SEC Filing | Sun Communities

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Pursuant to Rule 424 b3 Registration No. 333-82392 PROSPECTUS 48,087 SHARES SUN COMMUNITIES, INC. COMMON STOCK This prospectus covers the sale of up to 48,087 shares of Sun Communities, Inc. common stock by certain stockholders. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the shares by the stockholders. The common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SUI." The last reported sale price of the common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on February 1, 2002, was $38.60 per share. SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE 4 FOR CERTAIN FACTORS RELATING TO AN INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES. ---------------------------------- These securities have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities commission nor has the Securities and Exchange Commission or any state securities commission passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. ---------------------------------- The Attorney General of the State of New York has not passed on or endorsed the merits of this offering. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful. The date of this Prospectus is March 5, 2002

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS This prospectus is part of a registration statement that Sun Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "we", "us", or the "Company"), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") utilizing a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf process, the selling stockholders may, from time to time, sell the common stock described in this prospectus. We may prepare a prospectus supplement at any time to add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. Except for those instances in which a specific date is referenced, the information in this prospectus is accurate as of February 1, 2002. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information". We believe that we have included or incorporated by reference all information material to investors in this prospectus, but certain details that may be important for specific investment purposes have not been included. To see more detail, you should read the exhibits filed with or incorporated by reference into the registration statement. WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION We file annual, quarterly and special reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC's public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the SEC's public reference rooms. Our SEC filings are also available to the public over the Internet at the SEC's web site at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and such reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Company can be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" the information we file with them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus, and information that we file later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. We incorporate by reference the following documents we filed with the SEC and our future filings with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until we or any underwriters sell all of the securities: The following documents and information heretofore filed with the Commission are incorporated herein by reference: (a) The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the Commission on March 30, 2001, as amended by the Company's Form 10-K/A filed with the Commission on July 2, 2001; (b) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001, filed on November 14, 2001; (c) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001, filed on August 14, 2001; (d) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001, filed on May 14, 2001; (e) The description of our common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated November 23, 1993; and 2

(f) The description of rights to purchase our Junior Participating Preferred Stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated May 27, 1998. You may request a copy of these filings at no cost, by writing or calling us at the following address: Sun Communities, Inc. 31700 Middlebelt Road Suite 145 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 Attn: Corporate Secretary (248) 932-3100 You should rely only on the information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus and any supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. THE COMPANY As used in this prospectus, "Company," "us," "we," "our" and similar terms means Sun Communities, Inc., a Maryland corporation, and one or more of its subsidiaries (including the Operating Partnership (as defined below) and Sun Home Services, Inc.). We own and operate manufactured housing communities concentrated in the midwestern and southeastern United States. We are a fully integrated real estate company which, together with our affiliates and predecessors, has been in the business of acquiring, operating, and expanding manufactured housing communities since 1975. As of September 30, 2001, we owned, managed, and/or financed a portfolio of 114 communities (the "Properties") located in 15 states containing an aggregate of approximately 39,300 developed sites and approximately 4,700 sites suitable for development. We are the sole general partner of, and, as of September 30, 2001, held approximately 86.8% of the interests (not including preferred limited partnership interests) in, Sun Communities Operating Limited Partnership, a Michigan limited partnership (the "Operating Partnership"). Substantially all of our assets are held by or through the Operating Partnership. The ownership and management of the Properties is allocated among our subsidiaries. However, subject to the tax and other risks discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors", our stockholders achieve substantially the same economic benefits as direct ownership, operation, and management of the Properties, except that 5% of the cash flow from operating activities of Sun Home Services, Inc., a Michigan corporation ("Home Services"), will be distributed to Gary A. Shiffman (current Chairman of the Board of the Company) and the Estate of Milton M. Shiffman (former Chairman of the Board of the Company), as the holders of all the common stock of Home Services. As sole general partner of the Operating Partnership, we have the exclusive power to manage and conduct the business of the Operating Partnership, subject to certain limited exceptions. Our executive and principal property management office is located at 31700 Middlebelt Road, Suite 145, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334, and telephone number is (248) 932-3100. We have regional property management offices in Elkhart, Indiana and Tampa, Florida. 3

