T by the Entirety X X X X XT in Common X

Chapter 5


Tenants in Common

• Characteristics:When a parcel owned by two or more person as Tenants in

Common, EACH of owners has undivided interest in fractional part of parcel.

1. Deed creating Tenancy in Common can state fractional interest held by each co-tenant. If no fractional interest is specified and two people hold title to property - EACH has undivided 1/2 interest.

2. Tenants in Common do not need to hold equal shares.(i.e., one can hold 1/10th interest and other, the remaining 9/10ths

interest.)3. Tenants in Common NEED not acquire their interests in property

at same time or by same instrument.

Chapter 5


Tenants in Common

Rights in Property 1. Entitled to share the possession and rents of property according to

their shares in property. 2. EXCEPT for sharing of possession and rent, almost as if EACH T in

Common owned separate parcel of real estate. 3. EACH T in Common can sell, convey, mortgage or transfer his or

her share without consent of other co-tenants. Also, share of each co-tenant subject to judgment lien against him.

4. Death of co-tenant -- his or her divided interest passes to heirs or devisees according to will.

5. Partition - If Ts in Common or Joint Tenants wish to terminate their joint possession, any of co-tenants may file a suit to partition real estate OR agree among themselves to terminate.

Chapter 5


Joint Tenancy

• Viewed as a special type of Tenancy in Common, with one important difference – right of survivorship

• Creation -- Cannot be implied or created by operation of law. Created only by grant or purchase or by devise. Need 4 Unities to create:

1. Unity of Time - All Joint Tenants acquire interest at same time.2. Unity of Title - All Joint Tenants acquire this interest by same instrument of conveyance.3. Unity of Interest - All Joint Tenants have equal ownership interests.4. Unity of Possession - all Joint Tenants have undivided interest in property.

• Some states have eliminated technical requirements of 4 Unities. Modern view is that conveyance from owner to herself and Joint Tenants is sufficient despite failing to meet unities of time and title. Michigan follows modern view.

Chapter 5


Joint Tenancy

• Right of Survivorship -- The death of one Joint Tenant does not destroy the unit. It only reduces by one the number of persons who own the unit. The remaining Joint Tenants receive interest of deceased Tenant by right to survivorship. This then avoids need for probate.

• Termination of Joint Tenancy -- Either Joint Tenant can break Joint Tenancy if he desires and convert it into Tenancy in Common. To sever Joint Tenancy:1. Conveyance by Joint Tenant to a third party 2. Involuntary Transfer of Title 3. A Joint Tenant files partition suit and partition

decree entered. 4. Contract by one Joint Tenant to sell or convey

interest in land to third party 5. Any agreement between Joint Tenants that shows

intention to treat land as Tenancy in Common.

Chapter 5


Joint Tenancy

The following will not sever a Joint Tenancy:1. A will by deceased Joint Tenant2. Lien created against one of the Joint Tenants3. Creation of easement by one of the Joint Tenants4. Dower and curtsey interests of spouse of deceased Joint

Tenant5. Divorce – depends on state

Chapter 5


Tenants by the Entireties

• Like a Joint Tenancy:1. Owners have rights of survivorship2. Cannot be created by operation of law

• Important Differences:1. Owners must be husband and wife2. Title can only be conveyed by deed signed by both parties3. No independent right to partition.

Chapter 5


Forms of Ownership forInvestment Purposes

Factors to Consider in Choice of Entity

1. Limited LiabilityCorporations, Limited Partnerships, Limited LiabilityPartnerships, Limited Liability Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Companies have one important trait in common: their owners,

i.e.:for Corp. -- SHfor Limited Partnership -- LPLimited Liability Company -- MembersLimited Liability Partnerships – PartnersLimited Liability Limited Partnerships -- LP

ARE shielded from liabilities of entity

Chapter 5


Cont. Factors to Consider in Choice of Entity

2. Transferability – Can the owners freely sell or transfer their interests to a third party?

3. Taxation – Is the business entity a flow-through entity for federal income taxation purposes – or does the entity pay taxes on the income?

4. Control – Are the entity’s business and affairs controlled by its owners – or by a central management that can act without the owner’s approval?

Chapter 5


Partnerships

Partnership - very informal form of business entity. Because of its informality, it is quite common today.

1. Partnerships are governed largely by state law. Every state BUT LA has adopted the Uniform Partnership Act.

2. UPA defines partnership as "an association of two or more persons to carry on as co-owners of a business for profit."

Chapter 5


Cont. Partnerships

Receipt of profits - prima facie evidence that partnership exists.• Partners share profits AND losses. If losses, creditors attach to partners'

individual property. (i.e., owners ARE personally liable.)• Partnership MUST be a business for profit, therefore, partnership law does

NOT apply to nonprofit organizations.• Partnership is an association of persons -- including corporations, other

partnerships, etc.• Partnership created by a voluntary agreement among person who contract to

act as co-owners in a business for profit. DOES NOT have to be express, may be IMPLIED. (i.e., sharing profits)

• ALSO, partners jointly and severally liable for obligations of partnership.

Chapter 5


CorporationsVery important form of business entity. It provides a 1) continuous existence and a

vehicle for investment which is 2) safe from personal liability.• Corporations governed by state law. Most states have adopted the MODEL

BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT.

• Four corporate characteristics -- NEED all four or else "corporate veil will be pierced"

* LIMITED LIABILITY--Creditors of entity can not sue personally any owners of corp. for debts of corp.

* CENTRALIZATION OF MANAGEMENT--Corp. is governed on a continuing and exclusive basis by officers and directors.

* CONTINUITY OF LIFE--Corp. continues to exist regardless of death, incapacity or bankruptcy of individual shareholders.

* FREE TRANSFERABILITY OF INTERESTS--Shareholders can sell shares of corporate stock without consent of corporation. All rights of transferor-shareholder conferred on transferee.

Chapter 5


Cont. Corporations DOUBLE TAXATION

* Corporation taxed as a separate entity. It does not offer flow-through tax benefits.

AND

* Income distributed to shareholders as dividends is taxed at shareholder tax rate.

