Boston Real Estate Information Center
Real estate law generally refers to issues surrounding private real estate, including single and multi-family homes, condominiums, and commercial real estate. Interests in real estate include outright ownership, as well as leaseholds and easements. The rights and limitations under real estate law for each of these interests and types of properties are complex, so it can be helpful to seek the assistance of an experienced real estate attorney. An attorney can help you through the process of a residential purchase and sale as well as through the process of a commercial acquisition, sale, and finance. In addition, a real estate attorney could represent you in a boundary dispute, a landlord-tenant dispute, a foreclosure case, or in a search for private affordable housing.
In what types of situations should I consult a real estate attorney?
- You are purchasing a home
- You are selling or leasing a property
- You desire to transfer title on a property or create an easement
- You are facing a foreclosure
- You would like to make renovations or additions to your home
- You have a landlord-tenant dispute
- You are seeking affordable housing
This list is not meant to be exhaustive. If you have additional questions, you should consider speaking with a real estate attorney.
Can I purchase or sell a property without the assistance of an attorney?
Purchasing or selling a property involves drafting terms of an agreement, performing a thorough inspection of the property, and overseeing the closing for transfer of title to the property. Additional issues that are often very important to the buyer are understanding the mortgage and note as well as getting repairs made before purchasing the property. The buyer needs to check on easements and other outstanding encumbrances on title, tideland and flooding concerns and compliance of septic system with state and local regulations and availability of all utilities. Therefore, it is essential to have the assistance of an attorney as you go through this process. In fact, whether you are the buyer or seller, a real estate attorney who has experience in reviewing and drafting the language in a lease or contract can help save you time and money in the end.
