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Maine Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Can someone in a subdivision tart a dirt road without getting permission from the property owners the road pass by?
Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Sep 18, 2019

I would first start by looking at the relevant subdivision documents to see what they provide. Likely, your answer is in those documents.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: I'm buying a modular lot model. 2 months since mortgage finalized and home not delivered as promised. What can I do?

When we started the process we agreed to buy the display model because we were promised a fast turnaround before school starts. Now they are saying it won't be until next week after 2 months of struggling to even get a date scheduled. They had originally said the week of August 19th but... View More

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Sep 10, 2019

Assuming you have a written contract with the seller of the modular home, typically the terms of that contract would govern your available rights and remedies under the circumstances.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: My family inherited a piece of property that we do not want. Can we simply stop paying taxes and abandon the property?

The right of way is contested.

The property has no utilities.

The neighbors are horse's behinds.

Property is in Acton, Maine

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Sep 4, 2019

The short answer is, if you stop paying the taxes, ultimately the Town of Action will record a tax lien and then foreclose on that lien, taking ownership of the property. Why wouldn't you at least consult with a real estate broker and see if the property is worth trying to sell?

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: My boyfriend told me that he bought a house through a bank with installments I don’t know if the bank owns the house

Or the bank just gave him a loan and then he told me that the bank sold it to a brokerage company and he will continue paying to the company and then the company asked for higher price for the house and I don’t think it’s a true story

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Sep 1, 2019

I am sorry, but your question does not contain enough factual information to allow me to answer it.

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Contracts and Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: If i bought a house through the bank with installments can the bank sell it to brokerage company ?

And is it legal for the brokerage company to ask for higher price than i bought it from bank

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Aug 28, 2019

Not without foreclosing if the deed is in your name.

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Rent to own contract question

Currently I'm the buyer in an owner finance agreement and have missed my August payment. This is the only payment I have missed. I informed the sellers that I would be making a late payment, including my late fees as soon as my check from my new job comes in on the 28th. The sellers then told... View More

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Aug 22, 2019

Based on the facts as you have stated them, yes, if they start the eviction process before that 30 days + 7-day notice period is up, then they would be in breach of your contract.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: modular home on full foundation is in my name and I pay taxes but on in laws property. What are my rights if she sells?

We have been living here since 1993 but our home is on my in laws property. We have been paying a portion of their land taxes and our property taxes and maintaining the property since then. Family is feuding and land possibly being sold or foreclosed on, we don’t know what to do and need to know... View More

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Aug 21, 2019

I am sorry, but you are asking a very broad question and there aren’t enough facts provided to answer it. This is potentially a very complex situation. I would suggest you consult with a qualified real estate attorney to obtain some advice specific to your situation.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Lemon Law and Small Claims for Maine on
Q: I purchased a mobile home. In Maine to be moved to nh. During the process of getting a mover.

During the process of getting a mover. They moved I to another part of there property. I since had two moving companies tell me it's not movable. I told the people I bought the trailer from that I can't move it so I need my money back and they are telling me no. Well just bought the... View More

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Aug 18, 2019

If you have a written agreement with the seller for the purchase of the mobile home, that should be consulted first. If there is no written agreement or if there is one, but the written agreement fails to address this situation, did you explain to the seller before you purchased the mobile home... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Do I have to pay capital gains on property sold if I use the funds to purchase a different home?

I am joint owner of my deceased parents home.

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Aug 14, 2019

This question seeks tax advice, which means you would want to consult with a qualified tax attorney or an accountant. Also, the answer to this question will be fact-specific. There may be options available to you to avoid having to pay capital gains tax in your situation, but that will depend on... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Rights, Elder Law and Landlord - Tenant for Maine on
Q: I am being forced to vacate my residence with 3 days notice, no legal document or reason. My mother owns the structure.

Owned a trailer for 12 years in a seasonal RV park. We violated no RV park rules (posted online). I was accused of theft one town away (returned property/misunderstanding) not arrested or charged with any crime. We're being forced to vacate, no eviction notice, no documentation. Is this legal?... View More

Daniel J. Eccher
Daniel J. Eccher
answered on Jul 18, 2019

I think you should each get your own lawyer. If you (the daughter) have a low income, you may be able to get help from Pine Tree Legal Assistance (they have a great web site: www.ptla.org). Your mother, if she is over 60, should be able to get help from Legal Services for the Elderly... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: What rights do I have if a restaurant is encroaching on my property?

