What is Real Estate Law?
Real estate law governs the purchase, sale, use, and ownership of land and buildings. It encompasses residential and commercial transactions, landlord-tenant relationships, zoning, property development, and dispute resolution. Understanding real estate law protects your investment and legal rights.
Buying and Selling Property
Purchase Process:
- Offer and acceptance
- Purchase agreement
- Inspections and contingencies
- Title search and insurance
- Financing approval
- Final walkthrough
- Closing and deed transfer
Key Documents:
- Purchase Agreement: Terms of sale
- Deed: Transfers ownership
- Title Insurance: Protects against title defects
- Disclosure Statements: Known property issues
- Closing Statement: Financial details
Landlord-Tenant Law
Tenant Rights:
- Habitable living conditions
- Privacy (notice before entry)
- Return of security deposit
- Protection from retaliation
- Fair housing (no discrimination)
Landlord Rights:
- Timely rent payment
- Property maintained by tenant
- Eviction for cause
- Property inspection rights
Common Real Estate Disputes
- Boundary and easement disputes
- Contract breaches
- Title defects
- Construction defects
- Neighbor disputes
- Zoning violations
- Foreclosure
- Security deposit disputes
Foreclosure Defense
Options when facing foreclosure:
- Loan modification
- Short sale
- Deed in lieu
- Bankruptcy protection
- Challenging the foreclosure
When to Hire a Real Estate Attorney
- Complex transactions
- Title issues
- Contract disputes
- Foreclosure proceedings
- Commercial transactions
- Property development
- Eviction proceedings