Progress on sale of foreclosed house slowed; final price decided

The Wayland City Council Monday night voted 6-1 to sell the old dilapidated foreclosed house at 430 W. Superior St. to Max and Robin Mitchell of Byron Center for  final price of $9,344.28, plus closing costs.

The figure includes the city’s costs for having inspections conducted on the house and property, legal fees plus the $7,500 price it paid to Allegan County.

The Mitchells have told the city they plan to fix it up and make it attractive and livable again. They have been the only bidders on the house and property, so it was possible the city would have had to have the house brought down to create an open lot.

But progress on the sale and renovations has been very slow.

Councilwoman Tracey Bivins insisted the city get a good faith deposit from the Mitchells because it’s still possible for them to get out of the deal and leave the city holding the bag.

Councilwoman Lisa Banas, who works for United Bank, pointed out however, that realtors often insist on a $500 deposit to hold a house and property if there are others interested in making a purchase. She noted no one except the Mitchells has indicated a serious interest.

“They (the Mitchells) have already put some money and effort into this,” Banas said. “They’ve been pursuing this property for quite a while.”

The foreclosed house and property, across the street on Vine from the Free Methodist Church, has not been occupied for at least three years and it was foreclosed on by the county.

The inspections were promoted by former City Manager Mike Selden in an effort to determine if there are any safety or environmental problems at the site.

Councilwoman Jennifer Antel said she was in favor of making the sale pending the inspection because “It will move things along a little faster.”

Mrs. Michell told the council earlier this year, “The majority of the work we can do ourselves, but what we can’t, we’ll subcontract out.” She added that she and her family have experience in restoring houses that have fallen on hard times.

Tracy Bivins and Councilman Tim Rose at first favored having the house demolished, but it was agreed that having it sold and fixed up is a much better option. Bivins cast the lone dissenting vote Monday evening.

PHOTO: This foreclosed house and property at 430 W. Superior St. still is up for sale from the city to Max and Robin Mitchell of Byron Center.