RISK FACTORS Prospective investors should carefully consider, among other factors, the matters described below. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Failure to Enforce Terms of Home Services Agreement. Gary A. Shiffman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company and the Estate of Milton M. Shiffman (former Chairman of the Board of the Company), are the owners of all of the outstanding common stock of Home Services, and as such are entitled to 5% of the cash flow from the operating activities of Home Services (the Operating Partnership is entitled to 95% of such cash flow). Home Services has entered into an agreement with the Operating Partnership for sales, brokerage, and leasing services that was not negotiated on an arm's length basis. Thus, Mr. Shiffman will have a conflict of interest with respect to his obligations as an officer and director of the Company to enforce the terms of this services agreement due to his right and the Estate's right to receive a portion of the cash flow from the operating activities of Home Services. The failure to enforce the material terms of this agreement could have an adverse effect on the Company. Tax Consequences Upon Sale of Properties. Gary A. Shiffman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, holds limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership ("Common OP Units") which were received in connection with the sale of 24 Properties the Company acquired from partnerships previously affiliated with him (the "Sun Partnerships"). Prior to any redemption of Common OP Units for our common stock (the "Common Stock"), Mr. Shiffman will have tax consequences different from those of the Company and its public stockholders on the sale of any of the Sun Partnerships. Therefore, Mr. Shiffman and the Company, as partners in the Operating Partnership, may have different objectives regarding the appropriate pricing and timing of any sale of those Properties. Relationship with Origen. Certain of our officers and directors have a relationship with Bingham and Origen (defined below). See "Relationship with Origen" below for more information. RELATIONSHIP WITH ORIGEN In the past, we have provided financing to Bingham Financial Services Corporation ("Bingham"), a financial services company that provides and services loans used to finance manufactured homes. In December 2001, we made a $15.0 million equity investment in a newly formed company, Origen Financial, L.L.C., that will merge with Origen Financial, Inc., a subsidiary of Bingham, as part of a recapitalization of Bingham. As a result of this equity investment, we will own approximately a 30% interest in the surviving company ("Origen"), which company will hold all of the operating assets of Bingham and its subsidiaries. As part of the recapitalization, the funds contributed to capitalize Origen were used to repay approximately $38.9 million of Bingham's outstanding indebtedness to the Company. Certain of our officers and directors have an interest in Bingham and/or Origen. Gary A. Shiffman, our Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President, is a director and officer of Bingham and a manager of Origen, and Arthur A. Weiss, one of our directors, is a director of Bingham. Bingham owns approximately a 20% interest in Origen. In addition, concurrently with our investment in Origen, the Shiffman Family LLC, an entity owned and controlled by Mr. Shiffman and members of his family, purchased approximately an 8.4% equity interest in Origen for approximately $4.2 million. Finally, for certain tax and accounting reasons, we made our equity investment in Origen through a taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS") which is wholly-owned by Sun Home Services, Inc. ("SHS"), one of our subsidiaries. The Operating Partnership contributed $15.0 million to SHS in connection with the Origen investment and owns all of the non-voting preferred stock of SHS, which entitles us to 95% of the cash flow from the operating activities of SHS (including the operating activities of the TRS) and effectively an approximate 30% interest in Origen. Gary A. Shiffman and the Estate of Milton M. Shiffman (a former officer and director of the Company) contributed approximately $790,000 to SHS in connection with the Origen investment and own all of the voting common stock of SHS, which entitles them to 5% of the cash flow from the operating activities of SHS (including the operating activities of the TRS) and effectively an approximate 1.6% interest in Origen. Mr. Weiss is a personal representative of the Estate of Milton M. Shiffman. As a result of the ownership and management of Origen, Mr. Shiffman and Mr. Weiss may have a conflict of interest with respect to any transaction between the Company and Origen. Currently, we (together with another unaffiliated lender) provide financing to Origen. This financing consists of a $17.5 million standby line of credit, bearing interest at a per annum rate equal to 700 basis points over LIBOR, with a minimum interest rate of 11% and a maximum interest rate of 15%. The line of credit will be reduced to $12.5 million as of the earlier of June 30, 2002 and the closing date of Origen's next securitization of manufactured home loans. This line of credit