Janis Schweinsberg Real Estate

11/10/2025

11/09/2025

Do you know where your property lines are and how that knowledge effects Adverse possession law? I was reading through some questions on Facebook and found this very good answer about it!

Adverse possession in Michigan is a legal doctrine that allows a person who is not the legal owner of a piece of land to gain legal ownership of it, if they openly occupy and use the land for a long enough period and meet specific legal requirements.

Key Requirements in Michigan

To successfully claim adverse possession in Michigan, a person’s possession of the property must be:
1. Actual – They must physically use the land (e.g., building, farming, maintaining, fencing).
2. Open and Notorious – Their use must be visible and obvious to anyone, including the rightful owner. No hiding it.
3. Exclusive – They must possess the land alone, not sharing possession with the true owner or the public.
4. Continuous and Uninterrupted – They must use the property continuously for the required time period.
5. Hostile or Adverse – They must occupy the property without the true owner’s permission.

Time Requirement
• 15 years of continuous possession is required under Michigan law.
(MCL § 600.5801)

Effect

If all requirements are met, the adverse possessor can file a legal action to quiet title and become the new legal owner of the property.

Example

If someone builds a fence and mows and maintains a strip of your land on their side of the fence for 15 years, without your permission or objection, and it is obvious and continuous, they may be able to legally claim ownership of that strip through adverse possession.

So..KNOW where your property lines are!
P.s. I am NOT a lawyer and this little bit of advice should not be used as legal advice in any form. If you are unsure of your property lines, get a survey done and if you have any questions or concerns, hire a real estate lawyer!

11/08/2025

STT Security is actively hiring for full time and part time positions!
Apply here: https://sttcareers.com/

11/04/2025

I knew Midland was a great place to raise a family! But now to retire in too!

U.S. News & World Report named Midland as the best place to retire in America.

11/04/2025

Snow MAY be coming this weekend! Do you have the outside of your home ready? Here are some items to help you prepare your home for winter:

Michigan Fall Outdoor Home Checklist
Complete these tasks before Michigan's first snow—often as early as late October to early
November.
• ■ Clean gutters & downspouts (Michigan freeze■thaw cycles can cause ice dams).
• ■ Inspect roof for loose shingles or damage.
• ■ Trim trees & shrubs—especially near the home & power lines (winter storms can cause
branches to fall).
• ■ Drain & store garden hoses; shut off outdoor spigots (prevent pipe freezing).
• ■ Store or cover patio furniture & cushions.
• ■ Sweep decks, porches & walkways; treat slippery areas like moss.
• ■ Check & replace exterior lights—shorter days arrive fast in Michigan.
• ■ Clean chimney & exterior vents (especially if using wood heat).
• ■ Winterize lawn equipment & store gas.
• ■ Cover sensitive plants & mulch garden beds to protect roots from early frost.
• ■ Clean out garage & prep winter items (snowblower, salt, shovels).
• ■ Install/inspect door & window weather■stripping.
• ■ Check gutters again after peak leaf fall (usually late October).

10/19/2025

Early morning Mold inspection for a client with Michigan Air Mold and Water. It is a pleasure to be able to accompany clients on inspections as well as connect them with tried & tested professionals who work for the client! Now! On to enjoy this rainy day!

10/19/2025

Who shares this dream with me and would you do any further development or leave it as is?

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

Having sellers that understood the assignment is AWESOME!

10/09/2025

Living in is randomly seeing hot air balloons and paragliding like Caleb Mapes above the on a sunny fall October evening!