Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

In Norfolk, real estate law can affect just about anything involving the use, purchase, or sale of land and fixtures to land, such as buildings.

The numerous laws affecting real estate in Norfolk can sometimes feel overwhelming in their volume and complexity. This might apply doubly when your case involves a foreclosure, or a construction dispute.

So, if you're planning on engaging in any kind of real estate transaction, it's necessary that you learn at least the basics of real estate law in Norfolk.

Some understanding of the relevant law can give you an advantage in almost any situation. In the real estate context, 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 Norfolk

Financing: Most individuals are unable to make major real estate purchases in Norfolk with cash, because few people have that kind of money on hand. Thus, to buy real estate, most entities use a mortgage. This is a loan used to buy a piece of property. When the loan is issued, and the property purchased, the lender holds a security interest in the property until the loan is paid off, with interest.

Zoning: Zoning laws establish rules saying what kinds of buildings are allowed in various areas of a city or town. These rules serve a variety of purposes. For example, they usually 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 of Disclosure: Sellers of homes are bound by a legal duty to disclose defects in the home to prospective buyers, before they purchase 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 Norfolk, every residential lease agreement, whether it's explicitly 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 Norfolk Real Estate Lawyer Help?

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