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...
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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...
Will your new property contain restrictions on use?
If you are looking for property on which to build a home or establish a development, you have many items on your checklist. You want land that is appropriate for sustaining improvements, is convenient to amenities and is zoned to meet your needs. However, it is also...
Has someone adversely possessed your property?
If you aspire to develop property in Massachusetts, you may be always on the lookout for a promising piece of land. If the land has been sitting vacant for some time, you may want to do a careful examination of the property lines. This includes land you may already...
You know you need a title search done but aren’t sure why
When you purchase a piece of property here in Boston, or anywhere else for that matter, you want as much assurance as possible that you will actually own the property free and clear. You may assume that once the relevant parties execute a deed putting the real estate...
Abstract of title provides important information
Part of the process for buying real estate is to research the title of the property. This is important because the title shows the ownership of the property, and you want to be certain the person selling the property truly owns it or has the authority to sell it. The...
Do Private Parties Have the Right to Enforce Covenants and Conditions Imposed by a Planning Board as Part of an Approved Definitive Subdivision?
Recently we were asked to address the right of lot owners in an approved subdivision to enforce the terms of a covenant imposed by the Planning Board as part of the definitive subdivision approval. The restriction barred further division of lots. The Planning Board,...
Problems with the title may complicate property purchase
If you are in the middle of purchasing property in Massachusetts, you may wonder why the process takes so long. It may seem like days or weeks go by with no progress, and when you contact your real estate agent, you may learn that they are still waiting for the title...