Commercial and residential property owners rely on real estate contracts to successfully sell their properties. Not all real estate contracts are created equally, however. A poorly written real estate contract can delay the property sale or stop it altogether. Likewise, a poorly worded easement or option to purchase can cause additional legal disputes. Alternatively, a party to the sale may dispute the enforceability of the real estate contract.
Contact a Pittsburgh Real Estate Contract Attorney
Retaining a real estate attorney from Jones Gregg Creehan & Gerace can ensure that your real estate contract, easement, or other agreement contains all of the necessary legal standards and components. Contact Jones Gregg Creehan & Gerace today to discuss your case with a skilled business contract attorney.
Understanding a Real Estate Contract
A real estate contract is a legally binding contract between two or more parties involving real estate sale, transfer, or exchange. Real estate contracts outline the expectations of the purchaser and seller. In Pennsylvania, real estate contracts need to be in writing and meet several other requirements to be legally enforceable. Most real estate contracts cover the general terms of finance, property inspection, fixture and appliances, closing date, and more.
Should You Use an Attorney When Drafting Real Estate Contracts?
When it comes to real estate contracts, an unused or misplaced word can cause a dispute before or after the transaction is completed. Working with a Pittsburgh business law attorney will ensure that your contract is legally enforceable and protect you and your interest. When you work with Jones Gregg Creehan & Gerace, we will ensure that the properties are well defined and that all parties involved in the transaction are included in the real estate contract.
We will also ensure that the buyer gives fair and equitable consideration and a legal scope and purpose to the proposed transaction. Disputes over real estate contracts can and do occur regularly. However, when you work with an experienced attorney, you will limit your liability. An attorney can carefully review your real estate contract and advise you of any red flags while negotiating with the other party for the best terms possible.
Drafting a Real Estate Contract
Drafting a thorough and legally enforceable real estate contract is essential in every type of real estate transaction. Significant amounts of money may be involved in the real estate contract. Whether you are involved in a purchase agreement or another type of real estate contract, it’s essential that a lawyer draft the contract with your needs and goals in mind. If another attorney has already drafted the contract, it’s wise to hire an attorney to review the contract for any red flags. An attorney can also help you ensure that you understand all of the words, clauses, and obligations in the real estate contract before you sign it.
Lease Agreements
The attorneys at Jones Gregg Creehan & Gerace have represented Pittsburgh-area clients in a wide range of real estate contract matters. Lease agreements are some of the most common types of real estate contracts. Lease agreements give the tenant the right to live in, occupy, and use a dwelling or commercial property for an agreed-upon period. The lease agreement should effectively outline all of the responsibilities and rules for the landlord and the tenant. Once signed, the lease is a legally enforceable contract that the tenant and landlord must abide by.
Purchase and Sale Agreements
A purchase agreement is a contract signed by the buyer and seller of a property. This type of real estate contract is used in residential and commercial property sales. The purchase agreement should state the buyer’s price and any additional terms by which all parties must abide. As with a lease agreement, a purchase and sales agreement must include all relevant details for both parties, including their rights and obligations. Most purchase agreements also include information on financing for the purchase, the terms of possession, and terms related to any interior or exterior personal property included in the sale.
Title Curative Documents
When buying and selling property, a free and clear title is essential. Various defects can cloud a title, making it difficult for the seller to sell his or her property. Our law firm can help you prepare documents or agreements that you may need to cure a clouded or defective title. We understand how to resolve or care title so that our clients can move forward with their property sales.
Development Agreements
Real estate development contracts are typically executed between a builder and developer and a city or construction company. These types of agreements involve the creation of newly-developed property on a parcel of land. Development agreements need to include the time frame, development plan, property limits, and cost for the development. All of the parties involved need to sign the development agreement before the property development process can begin. There is typically a significant amount of money in large development projects, so the development agreement must be clear and thorough.
Easement and Right of Way Agreements
An easement gives someone the right of way to use another person’s property for a specific purpose. Most easements give someone access to a roadway or driveway, spring, well, or another water system. Easements and right aways can be permanent or temporary. An easement agreement requires a notarized signature from all the involved parties and must be appropriately recorded with the register of deeds to attach to the property.
Discuss Your Case With a Pittsburgh Real Estate Contract Attorney
Whether you need legal assistance to draft a real estate agreement or are involved in a dispute in a real estate contract, one of the skilled attorneys at Jones Gregg Creehan & Gerace can help. Our real estate attorneys have extensive experience drafting, negotiating, and litigating a wide range of real estate contract matters. Contact Jones Gregg Creehan & Gerace today.