is secured by a security interest in Origen's assets, which is subordinate in all respects to all institutional indebtedness of Origen, and a guaranty and pledge of assets by Bingham. As of February 28, 2002, approximately $17.0 million was outstanding under the line of credit. Under the terms of a participation agreement we entered into with the other lender, we each will loan Origen up to $8.75 million under the line of credit, we each participate pari passu in all proceeds from the line of credit and we jointly administer the line of credit. From time to time, as is customary with lines of credit, the Company may, at its discretion, increase the available line of credit and lend additional funds to Origen. Under the participation agreement, if additional funds above the existing line of credit are loaned to Origen and both lenders do not participate therein, any additional amounts funded will be subordinate in all respects to all indebtedness of Origen in which both lenders have participated. The line of credit subjects the Company to the risks of being a lender. These risks include the risks relating to borrower delinquency and default and the adequacy of the collateral for such loans. Because the line of credit is subordinated to certain senior debt of Origen, in the event Origen was unable to meet its obligations under the senior debt facility, our right to receive amounts owed to us under the line of credit would be suspended pending payment of the amounts owing under the senior debt facility. In addition, because the security interest securing Origen's obligations under the line of credit is subordinate to the security interest of certain senior debt of Origen, in the event of a bankruptcy of Origen, our right to access Origen's assets to satisfy the amounts outstanding under the line of credit would be subject to the senior lender's prior rights to the same collateral. Moreover, if we choose to advance additional funds to Origen beyond the original $17.5 million line of credit and the other participation lender does not participate in such additional advances, these secondary advances will be subordinate to any senior debt of Origen and subordinate to all indebtedness of Origen in which both lenders have participated. ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES OF DEBT FINANCING As of September 30, 2001, we had outstanding $77.7 million of indebtedness that is collateralized by mortgage liens on 17 of the Properties (the "Mortgage Debt"). In addition, as of September 30, 2001, we had entered into three capitalized lease obligations having an aggregate value of $26.2 million. Each capitalized lease obligation involves a lease for a manufactured housing community providing that we will lease the community for a certain number of years and then have the option to purchase the community at or prior to the end of the lease term. In each case, if we fail to exercise our purchase right, the landlord has the right to require us to buy the property at the same price for which we had the purchase option. If we fail to meet our obligations under the Mortgage Debt, the lender would be entitled to foreclose on all or some of the Properties securing such debt. If we fail to satisfy our lease obligations or an obligation to purchase the property, the landlord/seller would be entitled to evict us from the property. In each event, this could have a material adverse effect on us and our ability to make expected distributions, and could threaten our continued viability. We are subject to the risks normally associated with debt financing, including the following risks: - our cash flow will be insufficient to meet required payments of principal and interest; - existing indebtedness will not be able to be refinanced; - the terms of such refinancing will not be as favorable as the terms of such existing indebtedness; and - necessary capital expenditures for such purposes as renovations and other improvements will not be able to be financed on favorable terms or at all. CHANGES IN INVESTMENT AND FINANCING POLICIES WITHOUT STOCKHOLDER APPROVAL Our investment and financing policies, and our policies with respect to certain other activities, including our growth, debt, capitalization, distributions, real estate investment trust ("REIT") status, and operating policies, are determined by our Board of Directors. Although the Board of Directors has no present intention to do so, these policies may be amended or revised from time to time at the discretion of the Board of Directors without notice to or a vote of 4

our stockholders. Accordingly, stockholders may not have control over changes in our policies and changes in our policies may not fully serve the interests of all stockholders. DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL We are dependent on the efforts of our executive officers, particularly Gary Shiffman, Jeffrey Jorissen, and Brian Fannon (together, the "Senior Officers"). While we believe that we could find replacements for these key personnel, the loss of their services could have a temporary adverse effect on our operations. We do not currently maintain or contemplate obtaining any "key-man" life insurance on the Senior Officers. OWNERSHIP LIMIT AND LIMITS ON CHANGES IN CONTROL 9.8% Ownership Limit. In order to qualify and maintain our qualification as a REIT, not more than 50% of the outstanding shares of our capital stock may be owned, directly or indirectly, by five or fewer individuals. Thus, ownership of more than 9.8% of our outstanding shares of common stock by any single stockholder has been restricted, with certain exceptions, for the purpose of maintaining our qualification as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Such restrictions in our charter do not apply to Mr. Shiffman, the Estate of Milton M. Shiffman and Robert B. Bayer, a former director and officer of the Company. The 9.8% ownership limit, as well as our ability to issue additional shares of Common Stock or shares of other stock (which may have rights and preferences