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Arizona Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: My Arizona HOA says I can't have a Presidential political sign up in my yard right now. I'm looking at ARS 33-1808 (C)

They seem to think that since Presidents aren't on the Primary ballot for July 30th, that I can't have a "presidential" political sign up. I read it as any political signs can be up 71 days before the primary, if the candidate is still in the running. What do you think?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 10, 2024

Under ARS 33-1808 (C), Arizona law permits homeowners to display political signs 71 days before a primary election. The key point is whether this law applies to signs for candidates not appearing on the primary ballot. Your HOA interprets the law to mean that only candidates on the primary ballot... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Arizona on
Q: Does title in AZ go back to original title after one person quik claim deeded his 50% to someone and they signed deed ba

My boyfriend and I own property in AZ Deed said 50% each with right to survivorship Boyfriend quik claim deeded his50% to someone and then that person was paid $8500 to sign back to my boyfriend! Now boyfriend dies and I want to sell! Is our title as it was when we purchased

Gregory Christopher Poulos
Gregory Christopher Poulos
answered on May 7, 2024

I strongly suggest you order a title search and consult with an attorney because these transfers may have left you with only half of the property interest which means the other half belongs to your boyfriend's estate.

"Right of Survivorship" in Arizona only applies to married...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Arizona on
Q: My girlfriend is getting an inheritance from her dads will.Family lawyer says we have to pay a oath & stamp duty fee

and a nortization fee equaling to a totall of 130k. Im more curious to make sure its not a scam. The inheritance money wise is over 7 million and 65 acres of land.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 17, 2024

GF needs to hire an AZ attorney to check out the Probate Action. Then he needs to look into the distribution itself. Notary fees do not justify $130K ever. However it sounds like there are other fees involved, not just for a notary. Also the Deed will need to be drafted correctly to convey... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Social Security and Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: child has social security disability wondering if we can use back pay for closing cost on a family home
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Yes, it is generally possible to use Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) back pay to cover closing costs when purchasing a family home. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Lump-sum back pay: When an individual is approved for SSDI, they often receive a lump-sum payment...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for Arizona on
Q: Father passed away, his name forged on quitclaim, notary found to not be diligent and got commission revoked.

My sister forged our dads name on a quitclaim deed, I had filed a complaint on the notary which originally resulted in her favor but this week I got a letter from the secretary of the state saying they found multiple things she did wrong with the investigation and the fact that they don't... View More

Gregory Christopher Poulos
Gregory Christopher Poulos
answered on Mar 21, 2024

I agree with attorney Whitehurst that you must act immediately to hire an attorney. While you may certainly consult with a real estate litigation attorney I would suggest that you consider a consultation with a probate attorney that handles probate litigation. While very similar since it affects... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for Arizona on
Q: Father passed away, his name forged on quitclaim, notary found to not be diligent and got commission revoked.

My sister forged our dads name on a quitclaim deed, I had filed a complaint on the notary which originally resulted in her favor but this week I got a letter from the secretary of the state saying they found multiple things she did wrong with the investigation and the fact that they don't... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Mar 21, 2024

You need a real estate litigation attorney to file a lawsuit against your sister to have the deed declared void due to forgery. Do not delay. But in the meantime, if you get a whiff of the house going under contract then contact the escrow company and pointedly inform them that there is reason to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Insurance Defense and Small Claims for Arizona on
Q: In the State of Arizona, can you be sued for more than the amount of an original claim? ($4,500)

Would lawyers be required? If so, who pays the lawyer fees?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 5, 2024

An Arizona attorney should advise, as this could be covered under state-specific civil procedure rules. However, your question remains open for two weeks. The short answer is "yes" in most jurisdictions nationwide. Sometimes interest is capped by statute, but claimants can sue for it.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Insurance Defense and Small Claims for Arizona on
Q: In the State of Arizona, can you be sued for more than the amount of an original claim? ($4,500)

Would lawyers be required? If so, who pays the lawyer fees?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 5, 2024

Addendum - I'm sorry, a minute ago I mean to write, "That doesn't NECESSARILY MEAN it's not possible... "

I inadvertently left out the words "necessarily mean." Good luck

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: HOA Directors and Management company's mismanagement is causing huge special assessment fees and loss in equity of home.

I own a single family residence in Mesa and the community association is in financial crisis. After speaking to the management company, who advised me to sell quickly, I found out that we are looking at first a very large special assessment, and then even then still there's a strong... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Jan 24, 2024

You and the other homeowners may have a case against the board of directors for their mismanagement and breach of duty. From the information you disclosed, this should be considered. The directors may have purchased a policy of errors and omissions insurance coverage. If so, a claim could be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Rights for Arizona on
Q: Can a homeowner in an HOA contact the insurance carrier of D & O policies ? The homeowner is payor of the premium

Assessments pay insurance premiums, so can they legally contact the insurer?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 21, 2024

Yes, as a homeowner in an HOA who pays the premiums for the Directors and Officers (D & O) insurance policies, you typically have the right to contact the insurance carrier. Since you are the payor of the premium, you have an insurable interest in the policy, and it's within your rights to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: We purchased our home 2 years ago as is. Now the house is falling apart and we want them to pay for all damages.

