Rapid City Commercial Real Estate Lawyers

Find the right Commercial Real Estate attorney in Rapid City, SD

Commercial Real Estate Law in South Dakota

Commercial real estate is any type of land or structure in Rapid City, South Dakota which is used for business purposes, primarily the sale of goods and/or services to the public.

The laws governing real estate in Rapid City, South Dakota apply differently when dealing with commercial, as opposed to residential, real estate.

Buyers and renters of residential property enjoy some pretty significant legal protections, because the law of most states presumes that shelter (being necessary to survive, for the most part) is more important than business. Therefore, many of these consumer protections don't apply to commercial real estate.

For example, commercial real estate usually isn't covered by rent control laws, nor does it carry with it an implied warranty of habitability (because people generally won't be living in it). Furthermore, it also doesn't come with a covenant of quiet enjoyment. However, some of the most basic legal protections (such as laws against fraud, and concealment of defects) apply in both the commercial and residential context.

Common Commercial Real Estate Law Issues in Rapid City, South Dakota

Financing: Most small business owners in Rapid City, South Dakota don't have the money to buy real estate with the cash on hand. However, there is a solution to this problem, allowing people without massive sums of money (but with a steady income) to buy real estate: the mortgage. A mortgage is a loan used to buy real estate, and the real estate being purchased is used as collateral for the loan.

Concealment of Defects: if the seller or lessor of commercial real estate actively conceals a material defect in the real estate, they can be liable to the buyer or renter for any damages caused by this concealment.

Duty to Inspect: While buyers of real estate have some significant protections with respect to defects, they also have some obligations. Before finalizing a purchase, buyers are expected to undertake a reasonable inspection of the property, usually by using a licensed building inspector. If the buyer fails to conduct an inspection, they usually won't be able to successfully sue, if defects are discovered after the purchase.

Encumbrances: An encumbrance is some small ownership interest in land held by a third party, or some right held by a third party to restrict the use of a parcel of land. A common encumbrance is an easement. In Rapid City, South Dakota, an easement is some right of some third party to make limited use of land owned by someone else. For example, cable companies often purchase easements from property owners (or they are imposed by the government) allowing them to string cable wiring from the telephone wires on the street to nearby houses. Like any other property right, the holder of an easement can prevent others from interfering with it. Obviously, if a buyer doesn't know about an encumbrance on a piece of land, he might find that he's unable to make the use of the land that he was expecting.

Can a Rapid City, South Dakota Attorney Help?

The issues surrounding commercial real estate in Rapid City, South Dakota can get fairly complex. Therefore, it's never a bad idea to have the assistance of an experienced commercial real estate attorney.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Rapid City

Rapid City is located in South Dakota. In fact, it is the second largest city in the state. Just as it has an exciting name, the city also has many attractions for visitors to see! These attractions include Bear Country, the Journey Museum, the Dahl Arts Center, Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold Factory Tours, Reptile Gardens, Watiki Indoor Waterpark, Mammoth Site and the Devils Tower National Monument.

Rapid City is amongst the Black Hills. Interestingly, it is home to the longest caves in the world. It also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S.!

With so much going on in one place, it is natural that the legal force would also have a presence. To support local businesses and residents, Rapid City is home to many experienced attorneys. These attorneys are able to advise clients in all areas of laws and are easily able to handle legal matters.

Overall, Rapid City is a must-see place to visit.

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