Real Estate Law in South Carolina

Irmo'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.

The law controlling real estate in Irmo can get pretty complicated, especially when things such as mortgages, disputes about construction defects, and conflicts over title are involved.

Thus, 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 Irmo.

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

Common Real Estate Law Issues in Irmo

Financing: The majority of people in Irmo can't afford to make a major real estate purchase by paying the full purchase price up front. Most persons and small businesses, therefore, use a mortgage to make real estate purchases. A mortgage is a loan authorized 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 regulations control what types of structures are allowed on various parcels, based on their location in a municipality. For example, some areas in a city might be zoned only for residential use. Another area might permit industrial use. These rules are meant to keep property values up, and promote harmony among neighbors by preventing conflicts.

Duty to Disclose: sellers of real estate, particularly 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 prevalent 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: Every lease of a residential unit in Irmo 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 Irmo Real Estate Lawyer Help?

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