My husband and I purchased our home almost 2 years ago. We have recently found out that they did not disclose everything truthfully. They stated that all piping was replaced, we found out a few months ago that there is a cast iron pipe running from the guest bath almost through the entirety of the... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Jan 12, 2024

It appears that you have a non-disclosure claim against your seller and, possibly, against your seller's agent. Both have a duty to disclose. I recommend that you have your home inspected carefully by a licensed contractor. If your seller failed to disclose the items you mentioned, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: We have a HOA we service back in September and they are finding every excuse to not pay us can we file a mechanics lien?

I would like to know if the mechanics lien will be the right step to get paid for a job we have done(note: it was a 5ft firebreak clear of weeds, shrubs, tree)? Can someone please advise

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 27, 2023

In Arizona, filing a mechanic's lien can be an effective way to secure payment for services rendered, especially in cases where your client, such as an HOA, is not fulfilling their payment obligations. However, it's important to understand the specific legal requirements and procedures... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: If I brought a house and the seller didn't say the additions didn't have permits can I sue the seller?

I brought a house and tried to sell it later. An offer over asking price was made but once the inspection got done I learned the additions where not permitted and I had to bring the price down 25k. I was never told that the additions wasn't permitted by the seller or the person I had do my... View More

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Dec 8, 2023

In Arizona, if a seller fails to disclose unpermitted additions to a house, you may have legal recourse. This could include claims such as breach of contract, fraud, or misrepresentation, as sellers are obligated to disclose significant property issues.

Understanding key factors is...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Arizona on
Q: What recourse do I have with sub-contractors who require a deposit but do not perform in a timely manner?

I am building a single family residence. Currently I have an engineer who took a deposit but is not performing, or responding. Small claims court the only choice? What about other contractors down the road? Maybe need a contract to cover myself.

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Oct 3, 2023

This is a complicated matter. There are many things you need to do to protect yourself. Using a good contract with the general contractor is a first step. If you are acting as the general contractor, having good contracts with the contractors you hire is important. As for the engineer you... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Child Custody for Arizona on
Q: I found a bag that has remnants of what could be crystal meth in my bathroom trash, its my kid's dad. What can I do?

We live in AZ. He lies a lot. We have a mortgage together. What can I do legally to find out and if it is, get him out of home and away from kids?

Stephen M Vincent
Stephen M Vincent
answered on Oct 2, 2023

You probably need to get it tested. Then once you find out it is meth, you need to ask him to submit to a drug test. If it's positive, you could use that as a reason to get temporary emergency custody (i.e., legal decision-making and parenting time) over the children.

If you're...
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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: i need help with adverse possession laws

adverse possession is civil matter not criminal? i did an adverse possession and the owner came back after it being abandoned for 5 years and put criminal trespass charges he also filed false landlord tenant eviction paper but never served us so we had no notice to leave then sent the sheriff in... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Sep 8, 2023

Adverse Possession is a civil transfer of land title. However it appears you were not there long enough to make a claim apparently without color of title. There may be a SOL that was busted when they sued you for possession. You will have to hire a AZ attorney to advise you and represent you.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Arizona on
Q: If you have buried your love one in your yard do you have rights to claim your property as a cemitary?

I have heard that you have additional rights to property protections (such as not having to pay property tax and your property, etc) if your loved ones are part of your property.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 14, 2023

In the United States, the laws regarding burying loved ones on private property vary by state and locality. While some areas may permit private family cemeteries on your property, there are usually regulations and requirements in place, such as size restrictions, permits, and record-keeping. These... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Arizona on
Q: If you have buried your love one in your yard do you have rights to claim your property as a cemitary?

I have heard that you have additional rights to property protections (such as not having to pay property tax and your property, etc) if your loved ones are part of your property.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 25, 2023

In most states—possibly all—property used EXCLUSIVELY for the burial of human remains is exempt from taxation. There is also automatically a public access easement so anyone can visit the site.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: Az property valuation affidavit. price of ac $18,000 if means of financing is marked barter or exchange what next

98 promissory note signed for two acres.

2001 mother sold one acre back to owner who financed us. $41000 both acres 2001 modification to promissory note states new loan amount 25000 also note states we returned one acre releasing it back. I never signed anything agreeing to this agreement... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on May 15, 2023

You are going to have to hire an AZ attorney that does real property litigation, not a title co. The Title needs to be searched, and if possible the original instruments need to be examined. Despite your disputes, the Notes and taxes must be kept current during litigation. Otherwise the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Arizona on
Q: Deed has both deceased parents name. Mothers will gives house as living estate to two children. Which proceeds?

Father passed in 2014. Mother passed in 2022.

Marcus N. Seiter
Marcus N. Seiter
answered on Apr 6, 2023

Assuming AZ house was owned JTWROS between parents, then when dad passed in 2014, the house effectively belonged solely to mother (even though nothing was recorded to reflect that). Then in 2022, the house became part of mother's probate estate. The Will giving the life estate probably governs... View More

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