Seattle real estate attorneys, real estate brokers, and escrow companies deal with the “lis pendens” from time to time, and many people are not sure what it means. The Latin definition is simply: notice of a pending lawsuit. The Revised Code of Washington defines “lis pendens” as an “instrument having the effect of clouding the […]
Category Archives: Real Estate Law
If you’re in the process of buying or selling property, you may well be wondering: How much does a real estate lawyer cost in Washington state? The cost of working with a real estate attorney varies on the basis of several factors. Depending on the situation, you may be charged a flat fee, an hourly […]
The real estate market is on fire, and banks are writing more mortgages than ever. For some, however, bank-led financing is not an option, due to an inability to qualify for a mortgage. Fortunately, transactions with banks are not the only way that property deals happen. Seller take-back financing is also used. But what is […]
Times have gotten tougher for millions of Americans in recent years due to rising prices and an ailing job market. Sadly, economic depression is always accompanied by increasing foreclosure rates. Foreclosure is the process by which a lender can repossess your home if you fall too far behind on your mortgage payments. If you’re in […]
Facing foreclosure is one of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to do. Whether you’re dealing with the prospect of losing your family home or your business property, there are likely no limits to the lengths you’ll go to in order to keep it in your possession. Luckily, you have options in this regard. […]
Can You Sue for a Barking Dog? Dogs are known as man’s best friends. They can also be a nuisance and create major problems between neighbors. But can you sue for a barking dog? If there is one dog barking, it is considered to be private nuisance, but if there are many dogs involved, the […]
It is important for property owners to understand real estate trespassing laws in Washington and their legal rights. The act of trespass and subsequent remedies for property owners are governed by both common law (decisions made by the courts) and by Washington state statutes. Trespass is a tort, which means it is a wrongful act […]
By Thomas L. Dickson, Esq. In a highly-charged real estate market, people losing their homes to deeds of trust foreclosure may be surprised to learn they are entitled to cash after the trustee’s sale. Despite the unpleasant fact a foreclosure is taking place, often the equity gained by the fated property substantially exceeds the amount […]
By Thomas L. Dickson, Esq. Used together, a promissory note and a deed of trust embody the most common type of mortgage. The deed of trust is recorded on the borrower’s title securing the note and prioritizing the loan’s position on title. There are only two ways to foreclose on this mortgage: judicially and nonjudicially. […]
In response to the sub-prime mortgage crisis of the latter part of the last decade, the United States government instituted several programs to help homeowners and tightened regulatory controls on the mortgage industry. One the programs created was the Home Affordable Modification Program,1 often referred to as “HAMP.” The program encourages lenders to lower homeowners’ […]
