Council accepts first right of refusal on tax-foreclosed property to facilitate owner-occupied sale

Harper Woods — The City Council authorized the city manager to accept the city's first right of refusal on one residential tax-foreclosed property from Wayne County for an amount not to exceed $8,909.50 and to execute documents necessary to complete the sale.

Staff said a Harper Woods resident expressed interest in purchasing the property and that the city's purchase would facilitate returning the house to occupancy rather than leaving it in county hands. Council asked whether the city could legally bind the purchaser to owner-occupy the property rather than convert it to rental or short-term rental; staff said they had consulted the city attorney and were advised the city cannot make such a condition legally binding, although the purchaser agreed at the time of offer to owner-occupy the property.

The council approved the purchase by roll call vote and noted the city's intent to sell to a resident who had expressed willingness to occupy the property.