Real Estate Law in Ohio

Wauseon's real estate industry is controlled by a huge body of laws. This is because almost any real estate transaction invokes laws regarding civil rights, consumer protection, land use, and contracts.

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

Therefore, it's a good idea to learn some of the basics of Wauseon's real estate laws.

Some understanding of the appropriate law can give you an advantage in almost any situation. In the real estate situation, it can help you spot illegal terms in lease agreements, give you some idea of what your rights are in a dispute, among other things. If nothing else, knowledge of the law can help you spot people who are willing to break it, so you can avoid dealing with them.

Common Real Estate Law Issues in Wauseon

Financing: Most persons, families, and small businesses in Wauseon 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 to Disclose: If you're buying a house in Wauseon, you have particular legal protections. The seller has a duty to tell the buyer about any defects that the property has. All defects which the seller knows about, and which the buyer can't be expected to discover through an ordinary inspection, must be disclosed. If the seller fails to disclose a defect, and the buyer later discovers it, the seller can be sued for any diminution in the property's value caused by the defect, the cost of repairing it, and any injuries the buyers suffers as a result.

Implied Warranties: In Wauseon, 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 necessary ones are electricity, running water, heating, and protection from the elements.

Can a Wauseon Real Estate Lawyer Help?

These issues, along with many others, can sometimes be fairly difficult. Therefore, you should never hesitate to consult with a Wauseon real estate attorney if you have any questions.