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Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Tennessee on
Q: Can a property management company demand that I pay Liability to Landlord Insurance where I'm renting?

I received a notice saying: Liability to Landlord insurance is limited to damage to Landlord's property arising from the perils of: fire, smoke, explosion, backup or overflow of sewer, drain or sump, water damage, falling objects, riot or civil commotion.

$100K limit; coverage is per... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 5, 2024

No, unless your lease agreement obligates you to pay for such insurance, the management company cannot simply demand that you pay it. You would have to agree with your landlord that payment for such insurance is part of your obligation under your lease.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: My client is a realtor in California

Her Company name is "ABD realty Inc" (name changed)

Is that name legal --allowed ?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 5, 2024

In California, the use of the word "realty" in a company name is regulated by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). According to the DRE, the use of the word "realty" is restricted to licensed real estate brokers or corporations that have a licensed real estate broker... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Puerto Rico on
Q: Mom and dad are divorce and both names are on the property in PR, would the property go to my mom if he passes first?

Dad has 2 kids from his first marriage. Mom bought the home while divorced from my dad they remarried and before divorcing again she added him to the property per the lawyer request. If he passes away would my mom be able to sell the property with out any consent from his kids from first marriage... View More

Rafael  Pagan-Colon
Rafael Pagan-Colon
answered on Apr 4, 2024

Having your parents divorced, the home becomes a community property, whereby both of your parents have an equal stake of 50% each. Upon either's death, the deceased parent's participation in the real estate will go to hir/her legal heirs. Prior to transmitting the succession rights, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: FL: Does selling a property through a Special Magistrate have rules/stipulations on what can be an acceptable offer?

I own a property 50% and an estate owns the other 50% - it is currently up for sale by a realtor but the listing agreement is about to expire and we have not yet sold the property. The executor of estate is threatening to file a Partition that would have a court appointed employee responsible for... View More

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Apr 4, 2024

In a partition, the court will order the sale. The method of sale can be open market, sealed bid, or auction. If the parties cannot agree on a price to sell the property, the commissioner appointed by the court will set the price. It is likely though that the court would put the property up for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Nebraska on
Q: I am going to buy a house in Nebraska. Owner will carry me. Do I have ti pay interest if we agree to 0%

If we agree ti 250 k over 14 yrs. 0% interest. Now some lawyer is saying we have to be charged interest? Is this correct

Julie Fowler
Julie Fowler
answered on Apr 4, 2024

It is almost unheard of for a person to not pay interest on a mortgage. While I'm not aware of any law that requires a person to charge interest, you may run into unintended consequences if you don't. For example, tax repercussions, gift tax repercussions, estate issues, etc. depending... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: What does “looking over the record” the judgement is void on its face. Everything filed even after entry of judgement?

Please explain in the simple terms haha. What’s a direct attack vs collateral attack?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

The phrase "looking over the record" in the context of a judgment being "void on its face" refers to examining all the court documents and filings in a case, including those filed after the entry of judgment, to determine if the judgment is invalid or void based on the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for California on
Q: I own 2 pieces of property that was verbally given to me. And he died. How can I get the property that is owed to me

I have to go to court over the propery

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 4, 2024

In California, verbal agreements regarding real estate are generally not enforceable due to the Statute of Frauds. This law requires certain types of contracts, including those involving the transfer of real property, to be in writing and signed by the party to be charged (in this case, the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Contracts, Real Estate Law and Small Claims for California on
Q: What is the rule for property managers in real estate law? That they have to be licensed to perform certain duties?

The management must be incensed agent to exercise certain duties,With the exception of living on-sight, which in this case they can perform those duties, but they must be under the close supervision of a licensed realtor. Paraphrased but what if the general manager of a apartment operates these... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

Under California law, property managers who perform certain duties must be licensed real estate agents or brokers. The specific rules are outlined in California Business and Professions Code Section 10131 and 10131.01.

If a property manager is not licensed and performs duties that require a...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Ohio on
Q: What happens if someone breaks a real estate contract/intent to sell contract? What are my options

I'm in the process of buying a home from a less than friendly seller (who lives in another house elsewhere). In late Feb 2024 the two of us met to sign a contract which stated his intent to sell me the property, the price, and some other minor details. He hired the lawyer who wrote it up, we... View More

David H. Relkin
David H. Relkin
answered on Apr 3, 2024

It depends on the contract. The escrow deposit is generally forfeited to the seller if the buyer doesn't close on time or apply for a mortgage quickly enough. But, as the buyer, your next step is to schedule a new date to close by and make the date "time of the essence." This will... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: What kind of contract should I sign between a real estate agent and a wholesale buyer? We want to partner to buy homes.

I (a wholesaler) want to partner up with a real estate agent to help me find properties to sell to my investors (who are cash buyers). I contacted an agent who said to send over a contract between our partnership to ensure terms and agreements of work and profit. Would I use a buyer's... View More

David H. Relkin
David H. Relkin
answered on Apr 3, 2024

You fail to describe the exact nature of your business. Are you looking for the Agent to find you properties that you would contract to buy and then remarket (or, "assign contracts," as you put it) to investors? Have you signed the investors to an LLC? This might work but there are... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: What kind of contract should I sign between a real estate agent and a wholesale buyer? We want to partner to buy homes.

