100+ Detroiters Earn Deeds through Detroit Land Bank Authority’s Buy Back Program this Summer

2022

100+ Detroiters Earn Deeds through Detroit Land Bank Authority’s Buy Back Program this Summer

DETROIT - More than 100 Detroiters are now homeowners, securing stable housing for their family through the Detroit Land Bank Authority’s Buy Back program. Participants received their deeds at the DLBA’s final exit event this summer on August 31st at the Guardian Building. The Buy Back program offers people occupying DLBA-owned houses an opportunity to purchase the property for just $1,000 if they successfully complete a year of homebuyer counseling and save up enough money to pay their first summer tax bill.

Since 2016, a thousand people have purchased houses through Buy Back, and so far, more than 900 have successfully exited the program and received their deed.

The goal is to provide a pathway to homeownership, specifically for families and individuals who lost their homes to foreclosure but never left, were victims of real estate or landlord fraud, or have another significant connection to the house. “Our Buy Back program is a one-of-a-kind opportunity in the City of Detroit to help those in precarious housing situations find not just stability, but actually become homeowners,” says Detroit Land Bank Authority CEO Tammy Daniels. “For some this may be their first time owning their own home and for others, this program allows them to regain ownership of a home that used to belong to their family. Either way it’s a major accomplishment and the land bank is proud to be a part of it.”

 

Land Bank 1
City Council Member Coleman A Young, II, new homeowner Michelle Brown, and Mayor Mike Duggan.

 

Land Bank 2
Mayor Duggan greeting new homeowner Damien Clark.

 

 

Who is eligible? To qualify for the Buy Back program, individuals must currently live in a DLBA-owned house and have a connection to the property that meets at least one of the following conditions:

  • They are the most recent owner of record before the property was acquired by a public entity
  • They are a former renter in the property
  • A family member was a former owner of the property
  • They have paid for utilities at the property for at least 12 consecutive months
  • They are the victims of real estate or rental fraud at the property
  • They have received current and prior year state or federal documents at the property related to income, benefits, or services

The Buy Back program’s unique approach is designed to support participants throughout the process, helping them to build the skills they need to be successful homeowners and retain ownership of the property in the future. The DLBA partners with local non-profits to provide counseling and one-on-one assistance for each buyer.

Program requirements include:

  • Providing documentation of their eligibility for the program
  • Allowing a DLBA inspector to come to their house to make sure the house is safe to inhabit
  • Attending a Home Preservation Course with one of our seven non-profit partners
  • Completing a one-on-one financial assessment with a non-profit housing counselor

Throughout their year in the program, participants must stay current on their water bills, keep the property free from blight, and stay in consistent communication with their non-profit housing counselor and the DLBA. “Participating in the Buy Back program enabled me to stay in my childhood home and gain the necessary skills to maintain it. I'm grateful I can set my family up for success thanks to the DLBA” said Malik Conty, Buy Back participant”

Opportunity to participate Right now, there are 90 households in the Buy Back pipeline being vetted for the program, and the DLBA is always accepting new applicants. Occupants currently living in DLBA-owned houses are encouraged to come forward and contact the organization directly by emailing [email protected] or by calling 313-974-6869. More information about how to participate is available at buildingdetroit.org/buyback.

Detroit Land Bank Authority Success The Detroit Land Bank Authority’s mission is to restore blighted and vacant properties to productive use. The DLBA makes home and land ownership affordable and accessible to Detroiters through its variety of sales programs. It works directly with individual buyers, Community Partner organizations, and developers for projects big and small. Taking its commitment to revitalization one step further, the DLBA requires renovation and occupancy to improve neighborhoods and combat real estate speculation.

Through its popular Side Lot program, the DLBA has sold more than 21,000 vacant lots to Detroit homeowners since 2014, a number unmatched in any other city. Its successful Auction, Own It Now, and Nuisance Abatement programs have generated more than 7,300 successful buyer-driven completed home renovations, with an additional 7,500 currently underway. Post-sale surveys show 72% of its home buyers are Detroit residents. The DLBA sells houses and vacant lots every day on its website and offers additional properties through real estate brokers.

For more information and to view current property listings, visit buildingdetroit.org.