Real Estate Law in North Carolina

Waynesville's real estate industry is governed by a huge body of laws. This is because almost any real estate transaction invokes laws concerning civil rights, consumer protection, land use, and contracts.

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

Therefore, 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 Waynesville.

Having at least some knowledge of real estate law will be to your advantage in essentially 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 Waynesville

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

Zoning: Zoning laws dictate what types of buildings can go on given pieces of property. These laws are typically designed to ensure that residential areas are as clean and as quiet as possible, thereby preserving property values. They accomplish this by ensuring that other uses that might be inappropriate in a residential area, such as heavy industry, are in different parts of town. This also ensures that industries will be able to go about their business without constant complaints from their neighbors.

Duty to Disclose: sellers of real estate, especially houses and other residential property, are legally bound to tell the buyer about any defects in the property that the seller knows about, and that the buyer couldn't easily discover on his own (mold or termite problems are frequent examples). If the seller fails to make such disclosures, he or she could be liable for any harm the defect causes to the buyer, as well as the cost of repairing it. If the seller intentionally conceals or lies about the defect, he or she might also face punitive damages.

Implied Warranties: In Waynesville, every residential lease agreement, whether it's clearly 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 Waynesville Real Estate Lawyer Help?

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