It was not disclosed when I bought my home that the Chinese restaurant was encroaching on my property, however, I figured it out quickly and if fact it states on my deed that they are encroaching on my property. I have been trying to deal with this for 23 years with no luck. There is now a new... View More

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Jul 7, 2019

You’re going to need to get a survey done to determine the proper boundaries of your property, so your first step will be to figure out how you can afford to pay for one. Have you shopped around to compare prices?

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Does a 30 lot subdivision accessed by a private road allow lot owners to use said road only to access their property?

The subdivision is a statutory form of HOA and each lot owner contributes $200 per year for the annual maintenance in accordance with a Road Maintenance Agreement. One member is trying to make a case that lot owners have ingress/egress rights only to their respective property and no further. The... View More

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Jun 25, 2019

The initial answer to your question can likely be found in the homeowners’ association’s governing documents, which contain the rules, regulations, and all other contractual terms that members of the association are bound by. Members of homeowners’ associations have the right to review and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: my sisiter owns a home in Fla. she would like to put me on the deed, I live in Maine . Do I need to physically be there
Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on May 30, 2019

I don't know what Florida law requires, but I doubt it. If she is having an attorney draw up the deed in Florida, they will know.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: As a PR, how do I go about conveying my mother's house to my sister?

She is named in the will but I don't know what is needed for her to actually own the house.

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on May 24, 2019

The general answer is you (as PR) would need to execute and deliver a deed regarding the subject property from the probate estate to your sister. I would urge you to contact an attorney to make sure this is done correctly. My partner, Cecilia Guecia, handles matters like this. You can reach her... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: real estate q. / 2011 divorce & family land?

in 2011 i signed our family home to my now ex husband in divorce court. i have done no other paperwork. the house is on my family land. what are my legal rights to the land at this time.? who can i talk with and how do i move forward?

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Apr 24, 2019

My partner, Cecilia Guecia, would be happy to speak with you about this. Her number is (207) 846-6111.

Thank you and best,

Fred

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Can my Property represent me as Pro Se in an action for a Forcible Entry and Detainer?
Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Feb 25, 2019

I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you mean by "my Property represent me as Pro Se." Could you please try asking your question another way?

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Failure to discover early issues with property ownership in 2003 Title Search cost us 2 sales and attorney’s fees to fix

I am seeking reparations for the legal fees incurred. Where do I start, who do I see?

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Feb 12, 2019

I would suggest that you collect all your important documents and other information on this and schedule an appointment to sit down with an attorney who practices in this area to determine if she or he can help you. My partner, Cecilia Guecia, practices in this area, if you are interested in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Blasting within 1.5 miles of home- in disclosure?

If there is a cement plant that blasts over 100 times per year (effectively twice a week) exactly 1.5 miles from a home, should that be included in a real estate disclosure?

This is a noise concern but the blasting creates large amount so of dust (I'm not sure how far that spreads).... View More

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Feb 10, 2019

A seller has a duty under Maine law to disclose "any known defects." The question is would this cover the blasting. A seller has a duty under Maine law also to disclose "the presence or prior removal of hazardous materials or elements on the residential real property . . . ."... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Maine real estate contract and seller disclosure requirements.

After signing a contract with the seller, it was discovered there is a cement plant/quarry 1.5 miles from the property that conducts blasting over 100x a year. Between the noise, vibrations, effects on well water, and mercury emissions, should the seller (or R.E. agent) have disclosed the proximity... View More

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Jan 20, 2019

For a transaction of this magnitude, you really should consult with a lawyer so that you can get a more complete answer. I can tell you that, under Maine law, a seller agent has a duty to a buyer to “disclose in a timely manner to a prospective buyer all material defects pertaining to the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Maine on
Q: Bought a property with a person. Both names on title then the other person moved out and are pushing to buy them out.

Or sell the home I just started working again and don't have money to buy them out.

Fred Bopp III
Fred Bopp III
answered on Jan 20, 2019

This is a complicated situation and I would need more facts to give you a more complete answer. If you can sell the home, and that would solve the issue, then that may well be your simplest solution.

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