over the Common Stock), may discourage a change of control of the Company and may also: (1) deter tender offers for the Common Stock, which offers may be advantageous to stockholders; and (2) limit the opportunity for stockholders to receive a premium for their Common Stock that might otherwise exist if an investor were attempting to assemble a block of Common Stock in excess of 9.8% of the outstanding shares of the Company or otherwise effect a change of control of the Company. Staggered Board. Our Board of Directors has been divided into three classes of directors. The term of one class will expire each year. Directors for each class will be chosen for a three-year term upon the expiration of such class's term, and the directors in the other two classes will continue in office. The staggered terms for directors may affect the stockholders' ability to change control of the Company even if a change in control were in the stockholders' interest. Preferred Stock. Our charter authorizes the Board of Directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock and to establish the preferences and rights (including the right to vote and the right to convert into shares of Common Stock) of any shares issued. The power to issue preferred stock could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company even if a change in control were in the stockholders' interest. Rights Plan. We adopted a stockholders rights plan in 1998 that provides that our stockholders (other than a stockholder attempting to acquire a 15% or greater interest in the Company) will have the right to purchase stock in the Company at a discount in the event any person attempts to acquire a 15% or greater interest in the Company. Because this plan could make it more expensive for a person to acquire a controlling interest in the Company, it could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company even if a change in control were in the stockholders' interest. REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS General. Income from real property investments, and our resulting ability to make expected distributions to stockholders, may be adversely affected by: - the general economic climate; - local conditions such as oversupply of manufactured housing sites or a reduction in demand for manufactured housing sites in an area; - the attractiveness of the Properties to tenants; - zoning or other regulatory restrictions; 5

- competition from other available manufactured housing sites and alternative forms of housing (such as apartment buildings and site-built single-family homes); or - our ability to provide adequate maintenance and insurance, and increased operating costs (including insurance premiums and real estate taxes). Our income would also be adversely affected if tenants were unable to pay rent or if sites were unable to be rented on favorable terms. If we were unable to promptly relet or renew the leases for a significant number of the sites, or if the rental rates upon such renewal or reletting were significantly lower than expected rates, then our funds from operations and ability to make expected distributions to stockholders could be adversely affected. In addition, certain expenditures associated with each equity investment (such as real estate taxes and maintenance costs) generally are not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from the investment. Furthermore, real estate investments are relatively illiquid and, therefore, will tend to limit our ability to vary our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. Competition. All of the Properties are located in developed areas that include other manufactured housing community properties. The number of competitive manufactured housing community properties in a particular area could have a material effect on our ability to lease sites and on rents charged at the Properties or at any newly acquired properties. We may be competing with others with greater resources and whose officers and directors have more experience than our officers and directors. In addition, other forms of multi-family residential properties, such as private and federally funded or assisted multi-family housing projects and single-family housing, provide housing alternatives to potential tenants of manufactured housing communities. Changes in Laws. Costs resulting from changes in real estate tax laws generally may be passed through to tenants and will not affect us. Increases in income, service or other taxes, however, generally are not passed through to tenants under leases and may adversely affect our funds from operations and our ability to make distributions to stockholders. Similarly, changes in laws increasing the potential liability for environmental conditions existing on properties or increasing the restrictions on discharges or other conditions may result in significant unanticipated expenditures, which would adversely affect our funds from operations and our ability to make distributions to stockholders. Investments in Real Estate and Installment Loans. As of September 30, 2001, we had an investment of approximately $58.3 million in real estate loans to several entities and Properties, some of which are secured by a first lien on the underlying property, and others which are secured by a lien on the underlying real estate subordinate to the lien held by the primary lender. Also, as of September 30, 2001, we had outstanding approximately $14.1 million in installment loans to owners of manufactured homes. These installment loans are collateralized by the manufactured homes. In addition, we may invest in additional mortgages and installment loans in the future. By virtue of our investment in the mortgages and the loans, we are subject to the following risks of such investment: - the borrowers may not be able to make debt service payments or pay principal when due; - the value of property securing the mortgages and loans may be less than the amounts owed; and - interest rates payable on the mortgages and loans may be lower than our cost of funds. If any of the above occurred, funds from operations and our ability to make expected distributions to stockholders could be adversely affected. Development of New Communities. We are engaged in the development of new communities. The manufactured housing community development business involves significant risks in addition to those involved in the ownership and operation of established manufactured housing communities, including the following risks: - financing may not be available on favorable terms for development projects; - construction and lease-up may not be completed on schedule resulting in increased debt service expense and construction costs; - long-term financing may not be available upon completion of construction; and - sites may not be leased on profitable terms. 6

