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Arizona Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts, Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: How to inform court of witness role in AZ land case?

I am the only surviving witness to a real estate agreement in Mohave County, AZ, where a father gave his son a piece of land. This issue is part of a civil suit for breach of contract, with the plaintiff claiming that the son was supposed to return the land after one year. I realized my involvement... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Mar 3, 2025

This can be complicated. You need to work through the lawyer for one of the parties. You and your testimony will need to be disclosed to opposing counsel and, If the lawyer determines that your testimony is crucial, the lawyer will need to inform the court of a recently discovered witness that he... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for Arizona on
Q: Are home inspection reports in Arizona confidential and can realtors share them?

I am selling an older home in Arizona, and we've had multiple home inspection reports with conflicting results. After reporting inspectors to the Arizona licensing board due to false opinions and inconsistency, we received no help. Recently, our realtor provided one of these reports to a... View More

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Mar 3, 2025

In Arizona, both the realtor and the seller have a duty to disclose any information that may be material to a buyer. You can mitigate the impact of negative information by also disclosing positive information or, in your case, disclosing the inspector's reports that did not show anything... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: When a person is sued can they have every last penny they have be taken from them ?
Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Jan 28, 2025

No. Some assets are exempt in Arizona such as house equity up to $400,000.00, IRAs, 401Ks, 90% of wages, social security, unemployment benefits, welfare and other assets. Most exemptions are set forth in Arizona statutes ARS 33-1101 to ARS 33-1153.

1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Consumer Law, Foreclosure and Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: A person makes a Mortgage pymt, the financial institution accepts and confirms, then puts pymt back in bank acct refuses

I assumed my mothers mortgage acct with W F same bank as checking acct .3 times now they have refused payment making my regular payment triple and my mortgage acct default . What can I do?

Peter H. Westby
Peter H. Westby
answered on Nov 18, 2024

You have provided insufficient information for me to know exactly what is happening. But it sounds as though your mortgage may be in arrears due to unpaid fees or other charges. If the amount tendered is not precisely correct including any late fees or other charges, a lender will often reject it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: If mom left me her home and the mortgage is in grandma's name can I be forced to sell?

Tennant with rights of survivorship is what the deed states gma is co borrower for the mortgage she's wanting off the loan and I don't qualify is there anything I can do to prevent her from selling my home also am I subject to an inheritance tax?

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

As I understand your question; you state that your mom and you owned a home as joint tenants with right of survivorship. You inherited the home from mom. Grandmother is obligated on the house mortgage and wants to be relieved of this responsibility. She wants to sell the home and have the... View More

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

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 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 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 Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Probate for Arizona on
Q: Do I pay taxes on my 25% share of inherited industrial property in AZ sold now?

I own 25% of an industrial property, which I inherited in 2017 after my mother's passing. The property was initially purchased by my parents through a 1031 Exchange before their divorce and before I received my share. An appraisal was conducted in 2023 when my father refinanced the property.... View More

Nina Whitehurst
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answered on Mar 13, 2025

If the property was included in your father’s taxable estate when he died, which is likely, then its basis is now date of death value. If you sell you would only need to pay taxes on the appreciation since date of death.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Arizona on
Q: My husband and I signed a Quit Claim Deed, can the person receiving it, change the name on Title?

When there is a mortgage, with our names on the Title? If so, is Lender required to notify us?

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Feb 12, 2025

It sounds like your deed conveyance was effective in changing the title to the property. But your mortgage/deed of trust probably has a due on sale clause. So foreclosure may be imminent, which will probably be a notice from the lender.

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