Haverhill Commercial Real Estate Lawyers

Find the right Commercial Real Estate attorney in Haverhill, MA

Commercial Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

In Haverhill, Massachusetts, commercial real estate is any form of real property (land or permanent structures) being utilized for business purposes.

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

Buyers and renters of residential property enjoy some pretty considerable 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 absent protections include rent control, and warranties of habitability, among others. The most general protections, such as prohibiting sellers of real estate from lying regarding the property to the buyer, apply in any context, however.

Common Commercial Real Estate Law Issues in Haverhill, Massachusetts

Financing: The majority of small business owners in Haverhill, Massachusetts probably can't afford to buy much real estate outright, with cash paid up front, so most small business buy 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 significant 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 significant 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: While buyers of real estate have some considerable protections with respect to defects, they also have some obligations. Before finalizing a purchase, buyers are expected to undertake a reasonable inspection of the property, usually by using a licensed building inspector. If the buyer fails to conduct an inspection, they normally won't be able to successfully sue, if defects are discovered after the purchase.

Encumbrances: Encumbrances are defects of a different type: rather than physical defects, they are defects of title. In Haverhill, Massachusetts, an encumbrance is an interest in a piece of real estate held by a third party, such as covenants or easements. An easement is a right held by someone to use the property of someone else for a particular purpose. For instance, a person might have an easement on the land of another person, allowing them to cross the land to access a public road.

Can a Haverhill, Massachusetts Attorney Help?

Because of the complexity and importance of many of the issues regarding commercial real estate, it is almost always imperative to consult with a Haverhill, Massachusetts attorney before buying or selling commercial real estate.

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Life in Haverhill

Haverhill is a Massachusetts city located in the county of Essex. Founded in 1640, it is one of the oldest known communities in the state. The city encompasses a wide range of industries, from agricultural rural land use to modern research efforts found in its urban areas.

Haverhill is dedicated to preserving its rich history which captures early American life. The Haverhill Historical Society showcases colonial life through the Buttonwood Museum. Recently Haverhill formed "Cultural Treasures", a collection of five non-profit cultural groups promoting history and the arts.

There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation in Haverhill. In particular, the Merrimack River is an ideal location for hiking and observing nature. Haverhill is home to a growing bald eagle population which can be seen along the River.

Noteworthy Haverhill inhabitants have included inventor Alexander Graham Bell, Supreme Court Justice William Henry Moody, and comic creator Bob Montana. Bob Montana's famous comic "Archie" is based on everyday Haverhill life.

Lawyers in Haverhill, Massachusetts generally file most of their cases at the Haverhill District Court. Many Haverhill lawyers are members of outstanding Massachusetts legal organizations.

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