Chapter 5


Subchapter “S” Corporations

Characteristics:

1. No double tax -- tax attributes passed through to shareholder.

2. Like a corporation, the shareholders are shielded from liability.

3. Profits and losses MUST be shared by shareholders proportionately in relation to stock ownership.

4. Eligible Shareholder MUST be U.S. citizens, estates, certain tax-exempt org. or qualified trusts.

5. No more than 75 shareholders.

6. Corporation may only have one class of stock issued and outstanding.

Chapter 5


Limited Partnership

Characteristics:

1. Governed by state statute – Most states have adopted ULPA

2. Must contain at least 1 general partner who is personally liable for limited partnerships’ debts, liabilities and obligations.

3. Also contains 1 or more limited partners who are not personally liable for limited partnerships’ obligations.

4. GP and LP may freely transfer shares of profits and losses and rights to distributions. Remaining rights may not be transferred without unanimous consent unless partnership agreement provides otherwise.

Chapter 5


Cont. Limited Partnerships

Cont. Characteristics:

5. Flow-through taxation.

6. Managed by GP. LPs are passive investors who do not participate in management. “Safe harbor” under ULPA.

7. Limited Partnership can lose limited liability status if it has more than 2 attributes of a corporation.

Chapter 5


Limited Liability CompanyA “hybrid” entity that (1) has the flow-through federal tax

advantages of a partnership; (2) offers its owners the same limited liability as a corporation’s shareholders, and (3) has a flexible management structure

Characteristics:1. Governed by ULLCA.2. Owners are called “members”3. Members may be individuals or business entities4. Members may participate in management or be passive5. Members are not personally liable for for LLC’s debts,

liabilities and other obligations

Chapter 5


Cont. Limited Liability CompanyCont. Characteristics:

5. Members can lose no more than their investment6. Ownership interest consists of financial rights and

management rights. Financial rights are personal property and can be transferred without restriction. Restrictions on remaining interests.

7. Flow-through taxation of federal income taxes – no double taxation

8. LLC may elect to be taxed as a corporation9. Control determined by operating agreement

Chapter 5


Limited Liability Partnership

Characteristics:

1. Partners have limited liability2. Partners may freely transfer their financial interests,

Management and other non-financial interests cannot be sold or transferred without consent of all remaining partners

3. Taxed same as General Partner. 4. Controlled by partners – each partner has equal voice, unless

partnership agreement provided otherwise

Chapter 5


The Search for Real Estate

Listing Agreement1. The Real Estate Agent

A. Broker - One employed to negotiate the sale, purchase or exchange of land. Compensation generally in the form of a commission.

B. Salesman - Employee of broker. Receives compensation from broker. Responsible only to the broker. Salesman's activities performed in the name of the broker.

C. License Requirements - All states and Canadian provinces require real estate brokers to be licensed. Purpose of licensing laws:

- protect public from dishonest or incompetent brokers.- prescribe standards and qualifications for licensing brokers.- maintain high standards in real estate profession.- protect licensed brokers from unfair competition.

Chapter 6


Cont. Listing Agreement

- Real estate broker NOT entitled to commission unless he had license at time he was hired to perform services for which he received the commission.

- Criminal penalties often imposed on person who violates broker's licensing statutes. 2. The Agency Relationship - the Listing Agreement serves as an employment contract and establishes an agency relationship.

A. Parties in Agency Relationship:Principal (S or B)Agent (Broker)

B. Powers and Duties of Agent – Authority limited to agreement between principal and agent. Some duties set forth in agreement, others are implied by law.

Chapter 6



Broker is generally not given broad authority to act for principal. For example, broker may not represent condition of property, receive all or part of the purchase price, or make representations to a Buyer that the deposit will be returned if there is no sale unless these powers are specifically provided for in listing agreement.

Note situations where brokers given express authority to perform certain acts and other apparent authorities are assumed granted

Chapter 6


Cont. Listing AgreementImplied Duties of Broker - (Derived from general agency principles). Broker

always must put interest of principal first. Guidelines: Care - Broker must exercise a reasonable amount of care while transacting business. Obedience - Brokers must act in good faith and in conformity with principal's instructions and authority. Loyalty - Brokers owe principal 100% loyalty. Place principal's interest above those of any other person she is dealing with. Accounting - Broker must be able to report status of all funds entrusted to them by their principals. Notice - Broker must keep principal fully informed at all times of all facts which might affect principal's business decisions.

Chapter 6



Specific Issues Related to Agency Relationship

A. Dual Agent – Licensee who is acting as agent of both the B and the S. General rule prohibits dual agent situation except when parties provide written consent.

B. Buyer’s Broker – Buyer and agent enter into agreement whereby agent assists B in locating, financing and negotiating the purchase of property.

Chapter 6



2. Types of Listing AgreementsA. Exclusive Right to Sell - Most common form for residential sales. One broker is appointed as the sole agent of Seller and given the exclusive right to represent the Seller in marketing the property and finding a purchaser. B. Exclusive Agency - One Broker is authorized to act as the exclusive agent of the principal, BUT Seller retains right to sell the property himself or herself without obligation to the Broker. C. Open Listing - Most favorable to the Seller. Seller retains right to retain any number of Brokers to act as his or her agents. Brokers act simultaneously, all looking for buyers. Seller only pays commission to Broker who successfully produces a ready, willing and able buyer.

Chapter 6



3. Antitrust ConcernsA. Sherman Antitrust Act – 2 considerations:1. Per se violation of Sherman Act if real estate board's activities are found to cause a "restraint of trade" (i.e., price fixing). See US v. National Association of Real Estate Boards.2. Do the real estate activities affect Interstate Commerce? See McLain v. Real Estate Board of New Orleans.B. Note, many states have their own Sherman Acts.

Chapter 6


Cont. Listing Agreement4. The Broker’s Commission

A. Broker is paid usually in form of commission ONLY entitled to commission IF:1. Licensed2. Employed by Seller3. Procuring cause of sale (i.e., from a ready, willing and able buyer). To be considered the procuring cause of sale, Broker must have taken action to start or cause a chain of events that resulted in the sale.

B. "Ready, Willing and Able Buyer“ - Generally, once a Seller accepts an offer from a ready, willing and able buyer, Seller is liable for Broker's commission regardless of whether or not the buyer completes the purchase.

Chapter 6



"Ready, Willing and Able Buyer" is one who is prepared to buy on the Seller's terms as specified in the listing contract and ready to take necessary steps to close the deal.

