Real Estate Law in Missouri

St Louis County's real estate industry is controlled by a huge body of laws. This is because almost any real estate transaction invokes laws regarding civil rights, consumer protection, land use, and contracts.

Real estate law in St Louis County can be fairly complex, especially when it comes to things like mortgages and the resolution of disputes over construction defects.

Therefore, it's a smart idea to obtain at least a very basic knowledge of how real estate law in St Louis County works.

Having at least some knowledge of real estate law will be to your advantage in basically any real estate transaction. Knowing the law can give you a bargaining advantage and prevent you from being saddled with obligations that you don't have to assume.

Common Real Estate Law Issues in St Louis County

Financing: Most persons, families, and small businesses in St Louis County cannot afford to buy a large piece of real estate with the money they have on hand. However, they generally can afford to pay for it over a long period of time, in installments, with interest. Therefore, most real estate is purchased using a mortgage - a loan for a specific purchase, using the item purchased as collateral.

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: Every lease of a residential unit in St Louis County carries with it an implicit promise by the owner that the unit will meet some basic minimum requirements for human habitability. There are many factors that go into deciding 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 St Louis County Real Estate Lawyer Help?

The issues briefly discussed above, as well as many others, can be very perplexing. Accordingly, if you are engaged in any real estate transaction, it's never a bad idea to first consult with an experienced St Louis County real estate attorney.