They changed the locks and stole my stuff!

[phitechllc]

What is the name of your state? Michigan

Hello all. After going 90 days late our house went to the sheriff's auction. The bank bought it back from themselves. However that works! The sale was on the 15th of August. The local broker who was handling the house for the bank ordered a lock change on the 20th and it was done on the 23rd of August. We weren't completely moved out yet and the house was by no means vacant. The contractor that came out to change the lock stole an expensive drill from me. I am, of course, having a very difficult time getting it back. The police haven't been any help. They tried to get back into the house another time but I had the doors screwed shut from the inside. They got the hint! The bank wouldn't tell me who had been out there and I was getting really frustrated.

I had complete rights to the property still by what my realtor has told me. Do I have any legal recourse against either the broker or the contractor? It's my understsanding that they have to wait at least 30 days after posting notice at the house and the house must clearly be vacant. I'm not looking for money, I just want my drill and if they've broken the law they need to pay. Money is always nice though, if it's an option here.

I feel that my rights were violated but I haven't been able to find anyone who can give me a definite answer one way or the other. Just a couple weeks ago the bank offered me $2000 for the keys. I turned it over to them. Any advice from the pros on this one?

[seniorjudge]

It's very simple.

They bought it at the public sale.

You broke into a house that was not yours.

I would hire a lawyer if I were you.

[phitechllc]

No, that's not the case. Read the whole post. The redemption period is 6 months after the sale here in Michigan.

Anyone else? Preferably someone who is paying attention! =) Thanks folks, appreciate it.

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by phitechllc

What is the name of your state? Michigan

Hello all. After going 90 days late our house went to the sheriff's auction. The bank bought it back from themselves. However that works! The sale was on the 15th of August. The local broker who was handling the house for the bank ordered a lock change on the 20th and it was done on the 23rd of August. We weren't completely moved out yet and the house was by no means vacant. The contractor that came out to change the lock stole an expensive drill from me. I am, of course, having a very difficult time getting it back. The police haven't been any help. They tried to get back into the house another time but I had the doors screwed shut from the inside. They got the hint! The bank wouldn't tell me who had been out there and I was getting really frustrated.

I had complete rights to the property still by what my realtor has told me. Do I have any legal recourse against either the broker or the contractor? It's my understsanding that they have to wait at least 30 days after posting notice at the house and the house must clearly be vacant. I'm not looking for money, I just want my drill and if they've broken the law they need to pay. Money is always nice though, if it's an option here.

I feel that my rights were violated but I haven't been able to find anyone who can give me a definite answer one way or the other. Just a couple weeks ago the bank offered me $2000 for the keys. I turned it over to them. Any advice from the pros on this one?

**A: I have an answer.

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by phitechllc

No, that's not the case. Read the whole post. The redemption period is 6 months after the sale here in Michigan.

Anyone else? Preferably someone who is paying attention! =) Thanks folks, appreciate it.

**A: why do you say SJ is not paying attention.

[FlyingRon]

SJ was right.

The house was sold as of the sheriff's sale. A 7 day notice is all that is required for the residential eviction (almost certainly done concurrent with the sale).

The right of redemption means you can reverse the sale, not that you have six months to get out. And if you don't have the money to buy the house outright the right of redemption means SQUAT. Most people don't (if they did they wouldn't have been foreclosed upon).