Some people think that real estate law is a difficult and hard subject that is full of words and hard-to-understand legal terms. Not only do you own a piece of land, but you also have other property rights. Aside from the right to walk on the ground, there are other rights that can affect your ownership, such as the right to hold, use, and transfer.
Let’s talk about the right to use the air. You can legally claim the airspace above your land. This can change everything from the height limits on buildings to possible airspace leases for signs or even helicopter pads. You have rights below the ground too. You can discover and get what’s below with subsurface rights, whether it’s oil, minerals, or treasures that are hidden.
For sellers or buyers who are about to enter a sale, SC real estate law questions have laid out the answers to what you should have before closing the sale. These, together with the basics of real estate law, are what anyone involved in property transactions or ownership should know.
Real Estate Law Basics
Real estate laws vary significantly by jurisdiction, and what holds true in one area may not apply elsewhere. Take, for example, the misconception that foreclosure universally discharges all debts. In certain jurisdictions, homeowners might remain liable for any remaining mortgage balance after a foreclosure sale.
In real estate law, it’s necessary for both buyers and sellers to be aware of their property rights. As a buyer, you must be aware of the type of property rights you’re acquiring. This includes the right to possess, use, and transfer the property. There may also be restrictions or easements that may affect your ownership rights that you must know.
For sellers, knowing your property rights is equally important. You must be clear about what you’re selling and have the legal authority to transfer those rights to the buyer. Disclosing any limitations or mortgage on the property can help you avoid potential legal issues in the future.
When it comes to real estate agents, a potential conflict of interest may arise in places where a single agent represents both the buyer and seller. All parties involved should be aware of this practice. Atlanta probate attorney Delisa Williams reminds us that not all real estate agents are Realtors. Realtors are members of the National Association of Realtors and adhere to a strict code of ethics.
And contrary to the common saying that “location is everything,” real estate value extends beyond geography. While location remains crucial, it’s not the only factor. Zoning laws, property conditions, and prevailing market trends also greatly influence real estate values.
Contract Essentials
Often, the Statute of Fraud is used in real estate deals. This law says that some deals, like those about selling a house, need to be written down to be legal. For real estate deals, it’s usually best to have everything in writing to avoid misunderstanding. Deals made over the phone may still be legally binding in some cases.
In the contract, you should write down important details about the property, such as its legal name, the price, the loan terms, and any issues that might come up. Then, read the contract’s terms very carefully to make sure you know what you can and can’t do.
Remember that the deal gives you important due dates. For example, when can checks take place or loans be approved? Everyone should write down and sign the new rules of the contract if they need to be changed.
Property Rights Overview
People who own, use or give away property have certain legal rights that go along with it. You have the right to own, rule, and get rid of property in any way you choose, as long as you don’t break the law or open any deals. One of these rights is the freedom to keep other people from entering your property. You also have the freedom to sell or give away the property and use it in legal ways.
Property rights come in different forms, such as surface rights, air rights, and basement rights. These rights can change how much your property is worth and what you can do with it. Land use rules, easements, and agreements can limit property rights but also say what can be done with the land. Learn about your property rights and any limits that may apply to them. This will help you make smart decisions when you buy or sell real estate.
Common Legal Issues
In real estate, you may encounter various common legal issues that can impact your ownership and use of the property. It’s best to know these issues to protect your property rights and avoid potential conflicts in real estate settings:
- Boundary Disputes: They can arise when the exact boundaries of a property are unclear or disputed by neighboring landowners. These disputes can lead to conflicts over land use, maintenance responsibilities, and even potential legal action.
- Zoning Violations: Property owners may unknowingly violate zoning regulations regarding land use, building heights, or property modifications. Failure to comply with zoning laws can result in fines, forced modifications, or legal consequences.
- Easement Disputes: This can occur if a third party holds the right to use part of your property for a specific purpose, such as accessing a public road.
Legal Considerations for Transactions
Legal problems can come up when people buy or sell real estate, which can change the process and the result. This is why you need to make sure that all contracts are legal and spell out exactly what both sides want. It’s best to do a lot of study on the land first, looking for things like liens, zoning restrictions, or easements, so that the deal doesn’t get messed up by the law.
Then there are the laws and rules that govern real estate deals in your area. You must follow these to avoid getting in trouble with the government. A real estate lawyer with a lot of experience can help you with the difficult legal paperwork, look over the contracts, and give you good advice through the process.
Don’t miss any of the due dates and deadlines written in the buy agreement. If you do, you could get in trouble with the law. Real estate deals can have legal problems. If you know about them and do something about them, you can protect your interests and make the closing process go more smoothly.
Conclusion
Having a basic understanding of real estate law is necessary to set you on your way when dealing with the complexities of buying or selling property. Always pay attention to contract details, property rights, and common legal issues that may arise. Staying informed and seeking legal advice when needed can protect your interests and ensure a smooth transaction process in matters related to real estate.