Real Estate Law in Washington

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

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

Therefore, it's a good idea to learn some of the basics of Stanwood's real estate laws.

If you have even a little bit of basic knowledge of applicable real estate law, your life will probably be a great deal easier. If you have some understanding of the law, your knowledge will likely put you in a better bargaining position.

Common Real Estate Law Issues in Stanwood

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

Duty to Disclose: When buying a home in Stanwood, you are safeguarded by the law. The seller has a legal obligation to disclose to the buyer any defects of which the seller is aware, which the buyer couldn't detect through a superficial inspection. If you are selling a home, it's probably best to disclose every defect you know about, to guarantee that you aren't faced with a lawsuit from the buyer sometime in the future.

Implied Warranty: All residential lease agreements in Stanwood carry with them an implicit promise by the landlord that the property is fit for human habitation. This warranty does not need to be explicitly stated in order to have effect, and neither the tenant nor landlord can waive it. Any agreement claiming to waive this warranty is void. To be considered habitable, a building must not be so dirty as to pose a health hazard, it must have running water, it must have electricity, and it must provide adequate protection from the weather. There are many other requirements, but if a building or unit lacks any one of those, it will be considered uninhabitable.

Can a Stanwood Real Estate Lawyer Help?

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