4 Reasons To Always Get A House Inspected

real estate contractDid you know that the National Association of Realtors has data that says 77% of homebuyers have a prospective home inspected prior to purchasing? If you are selling your home, consider having it inspected before putting it on the market. This will give you ample time to make the necessary repairs and list your home for more than you otherwise could. For both buyers and sellers entering into a real estate contract, it is important to get an inspection done. Here’s why.

  1. Electrical Issues
    If you are buying a house, you want to make sure that the wiring is working as advertised. Faulty wiring can lead to excessive energy consumption, non-functioning outlets, power outages, and fires. A home needs to have quality and up-to-date electric. If it doesn’t, the seller won’t get the price they’re asking for, and the buyer will be stuck with a frustrating and potentially dangerous home.
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  3. Foundation Leaks
    Whether it’s because the drainage system is incorrect, the gutters are clogged, the foundation has cracks, or the basement windows are improperly sealed, foundation leaks are expensive to repair. If you find foundation leaks in a home, you might be better off looking elsewhere.
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  5. Roofing Repairs
    A damaged roof can cost more money than most home repairs. If you notice shoddy shingles, leaks from a ceiling, or a general aged appearance to the roof, you should either look elsewhere or consider a roof replacement as an investment before entering into a real estate contract.
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  7. General Damage
    If the home has a run-down feeling to it, consider that a big red flag. Not all homes that look pretty are problem-free upon inspection, but nearly all homes that look worn down do have problems. If you’re a do-it-yourself type of person, you might find good deals in these types of homes, but certainly inspect them first.

When buying or selling a home, it helps to have some knowledge of real estate law cases. Rely on a real estate lawyer for answers to questions you don’t know. Always have a home inspected, whether you’re buying or selling, so you can feel comfortable that there are no building code violations.

3 Topics to Discuss With Your Real Estate Lawyer

zoning restrictionWorking with a professional real estate lawyer is essential when it comes to purchasing property. You don’t want to go into a purchasing agreement without proper knowledge of real estate law. Here are three important things you should discuss with your real estate lawyer prior to signing any property deals.

Go over any zoning restrictions for the property in question
Unless you went to school and studied real estate law in the state you’re purchasing property in, you should probably seek professional help. There are so many minuscule zoning restriction errors that can be made, which would end up causing further expensive real estate issues down the line. Consulting with a professional real estate lawyer who’s aware of specific zoning restrictions and other building code violations can ensure that you’re not making any property purchasing mistakes.

Find out every detail about the desired property
You might find a home that seems absolutely perfect from the untrained eye, but after consulting with a real estate professional and conducting a few thorough inspections, any property issues will come to the surface. California law, for example, requires all real estate agents to disclose information about any death that occurred on a specific property within three years of the sale. You should always find out more information, though, and your real estate lawyer can help you identify any other problems associated with that property.

Figure out an estimated timeline of when everything will be complete
One of the most stressful aspects of buying a home is not knowing when you’ll actually be able to settle into your new place. You and your family might have all your items in storage as you wait for the purchasing contract to finalize. You might have to spend a few nights in a hotel or a family member’s place, and you could have problems with work if you’re moving for a new job. To avoid all these problems, try and figure out exactly when the move will be final and you and your family can move in. You should specify a closing date on your real estate contract and be sure it’s legally enforced. Your real estate lawyer can help.

If you are in need of real estate law services, don’t try and handle property deals yourself. Contact DLG Law Group today.

Renting or Buying in L.A.? Keep These 3 Things in Mind

property law casesBuying property can be a stressful experience for anyone. No matter where you’re looking at real estate, if you aren’t careful and don’t plan out every detail, you could be setting yourself up for a stress-filled few months. And because property law cases can be extremely complicated, it’s important that you know exactly what to do in various real estate scenarios.

Importance of Inspections
Getting a home inspection or two done before you make any purchases is essential for getting the most out of your new home. Even if the property you’re buying is relatively brand new and looks amazing, there is almost always some sort of unknown trouble that you’ll eventually find. If you decline to get a proper inspection, the damage is still there. The only difference is that by the time you do notice it, the damage will be so severe that you’ll have to spend thousands of dollars on repairs. You’re much better off having an inspection done before you buy than waiting until it’s too late.

