Some interesting headlines from around the U.S. today in the real estate world:E-mails are just as binding in real estate negotiations as traditional ink-on-paper contracts, according to a state court ruling in New York regarding a real estate dispute (via …
In June 2010, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued a decision, Krummenacher v. City of Minnetonka, that significantly impacts the ability of municipalities in the State to grant variances from its zoning ordinances. A variance is a requested deviation from …
Minnesota Supreme Court Varies the Guidelines for Granting Variances Read more »
Last month the Massachusetts Supreme Court rendered a very significant decision in a case entitled U.S. Bank National Association vs. Ibanez . This case is being closely watched around the country, particularly by advocates of a theory of foreclosure defense called …
Why “Produce the Note” Doesn’t Work All That Well in Minnesota Read more »
Following my February 5 appearance live on the Real Estate Radio Hour, this month’s Legal Minute segments run the gamut from the practical (using limited liability companies to own investment real estate) to the academic (easements) to the arcane (hereditaments). Here they …
Real Estate Radio Hour Legal Minute – February 2011 Read more »
I will be on air with the Real Estate Radio Hour on Saturday, February 5, to talk about the use of contracts for deed as a selling option. You can listen to the interview here. Contracts for deed are an …
I counsel a lot of clients and potential clients who have fallen behind on a mortgage. Some of these are homeowners and many of them are investors who have fallen on hard times with rental properties. There are a number …
As some readers of this blog know, for the past year, I have had the privilege of presenting the “Legal Minute” on the Real Estate Radio Hour each Saturday at 10 am on WCCO Radio 830 AM. The show, hosted by …
Real Estate Radio Hour Legal Minutes – January 2011 Read more »
Earlier this year, former Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson made the news over a flap in his Florida condominium association. Apparently, Governor Carlson ran for the Emerald Pointe Condominium Association’s Board of Directors in a rather contentious manner. Things apparently became so nasty …
Contracts for deed are back in style as a method of financing a real estate transaction. A contract for deed is seller financing. Instead of a third party lender financing the buyer’s purchase of a piece of property from the seller, the …
Five Top Tips for Contract for Deed Transactions in Minnesota Read more »
In Minnesota, foreclosures work a bit differently than other states. Not only does Minnesota have a non-judicial foreclosure process (unlike most states which only allow foreclosures to be brought by court action), but Minnesota is also one of only ten (10) …
Can a Foreclosing Lender Enter a Property During the Redemption Period? Read more »