Real Estate Law in Wisconsin
The real estate industry in Madison is controlled by a wide variety of laws, and these laws can affect the process and outcome of practically any transaction or deal involving the sale, lease, or use of land.
Real estate law in Madison can be fairly intricate, 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 Madison's real estate laws.
Having at least some knowledge of real estate law will be to your advantage in practically 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 Madison
Financing: Not too many individuals or small businesses in Madison can purchase real estate with the cash on hand, simply because land is expensive, and few people have hundreds of thousands (or even millions) of dollars in the bank. In buying real estate, a mortgage is an outstanding solution for most people. Of course, you still have to pay the full price of the real estate you're buying, but a mortgage allows you to do this in installments, over a period of years.
Zoning: Zoning regulations control what types of structures are allowed on various parcels, based on their location in a municipality. For example, some areas in a city might be zoned only for residential use. Another area might permit 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 Madison, 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 Warranties: In Madison, every residential rental agreement carries with it a warranty of habitability, in which the landlord implicitly promises that the unit is fit for human habitation. This applies whether or not such a warranty is mentioned in the lease agreement, and it still applies even if the landlord tries to disclaim any such warranty. There are many circumstances that might make an unit uninhabitable. A few examples are a lack of electricity, no running water, or no heating.
Can a Madison Real Estate Lawyer Help?
These issues, along with many others, can sometimes be fairly confusing. Therefore, you should never hesitate to consult with a Madison real estate attorney if you have any questions.