I (a wholesaler) want to partner up with a real estate agent to help me find properties to sell to my investors (who are cash buyers). I contacted an agent who said to send over a contract between our partnership to ensure terms and agreements of work and profit. Would I use a buyer's... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

In this situation, you should consider using a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) or a Partnership Agreement. These contracts outline the terms and conditions of your partnership with the real estate agent, including the division of responsibilities, profits, and commissions.

Key points to...
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3 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: What kind of contract should I sign between a real estate agent and a wholesale buyer? We want to partner to buy homes.

I (a wholesaler) want to partner up with a real estate agent to help me find properties to sell to my investors (who are cash buyers). I contacted an agent who said to send over a contract between our partnership to ensure terms and agreements of work and profit. Would I use a buyer's... View More

Shawn R. Jackson
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answered on Apr 3, 2024

You have several choices ... from a straightforward partnership agreement [not recommended] ... to a joint venture agreement with good insurance ... or form an LLC with a carefully drafted LLC Operating Agreement. In these types of ventures "People, Money & Real Estate", the clarity... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: my house is 50 years oil and also the fence the property was brought by someone he is demanding i move my fence . do i

do i have to move fence been told that texas law adverse procession says i do not have move it we mow and matain this 4 foot stretch

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 2, 2024

It depends upon the nature of the fence. Under Texas law, there are two kinds of fences: “casual fences” and fences that “designedly enclose” an area. Courts have repeatedly found that maintenance of a casual fence does not create a designed enclosure, nor does it begin the running of the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Contracts for California on
Q: Can a contract that was drawn up in Spanish be legal if you are dealing with a business in the US?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 2, 2024

Yes, under California law, a contract written in Spanish can be legally binding, even if the business is located in the United States. California Civil Code Section 1632 specifically addresses this issue:

1. The law requires that if a business negotiates a contract primarily in Spanish,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Business Law for California on
Q: I own a condominium which is a rental property and managed by a property management company.

Does the rent received qualify as qualified business income? And is the rental of the property considered as a pass-through business?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

The rental income from your condominium may qualify as Qualified Business Income (QBI) for federal tax purposes, and the rental property could be considered a pass-through business. However, there are some factors to consider:

1. Qualified Business Income (QBI): The rental income from your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Identity Theft for Michigan on
Q: My real estate agent owned my property through fraud, including identity theft and forgery of documents.

In 2018, I bought a house in Michigan through a real estate agent living in Miami. During the purchase process, my real estate agent recorded my address as Miami in all documents, even though I do not live in Miami. I am not an American citizen and do not reside in the United States.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

Based on the information you provided, it appears that your real estate agent may have committed serious crimes, including fraud, identity theft, and forgery. If your allegations are true, you have the right to take legal action against the agent and potentially recover your property or receive... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Oregon on
Q: Can you avoid/ reduce capital gains tax from the sell of land by reinvesting atleast 75% of the profit into new land?

Land would be in a opportunity zone in oregon.

Sell of land is in oregon as well.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

Investing capital gains from the sale of property into an Opportunity Zone can provide tax benefits, but it does not automatically avoid capital gains tax. Here's some information about Opportunity Zones and capital gains:

1. Opportunity Zones: These are economically distressed areas...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Oregon on
Q: Can you avoid/ reduce capital gains tax from the sell of land by reinvesting atleast 75% of the profit into new land?

Land would be in a opportunity zone in oregon.

Sell of land is in oregon as well.

Benjamin A. Goldburd
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Benjamin A. Goldburd
answered on Apr 4, 2024

There are ways to avoid or reduce your capital gains from the sale of land. Commonly accepted methods are transactions involving a 1031 Exchange or investing the gain in Opportunity Zones. With a 1031 Exchange, you must use a Qualified Intermediary which holds the sale proceeds of the land, and... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for Ohio on
Q: What can I do about a shared driveway owner that won't maintain it?

I am not the owner of a shared driveway. The driveway owner doesn't maintain it and at times it gets almost unusable, until I call and pay someone to have it graded, which is basically just a band aid to make it usable.

Also, the driveway is approx. a quarter mile long.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

In a situation involving a shared driveway where the owner is not properly maintaining it, you have a few options to address the issue:

1. Communicate with the owner: Try to have a friendly conversation with the driveway owner about the maintenance issues. Explain your concerns and see if...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Probate and Real Estate Law for Texas on
Q: I am living in a home owners both died, in court over property rights utilities my name, 90days occupied. Gt CTed legal?

I found all the paperwork the deed the title and the living will of the previous owners that are deceased we have made improvements to the property and they've had no problem out of us all of a sudden we got ct'd even though all the bills are in our name they told us to move out... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it sounds like you are dealing with a complex legal situation involving property rights and occupancy after the homeowners' deaths. While I can provide some general information, it's important to note that laws can vary by jurisdiction, so... View More

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