Marcus owned a Benton Harbor property that had accumulated 7 city code violations over 3 years: overgrown lot, broken windows, unsecured entry points, exterior paint, and structural concerns flagged in the most recent city inspection. The city had issued a pre-demolition notice requiring response within 30 days.
The code violations were becoming liens. If the city demolished the building, Marcus would receive a bill for demolition costs that could also become a lien against other assets. A traditional agent refused the listing citing the code violation status. Conventional buyers and lenders wouldn't touch the property.
7 Lakes Properties is familiar with Berrien County code violation processes. We offered $43,000 for the property, structured to pay off the violation fees at closing. We provided the city with the executed purchase agreement and proof of funds, which caused them to pause the demolition timeline.
Marcus received $43,000 at closing 28 days later — the violation fees were paid from proceeds and the remainder was Marcus's. 7 Lakes Properties took ownership and immediately began addressing the code violations, bringing the property into compliance within 45 days. No demolition occurred.
"I was terrified they were going to knock the house down and send me a bill. 7 Lakes Properties turned it around completely."— Marcus J., Benton Harbor MI
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