Michigan Real Estate News

Timely  |  Relevant  |  Informative

Long-Term Solutions Address Needs of Detroit’s Homeless

The Pope Francis Center broke ground on a Bridge Housing Campus that will provide 40 studio apartments as temporary shelter to people for 90-120 days. During that time, the project will offer social and job-preparation services and comprehensive medical care that addresses physical, psychological and addiction needs. The project is part of a long-term plan to  solve the root causes of  chronic homelessness in Detroit by 2030.  People who stay in the studio apartments will transition to permanent supportive housing. The facility is scheduled to open mid-2023. Construction will begin in early 2022. Mayor Duggan sees this project as a potential national model.

 

 

Expiring Covid Mortgage Bailouts Problematic for Thousands

As Covid-related mortgage bailout programs expire, hundreds of thousands of homeowners may lose or sell their homes. Out of options, borrowers who lost too much income or their businesses during the pandemic could take advantage of high equity in their homes and sell. However, data shows that has not been the trend. About a third of borrowers with at least 40% equity in their homes still go into foreclosure. Over 7 million bailed out borrowers are current on their mortgage payments. Some sold their homes or refinanced them to afford the mortgages. About half a million are in loss litigation with lenders.

 

Real Estate One Academy Wants More Required Training Hours

According to Bonnie Richter, the director of the Real Estate One Academty, real estate education needs to change to keep up with the needs of consumers. Real Estate One is pairing new agents with experience Realtors in an effort to keep more people in the field. Richter says there’s an enormous interest in real estate careers. Classes are full and in high demand, but the longevity is not there. People don’t expect the career to be as demanding as it is. Richter believes that license instruction should require more hours (60 at a minimum), as there isn’t enough time to get all of the information in with the existing instruction requirements. In addition, beefing up the instruction time would better protect consumers so that licensed real estate professionals would have the needed expertise.