You won’t get this depth of service with your average real estate agent!
When working with Stephen on a brokerage transaction, you get a licensed attorney in California, New York and Arizona overseeing your matter. Having the purchase contract reviewed and explained by someone who is an attorney will reduce issues with the transaction. Making sure any issues with the property and transaction are addressed and disclosed appropriately will also minimize potential liability after closing. A transaction can go sideways at various points. It is crucial that you have the right professional in your corner. We are surprised how little the average real estate agent knows about real estate contracts and other details.
While not all legal services are included in the brokerage representation, you should know that Stephen will look out for your best interests and provide you a level of service that few others can provide. Every transaction is different so please discuss the nature and extent of his involvement in your transaction beforehand.
While Stephen can guide and generally advise on many topics, certain components may still require specialized representation, and we may need to refer you to someone that can assist on such matters as they arise. Some of topics that may arise include:
Landlord/Tenant (Eviction)
California and local jurisdictions subject certain properties to rent control and may limit a landlord’s ability to evict a tenant. Tenant relocation assistance may also be required when asking a residential tenant to leave a rent control unit. Careful understanding of rent control laws is necessary when purchasing a property with a tenant and certain protocols should be followed to minimize issues and risk. It is important that leases be negotiated and drafted thoroughly as well.
Entity Formation
Owners of property may want to some layer of anonymity, limitation of liability, and/or a special purpose entities for their real estate. For example, if you own all of your real estate personally and you have an issue at one your properties that results in a huge liability, the creditors can go after ALL of your properties and assets. A limited liability company is a frequently used entity for property ownership and limiting liability. Certain protocols must be followed to maintain such limited liability and it may not be absolute.
Estate Planning
Individual owners of real estate may want a succession plan for their assets and life affairs in the form of trusts, wills, health care directives and powers of attorney. Trusts are frequently used vehicles that avoid the high expense of probate. Probate is the judicial process whereby a will is “proved” in a court of law and accepted as a valid public document that is the true last testament of the deceased, or whereby the estate of the deceased is settled at time of death in the absence of a legal will. A will articulates to whom your property will go upon passing. Such planning can avoid large legal fees and delay and complication with probate.
Please contact Stephen below if you might need assistance with a legal matter.