If any of the above occurred, our ability to make expected distributions to stockholders could be adversely affected. Rent Control Legislation. State and local rent control laws in certain jurisdictions may limit our ability to increase rents and to recover increases in operating expenses and the costs of capital improvements. Enactment of such laws has been considered from time to time in other jurisdictions. Certain Properties are located, and the Company may purchase additional properties, in markets that are either subject to rent control or in which rent-limiting legislation exists or may be enacted. Environmental Matters. Under various Federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, an owner of real estate is liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances on or in such property. Such laws often impose such liability without regard to whether the owner knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous or toxic substances. The presence of such substances, or the failure to properly remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner's ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow using such property as collateral. Persons who arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances may also be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of such substances at a disposal or treatment facility, whether or not such facility is owned or operated by such person. Certain environmental laws impose liability for release of asbestos-containing materials ("ACMs") into the air and third parties may seek recovery from owners or operators of real properties for personal injury associated with ACMs. In connection with the ownership (direct or indirect), operation, management, and development of real properties, we may be considered an owner or operator of such properties or as having arranged for the disposal or treatment of hazardous or toxic substances and, therefore, are potentially liable for removal or remediation costs, as well as certain other related costs, including governmental fines and injuries to persons and property. All of the Properties have been subject to a Phase I or similar environmental audit (which involves general inspections without soil sampling or ground water analysis) completed by independent environmental consultants. These environmental audits have not revealed any significant environmental liability that would have a material adverse effect on our business. No assurances can be given that existing environmental studies of the Properties reveal all environmental liabilities, that any prior owner of a Property did not create any material environmental condition not known to us, or that a material environmental condition does not otherwise exist as to any one or more Properties. Uninsured Loss. We maintain comprehensive liability, fire, flood (where appropriate), extended coverage, and rental loss insurance on the Properties with policy specifications, limits, and deductibles which are customarily carried for similar properties. Certain types of losses, however, may be either uninsurable or not economically insurable, such as losses due to earthquakes, riots, or acts of war. In the event an uninsured loss occurs, we could lose both our investment in and anticipated profits and cash flow from the affected property which would adversely affect the Company's ability to make distributions to our stockholders. ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO QUALIFY AS A REIT Taxation as a Corporation. We expect to qualify and have made an election to be taxed as a REIT under the Code, commencing with the calendar year beginning January 1, 1994. Although we believe that we are organized and will operate in such a manner, no assurance can be given that we are organized or will be able to operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain so qualified. Qualification as a REIT involves the satisfaction of numerous requirements (some on an annual and quarterly basis) established under highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial or administrative interpretations, and involves the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we would be subject to Federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at corporate rates. Moreover, unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions, we also would be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification is lost. This treatment would reduce our net earnings available for investment or distribution to stockholders because of the additional tax liability to us for the years involved. In addition, distributions to stockholders would no longer be required to be made. 7

