Real Estate Lawyers

Real Estate Legal Services

We work on just about every type of property-related legal issue in existence. In the unlikely event we can’t help you ourselves, we’ll be happy to refer you to a firm that can. So, if you need assistance with any of the issues below, contact us to schedule a free initial consultation, and let’s talk it through.

Real Estate Transactions

Buying or selling real property can be a life-changing decision, so you want to make sure the change is for the better. We can help you by:

• Facilitating Property Transfers: We provide guidance on the negotiation, documentation, and due diligence processes. We also conduct title searches, review property inspection reports, and ensure compliance with applicable laws.
• Financing Real Estate: From mortgages to promissory notes and security agreements, we help structure and review financing arrangements to safeguard your interests.
• Contract Drafting and Review: Real estate contracts, such as purchase agreements, leases, and option agreements, are the backbone of any transaction. Our attorneys ensure these documents are clear, enforceable, and aligned with your goals.

Resolving Property Disputes

Property disputes can disrupt your life and financial plans. At Lo & Lo, we address these issues efficiently and strategically, offering representation in:

• Contractual Disputes: These generally arise from misunderstandings or disagreements over terms in purchase agreements, leases, or other property contracts. Say, for instance, you buy a property only to discover that the seller failed to disclose a serious plumbing issue. What’s your next step? In this case, your attorney could investigate whether the nondisclosure was unlawful (under California’s rules on fraud or negligent misrepresentation) and pursue damages.
• Boundary Disputes: When property lines have been in place for a long time, inaccuracies can arise. You might, say, move into a property with a fence line that has been in place for decades, only to discover that the fence puts 40 square feet of your new property in your neighbor’s garden, according to a new survey. We often help clients deal with issues like these.
• Easement and Access Rights: Disputes over shared rights of way are also more common than you think; though they might sound minor, they can cause major distress.
• Title Defects: This might involve, for example, a cloud on the title of a property you’re interested in. This can be something as simple as a misspelled name on a deed, but it can cast the legal ownership of the property into doubt. We generally deal with these cases by filing a quiet title action in court. Other common issues include undisclosed liens, competing claims, and improperly recorded deeds, all of which often lead to problems. California sets out strict and specific rules in these areas, so it’s essential to have an experienced attorney in your corner if you’re dealing with something like this.
• Landlord and Tenant Issues: We represent both landlords in tenants in disputes related to unpaid rent, maintenance problems, and other issues that can arise during the course of tenancies.

We’re prepared to resolve disputes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, depending on your needs and preferences. We generally recommend keeping matters out of court where possible, as this allows for more straightforward and cost-effective solutions for everyone involved. That said, though, we are prepared to advocate for you at trial if necessary.

Real Estate Investments and Property Management

Real estate investments often involve complex legal arrangements. Lo & Lo provides trusted counsel for:

• Partnerships and Joint Ventures: We draft and review partnership agreements to protect your investments and clarify each party’s rights and responsibilities. These agreements must be robust enough to account for every possible outcome and ensure no party is left at an unfair disadvantage. A bulletproof partnership agreement is the best way to ensure there are no avoidable disputes about management, profits, or future plans for the property.
• Property Management Agreements: Our lawyers negotiate and prepare property management contracts that define the scope of authority, fee structures, and legal responsibilities between property owners and managers. We also step in when breaches occur, helping you to enforce the agreement or seek damages.
• Tax and Regulatory Compliance: Our attorneys advise property owners and investors on how to structure deals to minimize tax liabilities and stay compliant with local, state, and federal laws. For more complex situations, we have a network of tax and compliance experts we can involve to ensure that you’re not unnecessarily exposed to liability.

Estate Issues

Real estate often becomes a central issue in estate administration and disputes, especially when multiple heirs are involved. In situations involving the transfer of property after death, consulting with lawyers experienced in probate cases is important to ensure proper legal guidance.

Our attorneys help clients in Alhambra to resolve title problems stemming from outdated wills, and to litigate claims when ownership rights are unclear. If an estate plan was poorly drafted or if heirs disagree over who should inherit a home, we step in to protect your interests and keep the process moving.

Zoning and Land Use

Zoning and land use laws control what you can build and how you can use your property. Say, for example, you buy a lot with the intention of building apartments, but the lot is zoned for single-family residences only. Our real estate attorneys could help you to apply for a zoning variance and to challenge a rejection if you receive one.

We also provide assistance with issues like permit denials, rezoning disputes, or restrictions that block development plans

Real Estate Law in California

California’s real estate laws are more complex than those in many other states. This is partly because of Proposition 13, the 1978 measure that requires property taxes to be calculated around a base-year value and sets other restrictions on the rate at which property taxes can increase year-on-year. The interplay between state and local regulations also throws up more issues here than in other states.

Legal considerations around property are easy to ignore until they start causing problems, at which point it’s too late to address them without incurring expenses and dealing with unnecessary stress.

At Lo & Lo, we stay abreast of California’s evolving real estate laws to provide cutting-edge advice. Our team works diligently to protect your property rights, mitigate risks, and maximize opportunities in this dynamic legal landscape.

Partner With Our Alhambra Real Estate Lawyers Today

Real estate transactions and disputes require precision and a thorough understanding of the law. Our team is skilled in reviewing and drafting contracts, negotiating terms, handling disputes, and ensuring compliance with California real estate regulations.

Call Lo & Lo today at 626.289.8838 to schedule a free initial consultation or fill out the contact form on our website. Discover why we’ve been California’s trusted choice for real estate legal services for over 40 years.

Attorney Kelvin J. Lo

Kelvin J. Lo is a partner at the firm and head of the litigation team. Having been in the legal field since 2010, Kelvin has gained significant experience and a deep knowledge of the law, which he uses to achieve favorable outcomes for his clients. He represents individuals and businesses, large and small, in commercial litigation, real estate litigation, bankruptcy litigation, personal injury litigation, and employment litigation in both state and federal courts from the inception of disputes through litigation, trial, appeals, and the enforcement and collection of judgments and debts.

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