Guilford Commercial Real Estate Lawyers

Find the right Commercial Real Estate attorney in Guilford, CT

Commercial Real Estate Law in Connecticut

In Guilford, Connecticut, "commercial real estate" is any form of land or building which is utilized for a business, as opposed to residential, purpose.

The laws governing commercial real estate in Guilford, Connecticut are quite different from those applying to residential real estate.

Buyers and renters of residential property enjoy some pretty significant legal protections, because the law of most states presumes that shelter (being necessary to survive, for the most part) is more important than business. Therefore, many of these consumer protections don't apply to commercial real estate.

These include implied warranties of habitability, rent control, and covenants of use and quiet enjoyment, among numerous others. Of course, the most general protections, such as prohibiting the seller from actively concealing defects, apply to both.

Common Commercial Real Estate Law Issues in Guilford, Connecticut

Financing: The majority of small businesses in Guilford, Connecticut can't afford to make large real estate purchases with the money they have in the bank. Nevertheless, buying real estate is sometimes essential for a business' survival. This problem is sometimes remedied by taking out a mortgage; a loan used to buy property, with that same property being used to secure the loan.

Concealment of Defects: Sellers and lessors of commercial real estate are under a duty to disclose any defects in the property which might impact the buyer's decision to purchase it, such as water damage, mold, or other structural problems. These defects are quite typical, and the buyer has a right to know about them. If the seller doesn't disclose these defects, where they exist, the buyer can sue for any harm this causes.

Duty to Inspect: Buyers of commercial real estate are expected to be diligent, and a court will not reward a lack of diligence. Therefore, if the buyer fails to conduct a thorough inspection of the property before buying it, and thereby fails to discover defects which such an inspection could have easily revealed, he will not be able to sue the seller over these defects later on.

Encumbrances: An encumbrance is any interest held in a piece of property by a party other than the seller and the buyer. These property interests might make it very difficult for the buyer to use the land as they intended when they bought it. A common type of encumbrance in Guilford, Connecticut is the easement. An easement is some right that a third party has in a piece of property. For example, suppose that, many years ago, a neighbor adjacent to the land you want to buy, paid a previous owner for the right to cross his land to reach a public road. Unless the agreement states otherwise, this right will usually apply to subsequent owners, and has to be honored. Therefore, it might interfere with the intended use of the new owner.

Can a Guilford, Connecticut Attorney Help?

The issues surrounding commercial real estate in Guilford, Connecticut can get fairly complex. Therefore, it's never a bad idea to have the assistance of an experienced commercial real estate attorney.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Guilford

Guilford was settled in 1639 and is one of the oldest cities in the state of Connecticut. It is located in New Haven County and has a population of about 22,000. The city is noted for its collection of historic homes. The Henry Whitfield house in Guilford is the oldest dwelling structure in Connecticut and the oldest stone house in all of North America.

Currently Guilford is a great area to live and visit if you are looking for an old "green town" feel. The city is lively and hosts a mix of annual events such as the Guilford LobsterFest and the Guilford Fair. Guilford also has many town parks which perfect for such activities as jogging, bocce games, ice skating, and winter sports.

Historic places to visit in Guilford are numerous and provide people with a glimpse into early American settlement life. Some of these places are the Guilford Historic Town Center and the Comfort Starr House. The Guilford Green is the town's pride and center of activity for the community. Many of the city's most important events such as graduations are held there. It is also a great backdrop for photo sessions.

Lawyers in Guilford, Connecticut typically file their cases at the nearby New Haven County Courthouse. The court hears claims in civil, criminal, and family, traffic, and juvenile law. Guilford lawyers may be contacted for advice and representation in a wide range of legal matters.

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