Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to play a role in almost every area of our lives. Artists use it to create works of art, writers use it for inspiration, and even physicians use it to help improve health outcomes. It should come as no surprise that investors,...
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Law Firm
Residential Real Estate
What happens if the bank appraisal is lower than the offer price?
Before a lender approves your mortgage application, they must appraise the property and get an unbiased estimate of the home’s value. When the appraisal value and the agreed price do not match, it becomes a problem. The bank will only fund a mortgage based on the...
What are your rights if you buy a home “as-is?”
You’ve found what seems to be the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood at a great price. However, it’s advertised for sale “as-is.” Obviously, the first thing you want to do is find out just what the problems with it are. Some homes for sale as-is are in...
The importance of contingency clauses in home-buying contracts
As you navigate the complex process of purchasing a property, it's essential to ensure that you have a safety net in place to protect your interests. That safety net comes in the form of contingency clauses in your home-buying contract. While they may sound technical...
3 issues that could delay or cancel a residential closing
Those buying residential real estate in New York have to prepare for a lengthy process. First, they have to start looking for properties that meet their needs. They have to arrange tours at those properties and then make offers on the ones that they think would work...
How “love letters” from potential buyers encourage discrimination
Discrimination in residential real estate has been a problem for a long time, and it’s a topic that needs to be addressed more often. Recently, love letters from potential buyers have been scrutinized for their potential to encourage discrimination. Love letters are...
Can I evict a tenant that brought a pet into a unit?
A dog may be a man’s best friend. However, most landlords don’t quite love these fluffy canines. And this explains why most lease agreements come with a “no pet” clause. But what happens when, in spite of this clause, a tenant insists on bringing a dog into the rented...
6 things home inspectors look for
As a home buyer, you want to be sure you aren’t making a deal you’ll later regret. To ensure that this doesn't happen, you may need to invest in a home inspector. Home inspectors look for issues in a home. Here’s what they may find: Roof damage Roof damage can lead to...
What should you know about a homeowners’ association?
There are several things to consider when you’re in the market to purchase a home. While you might be focused on the location, layout and similar things, you also need to consider other factors. If the home is part of a homeowners’ association, it’s important to look...
Key areas to address during a home inspection
Before closing on a home, you certainly want to have a home inspection performed. It’s one thing to walk through a property yourself. But it’s quite another to have a professional inspector ensure that you’re making a sound investment. You do not want to find defects...