Broker gets commission in the following situations: 1) If Seller refuses to sign purchase agreement, generally no

liability to buyer, but must pay Broker commission; 2) OR owner's title has uncorrected defects; 3) OR if purchase agreement signed and sale never

consummated, Seller MUST pay commission;

4) OR owner's spouse refuses to sign deed, MUST pay.C. Cancellation of Listing Agreement – Principal may terminate listing

agreement but must be acting in good faith and agreement is not for a set term.

Chapter 6


Discrimination in Selling or Leasing Real Estate

A. Civil Rights Act of 1866 - prohibits any type of discrimination based on race. Notable limitations:

a. ONLY applied to discrimination on basis of race.b. Applied only to U.S. citizens.c. Limited to rights enjoyed by white citizens -- note, women had

no property rights in 1866Executive Order No. 11063 – Issued in 1962 by JFK. Guaranteed non-discrimination in all housing financed by government -- insured or guaranteed loans. Jones v. Mayer -- 1968 Supreme Court decision. Court held that statue intended to bar all racial discrimination, private as well as public, in sale or rental of property.

Chapter 6


Cont. Discrimination in Selling or Leasing Real Estate

B. Civil Rights Act of 1964 - Prohibits discrimination in any housing program that receives whole or partial federal funding.

C. Fair Housing Law of 1968 - (Title VIII) Unlawful to discriminate on basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, disability or family status when selling or leasing residential property by means of the actions listed on p. 179.NOTE: FHA DOES NOT APPLY TO:1. Sale or rental of single-family home when home is owned by person who does not own more than three such homes at one time (therefore, sale by owner of single-family homes not covered.) ANDBroker or agent not used; AND Discriminatory advertising not used; AND, in additionIF owner is not living in dwelling at time of transaction or was not most recent occupant -- ONLY one such sale is exempt from law in any two year period

Chapter 6



2. Rentals in Owner occupied one-family to four-family dwellings as long as NO discriminatory advertising.3. Religious organizations may limit sale or rental of noncommercial buildings to persons of same religion ONLY IF membership in religion is not restricted on basis of race, color or national origin. 4. Private clubs may limit rental or occupancy of lodgings that it owns to members.Compare: 1866 law prohibits ALL racial discrimination without exception whereas FHA exempts individual homeowners and certain groups, therefore any aggrieved person may seek a remedy for racial discrimination under 1866 law against ANY homeowner. BUT, if discrimination based on grounds other than color, remedy may not be allowed.

Chapter 6



D. 1972 Amendment to FHA1. Brokers must display equal opportunity poster which can be obtained from HUD

2. Failure to display poster constitutes prima facie evidence of discrimination if broker is investigated for discriminatory practices by HUD

E. 1988 Amendment to FHA – provided for more effective enforcement mechanisms; and provided protections for the disabled and for families.

Chapter 6



F. Americans with Disabilities Act - Prohibits discrimination. based on disabilities in employment, provision of government. services, transportation provided by public or private entities, places of public accommodation and commercial facilities avail. to public.

G. State and Local Laws - If a state or municipality has a fair housing law that has been ruled "substantially" equivalent to federal law, all complaints in that state or locality, including those filed with HUD, are handled by state enforcement agencies.

Chapter 7


The Real Estate ContractIntroduction to Contracts

DEFINITION -- A contract is a promise or set of promises which constitute a legally enforceable agreement between two or more people.TYPES OF CONTRACTS: Unilateral or Bilateral; Expressed or Implied.

Unilateral Contract Bilateral Contract"I offer to give you $100 if you cross "I promise to give you $100 if you promise the Brooklyn Bridge." to cross the Brooklyn Bridge“Offer calls for acceptance to occur Form of contract when an offer requires by performance of an act. The unilateral acceptance in form of a promise to

perform.contract is accepted by actually performing duties requested by the offer.

Chapter 7


The Real Estate ContractExpress - parties state the terms and show intentions in words, either orally or in writing. (i.e., most listing agreements)Implied - Prior conduct - agreement formed by acts and conduct of parties in past. ALSO--partial performance

Elements of a Valid Contract. 1. Competent Parties - all parties entering into contract must have

legal capacity to contract2. Mutual Assent - All parties must be

mutually willing to enter into contract and contract must be signed as the "free and voluntary" act of each party. (i.e., "meeting of minds")

Chapter 7


The Real Estate ContractCont. Mutual Assent

Offer is accepted when offeree signs agreement and communicates acceptance to buyer. Counter Offer - If any terms of original offer are changed, changes constitute total rejection, relieves original offeror of liability--Offeree has NOT accepted offer BUT MAKES NEW offer.Contract Modification - Original contract stays if agreement modified after contract is signed by both parties. So if A and B enter into contract and THEN B decides to MODIFY agreement, original contract stays.

NO MUTUAL ASSENT IF:Misrepresentation. Fraud, Mistake, or Duress, Undue Influence or Menace.

Chapter 7


The Real Estate Contract

Misrepresentation - Innocent misstatement of material fact upon which someone relies and causes that person to suffer damages.

Fraud - Misrepresentation. of material fact knowing it to be false upon which another relies and causes that person to suffer damages.

Silent Fraud - Seller must disclose info. re: defects in property in MI whether or not B inquires--MI Seller's Disclosure Act--Brokers probably. NOT liable for silent fraud in MI but liable in other states. “AS IS’ clause is sometimes used in purchase agreements. B acknowledges in writing that S has made NO warranties re: condition of property. In MI, “as is” clause does not shield S from fraud or silent fraud.