Other Tax Liabilities. Even though we qualify as a REIT, we are subject to certain Federal, state and local taxes on our income and property. In addition, our sales operations, which are conducted through Home Services, generally will be subject to Federal income tax at regular corporate rates. REIT Modernization Act. In December 1999, the REIT Modernization Act ("RMA") was signed into law. The RMA contains several provisions that will allow REITs to create a taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS") that can provide services to residents and others without disqualifying the rents that a REIT receives from its residents. Furthermore, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2000 RMA changes the minimum distribution requirement from 95 percent to 90 percent of the REIT's taxable income, which will allow REITs to reinvest a larger percentage of capital into their real estate assets or repay their existing debt. ADVERSE EFFECT OF DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS We may be required from time to time, under certain circumstances, to accrue as income for tax purposes interest and rent earned, but not yet received. In such event, we could have taxable income without sufficient cash to enable us to meet the distribution requirements of a REIT. Accordingly, we could be required to borrow funds or liquidate investments on adverse terms in order to meet such distribution requirements. ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO QUALIFY AS A PARTNERSHIP We believe that the Operating Partnership and other various Company subsidiary partnerships have each been organized as partnerships and will qualify for treatment as such under the Code. If the Operating Partnership and such other partnerships fail to qualify for such treatment under the Code, we would cease to qualify as a REIT, and the Operating Partnership and such other partnerships would be subject to Federal income tax (including any alternative minimum tax) on their income at corporate rates. ADVERSE EFFECT ON PRICE OF SHARES AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE SALE Sales of a substantial number of shares of Common Stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices for shares. As of September 30, 2001, up to 3,978,321 shares of Common Stock may be issued in the future to the limited partners of the Operating Partnership (both Common and Preferred OP Units). The limited partners may sell such shares pursuant to registration rights or an available exemption from registration. Also, Water Oak, Ltd., a former owner of one of the Properties, will be issued Common OP Units with a value of approximately $1,000,000 annually through 2007. In 2008 and 2009, Water Oak, Ltd. will be issued Common OP Units with a value of approximately $1.2 million. In addition, as of September 30, 2001, 2,015,803 shares have been reserved for issuance pursuant to our 1993 Employee Stock Option Plan and 1993 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the "Plans"). Under the Plans options for 601,838 shares have been exercised, and 288,172 shares of restricted stock have been issued as of September 30, 2001. Mr. Shiffman's employment agreement provides for incentive compensation payable in shares of Common Stock. We have also reserved 240,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance commencing January 31, 2002 pursuant to our Long Term Incentive Plan which is for the benefit of all of our salaried employees other than our officers. No prediction can be made regarding the effect that future sales of shares of Common Stock will have on the market price of shares. ADVERSE EFFECT OF MARKET INTEREST RATES ON PRICE OF COMMON STOCK One of the factors that may influence the price of the Common Stock in the public market will be the annual distributions to stockholders relative to the prevailing market price of the Common Stock. An increase in market interest rates may tend to make the Common Stock less attractive relative to other investments, which could adversely affect the market price of Common Stock. 8

SELLING STOCKHOLDERS The Selling Stockholders may use this prospectus for the resale of shares of Common Stock being registered by this prospectus, although no Selling Stockholder is obligated to sell any such shares. Each of the Selling Stockholders is a holder of Common OP Units and/or shares of Common Stock. We are the sole general partner of the Operating Partnership. Under the terms of the Operating Partnership's Second Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement (the "Partnership Agreement"), the Common OP Units may be exchanged for shares of Common Stock. As of the date of this prospectus, the exchange ratio is one share for each Common OP Unit exchanged, but such exchange ratio is subject to adjustment in certain events pursuant to anti-dilution provisions contained in the Partnership Agreement. The Common Stock offered by this prospectus has been or will be issued to the Selling Stockholders in exchange for Common OP Units held by the Selling Stockholders (the "Shares"). The Selling Stockholders are not required to exchange Common OP Units to Common Stock. None of the Selling Stockholders is an affiliate of the Company. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Selling Stockholders and the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each of them: - ---------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------- ----------------------------------- Shares Beneficially Owned After Shares of Common Completion of Stock Beneficially Number of the Offering (2) Owned Prior to the Shares ---------------- Selling Stockholder Offering (1) Being Offered Number Percent(3) - ---------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------- ------------------ ---------------- Leonard Cooper 1,348 1,348 0 * - ---------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------- ------------------ ---------------- HTR Associates, Inc. 6,738 6,738 0 * - ---------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------- ------------------ ---------------- Jewish Communal Fund 7,500 7,500 0 * - ---------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------- ------------------ ---------------- Nancy Kolender 6,126 6,126 0 * - ---------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------- ------------------ ---------------- Miami Jewish Home & Hospital for 1,500 1,500 0 the Aged * - ---------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------- ------------------ ---------------- Water Oak, Ltd. 25,125 24,875 240 * - ---------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------- ------------------ ---------------- TOTAL 48,337 48,087 240 - ---------------------------------- ------------------------ --------------------- ------------------ ---------------- (1) The number set forth in this column is the number of shares of Common Stock held by each such Selling Stockholder and/or the number of shares of Common Stock that would be received upon an exchange of Common OP Units held by each such Selling Stockholder. (2) Assumes that all shares of Common Stock being offered and registered hereunder are sold, although no Selling Stockholder is obliged to sell any such shares. (3) Based upon 17,965,164 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of December 31, 2001. * Less than one percent (1%). USE OF PROCEEDS We will not receive any of the proceeds of any sale by the Selling Stockholders. