Government Representation

There are a number of issues involved in real estate transactions, including many issues that come up with confronting the government with municipal, licensing and zoning issues.  Some of the issues we can assist with in this area include the following:

• Land Use Regulations: Land Use Regulations are complicated and understanding them takes careful planning when opening a business or buying a piece of real estate.  This is particularly important when the buyer wants to make significant changes to a piece of property.  Land use laws can restrict what kind of business activities can be conducted on a piece of law, e.g. if renting a worksite a business owner may not be allowed to install a restaurant because the proper drainage is not available.

• Zoning Laws: Zoning Laws are typical made and enforced at the local township level and may impact what changes you can make to a piece of property in order to keep an organized real estate plan for an area.  Typically, a piece of property zoned for one type of business, e.g. an industrial purpose, cannot simply be turned into a different type of business, e.g. agricultural.  Also, zoning laws may limit what certain areas of a township where alcohol may be served or other adult businesses may be placed.

• Purchase and Sale of Real Estate: Sales and purchases of real estate are complicated transactions that sometimes needs the attention of a Real Estate Attorney.  Sometimes disputes can arise regarding the sale, the value of the property in an appraisal or there may be issues regarding the title to the property.

• Litigation regarding construction related claims: When an issue arises regarding a construction claims, complicated issues can arise regarding insurance, appropriate responsible parties, mechanic’s liens and liability.  Construction involves subcontractors, workers, property owners, the public, the government and insurance companies and issues may arise at every stage of the construction with any of these parties.

• Land use disputes: Disputes regarding how to use a piece of land can be used can arise in any township.  Sometimes tension can exist between public officials and private parties regarding how to use a piece of property.  When this occurs, it is important to understand the history of a property and how the law allows the property to be used.

• Easements by utilities companies: Sometimes property can have parts of it reserved for utilities to run.  These can include water, electric, gas, cable or any other type of utility that has reserved the right to use a piece of the property.  Properties burdened by easements may be more or less valuable when appraised.  Careful title research before purchase of a property is required.

• Environmental issues: Spotting environmental issues in real estate transactions is vital.  Sometimes the land can be contaminated by previous businesses that operated on that property or improper drainage of the property.   Research into the history of the property and proper inspections is necessary in business transactions.  Additionally, real estate property can be contaminated with mold, asbestos or lead paint.

• Eminent domain and takings: City, state and federal governments occasionally force the sale of private property to them for the purpose of developing that property for a public need.  Documents regarding the sale of such properties must be carefully reviewed.