How Do Residential Closings Work?
Closing on a home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming with all the legal and financial details involved. Buyers and sellers must complete several steps before the property officially changes hands. Contracts must be signed, funds must be transferred, and legal documents must be recorded. While it may...
Real Estate Fraud: When to Call an Attorney
Real estate transactions involve large sums of money, making them an attractive target for fraud. Scammers take advantage of buyers, sellers, and homeowners in many ways, from forging documents to misrepresenting property conditions. In some cases, fraud isn’t immediately obvious, leaving victims with financial losses and legal complications long after a deal...
Forced Sale of Jointly Owned Property (Partition Action)
Owning property with others can be rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. Disagreements over selling, maintaining, or using the property can create tension, especially when one owner refuses to cooperate. Whether the property is an inherited family home, an investment, or a shared residence, conflicts can arise when co-owners have different...
7 Do’s and Don’ts for Homeowners & Condo Association Dues Collections
Homeowners and condo associations rely on dues to cover maintenance, repairs, and community services. When payments are late or go unpaid, the entire community can feel the impact. Budget shortfalls may delay important projects, increase fees for everyone, or lead to legal disputes. Collecting dues on time helps maintain property values and...
What Type of Property Can Be Partitioned?
Owning property with others can be rewarding, but it can also lead to disagreements. When co-owners don’t see eye to eye on what to do with a property, it can create tension and uncertainty. Some may want to sell, while others prefer to keep the property or develop it differently. In these...
Understanding the Different Ways to Hold Title to a Property
Owning property is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Whether you're purchasing a home, investing in real estate, or sharing ownership with someone else, how the title is structured can shape your rights and responsibilities. The way property is held affects everything from taxes to inheritance and even legal protections...
How Can I Find Out If There Are Any Title Disputes on a Property Before I Buy It?
The last thing anyone wants is to purchase property and then discover there is a problem with or “cloud” on the title. A title dispute of any kind calls into question the alleged owner’s ability to actually convey the property and can lead to legal problems and lost money. Fortunately, performing...
Legal Options for Condo Fee Arrearage
Condo associations and trustees rely on unit owners to pay their fees so they can continue managing their communities and providing services. While some residents are occasionally late or miss their payments, there are often handfuls of owners who are consistently delinquent with their fees. What legal options do associations have for...
How To Identify and Avoid Common Real Estate Scams
Like any industry, real estate has its share of scammers and con artists. Scams have become more sophisticated over time as thieves work to take advantage of changing technology and individuals who are sometimes desperate to make a deal. Learning to recognize and avoid these traps is essential to saving you time,...
Condo Collections and Payments: A Guide for Residents and Boards
One of the most contentious aspects of the relationship between condo associations and residents is the payment of fees. Delinquent fees, non-payment, and other issues related to condo dues have been the source of many disputes and even court cases. However, fees do not have to cause such drastic problems between...