Anytime you’re involved with a real estate transaction, there’s the possibility of the matter becoming more complicated than you originally expected. These situations require the expertise of a real estate lawyer to help you protect your interests. This guide points to a few specific situations in which hiring a legal representative is a wise precaution.

4 Times When You Should Hire a Real Estate Lawyer

1. Buying or Building Office Space

If you own a small business and it has been performing well, you may be looking into the possibility of expanding the company. This may require buying additional office space, which is a little more complicated than buying a residence. Your lawyer can ensure you’re not buying a property that owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxes. Even if you’re building office space, your legal representative can research zoning laws and other restrictions that might affect your ability to use the property.

2. Handling Landlord & Tenant Disputes

Each state has real estate laws that outline the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. Additionally, a lease agreement will likely provide greater detail in how those terms affect each party. When a dispute arises, you may need an attorney to help you interpret the laws and lease terms to settle the dispute. Often, an attorney can oversee mediation so the two parties can avoid an adversarial court battle.

3. Conducting the Title Search

While title insurance is not always mandated, it’s an ideal way to protect your investment. Your attorney can help by reviewing an abstract of the title history to offer their opinion about the status of the property. Where a title insurance company performs a more thorough search, your legal advocate will explain how the title insurance protects you and outlines situations in which you will be at higher risk.

4. Reviewing a Purchase Agreement

Whether for residential or commercial property, a purchase agreement is complex by nature and attempts to cover all plausible issues. It should address any faults found through an inspection, such as insect infestations, mold, or other problems, and it should provide information on any additions to the property. These are just a few of the issues that need to be addressed in the purchase agreement. This is why your attorney should review the document, ensuring it’s accurate and the terms are fair.

Any real estate transaction can benefit from the expertise of a skilled lawyer. Sippel Law Firm PLLC has been serving the Kingman, AZ, community for 35 years, so they’re familiar with the real estate market and the laws that affect such transactions. They provide each client with personalized and dedicated service from the first meeting. To schedule an initial consultation, you can visit their website or call (928) 753-2889.