[OzeefromAzle]

I'm buying my childhood home in Michigan. The mortgage company considers it a "second" home, but I'm going to live there all the time, and only visit the state where I presently reside. I will have to pay the state income tax. Can anyone tell me what my rights and responsibilities as a citizen are? Do I vote in Michigan? Serve on juries? All the stuff?

[danielj72]

Only if you change your drivers license and register to vote. I dont know where you live now, but if your going to split time between both places I would check out which one is cheaper for auto insurance and licensing. THat would make it easy to decide which state you want to "legaly" live in.

[1coolcustomer]

Right, liscense, registration, vehicle tags or putting kids in school is usually the criteria for becoming a resident. Your probably not going to be able to file, (legally anyhow) homestead exemption on property taxes in 2 states.

[OzeefromAzle]

Thanks! I plan to get MI vehicle tags, and I'll register to vote there. I think, given the situation in Michigan now, that it's important. When the outlook is darkest, there opportunities for great success. During the Great Depression, people did become millionaires. They were the ones who looked for needs that could be filled by the skills they had.
I don't really expect the homestead exemption. Once you say it's a secondary home—which is the only way for us to get a mortgage approved—you give up the exemption. That's life. I really can't wait to get there. I'm in Texas now, and don't really like the weather. Impossible for vegetable gardening! Too hot to even breathe, let alone work in the yard.