Chapter 7


The Real Estate ContractMistake - Mutual misunderstanding in negotiations between parties

1. Consideration - Consideration is any promise or performance that is made in exchange for a promise or performance by the other party to a contract.Real Estate Contracts -- promise by owner to convey title to B and promise by B to pay purchase price for property

2. Satisfaction of Special State Laws - Satisfy specific state regulations (i.e., Statute of Frauds)

Chapter 7


The Real Estate ContractREQUIRED PROVISIONS IN ALL CONTRACTS FOR THE SALE OF LAND:

1. Writing - every state has a Statute of Frauds which requires contracts for the sale of land to be in writing. Every statute derived from 1677 English law -- Statutes of Frauds. Verbal contracts for sale of land are unenforceable. Statute of Frauds satisfied if "Rule of 4 Ps" is satisfied--in MI:

1. names of parties2. description of property3. price4. terms of payment

2. Description of Parties: Contract must contain names of both Buyer and Seller 3. Description of Real Estate: Contract must contain a reasonably certain description of land to be sold

Chapter 7


The Real Estate Contract4. Sale Price (i.e., Consideration): Contract must contain sales price and must state how purchase price will be paid. The payment terms are broken down into:

1. Total purchase price;2. Down payment; and3. Form of financing (mortgage assumption, land

contract, mortgage)5. Signature of Parties: Purchase Agreement enforced against parties who sign. If you do NOT sign, you are NOT liable under contract.

Chapter 7



Once four essential terms in the written agreement -- P.A. will be enforceable, even if negotiations were informal.

Four Essential Terms in P.A.

1. Parties described

2. Description of real estate

3. Consideration specified (i.e., payment terms)

4. Agreement signed

Chapter 7



OTHER COMMON PROVISIONS IN PURCHASE AGREEMENT

1. Description of personal property to be transferred with premises. (i.e., contracts, franchises, permits, leases).2. Survey3. Condition and Inspection of Property 4. Prorations - Property taxes and assessments5. Closing6. Possession7. Real Estate Brokers: Purchase agreement should define his or her responsibility for holding earnest money, preparing closing documents, etc. 8. Warranties

Chapter 7


The Real Estate ContractSeller’s Warranties

1. Good and marketable title.2. Premises and any personal property conveyed are sole property of Seller.3. Seller knows of no claims or encumbrances upon property.4. No alleged claims or litigation regarding property.5. All taxes and assessments paid.6. Seller will indemnify Purchaser as to warranties.

Buyer’s Warranties1. Authorized to enter into transactions.2. Present proof of ability to complete transactions.

Chapter 7


The Real Estate ContractMarketable Title - Seller must have good title, free from liens, encumbrances or

defects other than those specified in contract.Title unmarketable if:

1. Seller lacks all or part of title alleged OR2. Title subject to encumbrance OR3. Reasonable possibility of #1 or #2.

Title Held By Seller: Unless purchase agreement indicates otherwise, purchaser is entitled to undivided fee simple absolute to all property purchased.

Title Free From Encumbrances: Unless purchase agreement provides otherwise, marketable title is free from all encumbrances. Types of encumbrances:

1. Easements2. Zoning and Building Restrictions 3. Mortgages and Other Liens4. Encroachments

Chapter 7



Equitable ConversionOnce Purchaser gets interest in real estate by executing a purchase agreement -- Purchaser becomes equitable owner.

Seller retains legal title and this title is only held as security to receive money from Purchaser.

Risk of Loss (After contract signed, before closing): 1. (Majority View) Buyer is regarded as equitable owner and

therefore, real owner of property. Therefore, he or she bears risk of BOTH profit and loss during contract period. Buyer can not withdraw from contract because property damaged.

2. (Minority View) Risk of loss remains with Seller unless legal title conveyed to Purchaser or unless Purchaser causes loss--Uniform Vendor and Purchaser Risk Act.

Chapter 8


Title and Insurance

After purchase agreement is signed, three important things happen:1. Seller proves he has title to real estate.2. Buyer makes arrangements for property and liability insurance; and 3. Buyer borrows money to finance purchase.

Proving Good TitleSeller must deliver abstract of title or title commitment to protect real estate purchasers and creditors, public records are maintained to help officially establish:1. Who owns what real estate. 2. To give notice of encumbrances.3. Establish lien priorities.

Chapter 8


Title and InsuranceHow do we ensure these records are accurate?

1. Statute of Frauds requirements2. Public recording rules

NOTICE - CONCEPTS All Buyers and Lenders are charged with constructive notice Contrast with actual notice -- everything the Buyer has direct knowledge ofILLUSTRATION Bill mortgages land to Jane. Jane does not record mortgage, but she does take possession of land. Bill later mortgages same land to Ed, who knows of earlier mortgage to Jane. Thus, Ed is charged with actual knowledge, so his mortgage is second to Jane's mortgage. ILLUSTRATIONBill conveys land to Jane, who records deed. Then Bill persuades Ed to buy the same land, telling Ed he owns land. Ed fails to examine title. Ed has constructive notice of deed to Jane, Jane has priority.

Chapter 8


Title and Insurance

Three different types of Notice statutes:

Bona-Fide Purchasers -- one who has paid purchase price in good faith and without knowledge of prior unrecorded deed or mortgage.

1. Notice Statute - Unrecorded deed. Not valid against later Bona-Fide purchasers. Bona-Fide purchasers win.

2. Notice-Rule Statute - Later Bona-Fide Purchaser only has priority if he records first. Thus, subsequent Ps must be (1) bona-fide purchasers, and (2) record 1st to have priority.

3. Race Statute - First to record wins, therefore, A has title. No need for subsequent purchaser to be bona-fide.

Chapter 8


Title and Insurance

Chain of Title

Tract Index - Index at recorder of deeds which allocates a separate page to each piece of property in the county. All recorded deeds and other documents relating to property are listed on this page.

Grantor-Grantee Index - These records show ownership of land passing from one person to another. Because most marketable title legislature only requires us to look back 40 years, start with current owner and go back 40 years.

Chapter 8


Title and Insurance

Proof of Title

Abstract - Brief history of instruments appearing in county record that affect title to property

Title Insurance - Issued by a title insurance company after it reviews recorded instruments. Contract by which a title insurance company agrees, subject to terms of policy, to indemnify the insured against loss sustained as a result of defects in title other than specific title exceptions listed on policy.

OWNER'S POLICY: If a Seller wishes to obtain a title insurance policy to prove his or her ownership in land, he applies to title insurance company and agrees to pay a fee.

MORTGAGE POLICY: Only protects lender for amount of mortgage loan and risks that affect security interest or lender.

Chapter 8


Title and Insurance

Standard Coverage - Generally insures against defects in public records, plus things such as forged documents, documents of incompetent grantors, incorrect marital statements.

