Real Estate Law in Washington

The real estate industry in Snohomish County is governed by a wide variety of laws, and these laws can affect the process and outcome of virtually any transaction or deal involving the sale, lease, or use of land.

Real estate law in Snohomish County can be fairly complicated, especially when it comes to things like mortgages and the resolution of disputes over construction defects.

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

If you have even a little bit of basic understanding of applicable real estate law, your life will probably be a great deal easier. If you have some understanding of the law, your knowledge will likely put you in a better bargaining position.

Common Real Estate Law Issues in Snohomish County

Financing: The majority of people in Snohomish County can't afford to make a major real estate purchase by paying the entire purchase price up front. Most individuals and small businesses, therefore, use a mortgage to make real estate purchases. A mortgage is a loan given for the purpose of buying a piece of property, with the bank obtaining a security interest in that property until the loan and interest are paid off.

Zoning: Zoning laws control what types of structures can be built on given parcels of land. Typically, cities and towns are zoned in order to ensure that neighborhoods are clearly divided into residential, commercial, and industrial categories, to ensure that everyone who uses the land can make the best possible use of it, for their particular purpose

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: In Snohomish County, every residential rental agreement carries with it a warranty of habitability, in which the landlord implicitly promises that the unit is fit for human habitation. This applies whether or not such a warranty is stated in the lease agreement, and it still applies even if the landlord tries to disclaim any such warranty. There are many conditions that might make an unit uninhabitable. A few examples are a lack of electricity, no running water, or no heating.

Can a Snohomish County Real Estate Lawyer Help?

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