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...
Real Estate Law
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...
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 might lead to a title dispute affecting your property?
When you buy a home, you will have money tied up in the transaction long before you are the owner. You put down earnest money right away when you make an offer to let the seller know that you mean business. Then, even after you sign documents at the closing table and...
Common examples of adverse possession
The doctrine of adverse possession allows a person to acquire ownership of land if that person has used the property in Massachusetts continuously for 20 years. The most common cases of adverse possession are a: Private road Driveway Fence that is over the property...
Two seller situations that can lead to future title issues for buyers
Buying real estate is a major investment, especially when you want to purchase a commercial or industrial parcel. Owning the property where you do business can save you money in the long run but will cost a lot more up front than just signing a commercial lease....
How title disputes arise when buying property from an estate
Buying a home is difficult when inventory is low and demand is high. The last few years have resulted in a very competitive real estate market that leaves many people in the Boston area struggling to acquire housing. Most people who find the right house and make a...
Why is the fair housing law important?
The commonwealth of Massachusetts has applicable state and federal fair housing laws. Fair housing law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, familial status, gender identity, and other traits protected under civil rights law. Often plaintiffs will...