You must create an account to apply for a property on the WCLB website. Once you have created an account, you can click on the parcel you would like to purchase and click “apply.”
What happens after I apply to purchase a parcel?
You will be notified within 7-10 business days regarding the status of your bid application.
How much are the taxes?
Properties owned by the Wayne County Land Bank (WCLB) are tax exempt. Please reach out to the local assessing department in which the property is located for estimated taxes.
When are taxes due?
Taxes will be due twice each year, as follows:
Summer Bill: Historically this bill is mailed in July and due in August. In most instances, it is generally the larger tax bill of the two. Please check with the Wayne County Treasurer to confirm all billing deadlines.
Winter Bill: Historically this bill is mailed in December and due in January. Please check with the Wayne County Treasurer to confirm all billing deadlines.
Are there any liens on the property?
WCLB Properties are sold via Quit Claim Deed. We strongly urge you to look into the water bill and tax status of the property. We also strongly recommend that you have a quite title action completed.
What is a quiet title action?
Quiet title is a lawsuit that clears any clouds on the title to the parcel.
How much is a quiet title?
A quiet title cost is $1,500 per property.
How long does a quiet title take?
Quiet title can take between three to six months.
Can I combine my side lot with my home?
In order to do a parcel combo with a property purchased from the WCLB, you will need to complete an “Exemption Notification” prior to the exemption deadline date.
When can I sell the property?
A purchaser can sell a property once your property has cleared “compliance” and the WCLB has recorded a release of interest in the property.
What is involved in the three-month rehab?
Purchaser is responsible for rehabilitating the exterior structures and spaces within three months after the closing.
What is a minimum investment?
Minimum investment is included in the purchase and development agreement. The purchaser is responsible for investing an agreed upon minimum dollar amount into the property within the compliance period.
Can I demo a blighted structure?
Yes, the WCLB offers the ability to allow purchaser to buy property for demolition.
How do I close on a property?
Once you are chosen as the winning applicant, you will be contacted by the WCLB to schedule a closing appointment. Your closing will be at the WCLB’s downtown Detroit office.
What forms of payment do we accept?
The WCLB accepts only certified funds. Certified funds include cashier check or money order.
What happens after the closing?
After the closing you will be subject to follow the guidelines and timelines of your purchase and development agreement.
What is a side lot?
A side lot is a vacant lot zoned as residential that is adjacent to a residential stricture.
How much does my side lot cost?
Side lots range between $250, $500, and $1,000.00.
Can I buy vacant land that isn’t adjacent to my house?
Yes
How do I get my deed?
You can contact the WCLB for the original deed or visit the Wayne County Register of Deeds for the filed election version. In most cases, it will be mailed to you.
I want to build a house on WCLB vacant land. How do I do that?
Please contact your local municipality for feasibility and zoning. If the municipality agrees that it is a buildable lot, the purchase of the lot will be subject to a minimum investment described in your purchasing and development agreement. Lots purchased by the WCLB are eligible for Brownfield/TIF incentives.
What is a Brownfield
A Brownfield is property that is believed to be contaminated or functionally obsolete. For more information, please visit the Wayne County Brownfield Authority (https://www.waynecounty.com/county/brownfields.aspx).
Do you have a list of properties to hand out that are available to purchase?
No, we do not provide a list to hand out. Our available inventory is on our website, waynecountylandbank.com. You can search for available inventory under the “search all properties” tab where you are able to search by parcel number, street or city.
