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Arizona Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: Sold AZ house as trustee via broker, now buyer want money for non-permitted construction, Should broker handle?

Broker paid buyer $25K, Based on Title Insurance. Now buyer want money from estate for additional fees. The sale was 2 years ago.

House was build in early 60s, I am not aware of any modifications made by deceased. I disclosed that I am not aware of any such issues. I have no knowledge of... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Jan 7, 2019

I recommend speaking with a real estate attorney about this matter. You were acting on behalf of the the seller trust and the trust may have liability. Your position should be evaluated by an experienced attorney before you make any decisions.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Arizona on
Q: Forclosure auction on property that is in a Trust, my 5% inheritance is in jeopardy. Estate Rep is doing nothing.

My Aunt died 7/2015. I am to receive 5% of estate. Everthing was in a Trust, the executives are 2 of my older siblings (both are attorneys in NY) I need advice on a Flagstaff property (she put in her trust 2006) being auctioned off on 12/21/2018. The mortgage, also from 2006 for $270,000 was... View More

Ryan K Hodges
Ryan K Hodges
answered on Dec 5, 2018

If the house is auctioned for more than is owed, then the excess proceeds should be turned over to the trust. You would still receive your share from those excessive proceeds. The downside is that houses usually sell for less than at auction than they would in a private sale.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: We are representing a seller whose property is 0.5 acres & is bounded by Salt River Project and two other properties.

In essence the subject property is landlocked. What does a buyer need to do to obtain ingress & egress to the property?

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Nov 27, 2018

A buyer would need to obtain an access easement from one of the adjoining landowners. In many cases, there is access that has been used over the years and turning this into legal access by obtaining an easement can often be done with the cooperation of an adjoining landowner. If there is no... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Probate, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: My siblings and I sold my mothers property after a probate hearing and received Funds from the sale. Now I’m getting

Called asking If I’m interested to sale one of the property’s. I’ve found out my name is on a warranty deed. Does this give me any claim to selling the property?

Ryan K Hodges
Ryan K Hodges
answered on Nov 26, 2018

If you name is on a deed as a grantee, then you probably have some ownership interest in the property. You would need to talk with an attorney or title company regarding the specifics.

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: We were just handed trustee sale papers and they want to walk and take pictures of property and inside the house.

Do I have to let them ?

Diane L. Drain
Diane L. Drain
answered on Nov 8, 2018

No, you can deny anyone the right to access your property, unless they have a court order or your deed of trust provides the lender can.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: I bought a 4plex, found mold and water leaks were not disclosed. Inspections proved covered/hidden mold. Next steps?

During the purchase period about 6 months ago, the tenants saw the Seller’s property management company discover mold and were told by them not to disclose the hidden mold or any of the other leaks or defects to me (the buyer) until purchase was completed, so that it would be “my problem.”... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Nov 7, 2018

This is a serious matter. If you have tenants living in the property you must re-mediate the mold immediately and take steps to protect your tenants. Based upon your tenant's comments, you appear to have a good claim against your seller and his agents for the active concealment of this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: I just moved in an apartment in Arizona and there is a roach infestation. Can I break the lease and move out

I have notified the landlord and after 2 months the issue is still not fixed

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Oct 24, 2018

What you describe sounds like it might amount to a breach of your lease by your landlord. I recommend speaking with your property manager and negotiating an early lease termination if possible. If this is not possible, you can unilaterally break your lease and leave, but this may result in a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: We signed a contract for a new build and would like to get out of it. We gave them a $30,000 earnest deposit.

Any chance we can get out of it? Any chance we could get any money back?

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Oct 22, 2018

You can usually cancel your contract. Obtaining your earnest money deposit can be difficult. Builder contracts often provide that earnest money deposits are non-refundable. Sometimes you can negotiate a partial refund. Sometimes the reason for cancellation can give you some help, such as the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Arizona on
Q: How much notice to vacate my apartment is required when purchasing a home?
Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Oct 12, 2018

You must give the notice required by your lease or rental agreement. If you are on a month to month tenancy, you must give 30 days notice--if you plan to be out by the end of December, you must give your 30 days notice before the end of November.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: Can I now legally leave a property to someone (as of my death) if the property has not yet been distributed to me?

