Real estate, whether it is residential or commercial, is the single greatest asset, investment, and liability that a person or business can make. Real estate transactions, leases, and other undertakings, including the maintenance of the property, must adhere to rules, regulations, and contractual obligations. Failure to comply or unaligned interpretations of obligations can lead to disputes, and disputes can lead to litigation if not handled properly, timely, or adequately. But even then, real estate litigation in Washington, DC may be inevitable to solve problems.
At the Law Office of Alfredo Vasquez, our real estate attorney in Washington, DC and Northern Virginia can assist you with strategic, practical advice and will handle real property litigation when problems arise. However, through our representation, we aim to minimize real estate disputes so that costly litigation can be avoided. Contact us at (202) 525-7710 to schedule a consultation today.
Real Estate Law Services
Our office works with clients in Washington, DC and Northern Virginia to draft and review real estate documents, advise homeowners on how to avoid liens and foreclosures, and represent investors in tax sale foreclosure cases.
We also help with these common causes of real estate disputes:
Breach of Contract
Parties enter into real estate agreements, or contracts, on a regular basis. When one of those parties does not adhere to the terms of the contract, the other party may sue for a breach of contract. It is imperative that when you sign a contract you understand what exactly you are agreeing to. This means reading the entire contract, even the tiny print.
In order to avoid any problems in the future, it is a good idea to speak with a real estate attorney in Washington, DC before signing a real estate contract. The attorney can advise you of any concerning issues with the contract, what is expected of you under the terms of the contract, and what you can expect of the other party or parties.
Dispute Over Boundaries
Every property has a boundary, where ownership of one party ends and ownership of another party begins. Often, there is confusion over the exact location of a boundary line, which leads to litigation. Sometimes, neighbors have been operating under the assumption that the property line is something different than what is registered in the county where the property is located. A quiet title action is the correct way to settle a boundary dispute.
Before purchasing a piece of property, it is best to have a survey completed so that you know exactly where the boundaries are and if there are any encroachments on the property.
Partition
Partition actions are unique in that the party bringing the action is not necessarily alleging that any other party has done anything wrong. These actions are often used when a property has more than one owner, and the different owners no longer wish to be co-owners. One party may want to buy out the others, or all parties may want to sell the property and split the proceeds. The court may also conduct an accounting so that it can accurately determine if one party deserves more proceeds than another.
Quiet Title
When there is a question as to who is the proper owner of a piece of property, a quiet title action is often brought to settle the matter. A quiet title action allows the court to look at the evidence and determine the correct owner. Quiet title actions are used for boundary disputes, adverse possession cases, or when ownership of property needs to be determined.
Solutions to Real Estate Disputes in Washington, DC
Litigation is not always the best route to resolve a real estate dispute. Other options are available to parties involved in a disagreement. The most common is alternative dispute resolution (ADR). ADR comes in two main forms: arbitration and mediation.
Arbitration
Arbitration is when you and the other party attend a hearing where you present your side of the case to a neutral and knowledgeable arbitrator or panel of arbitrators. In most cases, decisions reached through arbitration are binding on both parties. It is a formal process but is still less time-consuming and less expensive than litigation. It is also more private, and the parties can agree on who they wish to be the arbitrator(s).
Mediation
Mediation is a less formal process than Arbitration, where the parties meet and attempt to reach an agreement to which they can all consent. Mediation allows the parties to have a say-so in what happens. In most cases, either party can walk away at any time. The mediator is present to facilitate an agreement and does not make a final ruling.
How Can a Real Estate Lawyer in Washington, DC Help You?
Real estate disputes can be overwhelming and the rules of procedure can be intimidating, let alone building, supporting, and persuasively arguing your case. A real estate attorney offers real benefits, which include:
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Determining the right legal action to take
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Interpreting any contracts and/or legal action against you
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Obtaining additional and relevant documentation you may not possess yourself
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Drafting documents needed to move your case toward a resolution
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Corresponding effectively with other parties, particularly their attorneys, to negotiate a settlement or non-trial resolution
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Taking the proper steps to bring a case to court or counter a case brought against you in case a non-trial resolution is not reached
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Oversee your case from start to finish
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Defend your rights and protect your interests
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A real estate dispute can be all-consuming. Retaining competent legal counsel may be the best way – both for you and your business – to resolve your real estate problem.
Contact a Real Estate Attorney in Washington, DC Today
At the Law Office of Alfredo Vasquez, we litigate when necessary and settle when it is in our clients' best interests. Real estate disputes can become costly, and so our real estate lawyer uses resources wisely to procure the best possible outcome for you. Contact us today by filling out the online form or calling us at (202) 525-7710 to schedule a consultation.