In an era marked by increasing awareness of environmental issues, the preservation of wetlands and other natural resources has become a vital concern. The interaction between human development and fragile ecosystems necessitates careful oversight and regulation. This...
Phillips & Angley Blog
3 common challenges to developing wetlands worth considering
Property development, particularly in rural areas, often tends to result in some degree of pushback. Local communities, neighbors and even regulatory authorities may take issue with the decision to develop a specific piece of land. Wetland properties are among the...
2 sound strategies for homeowners navigating zoning issues
Zoning issues can arise under a variety of circumstances, from property expansions to starting a home-based business. Zoning laws are designed to regulate land use, density and the overall character of a community. Familiarizing yourself with local zoning regulations...
Did a seller hide a restrictive covenant in your closing papers?
People sometimes treat the paperwork involved in a commercial real estate transaction as a mere technicality. They assume that the forms they sign are standard boilerplate documents that transfer ownership of the property to a new party. Anyone with a background in...
How to prepare for zoning litigation for your real property
Zoning is a form of local land use control that helps protects individual homeowners and also the community as a whole. Municipal authorities and local communities have a say in zoning, and those who want to change the local zoning or secure a variance often need to...
Can you secure an easement without your neighbor’s consent?
Perhaps you have some rural hunting property with a cabin that does not have any road access. Historically, your neighbor whose property abuts the road always allowed you to drive up their driveway and then veer off to the side onto your property. You haven't had to...
Can an HOA stop someone from adding a pool?
When someone buys real property, they usually have the right to do whatever they want with the home and the acreage they’ve purchased. Of course, there are some limitations concerning property use enshrined in both local and state laws. For the most part, however,...
The True Costs of Not Paying Your Property Taxes in Massachusetts
What happens if you are delinquent in making your property tax payment to a city or town? Chapter 60 of the General Laws governs the procedures available to municipalities for collecting delinquent real estate taxes. There are multiple remedies provided under G.L. c....
3 common title problems that can be a nightmare at closing
You’ve found your dream home, made an offer and the bid was accepted – but you need to get through closing. That means that a title search has to be done before the deal closes and you take possession. Over the years, as a piece of property changes hands, the title...
What will a utility easement mean for the use of a property?
Utility companies provide crucial services to help homes become habitable and businesses perform basic functions. Gas, electrical, water and sewer service are the most crucial utilities provided by private companies, although telecommunication utility providers also...