Real Estate Newsletters

Self-Help Remedy for Encroachment by Neighbor's Trees

A property owner may cut back branches and roots that stray onto his or her property. The right of self-help, as it is called, is not found in state law; however, it derives from the common law.

Tangible and Intangible Property

Property is an external thing that can be owned or possessed. Property can be divided into two categories: tangible and intangible. The word tangible refers to something that has a definable physical form that can be felt or touched. The word intangible refers to something that cannot be perceived by the senses.

Tax Liens

A tax lien is a mechanism that is available to a taxing authority to insure the payment of taxes. With regard to real property, a tax lien may arise when a property owner fails to pay the taxes that are due on a property. A tax lien constitutes a cloud upon the property owner's title to the property.

Real Estate Owners' Rights

An owner of real estate has the right to use the realty for any purpose and in any way that does not conflict with local statutes, ordinances, and zoning laws and any restrictive covenants. As long as the owner complies with those restrictions, the owner has the right to sell the property, to give it away by gift or by will, to exchange it, and to exclude others.

Inspection and Use of Fireplaces

For many home buyers, a fireplace is an attractive feature. In connection with the purchase of a home, it is important that the home inspection include the fireplace or fireplaces located in the home.