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It Is Not All GLOOM and DOOM
It is definitely not all Gloom and Doom in the real estate market.  This post deals with one community's steps to combat the downturn it has experienced and the number of abandoned and foreclosures that have resulted.
Long before this became a national dilemma, it became one for Flint, Michigan and other areas within Michigan.  With the problems experienced by American automakers, communities dependent on that industry came upon hard times and leaders within those communities have sought solutions for their housing problems.
In 1999, the Michigan State Legislature created a new, streamlined system for returning tax-reverted properties to productive use. In the process, they opened the door for communities to reclaim, reinvest in and rebuild their neighborhoods.
National Public Radio aired a broadcast yesterday that dealt with how Flint, MI is dealing with this problem.  If your community is experiencing problems with foreclosures and abandoned properties this may be of interest.  Genesee Country (where Flint, Michigan is located) has produced a brochure which can be download.  It provides an explanation of the nine programs.
GENESEE COUNTY LAND BANK PROGRAMS
The Genesee County Land Bank works in collaboration with the Genesee County Treasurer's Office to prevent tax-foreclosure on area homes and bring tax-reverted properties back into productive use. Through partnerships with public, private ... more

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