Staunton Commercial Real Estate Lawyers

Find the right Commercial Real Estate attorney in Staunton, VA

Commercial Real Estate Law in Virginia

In Staunton, Virginia, commercial real estate is any parcel of land, or any building, which is utilized for business purposes, as opposed to residential, agricultural, or industrial use.

The laws in Staunton, Virginia which regulate commercial real estate differ considerably from the laws governing the rental and purchase of residential real estate.

Buyers and renters of residential property enjoy a considerable number of legal protections. Many of these protections don't apply to buyers or renters of commercial property.

For instance, commercial real estate typically isn't covered by rent control laws, nor does it carry with it an implied warranty of habitability (because people usually 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 Staunton, Virginia

Financing: The majority of small business owners in Staunton, Virginia probably can't afford to buy much real estate outright, with cash paid up front, so most small business buy 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 typical, 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: This is a companion to the duty to disclose defects. Usually, buyers of real estate are expected to inspect the property. If they fail to conduct a good inspection, they might not be able to recover damages if they are harmed by any defects which an inspection would have revealed.

Encumbrances: Undisclosed encumbrances are defects of another sort: defects of title. An encumbrance is any interest that a third party has in the Staunton, Virginia 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 important to know about them before buying.

Can a Staunton, Virginia Attorney Help?

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

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Staunton

The city of Staunton is located in Augusta County, Virginia. It is a relatively older community comprised of about 23,000 residents. It was incorporated in 1871. Staunton was first settled by merchants, and its economic beginnings can be traced to the fields of trade, industry, and transportation. The city is locally known for being the birthplace of former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.

Currently Staunton is an ideal tourist destination, as it has five separate districts with many sights to see. The arts and culture contribute greatly to Staunton's atmosphere, as can be seen by the American Shakespeare Center. The Center is home to the only replica of Shakespeare's Blackfriars Theatre in existence. Strict building codes have preserved much of Staunton's unique early-American architecture. This makes it a popular location for film and T.V. settings.

Staunton residents can enjoy many of the city's outdoor festivals and parades, such as the 4th of July Celebration. Country music is a favorite for many locals, as the city has produced many top-notch artists. The city is a genuine reservoir of American culture and history. Besides President Woodrow Wilson, Staunton has been the hometown of several lawyers, senators, and legislators throughout history.

Staunton lawyers typically file their cases at the Staunton General District Court located in the city. Many lawyers in Staunton, Virginia frequently participate in the city's many community service and outreach programs.

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