Rochford Resources Blog

If you own a house, the fundamental piece of evidence that proves your ownership to the rest of the world is the deed to that house, also called a ‘title.’ Deeds come in the form of legal documents, but not all deeds are created equal. There are different types of deeds, each with its own unique set of implications.

So you’ve toured the builder’s flawless and fully-furnished model home and you’re in love. Buying a newly-constructed home is an exciting and optimistic time, but before rushing headlong into an agreement you may regret, there are a few things you should know before signing on the dotted line.

Nashville real estate attorney, John Rochford notes, “I often get calls from people who are in the process of buying a new home and who have some reservations about the contract their builder has presented to them. Needless to say, their instincts are often correct and the contract is totally one-sided. I help buyers examine their contract and negotiate the best terms for their new home.”

It’s never too late to begin planning for retirement, and it’s never too soon to diversify. Many investors don’t realize they can take the helm of their retirement ship with a self-directed Individual Retirement Account (IRA). According to a study recently published by The Entrust Group, “Real Estate Investor Market: 2015 Trends in Real Estate IRA Investments Research Report,” individual investors throughout the country are giving a boost to the economy while planning for the future. Working with a real estate attorney can help you clear the way for a smooth sail into retirement by making the best decisions regarding a self-directed IRA.

Despite discouraging May numbers, both housing starts and building permits were on the rise throughout the United States in June, which indicates the demand for housing is holding steady as we rocket towards the final quarter of 2016. Housing starts rose 4.8% and applications for new building permits rose 1.5% in June. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s August joint press release, housing starts increased yet again in July, while permits held steady.

Seeking protection, security, and stability for our loved ones is paramount. While it’s hard to think in terms of “worst case scenarios,” in some instances, provisions pertaining to real estate may be a great way to ensure peace of mind and pave the path for our loved ones. However, when it comes to adding minors to property titles, it’s important to understand what, exactly, that means and what the future repercussions may be. Working with a real estate attorney to better understand the implications of minor real estate ownership, including void and voidable contracts is highly advisable.

Knowing Your Legal Recourse in a Seller’s Market

It’s no secret that Nashville’s real estate market is on fire, burning hot, and showing no signs of cooling in the near future. Finding the perfect house in the right neighborhood for a nice price is a tall order. According to an article published on July 15, 2016 in the Tennessean, “The median price for a single family home rose more than $20,000 in the past year. The price was $260,148 in June. A year ago, the median price was $240,000, according to the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors.”

In the late 1970s, American mortgage rates were on the rise. By the time 1981 rolled around, the interest on a fixed rate, 30-year conventional loans had swelled to an astronomical 13.74%! Needless to say, as loan payments ballooned, the housing market became a challenging arena. For buyers, homes that had previously been affordable were all but out of reach. For sellers, finding a buyer that was able to take on the staggering interest rates involved in financing their purchase seemed impossible. So people got creative.

Buying a home or even leasing a property can be a huge undertaking with significant financial implications. Add to this the fact that the contracts typically used in these types of agreements can be dozens of pages long and contain a ton of information that is written in what can affectionately be referred to as “legalese,” and it’s easy to see how the layperson can become confused. Before signing your name on the dotted line of a legally binding document that you don’t fully understand, enlisting the help of an experienced real estate attorney might be a wise decision. Here’s why...

If you’re planning to buy real estate, as exciting as that can be, there’s also a lot that can go wrong. As such, it is very important that you are familiar with the dangers involved in making investments like this, and take steps to keep your property safe.

Buying and selling property and building a robust real estate portfolio can be an exciting experience for both parties, especially when profit, or gain, is part of the equation. Gain happens when property appreciates in value or when the seller takes advantage of depreciation deductions for tax purposes. In either case, it’s important to understand tax ramifications of your real estate transactions and how to make the most of your investment dollars. A 1031 Exchange may be a great option for maximizing your investment and getting the most out of your next commercial real estate investment.