Extended Coverage - Everything covered with standard policy, plus additional risks which could be discovered by: 1. Walk-through of property;2. Inquiries made of persons in possession; or 3. Examining the survey

Chapter 8


Title and InsurancePOLICY DOES NOT INSURE: (EXCEPTIONS) -- some or all of these can be waived by title ins. companies

if presented with appropriate documentation or higher premium.Specific > 1. Defects or liens listed in policy which are

specific to property.General > 2. Unrecorded defects

> 3. Rights of parties in possession.> 4. Questions regarding survey.

(EXCLUSIONS) 1. Losses resulting from government regulations of property.2. Losses resulting from government right to take property.3. Defects or liens: created by insured, known by insured, but NOT by company, causes no loss to insured, created after policy issued.

Chapter 8


Title and InsuranceHAZARD OR PROPERTY INSURANCE

MORTGAGE INSURANCE - Property insurance obtained by ME or by MR for benefit of ME to insure security interest.

HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE - Property insurance obtained by Purchaser as homeowner.

When should it be purchased?

Types of Coverage: Basic, Broad and Comprehensive (note exclusions)

Liability provisions often protect insured from accidents caused by insured or on insured’s premises

Chapter 8


Financing the Real Estate PurchaseOTHER COMMON SECURITY DEVICES: security interests, guarantees and

suretyshipMORTGAGE - Conveyance of land given as transaction security for payment of

debt. Definitions:Mortgagor or Debtor - Gives interest in real estate as security for debt. Mortgagee or Creditor - Person who takes interest in property as security for debt. Mortgage Loan - Loan obtained to pay portion of purchase price for real property which is secured by real property.Deed of Trust - Regular mortgage only involves two parties - borrower and lender, with a Deed of Trust, Borrower conveys land to third party (Trustee) in trust for benefit of lender or party who holds mortgage note.

Chapter 9


Financing the Real Estate Purchase

Purchase Money Mortgage - or - Seller Financed Mortgage - Seller takes a mortgage from Borrower for any amount of purchase price not paid.

Equitable Mortgages - Any written instrument by which parties show intention that real estate be held as security for payment of debt will be considered an equitable mortgage. ALSO an instrument intended as a regular mortgage, but which contains a defect will be treated as an equitable mortgage.

Example where court finds equitable mortgage to protect creditor

Example where court finds equitable mortgage to protect Debtor

Title Theory States - Adheres to view that mortgage gives mortgagee some form of legal title to land.

Lien Theory States - View that mortgage is not really a conveyance of land, but only a lien. Mortgagee has lien to secure the debt.

Chapter 9


Financing the Real Estate PurchaseTHE MORTGAGE TRANSACTION

Application and Commitment

1. Loan Application serves two purposes:

a. Provides information to lender so lender can determine whether to make loan.

b. Defines term of loan contract.

2. Commitment – lender communicates acceptance to loan applicant

Mortgage Note

Note - The promise or agreement to repay debt in definite installments with interest.

Chief function of Note is to make Mortgagor personally liable for payment of mortgage debt.

Chapter 9


Financing the Real Estate PurchaseCont. Mortgage Note

Notes can be negotiable or non-negotiable - Is negotiable when its holder, i.e., lender, may transfer his or her right to payment to third party by assigning instrument over to third party. Meets requirements of Section 3-104 of UCC. Three main provisions of a Note 1. Payment Plans - Most payable monthly and payments computed by number of different payment plans. 2. Interest - Charge for the use of money. Generally, the interest portion of each payment covers charge for using borrowed money during previous month.a. Usuryb. Prepayment 3. Acceleration - Mortgage and Note usually provide that if B defaults, the entire principal sum shall become immediately due and payable -- acceleration clause.

Chapter 9


Financing the Real Estate PurchaseRequirements of a Mortgage Note

1. Promise to pay2. Amount of debt (principal amount)3. Interest Rate4. Time and amount of principal and interest payments5. Reference to the note’s security6. Mortgagor’s signature

Due on Sale Clauses - Prevents a future purchaser of property from being able to assume old loan at old low rate of interest. Clause provides that upon the sale of property by Borrower, lender has choice of either declaring entire debt immediately due and owing or permitting a qualified buyer to assume loan at current market rates. Enforceable under Garn - St. Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982.

Chapter 9


Financing the Real Estate PurchaseThe Mortgage - The conveyance of land given as security for payment of debt

Describing the Debt - Must be defined with reasonable certainty to prevent subsequent purchasers or creditors from acquiring rights superior to those of Mortgagee.Parties must also be described with reasonable accuracy.Accurate Description of Property Mortgage Sets Forth Duties and Obligations of Mortgagee and Mortgagor Duties of Mortgagor 1. Pay debt in accordance with terms of Note2. Pay real estate taxes on property given as security. 3. Maintain adequate insurance to protect lender in event of casualty 4. Obtain lender's authorization in event of major alterations to property 5. Maintain property in good repair

Chapter 9


Financing the Real Estate PurchaseDefault Provisions

1. If Mortgagor fails to meet any of his duties, generally causes default of mortgage. Generally, grace period provided before lender exercises right to foreclose.

2. Note: Use of acceleration clause - which allows lender to accelerate maturity of debt -- to declare entire debt due and owing.

3. Also, if Mortgagor fails to maintain property, pay taxes or pay insurance premiums, generally Mortgagee has right to maintain or make necessary payments.

4. Finally, some Mortgages provide that in addition to foreclosure remedies of 1) power of sale or 2) judicial foreclosure, Mortgagee may appoint receiver to take care of property.

Chapter 9


Federal Laws Governing Real Estate Lending

Fair Lending Laws1. Fair Housing Act – See notes in section regarding Brokers2. Equal Credit Opportunity Act - prohibits lenders from discriminating against credit applicants on basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age or dependence on public assistance. State laws and local ordinances may increase the number of protected classes.a. Lender must notify loan applicant with 30 days of credit decision. b. Lender must provide notice of right to receive copy of appraisal.c. Special rules regarding collecting information about principal’s or borrower’s spouse.3. Community Reinvestment Act – Attempt to eliminate redlining. Redlining is a practice of refusing to make mortgage loans or issue insurance policies in certain areas without regard to economic qualifications of applicant.

