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...
Phillips & Angley Blog
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...
How can you resolve a boundary dispute with a neighbor?
Your real property may be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, even if the land you own is only a fraction of an acre. Although you may focus on the home where you live, your yard is valuable as well. Your outdoor space will be as important as the improvements you...
How do you secure a Massachusetts zoning variance?
Zoning law in Massachusetts is specific. These rules help preserve the characteristics of a community and the value of individual properties. When you buy a property, you may only use it in a manner consistent with the current zoning for the land. Those who violate...
Can zoning change to let you run a business from home?
Are you interested in starting a small business from home? If you are, you might think that you can start regardless of how your property is zoned, but you need to be sure that it is zoned for commercial use. The local zoning regulations, ordinances and bylaws may...
Tips to help resolve common easement disputes
Easements offer property owners a way to solidify the need to access another property owner’s land. These legal documents serve as a tool to help outline the use of the land, offering protection to both property owners. Although generally beneficial these agreements...