The Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) has launched a new, improved website, buildingdetroit.org.  The site is the main platform used by the Detroit Land Bank to sell properties since it started in May of 2014.

New features on the site include:

• Improved property search options, including drawable maps, zip code, street, district, and neighborhood search functions
• Increased traffic capacity, stronger security, and greater stability
• Customer dashboard
  • Allows registered users to save specific properties they are interested in
  • Easier social media login options
  • Easier program discount enrollment
  • Buyers can see status of applications, property purchases, and upload documents directly to buildingdetroit.org
• Continued commitment to transparency
  • Statistics and information on DLBA programs, contracts, and board of directors activity readily available
  • Ability to directly contact DLBA staff via onsite messaging app

“The Detroit Land Bank and buildingdetroit.org have been critical to the revitalization we are seeing in many of our neighborhoods,” says Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.  “As more and more houses are being restored, we are strengthening neighborhoods while creating a new generation of homeowners in Detroit.”

The Land Bank says, in less than four years, it has sold more than 12,000 properties, including 8,500 side lots for $100 each and 4,000 vacant houses that have sold for anywhere between $1,000 to more than $100,000.  That’s also more than four times the number of properties the city sold in the previous seven years, it says, pointing out more than 25,000 people have registered on buildingdetroit.org.

“Demand is growing, and the new site will only help the Land Bank get more properties into the hands of citizens, and back into productive use” says Detroit Land Bank Executive Director Saskia Thompson.  “In order to build on that momentum, and make it easier for Detroiters to become homeowners, and invest in our city, we need to make sure that buildingdetroit.org has the latest features, is easy to use, and is as stable and secure as it can be.”

In addition, the updated site also allows residents access to more data and statistics about DLBA programs, property sales, demolitions, and board minutes.  There are also helpful links to other government agencies and data sources.

  Detroit Land Bank, DLBA, finding a home in Detroit, homes for auction in Detroit, Mike Duggan, moving to Detroit, Saskia Thompson