We Understand The Ins And Outs Of Real Estate Law
It can take a long time to find a house you like in an area you like that is also within your budget. Once you find one, you may be keen to sign on the line and make it yours before someone else makes it theirs. Before you proceed, it...
If you’ve ever been involved in buying a home, you’ve probably heard about earnest money – which is basically a good-faith deposit that you put down to show the seller that you’re serious about your offer. Depending upon your market (and how much of a competitive edge you’re trying to...
With joint tenancy, two people can share ownership of the same real estate, with equal ownership shares. While co-owners don’t need to be related, it is common for parents to use joint tenancy with their children. The primary reason for this is to simplify the transfer of property after the...
The environment has turned into a very divisive subject. It has led to protests, boycotts and more. At the same time, some big-name business owners and politicians have made it very clear that they oppose environmental restrictions or policies they believe are hindering their right to do business how they...
Buying a home is an exciting journey, but it is also associated with a mountain of daunting paperwork and legal responsibilities. In New Jersey, real estate transactions are regulated by strict laws, and making sure that all paperwork is accurate and complete is crucial. Failure to meet these requirements can...
As you likely recognize, real estate transactions in New Jersey can be complex. If a title dispute arises, the complexities can increase. These disputes can delay or even derail a transaction, making it crucial to understand potential title disputes and how to address them. Here are some examples. Boundary disagreements...
Conducting a title search is one of the most important steps when buying a home. You don’t want unpleasant surprises after purchasing the property, such as unresolved ownership claims, boundary disputes, unpaid taxes or liens. A title search involves examining public records related to the property, like deeds, mortgages, tax...
This spring, we discussed the settlement of the class-action lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The most far-reaching effect of that settlement, as we noted, was that real estate agent’s sales commissions would be negotiable, which would likely lower them in most cases by a couple of percentage...
There are many different ways to structure a commercial lease. It is very important for both the landlord and the company owner to understand exactly what they’re agreeing to and what obligations they will have. This is especially true with commercial properties because the business has certain operating costs and...
Renting a residential unit to new tenants isn’t just a source of income. It is also a risk. Landlords never really know what a tenant intends to do once they assume occupancy of a property. In some cases, they may cause extensive damage to the property. Behaviors ranging from smoking...
Home staging involves decorating a property to make it more appealing to potential buyers. Professional stagers use furniture, artwork and accessories to create a welcoming atmosphere and highlight the home’s best features to would-be buyers It’s easy to get captivated by a beautifully staged property when searching for your dream...
If you have never made an estate plan before, then now is the time. An estate plan can help ensure your assets are managed after you pass away. You can also instruct how your medical care should be taken care of with the use of an estate plan. Estate planning...
You and your business partner started your company with the goal of working together for decades. This company has always been your dream, and you and your business partner finally made it happen. Unfortunately, your partner doesn’t share your enthusiasm for staying at the business long term. They want to...
Zoning is a term used to describe how local authorities designate certain areas for certain activities. For example, one part of town may be zoned for housing. If someone applied to build an industrial plant in the middle of that housing zone the authorities would likely refuse, because it would...
Commercial real estate can be a smart investment for those with liquid capital. Unlike residential properties, which may have tenants calling at 2:00 in the morning because they locked themselves out, commercial properties can be a more hands-off source of revenue. The leases last for longer, and landlords can sometimes...
When someone threatens to target your business in a lawsuit, your actions can protect or jeopardize your company. It can be a stressful and confusing time, but a measured approach can help you stay focused. Following these guidelines allows you to take things one step at a time, possibly preventing...
A tenant who causes too many problems can seriously impact the business as well as the overall environment of the property. They may damage the property or the property’s reputation, prompt other tenants to move out or even discourage new clients from renting. One solution available to landlords is eviction....
If you do not have an estate plan, you are not alone. Only about a third of Americans have estate plans. What is stopping you from making your estate plan? It could be because you do not know if it is the right time to make your estate plan. However,...
The “Sunshine Law,” also known as the Open Public Meetings Act, grants the general public the right to attend meetings and observe public bodies’ decision-making processes, such as Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs). The goal is to promote transparency and accountability within governing organizations. All HOA meetings, including annual and board meetings,...
When someone buys real estate in New Jersey, what they technically purchase is the title to the property. A home’s title indicates who currently has ownership rights and control over the property. There can be title defects that impact someone’s use and ownership of a property, such as easements or...
When a new renter signs a lease, the landlord will typically ask for a security deposit. This deposit may be given back at the end of the lease. It’s supposed to be used in case anything major occurs in the apartment and needs to be repaired. Under New Jersey law,...
The New Jersey Exit Tax is a real estate transfer fee imposed on sellers leaving the state. It applies to residential properties sold by individuals or businesses relocating out of New Jersey. Here, you can learn more about the exit tax and how it may affect you. Purpose The primary purpose of...
Dealing with unpaying customers can be a daunting affair that not only affects cash flow but also disrupts the smooth functioning of business operations. When customers fail to pay their debts on time, it creates a ripple effect throughout the business. If you have business customers lagging behind on debt...
While you’re reviewing, initialing and signing the seemingly endless documents involved in a real estate transaction, you may give little thought to the commission that the selling real estate agent gets for their work. Many people have no idea whether it’s reasonable or not. They just consider it part of...
New Jersey landlords often require sizable deposits when renting out properties to new tenants. State law limits security deposits to one-and-a-half month’s rent. Generally, there is an expectation that a landlord should return security deposit funds in full shortly after a tenant ends their tenancy. However, in a limited number...
If you’re a first-time home buyer, it may seem rather surprising to offer someone such a substantial sum of money. When you put in your offer on a house, it’s probably more money than you have spent on one item in your life. Most buyers can’t even afford to do...
Having rental properties can be a lucrative source of income, but that’s only the case if a landlord has tenants who pay on time and don’t damage the property. Unfortunately, almost every landlord has deal with the eviction process at some point. The laws in New Jersey regarding residential evictions...
Running your own company can bring a lot of personal and professional satisfaction. You get to be your own boss and represent a brand that you have built. That being said, running a business is by no means easy. There are a number of potential legal disputes that you may...
Before finalizing the purchase of a house, it’s crucial to conduct a walkthrough. A walkthrough serves as a final inspection, allowing buyers to ensure that a property meets their expectations and is in as-promised condition. Skipping this step in the purchasing process can lead to unforeseen issues and regrets down...
When it comes to purchasing or leasing commercial real estate in New Jersey, one crucial aspect that is often overlooked is zoning laws. These regulations can significantly impact the use of your commercial property. Therefore, understanding them is essential to avoiding potential legal issues. What is the purpose of zoning...
When someone buys a home or another piece of real property in New Jersey, what they pay for is the title to the property. New Jersey state authorities on the county level maintain clear records about the title history for a property to help ensure there are no unnecessary conflicts...
Going into a business partnership with a like-minded person or group of people can be rewarding in many ways. Besides pulling resources together, a business partnership also lets you share your skills and experiences. But what happens when you discover that the person you trusted is dishonest? Specifically, what happens...
