Residential Real Estate - Own / Keep Information & Articles

Recent Articles

Neighbor's Tree Fell and Smashed Boundary Fence: What's Next? by Ilona Bray, J.D., University of Washington Law School
The mere fact that a fallen tree belonged to your neighbor does not mean that the responsibility for resulting damage is also the neighbor's. ... Read more
Do I Have Enough Homeowners' Insurance? by Ilona Bray, J.D., University of Washington Law School
If a catastrophe or a major national disaster hits, will your insurance policy provide enough compensation to rebuild the house to what it was and fill it with similar possessions? ... Read more
Understanding Real Estate Liens by Brian Farkas, Attorney
A lien is a claim against property made by someone in order to secure payment of a debt. The lien makes the property collateral against monies or services owed to another person or entity. ... Read more
Partition Action for Dividing Ownership of Real Estate by Brian Farkas, Attorney
Legal remedies when co-owners of land can't agree on what to do with it. ... Read more
Frequently Asked Questions About Eminent Domain by Brian Farkas, Attorney
Need to learn more about when, how, and why a governmental body might take ownership of privately held land? ... Read more
Government Taking of Property
Can your real estate be taken from you? Sometimes the answer is "yes." Eminent domain (or condemnation) is the power of government to take private property for a public use. ... Read more
Owning and Keeping Chickens
To raise chickens in a residential area, you will need to comply with local ordinances. ... Read more
Growing Your Own Food? Keep It Legal by Will Van Vactor, J.D.
The economy and general health concerns have many of us growing our food. Make sure your garden is legally healthy. ... Read more
Disputes With Neighbors Over Real Estate Boundary and Property Lines by Brian Farkas, Attorney
There are different types of boundary disputes, and different approaches to solving them. Cooperation and diplomacy, however, are often the best solutions. ... Read more
Zoning Ordinances and Regulations by Will Van Vactor, J.D.
Zoning ordinances and regulations are laws that control how you can use your property. Cities, counties, townships, and even states, use zoning laws to guide development and shape the commun ... Read more
Can I Sue My Home Seller for Defects Found Post-Closing? by Brian Farkas, Attorney
Moved into a new home and discovered surprises like leaks, mold, cracks, or other defects? The cost of fixing those problems might not be solely yours to bear. ... Read more
What Home Buyers and Homeowners Should Know About Easements by Ilona Bray, J.D., University of Washington Law School
Some easements are normal and you'll hardly notice they exist, while others might have a significant impact on your use and enjoyment of the land. Whether any particular easement is cause fo ... Read more
Homebuyers' Options for Resolving Undisclosed Home Defects Before Filing a Lawsuit by Ilona Bray, J.D., University of Washington Law School
If you're thinking, "I'm going to sue over this home defect," first consider some more effective and speedy ways to get the results you deserve, in terms of time, effort, and the ultimate fi ... Read more
Common Questions About Homeowners' Insurance Coverage
Look for your question in our FAQ section below. ... Read more
Homeowners' Insurance Company Mishandling My Claim: Can I Sue for Bad Faith? by Ilona Bray, J.D., University of Washington Law School
It's not unheard of for homeowners' insurance carriers to drag their feet, demand evidence that's impossible to provide, or deny your claim entirely. What can you do in such a situation? ... Read more
Will Your Homeowners' Insurance Deny Coverage Due to Faulty Workmanship? by Ilona Bray, J.D., University of Washington Law School
Most homeowner's insurance policies won't cover the fixing of problems caused by faulty workmanship. ... Read more
What Damage Will My Homeowners' Insurance Cover? by Beth Dillman, Attorney
Homeowner's coverage pays for only certain types of perils causing damage, and only for certain types of damaged property, up to limits set within your policy. ... Read more

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