Real Estate Law in Ohio

Columbiana'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.

The massive volume of laws governing real estate in Columbiana might seem overwhelming to the uninitiated. Indeed, they can get very complicated, especially when issues about title defects or construction disputes are involved.

Accordingly, it's a smart idea to obtain at least a very basic knowledge of how real estate law in Columbiana works.

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 Columbiana

Financing: Most people are unable to make major real estate purchases in Columbiana 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 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 dictate what types of buildings can go on given pieces of property. These laws are generally 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 of Disclosure: Sellers of homes are bound by a legal duty to disclose defects in the home to prospective buyers, before they buy 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 Warranty: All residential lease agreements in Columbiana carry with them an implicit promise by the landlord that the property is fit for human habitation. This warranty does not need to be explicitly stated in order to have effect, and neither the tenant nor landlord can waive it. Any agreement claiming to waive this warranty is void. To be considered habitable, a building must not be so dirty as to pose a health hazard, it must have running water, it must have electricity, and it must provide adequate protection from the weather. There are many other requirements, but if a building or unit lacks any one of those, it will be considered uninhabitable.

Can a Columbiana Real Estate Lawyer Help?

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