The San Francisco real estate market remains among the most popular and valuable in the country. People and companies who own assets in the city will need to take steps to protect themselves during disputes or disagreements. Failing to do so could see a property lose a portion of its value, become subject to a damaging lien, or even fall out of your control entirely.
Consulting with a San Francisco real estate lawyer at Estavillo Law Group today allows them to provide immediate help. This includes situations where you are facing a lawsuit alleging illegal activity or improper ownership of land. It also can involve scenarios where you need to press for the enforcement of your rights in court. In either example, a dedicated attorney at our firm is prepared to listen to your side of the story, gather the relevant information, and present arguments in court on your behalf.
Common Types of Real Estate Disputes that May Lead to Litigation
Disputes are common when evaluating the property rights and obligations of landowners. This is due to both the inherent value in real estate and the sense of territoriality that accompanies the ownership of property.
Many disagreements arise during the negotiation and execution of purchase/sale agreements. These arguments can concern the final sale price of a piece of land, which fixtures will accompany the sale, and whether a buyer has provided payment. Similar concepts can apply to leasing agreements.
In these examples, the most important piece of evidence will be the contract for the purchase or lease. Always remember that no matter what another party to a sale may state, the language in the document is the entirety of the legal agreement.
Disputes can also involve arguments over a party’s use of land. Zoning regulations, land-use agreements, and even federal rules concerning endangered species can all hamper a landowner’s ability to use their property as they like. An experienced San Francisco real estate attorney could help identify the issues affecting property owners and create a solid plan for moving forward.
What Happens When a Case Enters Litigation?
Many people imagine litigation as involving taking a case to court and having a full trial. While this is certainly a possibility, the fact is that most disagreements that involve litigation end far beyond this stage.
At Estavillo Law Group, our goal is always to bring people and companies the result that they desire. If it is possible to achieve this short of bringing a case to trial, this is certainly a better outcome.
A case may end with:
- A cease-and-desist letter that gets another party to stop illegal or undesirable behavior
- A negotiated settlement that results in the payment of funds and avoids the need for a trial
- An exclusion of evidence in court prior to trial that convinces another party to settle the matter or drop the case
If a case does need to go to court, it is essential to remember that there is a time limit on these matters. For breach of contract claims, California Code of Civil Procedure § 337 gives parties four years after the breach to demand a remedy in court. With this time constraint in mind, it is essential to reach out to a skilled real estate lawyer in San Francisco as soon as possible.
Speak with a San Francisco Real Estate Attorney Today
Disputes over real estate have the potential to cause a piece of land to lose value or even force a sale of property. It is essential that you act quickly to protect yourself and your investment. If you are facing allegations of illegal or improper activity related to the purchase or use of land, you need to take decisive action to prepare a defense.
On the other hand, you have the ability to protect your rights if another party is in violation. This can include demanding the enforcement of a contract or the end of illegal activity. A diligent San Francisco real estate lawyer at Estavillo Law Group may be able to help in either of these areas. Reach out now to evaluate your options.