Real Estate Law in Juneau, AK
What Is Juneau, Alaska Real Estate Law?
Real estate law is one of the most complex and hotly-contested legal fields. Optimally, you can resolve a dispute without having to file a lawsuit. But when the problems you face remain contested, you may need an attorney to get to a resolution.
The City and Borough of Juneau report that home assessments increased by over 8% as of January 2022. Moreover, officials assert that this surge in prices represents the aggressive nature of the market. In this environment, understanding the state and federal laws below is necessary to protect your interests.
Types of Real Estate Law Disputes
Disputes involving real estate or property are typical, and some can be highly complex. These intricacies can apply regardless of whether you are the owner or a tenant. Often, these disputes require the intervention of the courts, no matter the type of problem.
Escrow Deposit
If you decide to purchase any Juneau property, there are certain steps all involved parties must take. One is having an escrow account. A common reason escrow disputes occur is when the closing process fails and the buyer and seller cannot agree on what happens with the funds.
Easement Real Estate Dispute
Easement disputes are among the most common forms of real estate disputes between neighbors. They especially happen when ownership changes because it allows others to access portions of the property.
Property owners are not always the ones who grant easements. Information regarding easements is often in Juneau, AK property deeds.
Regardless of the reason for the dispute, the resolution often involves hiring a real estate law attorney. Still, one step you can take to resolve the matter before pursuing litigation is talking amicably with the other party.
Fraud/Omissions
Some unscrupulous sellers in Juneau try to take advantage of buyers by withholding information. They may do this to impact the outcome of the transactions and future ownership. However, proving fraud in a real estate transaction can be an uphill battle.
Alaska Statutes have a long list of restrictions that could apply to your circumstances in Juneau. For instance, consider these legal violations you may need to know for mortgage lenders:
- Conducting financial transactions without the proper licensing
- Employing unfair or deceptive business practices
- Omitting or misrepresenting material facts about the loan
- Failing to comply with any state or federal regulations
Contract Breaches
No Juneau, Alaska real estate transaction is enforceable without a contract. Moreover, not all agreements are valid.
The requirements for what to include vary from state to state. However, documents missing certain elements or with confusing language often result in real estate disputes.
Real estate contracts are enforceable documents. Accordingly, you should never enter a real estate transaction in Juneau without a mutually beneficial contract.
Landlord/Tenant
Disputes often arise when Alaska landlords and tenants cannot agree on repairs, rent arrears, and other topics. Juneau, AK tenant and landlord laws are very complex, and failure to adhere to them can create liabilities.
The Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord & Tenant Act covers most legal concerns about renting in Juneau. This legislation focuses on what can and cannot be a part of your lease agreement. For starters, the contract needs to state the condition of the property and expectations for its maintenance.
Boundary Lines
Property line disagreements usually occur when adjoining Juneau, AK property owners do not respect boundaries. Sometimes this is due to a simple misunderstanding between neighbors. Not all property lines are easy to define, and property records are not always accurate or easy to understand.
Usually, disagreements arise because of fencing, trees, and other boundary line concerns. Though some Alaska property owners feel they can take matters into their own hands, doing so could cause more problems. Court intervention is typically the best way to identify and enforce property lines.
Ownership
Ownership issues are common when an owner verbally transfers ownership without documentation. These disputes often happen when someone bequeaths property without the proper procedures. Or, there can be other parties with ownership rights, such as certain lien holders.
Determining the rightful owner of a property in Juneau is not always easy. Many factors and issues can arise when disagreements over real estate exist.
Liens
Liens can impact your ability to own property or land free and clear. It is possible to sell a property that has liens on it. However, some liens can diminish a property’s sale price. Also, in many cases, liens must go away before securing a mortgage or financing.
Alaska legislation says that judgment liens last up to ten years from their approval by a court in Juneau. However, the party that petitioned for it can do so again.
What Should You Do If You Become Involved in a Real Estate Dispute In Juneau, Alaska?
If you have a real estate issue, or there is a specific issue that has you and another party in disagreement, you may want to speak with a qualified Juneau real estate lawyer. Regardless of the issues involved, you can benefit from having legal guidance.
Learn About Real Estate Law
Juneau real estate law is quite complex, so you must learn about how real estate law applies to your circumstances. Your lawyer will help you to understand what is at stake and develop a plan that helps protect your real estate rights.
Work With an Experienced Real Estate Attorney In Juneau, Alaska
Real estate disputes in Alaska make up the majority of litigation cases. But, not all issues require you to go to trial in Juneau. Depending on your disagreement, the courts may include compensation and injunctions to prevent retaliation.
Get the legal help you need now. We help Alaska landlords, renters, property, and more resolve their real estate litigation. Furthermore, we can even help you connect with an attorney across Alaska state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
