Legal Help with Real Estate Investments

Before you make your real estate investment, it is recommended that you investigate the real estate laws and understand how they relate to the manner in which you intend to use the property by consulting with a real estate attorney. If you own investment real estate, chances are sooner or later you will need an attorney's advice with one or more of these legal issues. Real estate investments involve tax laws, land use and zoning laws, property lien laws, mortgage laws, landlord/tenant laws, neighbor disputes, 1031 tax exchanges, environmental issues and other real property law matters. Estate planning is another consideration that an investor should take into account when purchasing real estate. Hiring legal counsel to assist with these matters is highly recommended. Foreign buyers and sellers will also want to consult with U.S. legal counsel when purchasing and selling investment property in the U.S. because tax and real estate laws pertaining to non U.S. citizens and residents are complicated.

Real Estate Laws for Investment Homes

Real estate laws are different in each state and municipality and vary depending upon the type of property you own. By consulting with real estate counsel prior to your purchase, your attorney can advise you on how to resolve any issues that may prevent you from using the property the way you desire and also help you structure the transaction for tax purposes. There are many factors to take into consideration when you purchase real estate such as risks and rate of return on your investment that require a real estate professional's opinion. Without understanding the issues and laws that are involved, you could end making the wrong investment decision and lose your money and time.

Help from an Attorney

A real estate attorney can help you in the following ways:

• Writing letters
• Conducting legal research
• Preparing documents
• Negotiating contracts
• Representing you in court actions
• Advising you about the real estate and tax laws that affect your investment

The attorney can also review the title and closing documents and help you with survey matters, environment issues and concerns and mortgage financing matters. Analyzing real estate investment risks is another area that your real estate attorney can assist you with because an attorney has experience and knowledge in these areas. It is suggested that you hire a real estate attorney to assist you with your real estate investment purchase and sale and investment strategies.