AccessKent in Kent County, MI: Sell Your Home with Confidence [2025]

June 24, 2025

Managing Property During Incarceration or Legal Trouble? You’re Not Alone.

Selling a home in Kent County can be overwhelming—especially if you or a loved one is currently incarcerated. At City Lights Home Buyers, we understand that life doesn’t pause for legal issues, and we’re here to guide you through the process. Whether you’re exploring AccessKent to pay back taxes, transfer title, or simply manage the sale remotely, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

What Is AccessKent and Why Does It Matter?

AccessKent is Kent County’s official online service portal. It helps residents access public records, pay property taxes, and even look up inmate information. It’s especially useful when legal or logistical barriers make traditional transactions harder.

Key Features of AccessKent:

  • Inmate Lookup: Find custody status and location of loved ones.
  • Property Tax Payments: Easily check and pay real estate taxes online.
  • Court Case Lookup: Monitor fines, fees, and court cases.
  • Deed and Title Info: Pull records that prove ownership or resolve disputes.

If you’re helping someone sell a house while they’re in jail—or doing it yourself from the inside—this site can streamline critical steps.

How to Sell a Home While Incarcerated in Kent County

Whether you’re selling to pay off debts, avoid foreclosure, or move on from a tough chapter, here’s what you need:

Step 1: Grant Power of Attorney (POA)

This legal document allows a trusted family member or friend to sign closing paperwork on your behalf.

  • Ask your attorney or jail caseworker to help you set this up.
  • POA must be notarized and accepted by the title company.

Step 2: Hire the Right Team

You’ll need both a real estate professional and an attorney. Or skip the hassle and sell to a local, trusted cash buyer like City Lights Home Buyers.

  • We buy homes as-is—no cleanouts, no repairs.
  • We’ve helped dozens of families sell inherited or lien-heavy homes even while incarcerated.

Step 3: Handle Taxes and Liens

Use AccessKent to look up back taxes or active liens. These must be cleared or paid at closing—but you don’t have to do it alone.

  • Our team works with Kent County Treasurer’s Office to negotiate payoffs and clean titles.

Local Market Facts: Kent County Real Estate [2025]

  • Median Days on Market: 13 (Fast-moving!)
  • High-Interest Zip Codes: 49507, 49503, 49508
  • Top Challenges: Code violations, delinquent taxes, probate complications

A property priced well can still sell fast—even if you’re not present to manage the showings.

Real Story: Selling While in Jail

“My brother was locked up and the house was falling apart. City Lights handled everything, even talked to the attorney and gave us a fair cash offer. We closed in 10 days.” — Alicia, Grand Rapids, MI

Want to Avoid Losing the Home to Foreclosure?

In Kent County, the foreclosure timeline moves quickly. Don’t wait until you see a notice on the door. We help:

  • Catch up on back taxes
  • Stop foreclosure with a quick cash offer
  • Give families time to relocate or secure belongings

Why Choose City Lights Home Buyers?

  • Fast Cash Offers (within 24 hours)
  • Local Legal Knowledge (we understand jail paperwork & POA)
  • We Handle the Dirty Work (liens, taxes, code issues)
  • 5-Star BBB Rating

Take the First Step Today

Whether you’re helping a loved one inside or navigating legal trouble yourself, we can help you sell your house quickly and legally in Kent County.

📞 Call (616) 202-3922 or visit citylightsgrandrapids.com to get started.

Don’t wait until legal problems get worse. Take action now and turn that property into peace of mind.

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