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....
Real Estate Law
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...
Will you have full control of the property you want to buy?
When you started your property hunt, you probably expected your search to end with your owning and fully controlling it. Unfortunately, as you go through the buying process, you could discover that certain factors may prevent you from having full control and ownership...
Issues to consider when planning a new development
Most new developments here in Massachusetts and elsewhere begin with the purchase of the land on which the construction or renovation will occur. If you are looking to purchase land for development, you will need to consider a variety of issues before committing to...
Entry onto Neighboring Land for Maintenance and Repair – Trespass, Licenses and the Application of G.L. 266, § 120B
Many sections of the greater Boston area are characterized by densely populated neighborhoods. Many of these neighborhoods were established before the adoption of zoning codes that set minimum side and rear yard setbacks. And even today, in urban settings, there are...