The real estate market is hotter than ever, and would-be buyers are struggling to gain an advantage in a bidding war. Could an escalation clause in your next offer help you secure a home? Quite possibly, it could be the best way to give you a fighting shot at getting...
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Law Firm
Residential Real Estate
Who pays closing costs?
If you're going to buy a house, you're going to be responsible for some closing costs on that house. These could be as low as 2% or as high as 5%. As you can imagine, having to pay 5% on top of a expensive new home could add a financial burden that you weren't...
Making sure your new home is in a safe neighborhood
You’ve started a family and it’s time to look for a property upgrade. The house you currently have just doesn’t have enough space for kids, and you need something substantially bigger. You’ve spotted a house that looks ideal, but you’re unsure about the neighborhood....
Buying a home with a tenant living in it?
The real estate market is booming right now. While many people are finding great homes that they can move into as soon as they close, others find that their dream home already has tenants living in it. Buying a home that already has tenants living in it is a...
3 signs of a bad real estate agent
You may have found a real estate agent who’s promised you great things to come. They ran you through every question to ensure you find the best property. Now it’s been a few weeks and your agent has left you in the dark. They may not be responding or they may be...
What’s the risk if you waive the inspection on a house?
As the buyer in a real estate transaction, there are certain rules that help protect you. You have the right to inspect the property and to include a contingency clause in case the property doesn't pass inspection. With more competition for real estate in recent...
4 ways to overcome an appraisal gap before closing
The residential real estate market has undergone incredible changes in the last few years. Prices have increased, while supply in the housing market remains relatively low. Supply chain issues and remote work further complicate an already stressful real estate market....
Can a home seller change their mind?
You find a home that you want to buy, and you make an offer at market value. The seller accepts your offer. You're very excited to finally have your own home. But then the seller decides that they can't bear the thought of moving out of their home after all. They tell...
Can someone steal a home?
Real estate frequently changes hands, but generally not through theft. It seems illogical that someone could steal a house. However, there is one way that this happens. It is called deed fraud or home title theft. It involves stealing the house by changing the...
Plan on starting a home business? Check the zoning first
These days, more and more people are ditching their nine-to-five jobs and starting their own business from home. That means you need a home that both has enough space and the right zoning. How much does zoning matter if you plan to operate a business out of your own...

