Real Estate Law in Idaho

Real estate law in Idaho Falls governs almost everything involved in the sale and use of land.

The huge volume of laws governing real estate in Idaho Falls might seem overwhelming to the uninitiated. Indeed, they can get very complicated, especially when issues about title defects or construction disputes are involved.

Accordingly, it's a good idea to learn some of the basics of Idaho Falls's real estate laws.

Knowing the law can serve you in a number of ways: it can put you in a better negotiating position, it can help you spot unlawful terms in lease agreements, and ensure that you know your rights if a dispute arises, among other things.

Common Real Estate Law Issues in Idaho Falls

Financing: Most people are unable to make major real estate purchases in Idaho Falls with cash, because few people have that kind of money on hand. Therefore, to buy real estate, most entities use a mortgage. This is a loan used to buy a piece of property. When the loan is issued, and the property purchased, the lender holds a security interest in the property until the loan is paid off, with interest.

Zoning: Zoning laws dictate what types of buildings can go on given pieces of property. These laws are generally designed to ensure that residential areas are as clean and as quiet as possible, thereby preserving property values. They accomplish this by ensuring that other uses that might be inappropriate in a residential area, such as heavy industry, are in different parts of town. This also ensures that industries will be able to go about their business without constant complaints from their 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 ordinary inspection, must be disclosed to the buyer.

Implied Warranties: Every lease of a residential unit in Idaho Falls carries with it an implicit promise by the owner that the unit will meet some basic minimum standards for human habitability. There are many factors that go into determining if an unit is "habitable," but there are a few essentials, and they include running water, heat, electricity, and adequate shelter from the elements.

Can a Idaho Falls Real Estate Lawyer Help?

Because the issues discussed above can get confusing for laypersons, if you have a real estate issue, such as an eviction, or a construction dispute, you should not hesitate to contact an Idaho Falls real estate attorney ASAP.