What Are the Liability Risks Associated with Non-Disclosure of Real Estate Problems?
Purchasing a home or other real estate can be exciting, but the process is fraught with potential pitfalls. The buyer and the seller are necessarily in adversarial roles. This means that while the buyer wants as much disclosure of problems as possible, the seller is likely to downplay or conceal issues....
How Do I Find a Good Real Estate Lawyer?
Whether you are a buyer or a seller, having a good real estate lawyer is essential. Sellers need to ensure they are abiding by disclosure and other requirements while buyers need their interests protected at all stages, from the initial inspection to the closing. There are many things that could...
What Must Sellers Disclose About a Property’s Condition?
Purchasing real property is not without risks, which is why the phrase “caveat emptor” (Latin for "Let the buyer beware") is still in popular usage today. Despite this, the law does impose a few minimum disclosure requirements on sellers to ensure the transaction is not unusually unfair. Whether you are the seller...
Common Sources of Conflict in Cooperative and Condominium Associations
Cooperative (co-op) and condominium associations are established to improve community life for all residents. But like any governing authority, there can be disagreements between those in charge and those who are subject to the rules and decisions. Conflicts may erupt over co-op and condo association policies, enforcement, and spending. Sometimes these disputes...
The Importance of Disclosures in Real Estate Transactions
There are numerous steps involved in ensuring that a home purchase goes smoothly and legally. One of the most important steps is the disclosure phase. Whether you’re buying or selling property, it’s important to understand this obligation. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Disclosures?
Tenant Rights When Facing Renovations in Massachusetts
Facing renovations as a tenant in Massachusetts can be a daunting experience, especially if you're unsure of your rights and protections. Whether it's minor repairs or extensive upgrades, knowing what to expect and how to advocate for yourself is crucial. This guide will walk you through essential tenant rights during renovations, ensuring...
Ensuring Compliance with Use Clauses in Commercial Lease Agreements
Lease agreements define the rights and obligations of both the lessee (the tenant) and the lessor (the landlord) of a piece of commercial property. One critical component of these agreements is the use clause, which dictates how the tenant may use the leased property. Ensuring compliance with use clauses is crucial...
The Impact of Economic Cycles on Real Estate Investments
In macroeconomics, the economic cycle refers to a repeating sequence of economic events: expansion, peak, contraction, and trough. The expansion and peak represent the economic “good times,” while the contraction and trough make up an economic downturn or recession.
Economic cycles can significantly affect the real estate market. They...
Collecting Unpaid Condo Fees: Legal Options for Homeowner Associations
The financial health and stability of a condominium complex rely heavily on the timely payment of fees by all unit owners. When some owners fail to fulfill their obligations, it can lead to a cascade of problems that threaten the well-being of the entire community. Unpaid condo fees not only strain the...
Real Estate Appraisals: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know
Whether you are buying or selling a piece of real estate, obtaining an appraisal is one of the most critical steps in the process. In the absence of it, neither party will know the true value of the property. This means that the buyer might pay too much money and the seller...