In an age of rapid technological advancements, the emergence of drone technology has raised important questions surrounding property rights. As drones become more prevalent in our skies, it is crucial for property owners to understand their rights and responsibilities. Perhaps even more importantly, drone operators have to know their rights and limitations when it comes to exploring other people’s property. The Evolution of Property Rights The advancement of drone technology has led to a reevaluation of established property rights. These rights have essentially always encompassed the physical ..read more

Boundary disputes are a common occurrence that can cause significant stress and tension between neighbors. These disputes can arise for a variety of reasons, ranging from unclear property boundaries to disagreements over land use. When these issues arise, you must be prepared to assert your rights in a way that preserves the neighborly relationship and discourages future issues. The Root Causes of Boundary Disputes Understanding the issues that frequently trigger boundary disputes is essential for finding a path to resolution. These disputes often stem from a variety of factors that can blur t ..read more

Eminent domain is a concept that can strike fear into the hearts of property owners. In Maryland, where eminent domain is a powerful tool in the hands of the government, understanding your rights and options is crucial.  Understanding Eminent Domain and Its Foundations At the heart of eminent domain lies a legal principle that allows the government to convert private property for public use, provided there is fair compensation. This principle is included in the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, highlighting the balance between the needs of the public and the rights of ind ..read more

Airbnb, VRBO, and other short-term rental sites and apps have changed how residential renting occurs. While these platforms started as a way for homeowners to rent out their unused spaces for a little bit of extra money, they quickly became a business opportunity for those who could afford to buy residential real estate outright.  It should come as no surprise, then, that laws have changed quickly throughout Maryland and the country as a whole. Landlords have had to limit how their tenants use their property, due to the issues caused by short-term tenants. Learn more about the interplay b ..read more

Whether you’re buying or selling a home or a commercial property, your real estate transaction is likely one of the largest purchases you’ll ever be involved with. Even when everything goes smoothly, these transactions can be mentally draining and time-consuming. When something does go wrong and the other party breaches the contract, it could cost you substantial time and money. It’s important to understand your legal options should this happen. Common Real Estate Contract Breaches There are several ways one party in a real estate transaction can breach the contract. If they fail to fulfill th ..read more

Environmental regulations affect a growing number of real estate transactions as companies and government entities strive to protect our natural resources and habitats. However, environmental restrictions and regulations can have a profound impact on transactions, leading to negative outcomes for both buyers and sellers. No matter which side of the transaction you are on, it’s important to know the environmental regulations affecting your transaction and what they may mean for you. Environmental Regulations and Their Role in Real Estate  Regulations that protect the environment are put in ..read more

In the realm of private sales, buyers and sellers often eschew many of the steps and procedures taken during sales between strangers. However, even if you are engaging in a private sale with someone you know well, it’s important to protect both parties’ best interests by using escrow. Escrow is a neutral third party that holds parties’ funds and ensures that both parties are protected until the sale is complete. Even if it takes a bit more time or money to utilize an escrow service, doing so can save you from significant financial losses should the sale fall through. Trust and Safety for Both ..read more

Historical buildings have a beautiful, rich history that adds to the character of the cities and neighborhoods where they reside. However, selling these properties comes with a long list of complicating factors and complexities that can draw out the process. Finding the right buyer can take a long time; while many people want the appeal and uniqueness of a historical building, not everyone can handle the regulatory requirements and limitations of an old building. Whether you are on the buyer’s or seller’s side of the transaction, anticipating these complexities can save you stress and time dur ..read more

Renting a property with roommates is a cost-effective way to have your own private space but still avoid shouldering the costs of housing on your own. Still, it is a major commitment—the terms of your lease spell out your exact rights and obligations, but many tenants simply give their lease a quick look before they sign it and move on. One question that you should ask before signing is if you and your roommates have joint and several liability for the lease. We’ll explain what this means, the risks of it, and how you can protect yourself as a renter. What is Joint and Several Liability? Joint ..read more

Real estate disputes are complex and difficult to compromise on, thanks to the fact that you’re discussing property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. When you are actively trying to settle a property dispute, you must be prepared to bring facts to the table. Cold, hard numbers and indisputable facts can swing a dispute in your favor and help you get one step closer to securing a fair resolution. Appraisals are a useful tool in these situations, often bringing much-needed impartial insight to disputes.  Learn more about how appraisals work, how they may assist with your property disp ..read more