Chapter 9


Federal Laws Governing Real Estate Lending

4. Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) – Requires lender to report statistical information to the federal government regarding applications and loans to purchase or refinance a home. Information is collected for multi-family and single-family residences. 5. Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act (HOEPA) – Created to protect borrowers from predatory lending practices.

Chapter 9


Federal Laws GoverningReal Estate Lending

Disclosure of Loan Terms and ProceduresTruth in Lending Act - Enacted in 1969. Object of law was to

require credit institutions to inform borrowers of true cost of obtaining credit. 1. Regulation Z issued by FRB to implement Truth in Lending.2. All residential real estate transactions are protected by Act.

3. Additionally, credit transactions with individuals are covered for personal, family, household and agricultural uses NOT exceeding $25K.4. Regulation Z does NOT apply to business or commercial loans.

Chapter 9



Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act

1. Enacted: (a) to ensure that both Buyer and Seller in residential real estate transactions have knowledge of all settlement costs; (b) eliminate kickbacks or referral fees that tend to increase certain settlement services; and (c) reduce amount needed to place in escrow account

2. RESPA applies to all purchases financed by a federally related mortgage loan; loan secured by first or subordinate lien on residential property; and residential property contains 1 to 4 family structure.

Chapter 9



3. REQUIREMENTS OF RESPAa. Lender must provide copy of HUD book, "Settlement Costs and

You" to every person making loan application within three days. (General information regarding settlement costs.)

b. Lender must provide Borrower with good faith estimate of settlement costs within three business days after submission of loan application. Amounts stated as dollar amount or dollar range.

c. Loan closing information must be prepared on special HUD form which details transaction -- Itemizes all charges imposed by lender.

d. Borrower permitted to review settlement statement one day prior to closing.

e. Prohibits kickbacks (i.e., when insurance company pays lender for referring one of lender's customers to agency.)

f. Limits amount Borrower required to pay into escrow account at closing.

Chapter 9


Termination of MortgageRelationship

Payment of Entire Mortgage debt. Generally made when property is sold or refinanced.

MORTGAGE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE TERMINATED IF PROPERTY CONVEYED TO THIRD PARTY. IT CAN SURVIVE CONVEYANCE -- Sale "Subject to" Mtg. and Mtg. Assumption

Sale Subject to Existing Mortgage. Describes conveyance where third party accepts property "subject to" existing Mortgage. Third party takes property subject to mortgage lien, but has no personal responsibility to pay obligation.

Mortgage Assumption. Grantee takes land encumbered by Mortgage and becomes personally liable for Mortgage debt.NOTE -- When a third party has assumed a Mortgage, the Mortgagor is still liable -- Mortgagor remains a surety -- a person equally liable with third party. Novation -- A release which Mortgagor can obtain from Mortgagee when he conveys property to third party. It prevents Mortgagee from going after Mortgagor for deficiency

Chapter 9



Foreclosure - Legal process by which property pledged as security in mortgage or trust deed is sold to satisfy the debt.

TWO TYPES OF FORECLOSUREJudicial Foreclosure - Property pledged as security,

sold by court order after Mortgagee gives sufficient public notice. Process: 1. Mortgagor defaults.

2. Mortgagee accelerates due date of all remaining monthly payments. 3. Mortgagee's atty. files suit to foreclose lien. 4. Court orders property to be sold. 5. Public sale is advertised and held. Real estate sold to highest bidder. 6. Third party who purchases property, purchases it free and clear of the

Mortgage and all junior liens filed subsequent to Mortgage. 7. Junior liens are extinguished by foreclosure.

Chapter 9



Power of Sale - Foreclosure by Advertisement. Can only be utilized when loan document contains a power of sale clause. Mortgagee authorizes Mortgagor to sell property after default at a public sale without court proceedings.

Notice Requirements. To foreclose, Mortgagee simply records notice of default in county register of deeds to give public notice of intended sale AND publishes advertisements in local newspapers which state total amount due and date of public sale. Sometimes, notices must also be posted on property in a conspicuous location.

Chapter 9



Principles of Equitable and Statutory RedemptionEquitable Redemption – Time between event of default and foreclosure.

Permits Borrower or any other person with interest in real estate to pay lender the amount due, plus costs, and debt will be reinstated.

Statutory Redemption – Time period after the foreclosure sale whereby Borrower can pay back debt plus costs to reinstate debt. Only permitted in some states. Statutory redemption occurs by payment made to public officer who held sale or another person designated by law of amount of foreclosure sale plus interest. Mortgagor then holds land free and clear of mortgage and foreclosure sale AND any junior liens. If NO redemption made, purchaser owns property free and clear.

Chapter 9



POST SALE PROCEDURES

1. Deed executed by public official conducting sale, BUT deed is subject to any rights of redemption.

2. If sale price exceeds debt, Mortgagor or junior Mortgagees, if any, receive excess after expenses of sale are paid.

3. If sale price is less than debt, Mortgagee may recover deficiency from Mortgagor. Remember, this is only recoverable if Mortgagor signed a promissory note.

4. Sheriff's Deed - Delivered to Purchaser after foreclosure sale. All liens recorded before Mortgage are not affected. All liens recorded after Mortgage are extinguished, except special notice required for federal tax liens.

Chapter 9


Land Contracts orInstallment Contracts

Definition – Contract between Seller and Purchaser whereby Seller agrees to convey title to P when P has paid the purchase price and has performed other obligations specified in the contract. Similar to a Purchase Agreement in that S agrees to convey title at a later point after satisfying certain conditions and similar to a Mortgage since it includes specific financing terms and imposes obligations on P which are similar to those imposed on a mortgagor. Usually paid over a number of years.

Peculiarities1. Title to real estate remains in Seller's name during term of Contract. 2. Purchaser does NOT receive deed until entire purchase price has been paid AND terms of contract fully complied with. Seller retains fee ownership – legal title.

3. Purchaser takes possession when contract is signed, generally pays property taxes, insurance premiums and maintains property. Purchaser has possession, therefore, equitable interest in property.

