Real Estate FAQs

If you are buying or selling a home or wish to rent residential or commercial space, I can be of assistance. My services include negotiating purchase and sales agreements, broker engagements, residential and commercial leases whether for the landlord or tenant. I can also assist with disputes between landlords and tenants, owners and neighbors.

It is never too early to reach out to an attorney for assistance. If you plan to purchase a home or rent a property, a few minutes on the phone can help guide you through the initial stages and set expectations. You should certainly speak with an attorney before signing an offer to purchase, purchase and sale, broker agreement or lease. I do not charge for the initial consultation and that can be a valuable meeting to help you organize your thoughts and prepare a game plan.

• When you purchase real property, you will have a title examination performed to assure you that you are receiving what you believe you are buying. That may seem obvious on its face, but many times property is encumbered with liens, mortgages, easements and other potential claims which might affect your ownership. Matters that can affect your ownership may include filing errors, forgeries and fraud, unidentified heirs and more. Title insurance protects against claims against the property that may affect your ownership interest.

• Title insurance does not protect you against liability claims or any other issues that are not related to the title to the property. In addition to title insurance, you should have liability insurance when you purchase real estate.

• There are two types of title insurance – lenders and owner’s coverage. Lenders coverage only protects the mortgage lender, and the value of the insurance diminishes as the loan is repaid. Owner’s coverage gives you protection throughout your ownership of the property.