You Don't Have to Use a Real Estate Attorney in PA

You don't need an attorney in Pennsylvania to buy, sell, or lease a commercial or residential property. However, a real estate attorney can provide valuable legal advice to avoid complications.

A qualified real estate attorney can help represent you. And they can do so whether you're a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, developer, property manager, or even a municipality.

Trusted sources recognize our law firm as a Best Law Firm for real estate litigation in metropolitan Philadelphia. Not surprisingly, real estate is a core practice area. So, we've helped clients with real property transactions in Philadelphia and the greater Philadelphia area. We've also actively supported clients in Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware counties.


What is Real Estate Law?

Whether buying a home or commercial space, it's a substantial commitment. So, it's essential to know precisely what you're getting into, including boundaries, title, and the condition of the premises. That's where real estate law plays a critical role. It protects buyers, sellers, land owners, contractors, real estate agents, and builders.

All legal documents must be well-written to avoid problems and delays. Otherwise, you could face litigations stemming from any disputes.

Common Real Estate Concerns

Real estate law can be complex, leading to numerous concerns. Sometimes, those concerns lead to litigation requiring a real estate litigator. Some of the more common issues that arise include:

  • Zoning
  • Construction defects
  • Survey or boundary disputes
  • Title or title insurance disputes
  • Landlord and tenant disputes
  • Land use issues
  • Errors in public records
  • Undiscovered liens
  • Illegal deeds

In addition to mitigating potential litigation issues, real estate law governs fiscal concerns relating to a property. Those include mortgages, liens, and foreclosures, for example. Even some wills and trust issues may fall under the umbrella of real estate and property law.

In the United States, every state has exclusive jurisdiction over the land within its borders. Consequently, each state can determine the form and effect of a transfer of real property in its jurisdiction. As a result, state law requirements vary significantly from state to state. So, working with a real estate litigation attorney familiar with state laws is essential.

Your Rights as Buyer or Seller

If you're a seller, you have the right to have a real estate attorney review the listing and sales agreements. But, more importantly, you should be aware that you may be liable for the actions of your real estate agent.

If you want to buy a house or rent a property, you can have a lawyer check the sales agreement. They can also represent you during settlement. That's important, mainly if the seller has enlisted an attorney to represent them.

How a Real Estate Attorney Can Help

Having expert legal counsel during any transaction makes sense. For example, an attorney can help draft and review documents to give you greater peace of mind. Here are some ways a real estate lawyer can protect your interests.

Contracts: A real estate attorney will ensure the contract adheres to state laws. They can also look into potential issues with the contract. For example, concerns relating to eminent domain or code compliance and any language in the agreement that may be problematic.

Title Searches: A title search protects you from potential liens or judgments against the property. Equally important, it ensures the seller has the right to sell the property. A real estate lawyer can provide insight if the search presents potential concerns. Moreover, they can do so better than a title company.

Property Transfer: If the real estate transaction involves a corporation, trust, partnership, or joint venture, the contract will be more involved. A real estate attorney can make sure the contract adheres to state requirements.

Zoning and Land Use: Real estate law regulates zoning and land use. And that governs how you can use and develop a property. For example, it determines whether the property is used for residential, commercial, or industrial use.

In addition, land use regulations set development rules for a property, including environmental laws and permits required for construction.


Filing: You must file any real estate transaction at the county and state levels. So, a local Montgomery, Delaware, or Bucks County attorney will uncover any regulations impacting your transaction, like preservation issues. Plus, they'll help avoid income or estate taxes and building restrictions that could lead to fines or property loss.

Discrimination: Sometimes, buyers or sellers confront discrimination during the buying process. A real estate attorney can help address such an issue.

Pennsylvania Seller Disclosure Statement Requirements

To protect buyers, Pennsylvania state law requires sellers to provide them with information about a property's condition. For example, a Seller's Property Disclosure Statement form contains essential information about the property. The standard form covers such concerns as:

  • Property contents, such as specific appliances, and whether or not they need repair or replacement
  • Availability of working smoke detectors
  • Defects in the electrical, plumbing, and other property systems
  • Homeowners' association fees
  • Deed restrictions
  • Type of sewage system

In addition, for houses built before 1978, the seller must comply with federal Title X disclosures. Those disclosures relate to lead-based paint and hazards.

Reviewing these disclosures and documents with an experienced real estate lawyer is worthwhile.

Our Real Estate Lawyers work at the Community and State Levels

Our Bucks County and Montgomery County real estate lawyers have supported real estate legal changes at the community and state levels. Additionally, they've advised municipalities on zoning and land use issues.

Our legal services associated with real estate are comprehensive and cover an array of commercial and real estate transactions, including:

Experienced Real Estate Attorneys in Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties

Even though you're under no requirement to have an attorney on hand, it makes sense to have one. You can avoid potential issues with a real estate transaction, whether making a commercial property or home purchase. Our real estate attorneys are well-versed in local codes and state laws to guard your transaction.

Whether you're a buyer or a seller, call our Doylestown, Norristown, or Wayne, PA, law offices. Our lawyers will ensure your deal meets all the legal requirements.

Check out our real estate blogs for more insights into Pennsylvania's laws. Then, call our law firm if you're looking for a real estate attorney for help.



 


Real Estate Law Attorneys

David J. Brooman

David J. Brooman | Environmental Lawyer | High Swartz

David J. Brooman has more than three decades experience in environmental law, zoning and land use development, and environmental litigation.

Kevin Cornish

Kevin Cornish multi state litigation support attorney

Kevin Cornish is a litigation attorney focusing his legal practice on commercial, civil, contract, construction, and business litigation.

Mark R. Fischer Jr.

Mark Fischer | Litigator in Montgomery County PA

Mark Fischer represents businesses in breach of contract, payment collection, construction defect, & consumer protection disputes in PA and NJ.

Arnold Heller

Arnold Heller real estate attorney at high swartz in norristown pa

Real estate attorney Arnold Heller focuses on commercial real estate law, transactional law, and development law across a broad clientele.

Gilbert P. High Jr.

Gilbert P. High Jr. | municipal and estates Attorney | High Swartz Attorneys at Law

Municipal Law Attorney Gilbert P. High handles land development, zoning litigation, tree law, estate planning, easements, and rights of way.

Matthew T. Hovey

matthew t hovey montgomery county attorney at High Swartz attorneys for law

Matthew T. Hovey, Esq. is a Montgomery County municipal attorney practicing out of our Norristown law office.

William F. Kerr, Jr.

William F. Kerr, Jr. | real estate Attorney | High Swartz montgomery county pa

Real Estate Attorney William F. Kerr focuses on land use, zoning, real estate title issues, eminent domain, and real estate code compliance.

Donald Petrille, Jr.

Donald Petrille, Jr. | Business & Estates Attorney | High Swartz Attorneys at Law

As an attorney, Donald Petrille, Jr. primarily represents businesses as they wrestle with complex legal issues and individuals in estate planning matters.

Thomas D. Rees

Thomas D. Rees | labor employment Attorney | High Swartz Attorneys at Law

Labor & Employment Attorney Thomas D. Rees handles litigation and dispute resolution for businesses and schools in and around Pennsylvania.

Glen-David Schwarzschild

glen schwarzschild real estate tax attorney high swartz attorneys at law

Glen David Schwarzschild's law practice concentrates in the areas of real estate, real estate tax appeals, land use, and related matters.

Sean G. Livesey

sean livesey | montgomery county real estate attorney

Sean G. Livesey Is a Montgomery County real estate attorney primarily focusing on real estate matters, which includes zoning and land development. He also consults with local businesses on property acquisitions, leasing, and real estate tax liability.

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