(616) 801-5111
michael@sheridanhaddock.com
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Sheridan Haddock
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Real Estate Law

A Master of Laws in Real Estate.
No Other Lakeshore Attorney Has One.

Michael Haddock holds an LLM in Real Estate and Construction Development from the University of Illinois at Chicago — the only such credential held by any attorney practicing in Allegan or Ottawa County. From vacation closings for Illinois buyers to developer entitlements for local projects, this is the most specialized real estate practice on the West Michigan Lakeshore.

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Services

Complete Real Estate Representation

Whether you are purchasing your first Lakeshore cottage, closing a commercial transaction, or navigating a complex title dispute, Sheridan Haddock PLLC handles every phase personally.

Residential Purchases and Sales

Full representation through offer, inspection, title review, and closing. Both buyers and sellers represented across West Michigan.

Out-of-State Buyer Representation

Specialized experience with Illinois and Chicago-area buyers purchasing Lakeshore property. Michigan law is different from Illinois law. You need Michigan counsel on the ground.

Vacation and Investment Property

Saugatuck, Douglas, South Haven, and the full Lakeshore corridor. Short-term rental zoning review included before closing.

Commercial Real Estate

Purchase, sale, and lease review for commercial properties across Allegan, Ottawa, and Kent Counties.

Land Use, Zoning, and Entitlements

Township approvals, variance applications, and development entitlements for breweries, restaurants, and residential projects.

Michigan LLC Formation for Property

LLC formation to hold real estate, with operating agreements tailored to single-owner, co-owner, and multi-family situations.

Title Disputes and Boundary Issues

Easement disputes, boundary encroachments, and title defects handled in Allegan, Ottawa, and Kent County courts.

Condominium Association Law

Representation of condominium associations and individual unit owners in governance, dispute, and transition matters.

Ottawa County Family and Probate Court West Michigan
The LLM Difference

A Juris Doctor is a general law degree. A Master of Laws in Real Estate is a specialized graduate credential focused entirely on real estate law, construction, and development. Michael earned this degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago — one of the nation’s leading real estate law programs.

No other attorney in Allegan or Ottawa County holds this credential. When you hire Sheridan Haddock PLLC for a real estate matter, you are working with the most credentialed real estate attorney on the Lakeshore.

25+
Years Real Estate Practice
LLM
Master of Laws, Real Estate
5
Counties Served
IL
Chicago Buyer Specialist
Common Questions

Real Estate Law FAQ

Do I need a Michigan attorney if I’m buying from Illinois?
Yes. Michigan real estate closings require Michigan-licensed counsel. Your Illinois attorney cannot practice law in Michigan, regardless of how experienced they are. You need someone on the ground here who knows Michigan title law, local townships, and the closing process in this state.
Should I hold my vacation property in an LLC or my personal name?
It depends on your situation. An LLC provides liability protection and estate planning simplicity, particularly if you rent the property or co-own it with others. If you form an LLC, it is generally better to do it before closing so the deed is issued directly to the LLC.
Can I rent my Lakeshore property on Airbnb after I close?
Maybe, but you need to verify this before you close. Each township in West Michigan has different short-term rental rules. Some require licensing. Some restrict the number of rental nights. Some prohibit short-term rentals in certain zones entirely. This needs to be confirmed as part of your due diligence.
How much does closing cost in Michigan?
Michigan charges a state transfer tax of $3.75 per $500 of the sale price, plus a county transfer tax that varies by county. On a $500,000 property you should budget approximately $4,500 in transfer taxes plus title insurance and closing fees. We provide a full cost estimate before you close.

Talk to Attorney Haddock

No case managers. No intake staff. Michael Haddock responds personally within one business day.

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