Lola Audu

The Grand Rapids Association MLS system will allow agents to search for homes that are available for lease. You can have an agent create and customize a search for the areas you like and the ammenties you want. The list changes frequently, but if you have a Home Alert created, you will be the first to know when the right home becomes available. As others have indicated, banks are not in the business of renting homes. - Tue Oct 7 2008, 15:43

Steve's answer is the most straight forward way to find out this information. The agent who works with the buyer should be able to assist you. If you can't get a call back, you could also check with the Assessors office to find out who is paying the taxes. However, I am surprised that there is not a contact number on the rental advertisement or sign. - Tue Oct 7 2008, 15:38

Hi Mallory,

Pricing is the key component of every real estate listing and eventual sale. It's a far more complex issue than it might appear on the surface. In Michigan, appraisers train for years to certify valuations of property for their clients who are banks and investors. Real Estate brokers also invest time in training to gain the experience to determine pricing.

Home pricing involves knowledge of the area and the particular home in question. It sounds lik you really like this home. I would suggest that you obtain the services of a Qualified Buyers agent to do a complete analysis which involves a neighborhood analysis as well as the traditional Comparative Market Analysis. This will help give legitimacy to your offer when presented to the home owner and may give you a better chance of obtaining a home which you can qualify for. - Fri Oct 3 2008, 05:27

Hi Amanda,

The issue of renting or leasing with an option to purchase is becoming an option that more people are exploring today for a number of reasons. I wrote the article that Gary Smith referred to below to assist potential home buyers with the knowledge to make an informed decision.

Although leasing with an option to purchase can be a good way to buy a home for some people, doing it without the right safety provisions in place can result in dissapointment and the loss of your investment. There are a number of homes available in the Grand Rapids area right now which may be suitable for your needs. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. - Fri Oct 3 2008, 05:13

What you have described is very difficult to deal with. From reviewing your question, it seems that you did try to do what was necessary to find out about the area by contacting the officer in charge. I have always asked my clients to go to the police department and review the crime map.

I am not aware that Michigan requires disclosure on the part of the seller or their agent in situations like this. It is the responsibility of the buyer to do their own due diligence. If this had been discovered during the period of the inspections or written in as a contingency, you would definitely have a clear demand to receive your Earnest deposit back.

The sad truth in our society is that there is increased criminal activity in many areas including this neighborhood which you described as nice. We can never guarantee that somone will not move in later even if they are not there today. I do think an alarm system is prudent and in addition you should discuss your concerns with your agent and/or broker.

This may cause you to loose your rights to the earnest deposit if you pull out of the sale....and your peace of mind and sense of personal safety may justify this. You may also want to talk with the officer to find out more about the case. It was not clear from the question how you discovered the information. - Mon Sep 15 2008, 05:24