The title history for a property shows who owns it currently and who owned it previously. The county recorder's office tracks transfers of ownership, liens and easements to protect all interested parties and limit ownership-related conflicts. In some cases, there may...
Trees generally enhance the appearance of a property. They can also offer various practical benefits. They can provide shade during the summer that can help reduce cooling costs for a home. They can increase property value. They can even produce fruits and nuts that...
People who purchase real property in Massachusetts usually expect to use their right of quiet enjoyment as they see fit. In plain English, they anticipate having complete control over what they do with the property both inside and out. In reality, many properties are...
“The Land Court is a court of limited jurisdiction, as prescribed by statute. See G. L. c. 211B, § 1 (establishing Land Court as department of Trial Court). See also Bevilacqua v. Rodriguez, 460 Mass. 762, 766, 955 N.E.2d 884 (2011), quoting Riverbank Improvement Co....
Finally purchasing your dream home is a significant milestone that you should celebrate. Unfortunately, the excitement of finally owning your piece of real estate can sometimes overshadow crucial details. One nightmare scenario involves discovering that the person who...
Zoning and land use dictate how landowners can use their property. In Massachusetts, these concerns are governed by the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A. This framework enables cities and towns to regulate building development so it encourages safety, health,...
Here in Massachusetts, zoning and land use laws regulate the activities that property owners and developers can undertake. These rules protect communities and the environment, but can be restrictive in some cases. Special permits allow actions that laws and...
Modifying property boundary lines can be a complex process. Before you start, you should consider all the factors and legal requirements. Reasons to adjust property lines include expansion and consolidation. You can also move property lines to resolve disputes....
Discussions about property development often focus on unimproved land. The fastest way to create a business opportunity is to start from the ground up in many cases. However, those with an interest in real estate investing may buy property that already has...
Many property owners in Massachusetts include specific instructions for their real property in their estate plans. Oftentimes, people instruct the personal representative of their estate to sell their real property if none of their beneficiaries wish to purchase it or...
