Real Estate Law in Worcester, MA

What Is Real Estate Law?

Are you getting ready to purchase or sell some property? Are you involved in a property or real estate dispute? Or, maybe you are having trouble getting your landlord to make repairs to the home? Whether or not you are a property owner or tenant, you have rights under Worcester, Massachusetts real estate law. Developers, property managers, and investors can also face property issues. Common reasons for this include property rights, access, liabilities, and more. These matters are complicated, so the best first step is to seek the counsel of a qualified Worcester real estate attorney.

Types of Real Estate Law Disputes

Disputes involving real estate are very common and some of them are quite complex. They often require the intervention of the courts. The courts are seen as the most biased party to weigh in fairly. Learn more about the different types of real estate disputes below.

Escrow Deposit 

If you decide to purchase any Worcester 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 one of the most common forms of real estate disputes between neighbors, especially when property ownership changes. An easement allows other people or parties access to use certain portions of your property. Easements are not always granted by a property owner. Information regarding easements is often included in Worcester, MA  property deeds. Regardless of the reason for the dispute, the resolution often involves hiring an experienced 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 try to take advantage of buyers by withholding information. Ultimately, they may do this to impact the outcome of the transactions and future ownership. Proving fraud in a real estate transaction can be an uphill battle. It is almost always necessary to work with an experienced Worcester real estate lawyer to straighten things out.

Massachusetts law includes potential punishments of up to decades in prison and $500,000 in fines. Civil litigation is likely to result if someone is convicted of real estate fraud in Worcester. Massachusetts Lawyer Weekly even reports that initial victories occurred in 2020 to hold mortgage fraudsters accountable. These successful efforts against criminals include both criminal and civil legal actions.

Contract Breaches

No Worcester, Massachusetts real estate transaction is enforceable without a contract. Not all contracts are valid. The requirements for what to include in a valid real estate agreement vary from state to state. However, documents that are missing certain elements or contain unclear or confusing language and in which one party breaches often result in real estate disputes between sellers and buyers. Real estate contracts are enforceable documents. You should never enter into a real estate transaction in Worcester without a valid mutually beneficial contract.

Landlord/Tenant

Disputes often arise when Massachusetts landlords and tenants cannot agree on repairs, rent arrears, and more. Worcester, MA tenant and landlord laws are very complex, and failure to adhere to them can cause either party to violate the rights of the other. Not only is a valid rental agreement crucial, so is having good legal counsel.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has demonstrated a history of protecting tenant rights and remedying disputes. Most concerns that can arise in Worcester have provisions in General Laws. However, local Ordinances & Regulations can also complicate your legal concerns. Specific language in local, state, or federal law can become a central concern to these types of lawsuits.

Boundary Lines

Property line disagreements usually occur when adjoining Worcester, MA property owners do not respect property boundaries. Sometimes this is due to a valid 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 Massachusetts 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 their real estate to another without going through the proper process. Or, there can be other parties with ownership rights, such as certain lien holders. 

Determining the rightful owner of a property in Worcester 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 be clear before securing a mortgage or financing.

Code of Massachusetts Regulations gives creditors the benefit of a monetary judgment for ten years. If the lien isn’t satisfied during that time, they can refile for another decade against property in Worcester.

What Should You Do If You Become Involved in a Real Estate Dispute In Worcester, Massachusetts?

If you have a real estate issue in which you feel your rights are being violated, or there is a specific issue that has you and another party in disagreement, you may want to speak with a qualified Worcester real estate lawyer. Regardless of the issues involved, you can benefit from having legal guidance.

Learn About Real Estate Law

Worcester real estate law is quite complex. It is important for you to learn as much as you can about how real estate law applies to your circumstances. Your lawyer will help you to understand what’s at stake and develop a plan of action that helps protect your real estate rights.

Work With an Experienced Real Estate Attorney In Worcester, Massachusetts

Real estate disputes make up the majority of litigation cases. Not all issues require you to go to trial. You should work with an experienced Worcester lawyer who has the knowledge and experience to get you the resolution you seek. Depending on your disagreement, the courts may include financial compensation and injunctions to prevent retaliation or recurring issues.

Get the legal help you need now. We help Massachusetts landlords, renters, property and more resolve their real estate litigation. Additionally, we can even help you connect with an attorney across Massachusetts 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!