Real Estate Law in California

Real estate law in Contra Costa County covers almost everything involved in the sale and use of land.

The law controlling real estate in Contra Costa County can get pretty complicated, especially when things such as mortgages, disputes about construction defects, and conflicts over title are involved.

Therefore, if you're planning on engaging in any kind of real estate transaction, it's crucial that you learn at least the basics of real estate law in Contra Costa County.

Having at least some knowledge of real estate law will be to your advantage in practically any real estate transaction. Knowing the law can give you a bargaining advantage and prevent you from being saddled with obligations that you don't have to assume.

Common Real Estate Law Issues in Contra Costa County

Financing: Most persons, families, and small businesses in Contra Costa County cannot afford to buy a large piece of real estate with the money they have on hand. However, they typically can afford to pay for it over a long period of time, in installments, with interest. Thus, most real estate is purchased using a mortgage - a loan for a specific purchase, using the item purchased as collateral.

Zoning: Zoning laws establish rules saying what kinds of buildings are authorized in various areas of a city or town. These rules serve a variety of purposes. For example, they normally protect residents by making it illegal for industrial facilities to be built in residential areas. This also protects industries, allowing them to do their business without being bothered by constant complaints and lawsuits from their residential neighbors.

Duty of Disclosure: Sellers of homes are bound by a legal duty to disclose defects in the home to prospective buyers, before they buy the house. Any defect which the seller knows (or reasonably should know) about, and which cannot be discovered by the buyer through an average inspection, must be disclosed to the buyer.

Implied Warranties: In Contra Costa County, every residential lease agreement, whether it's clearly stated or not, has an "implied warranty of habitability." This is a legally-imposed promise by the landlord that the rented dwelling (whether it's a house or apartment) is fit for habitation by humans. While there are many requirements for a place to be considered habitable, some of the most crucial ones are electricity, running water, heating, and protection from the elements.

Can a Contra Costa County Real Estate Lawyer Help?

The issues discussed here, along with others, can be complicated and intricate. Therefore, if you have any questions on this subject, you should not hesitate to ask a Contra Costa County real estate lawyer.