The creators of the Trust have died, and one of the beneficiaries is the designated Successor Trustee. The said Trustee is instructed explicitly to distribute the Trust assets as described. It has been over 10 years and he hasn't done so. There are no provisions in the trust documents that... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Oct 4, 2018

You can provide in your estate planning documents that any real property obtained from this trust pass to the person you designate. However, the more immediate concern seems to be obtaining the property from the Trust. I recommend reviewing the language of this Trust with an attorney to verify... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: how do we get a deed to a house after the owner died

no will, son, daughter and husband ,and me live in it. we want to sell it and split the money we are all in agreement. in arizona

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Oct 3, 2018

If the deceased owner was the only person on title, the owner's estate may need to be probated. I strongly recommend that you discuss this with an attorney before taking action. Your attorney will be able to inform you of your legal rights after learning the facts and reviewing any documents... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: Is a deed legal in AZ if one of the signers used a fictitious name. Ie. my brothers ex girlfriend used our name.

They were never married

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Sep 21, 2018

It is possible that the deed may be valid. This would depend upon all of the facts and circumstances. I strongly recommend that you have the deed in question reviewed by a real estate attorney. Once your attorney knows all the facts, he or she will be able to let you know if the deed is valid... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: I have some property that was quick claimed to me but only one of the owners on the deed signed it . Is that deed legal
Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Sep 18, 2018

Assuming proper execution, the deed is legal but it transfers only the interest of the person who signed it.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Arizona on
Q: Can my sister that I'm living with throw me out on a whim and not give me access to my property?

I have established residency for 3 years.

I have done work to earn my keep. If this is not a landlord tenant issue then how can I legally get my property out of her house?

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Sep 7, 2018

From the information you provided, your rights are governed by the Arizona Residential Landlord Tenant code. Your sister can evict you by giving proper notice. See ARS 33-1375 or ARS 33-1381. She must allow you to pick up your property and has certain duties to you per ARS 33-1370 D,E, F, G H... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: If my nana gets a rental Home and signs lease in her name but I live there name will she go to jail? If they found out
Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Sep 6, 2018

It is very unlikely that Nana would go to jail, but this is a very bad idea. You could be evicted and Nana could have a money judgment against her and her credit harmed. If you are going to be the occupant, you should be named in the lease as an occupant and, ideally, the lease should be in your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning for Arizona on
Q: Property purchased and can't use because it is a water retention area with basin. What can i do about this?

Seller said that it is buildable but according to city theres no way to use it, it was a waste of $ seller played a fast one and i think something should be able to be done about it. Lawsuit to get $ back at least.

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Sep 6, 2018

You may have an action for damages or rescission of contract due to the non-disclosure of this circumstance, but this is not something that you should handle on your own. I strongly recommend that you seek the assistance of an attorney. Once your attorney has all the facts and has researched this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: I purchased a home with my then girlfriend, about 4 years ago. We have since broken up, but still reside together.

Can she legally have her niece to come and live indefinitely without my say, if I am against it? We live in Arizona. I alone am on the loan, but we both are on the title.

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Aug 29, 2018

Your girlfriend is an owner of the home and she has a right to have visitors of her choice. You have the same right. If this living arrangement is not working, you might consider selling the home or purchasing your ex's interest in this home.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for Arizona on
Q: Father died: How do I get/search for the will, life insurance policy, and investment holdings?

Father died. Best friend/care taker claims a new will, not filed 60 days so far + will not give copy, or give copy of death certificate. He also filed and received ownership of my father's home by affidavit 4 days after death. This is in Illinois. I am in AZ.

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Aug 23, 2018

You will need to contact an Illinois probate attorney. Your attorney will be able to guide you through this process. It is possible that your father was the victim of elder financial abuse. This should be investigated. Once your attorney knows all the facts, he or she can inform you of your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: We have two houses, one is under his name and other is under my name. If we divorce, each one will get one house?

we been married for 22 years and we both own a house. He bought his house before our marriage, but using our bank account to pay for his property, utility bill and any fixing of the house. My house was bought less than a year ago, with our join account money. But he sign a disclaimer deed, do I... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Aug 23, 2018

If you and your husband settle your case, it can work out so that each of you keeps a home. If you do not settle, anything can happen during a trial. If the case goes to a trial you will have an agreement made for you by your Judge and it may not be ideal.

Your case involves two...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: I want to buy my moms house in Arizona so she doesn't loose it but I live in California how do I go about it.
Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Aug 20, 2018

This transfer can happen the same as any normal real estate sale. You and your Mom can prepare and sign a purchase contract. Then you can open an escrow with a local title company. The Title Company will handle the transaction and will record a deed from your Mom to you. If you will be paying... View More

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