Real Estate Law

Buying your first home in Oregon is an exciting step. However, the process can seem overwhelming without the right information. With a bit of planning and some careful consideration, you can make smart decisions that pave the way to a successful purchase. Set a...

Easements are legal rights allowing someone to use another person's land for a specific purpose. When buying property with existing easements in Oregon, you need to understand how these rights affect your ownership and use of the property.  Ignoring easements can lead...

Buying a home is a significant decision that requires many steps. Ensuring you make informed choices can save you time, stress, and money.  Not getting mortgage approval first One of the first steps in buying a home is getting approved for a mortgage. Knowing your...

When purchasing a home, you'll encounter the terms earnest money and down payment. Both involve a financial commitment, and they serve distinct roles in the transaction process. Earnest money Earnest money is often referred to as a "good faith deposit." It...

Selling a house without a real estate agent is a daunting prospect. That said, it might save you considerable cash. However, it also means taking on all the responsibilities an agent would usually handle. If you go the independent route, take precautions to protect...

Adverse possession is a legal concept that allows someone to claim ownership of land that does not belong to them, simply by using it openly and without permission for a certain period of time. In Oregon, this is typically 10 years. If you own a vacation home you...

Choosing to buy a home is a major step, representing a huge financial commitment. Yet, amid the excitement of searching for a new house, it is important to be aware of signs that suggest it might be wise to reconsider. Understanding these signs can help you make a...

While looking to buy a home, you will likely encounter terms that banks use interchangeably, such as prequalification and preapproval. However, these words do not denote the same meanings. You might think you have a mortgage in hand when you still have not received...

There is much more to real estate than just finding the perfect home or property. Ensuring you get a clear and clean title is a crucial step in this process. A real estate title is essentially a legal document that proves your ownership of the property. The question...

If you have found a property that meets all of your hopes for a home, your real estate contract should work toward your goal of buying it. Since some provisions in a purchase agreement can favor the seller over the buyer, you should know if contract terms such as a...