Newsletters

Lead Hazards

The issue of lead hazards is of particular concern with regard to dwellings built prior to 1978. In fact, the presence of lead, lead dust, or lead-based paint chips, presents serious hazards to children, as well as adults.

Adverse Possession

Adverse possession is a way that a claimant can establish title to real estate. Essentially, adverse possession is a nonpermissive use of land with a claim of right.

Like-Kind Exchanges

Internal Revenue Code § 1031 provides the procedure for a little-used tax shelter known as a like-kind exchange. In essence, §1031 allows the exchange of business or investment property for other business or investment property of like-kind, with tax-deferral benefits.

Mortgages -- Mortgages and Deeds of Trust Distinguished

In connection with real estate financing, sometimes the terms "mortgage" and "deed of trust" are used interchangeably. The two are not the same. In fact, important differences exist.

Accretion

The term "accretion" refers to the process by which an area of real property is increased due to the gradual deposit of soil from a boundary river, stream, lake, pond, or tidal waters. The legal implications that stem from accretion derive from ancient common law.