Real Estate Law in Virginia

The real estate industry in Smithfield is governed by a wide variety of laws, and these laws can affect the process and outcome of essentially any transaction or deal involving the sale, lease, or use of land.

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

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

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 Smithfield

Financing: Most individuals, families, and small businesses in Smithfield cannot afford to buy a large piece of real estate with the money they have on hand. However, they usually can afford to pay for it over a long period of time, in installments, with interest. Consequently, most real estate is purchased using a mortgage - a loan for a specific purchase, using the item purchased as collateral.

Zoning: Zoning laws dictate what types of buildings can go on given pieces of property. These laws are usually 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 usual inspection, must be disclosed to the buyer.

Implied Warranties: In Smithfield, every residential lease agreement, whether it's specifically 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 crucial ones are electricity, running water, heating, and protection from the elements.

Can a Smithfield Real Estate Lawyer Help?

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