Purchasing a home is likely one of the biggest investments you will make in your lifetime, and a purchase of this size should never be taken lightly. But the process can be extremely complicated and overwhelming. You will be dealing with real estate agents, mortgage brokers, appraisers, title companies, and inspectors. 

Understanding and adhering to all the rules and regulations of a real estate transaction, while ensuring that your legal rights and best interests are protected, can be challenging to even the most astute buyer. 

Fortunately, you can save significant time, thousands of dollars, and a great deal of stress by hiring a real estate attorney to represent you. A skilled VT real estate lawyer can anticipate issues before they arise, negotiate for the best possible terms, attend to any last-minute problems that may surface, and represent you at closing. And real estate lawyers aren’t just useful if you’re buying a house. 

Whether you are purchasing a home or a commercial property, selling an investment property, or needing a lease, one of our real estate attorneys can protect your legal rights and best interests throughout the entire process. 

Real estate lawyers assist clients with all aspects of the real estate process, including: 

• Preparation and review of purchase and sale agreements, title documents, and mortgage documents;
• Negotiating and executing a contract of sale; 
• Properties with liens;
• Joint sales;
• Estate sales;
• Out of state purchases and sales;
• Short sales and foreclosures; 
• Zoning issues
• When clients need to back out of a contract;
• Attending closing; and
• Landlord-tenant issues. 

When it comes to buying or selling real estate, the contract is the most important document in the process. Many of the issues addressed in a purchase contract are negotiable, and your attorney can ensure that these terms are laid out in your favor, or at least with your best interests in mind. Some of the negotiable terms in a purchase contract include: 

• Inspection: If a home inspection uncovers costly issues, the buyer and seller can negotiate on who pays for which repairs. Depending on the terms of the contract, the buyer may even be able to withdraw from the contract.
• Timing: The date of your closing could be largely impacted by lender delays, the sale of your own home, and other unforeseen issues. 
• Title: If a title search uncovers a lien on a property that you are either buying or selling, your lawyer can investigate and resolve the lien. 

Fortunately, most landlord-tenant issues can be resolved without the need for legal action. A friendly phone call or email to address the issue may be enough. But sometimes, even minor problems can quickly escalate into disputes, and the help of a VT landlord-tenant lawyer becomes inevitable. Common landlord-tenant issues include:

• Failure to pay rent
• Eviction
• Failure to return a security deposit
• Unsafe property conditions
• Invasion of privacy
• Disputes over who is responsible for repairs to the property

The best line of defense for both landlords and tenants is to proactively have an attorney review your lease agreement before signing anything.

At Darby Kolter & Roberts, LLP, our experienced VT real estate team serves clients in Northern Vermont with purchases, sales, financing and leases, and zoning issues, for both commercial and residential properties. Contact us for a confidential consultation about your case.