Real Estate Law

Introduction to Real Estate Law

Real estate law, or property law, generally refers to the laws controlling the ownership or use of land in the United States. Real estate law is a branch of civil law that covers the right to possess, use, and enjoy land and the permanent man-made additions attached to it. Real estate law directly or indirectly impacts most of us on a daily basis, affecting homeowners, renters, landlords, home buyers, and home sellers.

Legal issues include: sales, purchases, leasing and other transfers of real estate and real property; title to real property; settlement of claims against property rights; landlord-tenant issues; property development; zoning and land use; related agriculture issues and environmental compliance; financing, mortgages and foreclosures; secularized real estate investments; and various other relevant topics.

We Cover

Landlord Tenant Law

Landlord-tenant law includes rights and obligations each landlord and each tenant has with regard to the rental property. Both parties need to know the basics of renting a place, how to collect or pay security deposits, the basics of state and federal laws regarding fair housing, and more.

Buying a Home

Buying a Home section provides in-depth information for first-time home buyers, veteran real estate flippers, and everyone in-between. The Home Buying Guide goes over everything you need to know to buy a house, including lists of questions to ask your real estate agent, mortgage agent, lawyer, and home inspector.

Selling Your Home

The process of selling a home is similar to buying a home and is often done at the same time. It's a big task, to be sure, and often involves a multitude of home improvement projects, research, and plenty of patience. Everyone's situation is unique in some way, but there are some basic steps and fundamental truths that every home seller should know.

Owning a Home

There can be real joy and satisfaction in owning a home, especially for first-time homeowners. In addition, there are both personal and financial benefits to owning a home, regardless of the type of home you purchase. These benefits include tax deductions, appreciation value, and the ability to enjoy your home in just about any manner you choose. However, all of these activities have a legal component to them as well.

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