| Disclosure of Material Facts and Hidden Defects |
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| When a buyer is looking for a dream home, the last thing he or she expects to find is a material defect that will change the dream into a nightmare. To avoid that scenario, a real estate agent has an obligation to make a full and timely disclosure of all known facts that are relevant or material to the condition and characteristics of the property under consideration. More... |
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| Whether to Rent or Buy a Home |
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| At some point, most individuals consider the issue of renting a home versus buying a home. It is a big decision with far-reaching financial implications. As part of the decision-making process, it may be helpful to use a rent/buy calculator (easily found on the Internet). Such a calculator will not, however, provide a clear answer. A consideration of other issues is necessary. More... |
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| Self-Help Remedy for Encroaching Branches or Roots |
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| Generally speaking, a property owner may cut back branches and roots that stray onto the property owner's land. The right of self-help, as it is called, is not found in state law, however; it derives from the common law. More... |
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| Insuring Your Real Estate against Liability |
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| A homeowner, a landlord, or a tenant may be subject to liability if someone is injured on the premises. If there is no insurance, the damages will have to be paid out of pocket. Various types of insurance policies can shift liability from the property owner to an insurance company in exchange for the payment of premiums. More... |
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| Eminent Domain and the Public Use Doctrine |
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| Eminent domain refers to the power of a government entity to take private property. The power can be used by the federal government in the name of a federal agency or a branch of the military services. A state, county, city, village, or town can also use the power of eminent domain to take private property on its own behalf or on behalf of an agency of a governmental entity. In all cases, the governmental entity may only exercise the power of eminent domain, also called condemnation, if it needs the private property for a public use. More... |
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