Family Loses $26K and Home in Rent-to-Own Deal
A Grand Rapids-area family lost their home and $26,000 savings after a rent-to-own deal collapsed due to the seller's financial problems.
Adam and Kelsey Bocks invested $26,000 in a rent-to-own deal for a manufactured home in Olive Township. The seller's financial troubles led to eviction, leaving the family without a home or savings. The case highlights risks in local housing markets.
Adam and Kelsey Bocks, with five children, signed a rent-to-own deal in Olive Township, near Holland, in July 2025. They paid $26,000 down, plus thousands in fees, clearing their savings to secure a manufactured home in the Grand Rapids metro area.
The arrangement fell apart when the seller, Richard Jay VanderKolk, faced financial and legal issues, including bankruptcy. By 2026, the family was evicted, losing their home and investment. VanderKolk disputes the account, and litigation is ongoing, but the Bocks family lost both their home and their $26,000, along with additional fees.
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This case underscores the dangers of rent-to-own deals in West Michigan's housing market. With affordability pressures, families can be left vulnerable if sellers encounter trouble. Experts recommend caution: vet sellers thoroughly, consult attorneys, and understand the fine print before committing savings to alternative housing agreements.
