I
n the Motor City, a peculiar offer has been circulating among Detroit homeowners. A Florida-based company, MJ Real Estate Solves, is sending letters to those with tax debt, proposing a deal: pay off their outstanding taxes in exchange for the deed to their property. The letter's wording is carefully crafted to downplay its true nature - an attempt to acquire homes from financially strained owners.

    Mitsonky Jecrois, the company's founder, claims this isn't a traditional homebuying offer but rather a way to "resolve the tax burden" by transferring ownership. However, experts warn that this approach is misleading and potentially exploitative. Programs like Pay as You Stay and the Homeowners Property Tax Exemption already exist to help low-income homeowners manage their tax debt without sacrificing their property.

    Eric Dueweke, president of the Morningside Community Organization, calls MJ Real Estate Solves' tactics "super sleazy." He notes that the letter fails to mention these alternative options, leaving recipients unaware of their rights. If a homeowner were to sign over their property, what's to prevent the company from evicting them?

    Jecrois seems oblivious to the concerns, believing his target audience consists of out-of-town landlords eager to offload problem properties. Despite having no real estate experience in Detroit, he insists his company can revitalize neighborhoods and boost property values. However, MJ Real Estate Solves operates primarily in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, with no recorded deals in Detroit.

    The letter's recipients are not just absentee landlords; they're often residents who have lived in their homes for years. Joel Howrani Heeres, a homeowner who received the letter despite being up-to-date on his taxes, calls it "dishonest." He warns that this company preys on those financially vulnerable and ignorant of property transactions.

    For Detroiters facing tax debt, there are better options available. Programs like Pay as You Stay and the Homeowners Property Tax Exemption can help alleviate financial burdens without sacrificing ownership. It's essential to be aware of these alternatives and not fall prey to misleading offers that prioritize profit over people's well-being.