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION The Company is registering the Shares on behalf of the Selling Stockholders. As used herein, "Selling Stockholders" includes pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest (collectively with the Selling Stockholders, the "Sellers") selling shares received from a Selling Stockholder after the date of this prospectus. The Sellers, directly or through brokers, dealers, underwriters, agents or market makers, may sell some or all of the Shares. Any broker, dealer, underwriter, agent or market maker participating in a transaction involving the Shares may receive a commission from the Sellers. Usual and customary commissions may be paid by the Sellers. The broker, dealer, underwriter or market maker may agree to sell a specified number of the Shares at a stipulated price per Share and, to 9

the extent that such person is unable to do so acting as an agent for the Sellers, to purchase as principal any of the Shares remaining unsold at a price per Share required to fulfill the person's commitment to the Sellers. The Sellers and any brokers, dealers, agents or market makers participating in a distribution of the Shares may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act. A broker, dealer, underwriter or market maker who acquires the Shares from the Sellers as a principal for its own account may thereafter resell such Shares from time to time in transactions (which may involve block or cross transactions and which may also involve sales to or through another broker, dealer, underwriter, agent or market maker, including transactions of the nature described above) on the New York Stock Exchange, in negotiated transactions or otherwise, at market prices prevailing at the time of the sale, or at negotiated prices. In connection with such resales, the broker, dealer, underwriter, agent or market maker may pay commissions to, or receive commissions from, the purchasers of the Shares. The Sellers also may sell some or all of the Shares directly to purchasers without the assistance of a broker, dealer, underwriter, agent or market maker and without the payment of any commissions. Other than any commissions or discounts paid or allowed by the Selling Stockholders to underwriters, dealers, brokers or agents, all expenses incurred in connection with this offering are being borne by us. Pursuant to the registration rights granted to the Selling Stockholders in connection with the issuance of Common OP Units to the Selling Stockholders, we have agreed to indemnify the Selling Stockholders and any person who controls a Selling Stockholder against certain liabilities and expenses arising out of, or based upon the information set forth in, or incorporated by reference in, this prospectus, and the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Any commissions paid or any discounts or concessions allowed to any broker, dealer, underwriter, agent or market maker and, if any such broker, dealer, underwriter, agent or market maker purchases any of the Shares as principal, any profits received on the resale of such Shares, may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. LEGAL MATTERS The legality of the Common Stock offered hereby will be passed upon by Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss, Professional Corporation, Detroit, Michigan. Arthur A. Weiss, who is a director of the Company, is a shareholder of Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss, P.C. In addition, as of January 31, 2002 certain shareholders of Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss, P.C. beneficially owned approximately 55,799 shares of our Common Stock. EXPERTS The financial statements incorporated in this Registration Statement by reference to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. 10

================================================================================ No dealer, salesperson or other individual has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations not contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus in connection with any offering to be made by the prospectus. If given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Company. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, the securities, in any jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any offer or sale made hereunder shall, under any circumstance, create an implication that there has been no change in the facts set forth in this prospectus or in the affairs of the Company since the date hereof. TABLE OF CONTENTS PROSPECTUS Page ---- ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS 2 WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION 2 USE OF PROCEEDS 9 PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 9 LEGAL MATTERS 10 EXPERTS 10 ================================================================================ ================================================================================ 48,087 SHARES SUN COMMUNITIES, INC. COMMON STOCK -------------- PROSPECTUS -------------- ================================================================================ MARCH 5, 2002 11