Real Estate Law in West Virginia

The real estate industry in Clarksburg 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.

The law controlling real estate in Clarksburg can get pretty complicated, especially when things such as mortgages, disputes about construction defects, and conflicts over title are involved.

Thus, it's always good to have at least some knowledge of Clarksburg's real estate law.

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 Clarksburg

Financing: Most individuals are unable to make major real estate purchases in Clarksburg with cash, because few people have that kind of money on hand. Thus, to buy real estate, most entities use a mortgage. This is a loan used to buy a piece of property. When the loan is authorized, and the property purchased, the lender holds a security interest in the property until the loan is paid off, with interest.

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 average inspection, must be disclosed to the buyer.

Implied Warranties: In Clarksburg, 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 Clarksburg Real Estate Lawyer Help?

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