Real estate contracts occupy a special place in the legal system, as they combine property law and contract law, meaning they must comply with requirements that arise from both fields of law as a result.

If a real estate contract fails to meet all of these requirements, it...

When signing any contract, the onus is on you to understand the content and look out for your own best interests. However, sifting through legalese can be tedious and confusing. 

This is why it’s essential to consult with a lawyer before signing a commercial lease agreement. Here are three...

In the U.S. alone, lenders currently hold over 83 million mortgages worth over $12 trillion. 

Mortgages are the most common way to buy property, as they give home buyers the opportunity to acquire a home without paying the full purchase price in cash. Instead, the lender loans the...

Solar panels are an increasingly popular way to lower energy bills on properties nationwide.

For some homes, solar panels can effectively reduce the cost of energy bills to nothing. This may sound like a great deal, but it only ends up being one if the cost of installing and...

Many people enjoy their neighborhoods specifically because of the people who comprise them. Neighbors support each other and form a sense of community by sharing common interests in improving their neighborhoods.

Of course, not all neighbors always get along, however, and though some disputes are minor and easily resolved,...

Property law uses many archaic terms that are unique to the use and transfer of real estate. “Deed” is one of these terms, which simply refers to a document used to convey property ownership interests. You can think of a deed as a type of contract, although it has many formal...

Buying and selling a home can be a stressful process, especially with all of the contracts and paperwork. Within your real estate contract, you may find contingency clauses, which could affect your transaction. 

What is a contingency clause?

When something is “contingent,” it means something...

When it comes to buying and selling property, you can expect to encounter many real estate terms you may not be familiar with — “as-is” is one of those terms. It is critical to look out for these terms in your contract and understand what they could mean for you and...

Land encroachment refers to the illegal occupation of land that belongs to someone else. This type of activity can happen in many ways. If you are the victim of encroachment of property, reach out to a real estate attorney at Merlino & Gonzalez. 

Encroachment of property can result in...

Real estate mediation is an ideal method for resolving disputes without taking on the expense and stress of court proceedings. Ideally, successful mediation will put an end to a dispute in a way that leaves both sides satisfied. 

The key to making the most of real estate mediation is...