REAL ESTATE
FLORIDA REAL ESTATE LITIGATION
At Minot Law, we are committed to solving your real estate problems. Our depth of knowledge in the area has allowed us to successfully represent clients in hundreds of complex real estate disputes involving substantial economic claims. Disputes involving real estate often involve specific legal concepts not present in other areas of the law. But at Minot Law, we believe our track record of success in the courtroom specifically in these types of disputes allows us to formulate solutions that achieve your objectives and implement those solutions in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
WHO WE REPRESENT
Our real estate litigation clients include developers, contractors, owners, landlords, commercial tenants, real estate management companies, real estate brokers, institutional investors, commercial lenders, homeowners and condominium boards, and neighborhood groups.
CONTRACT DISPUTES
Real estate contracts in Florida are treated differently than most other types of contracts. Under the law, every piece of real estate is considered unique. Accordingly, in addition to more traditional contract remedies, special claims may also apply.
Remedies for Breach of a Real Estate Contract:
MONEY DAMAGES
The first of two primary remedies for the breach of a real estate contract is money damages which can be awarded up to the extent the injured party has been financially damaged by the deal. Depending on the circumstances of the breach, the injured party may elect to only pursue the deposit plusreasonable expenses. However, if the breach was done in bad faith, the injured party could be awarded additional punitive damages.
SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE
The second option is a remedy referred to as specific performance. In a breach of real estate contract situation, the party injured by the breach may request the court to force the transaction to proceed because of the uniqueness of the property. For example, if the seller of the real estate is unwilling to convey the property, the buyer may request the court to force the transaction to proceed according to the terms of the contract. Specific performance remedies are also available to the seller if the buyer is the one who refuses to close.
If the injured party is successful in their case for specific performance, the court will order that the contract be performed as agreed. The injured party is also entitled to any rents or profits that she would have received if the property would have been conveyed at the time it was supposed to be transferred.
FRAUD & NEGLIGENT MISREPRESENTATION
Fraud is a broad term that describes those situations where someone intentionally misrepresents the truth which is then relied upon by someone else.
In the context of real estate transactions fraud sometimes occurs when a seller makes statements to induce a buyer to purchase the property. An example might be if a seller asserts that specific high-quality materials were used in the construction process when, in fact, they were not. A second example is if the seller asserts that the property or buildings are a certain size when, in fact, they are smaller than asserted.
In addition to statements made that are untrue Florida law also holds parties accountable for the second type of fraud. Under certain circumstances, material facts concerning the property or buildings are required to be disclosed. In Florida, all hidden material defects in residential property are required to be disclosed by the seller. If the roof has a history of leaking, certain parts of a building are known to have termite damage, or the foundation is known to have problems the seller is under a duty to disclose these hidden defects. The concealment of material facts under these circumstances is deemed to be the equivalent of a representation that no facts of this type exist.
Related but not quite the same as fraud is a term referred to as negligent misrepresentation. This situation occurs when someone unknowingly makes a false statement but had a duty to know that it was untrue. Negligent misrepresentation is not a blatant lie, but a failure to take reasonable steps to ensure that what’s being represented is in fact true.
Emotions can run high when one party believes they are the victim of fraud or negligent misrepresentation. At Minot Law, we have extensive experience working through the legal requirements of these difficult circumstances.
BOUNDARY DISPUTES
Boundary line disputes occur more often than most people realize. Over time, boundary lines can become blurred leaving property owners, and in some cases surveyors uncertain as to the correct interpretation of deeds.
Often disputes arise when an owner decides to sell his or her property or to construct a fence or boundary wall. After conducting a survey, neighbors may disagree as to the location of the boundary line.
An encroachment occurs when a property owner violates the property rights of his neighbor by placing a fence, wall, or building across the neighbor’s land. If you discover that a neighbor is encroaching on your property, you may pursue remedies with the court requesting it to declare the location of the true boundary.
Care must be taken by property owners to pursue their rights in a timely manner. If sufficient time has passed after the fence or other improvements are installed before enforcement is sought the encroaching party may request rights to the property through a concept called adverse possession. Also called squatters rights, adverse possession is a legal concept permitting one to obtain legal title to property owned by others. The defense of adverse possession arises when a person occupies the property of another individual and the true owner takes no action for a period of time despite knowledge of the encroachment.
If you find yourself in a boundary line dispute, you will need a seasoned attorney to help guide you through the process. Discuss your boundary line matter with Minot Law today. You will receive the help you need to understand your property rights.
EASEMENTS
An easement is a term describing the situation where someone allows another party to use a portion of their land. A good example is when someone permits a neighbor to access their house on a shared driveway. Electric and other utility companies retain easements permitting them to enter someone else’s land to maintain their facilities.
Though most easements are created by written documents, easement rights can be acquired by the continuous use of someone else’s property over time. Courts also have the power to create easements to prevent the property from having no legal access.
Remedies exist when the proper use of another’s property comes into question. The general rule is that an easement holder has the right to use the property in any way that it is reasonably consistent with the purposes for which the easement was originally granted. It’s not uncommon, however, for the holder of the easement and the land-owner to have a difference of opinion as to the scope of the easement.
It’s common for people to lack a clear understanding of easements and the numerous legal problems that can arise in their creation, interpretation, and scope of use. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place for answers. A real estate attorney with easement experience can help send you on the right path.
REAL ESTATE LITIGATION
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WHY CHOOSE MINOT LAW
As a skilled litigation lawyer, Mike Minot represents clients in matters involving real estate, inheritance, and guardianship matters. Whatever your need, Mike Minot is the civil litigator you want on your side to first provide an accurate assessment of your case and then battle for the outcome you desire. With more than three decades of valuable experience, Michael is prepared for any scenario. You will recognize his devotion and ability from your first meeting.
I was referred to Mike Minot by another attorney. He was very well-prepared, strategic, and knowledgeable. With his expertise and intelligence, I knew I would be well-represented. I feel as if I had the BEST of the best. He genuinely cares and is very passionate about his clients. I’ve seen him in the courtroom and was literally blown away…wow, very impressive. Having Mike in my corner was an absolute God send.