Joliet Commercial Real Estate Lawyers

Find the right Commercial Real Estate attorney in Joliet, IL

Commercial Real Estate Law in Illinois

In Joliet, Illinois, "commercial real estate" is any type of land or building which is used for a business, as opposed to residential, purpose.

The Joliet, Illinois laws governing commercial real estate differ significantly from the laws that cover residential and other types of real estate.

When renting or buying residential real estate, renters and buyers have considerable legal protections which often don't apply to commercial real estate.

These absent protections include rent control, and warranties of habitability, among others. The most basic protections, such as prohibiting sellers of real estate from lying about the property to the buyer, apply in any context, however.

Common Commercial Real Estate Law Issues in Joliet, Illinois

Financing: The majority of small business owners in Joliet, Illinois probably can't afford to buy much real estate outright, with cash paid up front, so most small business purchase commercial real estate with a mortgage. A mortgage is a loan taken out for the purpose of buying real estate, using that real estate as collateral for the loan.

Duty to Disclose Defects: It is of the utmost importance that sellers and lessors of commercial real estate be up front about any defects that might be present in the property. Failing to disclose them can be bad, and actively concealing them can be much worse. In general, if a defect is serious enough that it would influence a reasonable person's decision to buy a piece of property, and the seller knows about it, the seller should disclose it. Failure to disclose can have serious outcomes. If the buyer later discovers the defect, they can sue for the cost of repairing it, or for any reduction in the property's value caused by it. And, of course, if it causes any injuries, the buyer can sue the seller for those, as well.

Duty to Inspect: This is a companion to the duty to disclose defects. Typically, buyers of real estate are expected to inspect the property. If they fail to conduct a good inspection, they might not be able to recover damages if they are harmed by any defects which an inspection would have revealed.

Encumbrances: These are defects to title, rather than physical defects. They are legal issues which might make it difficult or impossible for a landowner to make full use of their land. In Joliet, Illinois, these might include easements. An easement is a right to use property held by a party other than the owner. This use is often very limited in scope, such as allowing the holder of the easement to cross the property to access a public road, or something similar. Such rights usually have to be recognized and honored by new owners, so if they buy property not knowing about them, they might be seriously inconvenienced.

Can a Joliet, Illinois Attorney Help?

Because of the complexity and importance of many of the issues concerning commercial real estate, it is almost always necessary to consult with a Joliet, Illinois attorney before buying or selling commercial real estate.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Joliet

Joliet, Illinois is the fastest growing city in the state. It is the seat of Will County and was incorporated as early as 1852. Joliet is nicknamed "The City of Champions" on account of the many national and state titles won by local school bands and sports teams. It is also nicknamed "The City of Steel" as well as the "City of Stone", reflecting its historical background in those industries.

Currently the city of Joliet, Illinois has attracted large numbers of new residents seeking to work and live in the area. Family entertainment in Joliet is abundant, consisting of several golf courses, bike trails, and old-style movie theaters. The city also has several landmarks that often appear in the setting of major motion picture films, such as the Rialto Square Theater.

Every year Joliet enjoys a large influx of visitors who come to the city to watch NASCAR automobile races and to participate in high-end motorsports events. These are hosted at places like the Chicagoland Speedway and the Autobahn Country Club.

Joliet, Illinois has quickly become an important hub for commerce and residential living. Lawyers in Joliet are available to assist in many different areas of law. Joliet, Illinois lawyers hone their professional skills through state and county bar associations.

Clients Rate LegalMatch Attorneys
(click to read reviews)

Nicholas M.
Nicholas M.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Golden, CO

Carl M.
Carl M.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Seattle, WA

David A.
David A.

Real Estate, Housing & Property Law

Walnut Creek, CA