Real Estate Contracts
Because real estate and property law cases are so complicated, making sure your contract has every conceivable detail covered is one of the most important aspects of home buying or renting. Evictions, for example, often end up escalating to a courtroom, where a judge will hear and decide the case within, on average, 20 days after the court request was filed. If you’re contract didn’t include a clause outlining mediation for this type of issue, things can get even more complicated in court for everyone involved. Before buying property, make sure that you have a California real estate lawyer prepare or review the contract.

Working With a Real Estate Attorney
Unless you know all the ins and outs of real estate laws, you should probably seek professional help. Buying a home is one of the biggest and most important decisions of your life. Don’t let a complication screw up your future as a homeowner just because you weren’t aware of a certain property stipulation. Consult an experienced real estate attorney and get the property that you deserve.

If you need any assistance with California property law cases or need to learn more about Los Angeles real estate law, contact DiJulio Law Group today.

Buying a Home: Before, During, and After

real estate lawProperty transactions, whether you’re the buyer or the seller, are always complicated. There are so many factors to consider, so many things that could go wrong, and so much shared information. These tips can help the average person during their property purchase:

Before the Sale
Before anything, you should consult a real estate law firm. They will put you in contact with an experienced real estate lawyer who is knowledgeable about real estate and personal property law. These lawyers can assist you throughout the entire transaction process.

The next step: get a home inspection. According to the National Association of Realtors, wholly 77% of homebuyers have an inspection done before the purchase is complete. The inspection is done early so nothing new and surprising comes up after the deal closes.

This is when you should begin planning the moving process as well. You don’t know when you’re going to need to move, but you do know it’s coming soon. Planning a few months in advance can ensure you’re not scrambling during the week before the move. Figure out where you’re going to store all your items in the days leading up to the purchase and exactly how you’re going to move everything.

During the Sale
Once you have entered the purchasing contract, you should specify the exact details with the other party and real estate lawyers. The closing date — which usually lasts between four and 10 weeks after the contract — should be outlined in these contract negotiations. Be sure to adjust any packing, storing, and moving plans once you figure out exactly when everything is going to take place. These dates can often be tentative as issues often arise, but it’s good to at least have an approximate timeframe.

After the Purchase
Once the sale is final and you are officially a new homeowner, there are still a few things you should keep in mind. It’s important to do one last inspection to ensure that there are no hidden issues that were kept from you during the initial inspection and negotiation. You should also stay in touch with your real estate agent and let them know how things are progressing in the new home. The entire home buying takes about 40 days to close, on average, so you have to act quickly during these weeks.

Although it’s a stressful time, once it’s all over, the only thing you’ll have to do is relax in your new home.

California Real Estate Law: Everything You Need to Know

foreclosureReal estate problems are overwhelming and complicated for all parties involved. There are legalities regarding so many specific details that it’s almost impossible to know everything. Although consulting with professionals is recommended, it also helps to be knowledgeable on some real estate issues.

Here are a few important things that all California residents should know:

  • Closing Time — Every situation is different, but on average, it takes approximately 40 days to close on a house. Working out the exact details should be done so there are no surprises, but 40 days should work as a rough estimate for most housing deals.
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  • Property Law — Under title 10 of the California Civil Procedures Code, a property that is abandoned or lost shall be classified as “unclaimed property.” An unclaimed status can last for three years. Afterwards, the property escheats to the California government if it has yet to be claimed.
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  • Foreclosure Process — Approximately one out of every 200 homes will be foreclosed upon. California law requires proper notice and enough time to pay before a home is sold in a foreclosure sale.
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  • Eviction Process — Landlords must provide at least 60 days’ notice to a tenant in the event of an eviction. The tenant must have a sufficient amount of time to vacate the premises. This rule only applies to tenants who have lived on the property for more than one year.
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  • Disclosure — According to California law, real estate agents are required to disclose any information regarding a death occurring on the property within three years before a sale.
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  • Required Documents — The Statute of Frauds in California requires three types of documents to be in writing at the time of the sale:
      • Commission agreements between parties.
      • Leases over one year.
      • Real estate licensees and contracts.

       
      This information is important to know and can assist you with issues regarding a property. However, it’s important to consult with experienced and professional real estate attorneys before, during, and after any property transaction. Whether it’s a foreclosure, eviction, home sale, or apartment rental, professional real estate agents can help.

      Contact DiJulio Law Group today for assistance

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