Chapter 9



WHY USE A LAND CONTRACT? Seller Purchaser 1. To offer attractive financing terms to 1. Lower down payment.sell property. 2. More flexibility2. More flexible. 3.Can purchase home even

if poor credit risk.3.Not subject to as many regulations and policies regarding mortgages.4. More alternatives in event of Purchaser's default.5. Retains interest in land -- greater control over use of land

Chapter 9



DEFAULT - Two remedies

Forfeiture - (Most popular) - Terminates contract. Seller sometimes retains all payments made and evicts Purchaser. Payments already made to S are kept by S as either liquidated damages or as reasonable rental value of premises for time P in possession.Foreclosure – Similar to foreclosure of mortgage.

Chapter 9


Monetary Encumbrances• Liens• Real Estate Taxes• Mortgages• Mechanic’s Liens• Judgments• Environmental Super

Liens

Nonmonetary Encumbrances• Encroachments• Licenses• Deed

Restrictions/Covenants• Easements

1. Appurtenant2. In Gross3. By Necessity4. By Prescription

Encumbrances

Chapter 9


• Encumbrance = charge or burden on property that may diminish its value or obstruct use of property, BUT does not necessarily prevent transfer of title.

• • Two Types of Encumbrances

• 1. Monetary encumbrances or liens -- affect title

• 2. Non-monetary encumbrances -- affect physical condition and use of property

Encumbrances

Chapter 9


Statutory Liens• Lien = right of creditor to have Debtor's property sold

and be paid from proceeds. Allows creditor to force sale of property. Example: ABC Stereo Comp. sells Tom a $1,000 stereo. Tom only has $200, he finances remaining $800 with ABC Stereo Comp. Tom fails to make final payment. ABC Stereo Comp., which has a lien on stereo can repossess and sell to recoup loss.

• Voluntary -- most common is mortgage where owner

of property agrees to use title to real estate as security for a debt. Liens also arise by operation of contract. (i.e., Contract with electrician to perform work on home) OR

• Involuntary - by operation of law. (i.e., tax lien,

judgment liens, Super liens - environmental)

Chapter 9


Mechanic’s LiensWhen does owner subject real property to lien?

• Contract states -- lien claimant must show he was hired by landowner or his agent to furnish labor or materials.

• Consent states -- sufficient for lien claimant to show

owner had knowledge of and consented to doing work, even if work ordered by person other than Owner, i.e., Tenant.

(Courts recognize that Landlord is often powerless to prevent Tenants from

improving, therefore need affirmative consent of Landlord. (i.e., provision in lease permitting additions.)

Chapter 9


Cont. Mechanic’s Liens

Who is entitled to lien?Driven by state statute -- Generally, both contractor and subcontractor can recover, anyone who furnishes labor or materials to improve real estate. In some states, the landowner is responsible for making sure subcontractor is paid even when landowner has paid general contractor in full and general contractor has NOT paid subs. Always best for landowners to get lien waivers from general contractor before making any payment.

Chapter 9


Cont. Mechanic’s LiensWhat type of work is covered ?

Mechanics' liens only available for work which results in permanent improvements. (i.e., if contractor installs removable shelving in home which could be removed without serious damage to home, no lien could attach since shelving did not constitute permanent improvement.)

Chapter 9


Cont. Mechanic’s LiensWhat's the procedure for claiming a lien? • Every lien claimant MUST record lien statement with

register of deeds specifying amount due and nature of improvement within certain time after work completed. This appears on title work.

• Then claimant must commence an action to enforce lien within a limited time period after work is completed.

• If court decides lien is valid -- property is sold to satisfy debt.

Chapter 9



THE REAL ESTATE CLOSING Parties gather to execute promises made in Purchase Agreement.In most instances, two closings occur at once: 1) Real estate contract is closed -- closing of sale of property

AND2) Mortgage transaction is closed -- disbursal of

mortgage funds by lender.

Chapter 10



Exchange of Documents at Closing - Order of Events 1. Buyer signs Note and Mortgage and receives check for amount of loan.2. Buyer pays Seller the purchase price -- generally Buyer provides his own certified check plus borrowed money.3. Seller pays off mortgage and Seller pays real estate commission based on gross sales price and to reimburse broker for any expenses made on behalf ofSeller. 4. Seller provides Buyer with a deed, title insurance policy, receipt for payment, copy of Seller's Mortgage discharge, bill of sale for personal property being sold, receipt for payment of last utility bills and taxes.5. Mortgagee provides Buyer with a copy of Note and Mortgage and other mortgage closing documents.6. Seller receives Mortgage, Note and copy of discharge back from Seller's Mortgagee

Chapter 10


Financing the Real Estate PurchaseProtecting the Lender's Interests - To protect its security interest in property -- to make sure Borrower is getting good, marketable title and that tax and insurance payments are maintained, Lender requires: 1. Title insurance policy2. Fire and hazard insurance policy3. May require additional documents such as a survey or inspection report4. Estimate of reserve for escrow, tax and insurance payments5. Especially at commercial closings - Opinion of AttorneyImportant Miscellaneous Items 1. Make sure title reports are brought up to date of closing to ensure no last minute liens. 2. Immediately record documents to avoid potential priority problems.3. Borrower should always get keys of home.

Chapter 10


DeedsDefinition - Written instrument by which owner of real property intentionally

conveys to Purchaser his right, title or interest in parcel of real property. ALL DEEDS MUST BE IN WRITING.

TYPES OF DEEDSQuit Claim Deed -- Contains NO warranties. Conveys only Grantor's present interest in land. (i.e., whatever title or interest Grantor has).General Warranty Deed -- Seller provides P with 3 warranties. These covenants transfer with the land to all successors in interest of Grantee. (i.e., A gives general warranty deed to B. B sells to C. A is liable to C on any future covenants.).

1. Covenant of Title2. Covenant Against Encumbrances3. Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment

Chapter 10


DeedsSpecial Warranty Deed - Grantor covenants only against lawful claims of all persons that arise "under, by or through" Grantor. (i.e., claims arising through acts of Grantor himself, not acts of others.)Requirements for Valid Deed1. Competent Grantor and Grantee. Note situation with Deeds in Blank.2. Consideration - Except in Nebraska, actual price paid need not be stated. Customary to recite consideration of "$1.00 and other good and valuable consideration." 3. Words of Conveyance - Every deed must show a present intent on part of Grantor to transfer his interest to Grantor.4. Description of Land - Must be as precise and clear as possible. Purpose of legal description is to fix the boundaries of land intended to be sold. Types of legal descriptions: Government Survey, Metes and Bounds and Plats.5. Exceptions and Reservations - Exception = Part of real estate which will not be conveyed because it has already been excepted from property. Reservations = Part of the real estate which Grantor carves out for himself or others at time property is conveyed.

