Tips For Avoiding Legal Issues When Buying Or Building A Home

There are an almost countless number of steps that you must do as you work your way through the process of buying a house. In particular, there are some important steps that must be taken to protect yourself against some of the legal liabilities that can accompany this investment.

Have The Financial History Of Potential Properties Researched

Prior to committing to a particular property, you should have the financial history of it thoroughly researched by your attorney. It is possible for a piece of property to have a lien against it from a previous owner. These liens will enable the creditor to foreclose on the property and use the proceeds of selling it to settle the debt. Unfortunately, a lien is attached to the property and not the owner, which means you may be responsible for paying this debt to avoid losing your property. By having your attorney research the history of the property, you can make sure that it is free of competing claims before you decide to purchase it.

Always Use A Contractor That Offers A Warranty On Their Construction Work

For some individuals, it may be preferable to have the house custom built to suit their needs. However, those that are having a home built for the first time may not be aware of the fact that contractors often offer warranties for these projects. These warranties will usually cover some of the more common structural or quality problems that can be discovered. While these warranties can be extremely valuable, they can be dense legal documents, which you may have a difficult time understanding. In order to make sure that you fully understand the protection offered by the warranty, you should have your attorney thoroughly review the warranty before you sign the construction contract.

Be Aware Of The Steps For Challenging Zoning Laws

Depending on your goals for the property, you may need to petition the local zoning commission for a waiver. This is particularly common for those that are wanting to build particularly large homes or engage in agricultural activities on their property. While most communities have procedures in place for filing for these waivers, the exact process can vary greatly, and it may be exceedingly complicated. Due to the fact that mistakes during this application can result in delays or rejections, you may want to allow your attorney to handle this task. While it will require you to pay their fee for this work, the hassle and stress that it can save will be worthwhile.

To learn more, contact a lawyer such as Steve Butcher Sr.