Real Estate Law in Maine

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

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

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

Knowing the law can serve you in a number of ways: it can put you in a better negotiating position, it can help you spot unlawful terms in lease agreements, and ensure that you know your rights if a dispute arises, among other things.

Common Real Estate Law Issues in Gorham

Financing: The majority of people in Gorham can't afford to make a major real estate purchase by paying the entire purchase price up front. Most people and small businesses, therefore, use a mortgage to make real estate purchases. A mortgage is a loan issued 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 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 to Disclose: When buying a home in Gorham, you are protected by the law. The seller has a legal obligation to disclose to the buyer any defects of which the seller is aware, which the buyer couldn't detect through a superficial inspection. If you are selling a home, it's probably best to disclose every defect you know about, to ensure that you aren't faced with a lawsuit from the buyer sometime in the future.

Implied Warranties: Every lease of a residential unit in Gorham carries with it an implicit promise by the owner that the unit will meet some basic minimum standards for human habitability. There are many factors that go into determining if an unit is "habitable," but there are a few essentials, and they include running water, heat, electricity, and adequate shelter from the elements.

Can a Gorham Real Estate Lawyer Help?

Because the issues discussed above can get complex for laypersons, if you have a real estate issue, such as an eviction, or a construction dispute, you should not hesitate to contact a Gorham real estate attorney ASAP.