Chapter 10


Deeds(Cont.) Requirements for Valid Deed

6. Date - Not essential for valid deed. 7. Execution 8. Delivery - A deed is delivered when Grantor does or says something to show intention to pass ownership of land to Grantee. Must make delivery during lifetime of Grantor.

BASIC PRINCIPLESa. Delivery to Grantee. Delivery is presumed when Grantee takes

physical possession of deed, but presumption can be rebutted by evidence. Also, no delivery if Grantor retains possession of deed, but again evidence can be introduced to rebut presumption.

b. Delivery to Grantee on Oral Condition. Conditions are OK, but must be written down.

Chapter 10


Deeds

c. Delivery to Third Party Agent. If delivery is made to agent of Grantee -- have good delivery. If delivery is made to agent of Grantor -- no delivery since there is no intention to transfer ownership.d. Delivery to Third Party with Conditions. Escrow arrangement - Deed is delivered in escrow when it is deposited with third party with directions to deliver to Grantee upon performance of some condition set forth in escrow instructions, not in deed. Requirements for valid escrow:1. Must be a valid and enforceable contract for sale of land. The escrow itself may serve as contract for land. 2. Escrow agreement must contain a condition -- something that must be done before Buyer's money is paid to Seller. 3. Deed must otherwise be valid.4. Escrow holder must be third party.Once conditions in escrow agreement are performed, ownership of land passes to Buyer and delivery of deed is complete.

Chapter 10


Adverse Possession• Method of acquiring ownership of property through possession

and use of property for certain number of years• 5 Requirements

1. Hostile Possession – person occupying land must be doing so without permission of owner and with intent of claiming ownership.

2. Actual Possession – Possessor must enter land and make actual use of land appropriate to nature of land.

3. Open and Notorious Possession – Owner must be aware that claim is being made

4. Continuous Possession – Must use land for certain number of years as set forth by state statute

5. Exclusive Possession – Possessor can not share possession and use of land with owner or third party.

Chapter 10


Rights of Landownersand Occupants

TORT - Commission or omission of an act by one, without right, whereby another receives some injury, directly or indirectly, in person, property or reputation.Types of Torts:1. Negligence - To show person was negligent - injured person must prove: Defendant did not act like a reasonable person would in similar circumstances (failed to exercise due care) and Defendant's actions caused Plaintiff to suffer an injury.

Contributory Negligence - If victim had somehow acted negligently and contributed to his injury -- victim might not be able to recover damages.

Comparative Negligence - Victim has somehow acted negligently and contributed to his injury -- court reduces damages in proportion to victim's negligence.

Chapter 12


Rights of Landownersand Occupants

2. Intentional Tort - Victim proves an intentional tort by proving: Wrongful act was intentional and injuries resulted from the intentional act. Examples -- assault and trespass. Trespass - Any intentional intrusion made on property possessed by another. Elements:a. Intentb. Physical invasion onto landc. Property possessed by anotherd. Damages or equitable relief3. Strict Liability - In certain instances, a victim can prove strict liability even though the party has not been negligent and has NOT intentionally caused the injury. Strict liability applies to only a few situations--when persons are engaged in dangerous or ultra hazardous or abnormal operations.4. Nuisance - arises when one person's use of his property materially and negatively affects others. Private Nuisance - Interference with use and enjoyment of one's land. Public Nuisance - Interference which damages rights of public. These are criminal acts. Conduct which is harmful to health, safety or morals of community.

Chapter 12


Eminent Domain

Eminent Domain describes right of government to acquire privately owned real estate for use and benefit of general public. Federal government's right to eminent domain is recognized by 5th Amendment. 14th Amendment requires states to comply with 5th Amendment.

Government brings condemnation suit and serves notice on parties with interests in affected property.

1. Court decides if proposed use is a public use - No concrete definition of what public use is. Courts will generally NOT question decision of federal government to condemn a certain parcel.

AND2. Amount of just compensation which must be paid to each owner.

Courts determine FMV based on most profitable use of land, even if land not currently being used for that purpose.

Chapter 13


Eminent Domain

Takings take two forms:

1. Government's physical taking of individual's land (i.e., property taken to construct General Motor's Poletown Plant).

2. Land use regulation which causes severe economic burden to property owner. (i.e., some argue federal and state environmental regulations). Government regulates property in a manner that restricts owner’s use and enjoyment. Recent Supreme Court decisions in Palazzola (obtaining permits to fill in wetlands) and Lucas (beachfront management) have upheld the rights of property owners against unreasonable government regulations.

Chapter 13


Michigan Environmental Law“Polluter Pay Law”

• Patterned after Superfund – Liability is RETROACTIVE, JOINT AND SEVERAL.

• Following parties are potentially resp:1. Current owners/operators – Causation based Liability as opposed to Status-based liability as under CERCLA2. Past owner/occupier – Causation based3. New owner/occupier – Importance of Baseline Environmental Assessment

See http/michigan.gov/deq for more information

Chapter 14


Cont. “Polluter Pay”

• Exempt Persons

• Residential Owners• Retail/Office/Commercial Lessee• Person acquiring property without knowledge of or

reason to know it is contaminated (imp. Of due diligence)• Persons who severed mineral rights• Lender who conducts proper liquidation of property

Chapter 14


Priority of Environmental Liens

• Superfund and MOST states – environmental liens have NO priority over existing liens

• NJ – environmental lien is a super lien – has priority over ALL liens

• MI – If state response activity increased market vale of real property the increase in value cause by state funded activity constitutes a lien which automatically has priority over all other liens.

Chapter 14


Drug Forfeiture Liens

• Federal law and some state laws permit forfeiture of property acquired with proceeds of narcotics trafficking, or used in any manner to facilitate commission of drug offense (i.e., Using or dealing in home).

• Real property may be seized by the federal government and forfeited even if the owner is not a drug trafficker (i.e., landlord).

• Only defense is Innocent owner.

Chapter 14