Harlingen Commercial Real Estate Lawyers

Find the right Commercial Real Estate attorney in Harlingen, TX

Commercial Real Estate Law in Texas

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

The laws covering commercial real estate in Harlingen, Texas are quite different from those applying to residential real estate.

Buyers and renters of residential property enjoy some pretty substantial 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.

These absent protections include rent control, and warranties of habitability, among others. The most basic protections, such as prohibiting sellers of real estate from lying about the property to the buyer, apply in any context, however.

Common Commercial Real Estate Law Issues in Harlingen, Texas

Financing: The majority of small business owners in Harlingen, Texas probably can't afford to buy much real estate outright, with cash paid up front, so most small business purchase commercial real estate with a mortgage. A mortgage is a loan taken out for the purpose of buying real estate, using that real estate as collateral for the loan.

Concealment of Defects: Sellers and lessors of commercial real estate are under a duty to disclose any defects in the property which might impact the buyer's decision to purchase it, such as water damage, mold, or other structural problems. These defects are quite common, and the buyer has a right to know about them. If the seller doesn't disclose these defects, where they exist, the buyer can sue for any harm this causes.

Duty to Inspect: While buyers of real estate have some substantial 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 typically won't be able to successfully sue, if defects are discovered after the purchase.

Encumbrances: Undisclosed encumbrances are defects of another sort: defects of title. An encumbrance is any interest that a third party has in the Harlingen, Texas commercial real estate. These typically take the form of easements, which are rights held by third parties to use the land for a specific purpose. Easements can have profound effects on how a new owner can use the land, so it is crucial to know about them before buying.

Can a Harlingen, Texas Attorney Help?

These issues can be very complicated, and most people consider such financially-weighty decisions to be very crucial. If you are one of those people, it's a smart move to contact a Harlingen, Texas real estate attorney if you are facing any of the issues discussed above.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Harlingen

Harlingen is city in Cameron County, Texas, located some 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico coastline. It has a population of about 65,000 people and is the second largest city in the county. Much of the city's initial development is due to the presence of Harlingen Air Force Base, which closed in the 1960's.

Harlingen is known for being a hot spot for many sports activities and facilities. The city is home to the Rio Grande Valley White Wings, a minor league baseball team. The Valley Race Park racetrack is an indoor facility where residents can watch greyhound races.

Other popular attractions in Harlingen include the World Birding Center and the Harlingen Art Forum. Harlingen is also an ideal city for those who appreciate the fine arts. The Rio Grande Valley Art League and the Rio Grande Valley Civic Association are involved in promoting several art-themed events. The Rio Grande International Music Festival is held yearly in Harlingen.

Lawyers in Harlingen, Texas reflect the city's commitment to fostering a volunteer spirit. Many Harlingen lawyers are participants in the city's numerous community service organizations. The city is served by the Harlingen Municipal Court.

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