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Legal Issues You Need to Know About When Buying a House

Legal Issues You Need to Know About When Buying a House

By Alexis WalkerPublished 4 years ago 3 min read
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Image source: freepik

Many people dream of owning a house at some point in their lives. Having a house in your name has many benefits, and it can also be a great future investment. It is also likely one of the biggest legal transactions you and your family will be involved in. When buying a house, we put a lot of effort into finding the most suitable location, but most of us forget the importance of legal issues that affect property buying. There are numerous legal elements that you have to consider before making a final decision and investing in a new home.

Title of property

The certificate of the title is one of the most important documents you have to look into before buying a property. Even though some house sales can close without a clearing title, this is a bad practice and may cost you a lot in the future. A person shouldn't be able to claim themselves as a seller if the property you're interested in is not on their name. When buying a house, ask for all documentation related to the title of the property.

On the other hand, when you purchase a house on your own, you'll title yourself as the owner of that house. However, if you're joining forces with someone else, you will need to title the property differently.

Disclosure

All sellers are required to provide additional information about the house. This includes informing the buyer about any known problems related to the house.

Some sellers will deny that their house is not in the best condition. If you are buying a property, tell your agent to arrange a house inspection. An inspection is a key part of negotiations, as it tells you if there’s something off about the transaction. That way, you will know for sure that the house you're buying is in the best condition.

Sale deed

The sale deed is a document describing the transfer of right, title, and ownership of property by a seller to a purchaser. It is one of the most important documents you will need to possess when buying a property. This document proves that the property has been sold to you. No matter how good the offer may look like, make sure you talk to your lawyer before making any final decisions.

If there are any legal problems with the house, do not invest in that property until the issues are resolved by the seller. It’s recommended that you consult with legal experts before you complete the deal. Having experienced lawyers from Leyden Legal on your side would help prevent scams and fraudulent transactions. You'll be able to purchase a property knowing that all the legal aspects are clear and in your favour.

Negotiation

Once you find the ideal place you want to invest it, you will submit the offer to the seller. The seller may accept it or reject it. If the seller suddenly changes any of the conditions of the contract, you should consult your lawyer immediately to review the revisions.

In most cases, you will have to give a deposit for the property you want to purchase. A deposit is necessary to ensure you're serious about buying the house. The seller can retain the deposit if you back out of the deal unless you site a legitimate legal reason for cancelling the offer.

Conclusion

Buying a house is an exciting venture, but it requires a lot of diligence to complete the process. Remember to hire an agent, for there are many aspects of buying a house that laymen aren’t familiar with. Always ask your lawyers about their opinion, and no matter how alluring the offer is, if your lawyer tells you it's not in your interest to purchase it, don't do it. Create a good relationship with the seller and ask to visit the house a few times before creating the final contract. That way, you'll be able to notice whether the seller is being honest with you about the condition of the house.

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