Entries by Evans Law

Navigating the New Landscape of Real Estate Commissions in Maryland: What Home Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

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The real estate industry has recently undergone a major transformation following a settlement involving the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This settlement has brought about notable changes in the way real estate commissions are determined, offering both opportunities and challenges for home buyers and sellers. Most notably, the settlement effectively ends the long-standing model of […]

Navigating the Complexities of Commercial Sales with Historical Buildings

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Historical buildings have a beautiful, rich history that adds to the character of the cities and neighborhoods where they reside. However, selling these properties comes with a long list of complicating factors and complexities that can draw out the process. Finding the right buyer can take a long time; while many people want the appeal […]

Joint and Several Liability in Leases: Protecting Yourself in a Shared Rental

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Renting a property with roommates is a cost-effective way to have your own private space but still avoid shouldering the costs of housing on your own. Still, it is a major commitment—the terms of your lease spell out your exact rights and obligations, but many tenants simply give their lease a quick look before they […]

The Role of Appraisals in Dispute Resolution

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Real estate disputes are complex and difficult to compromise on, thanks to the fact that you’re discussing property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. When you are actively trying to settle a property dispute, you must be prepared to bring facts to the table. Cold, hard numbers and indisputable facts can swing a dispute in […]

Title Issues in Private Transactions: When the Past Comes Knocking

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Real estate transactions are fraught with potential issues. At any point in a transaction, financial problems, documentation issues, or legal problems can put the transaction on hold or even terminate a contract. Unfortunately, the issue is even more prominent in private real estate transactions. These private sale contracts often take place between friends, family members, […]

Legal Concerns When Converting Commercial to Residential Spaces

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The world of real estate is constantly evolving and changing. The pandemic changed a lot about how space is used and what type of space is even needed in different communities. With a growing amount of companies allowing employees to work from home, the need for commercial space is starting to dip in some areas. […]

Deed Transfers Between Acquaintances: Ensuring Every Detail is Legally Sound

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Transferring property is a significant legal matter requiring intensive attention to detail, an in-depth understanding of real estate law, and a knowledge of your rights and responsibilities. When you’re transferring property between friends or acquaintances, it’s common to hit some bumps in the road. People may expect you to bypass important steps or cut corners […]

Commercial Lease Renewals: Negotiating Terms in a Changing Market

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As you approach the end of your lease period, it’s time to decide what you want to do next. If you like your current location but find the lease terms to be less than favorable, you may be interested in negotiating terms that are more to your benefit. It’s important to be prepared, though—jumping into […]

Pets and Leases: Navigating ‘No Pet’ Clauses and Emotional Support Animals

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Renting out a house or apartment requires an in-depth understanding of both real estate and discrimination laws, as unintentionally violating either could land you at the center of a lawsuit. If you have a strict no-pet policy in your rentals, you may wonder what means for applicants with service animals or emotional support animals.  This […]

Private Sale Contracts: Crafting a Legally Binding and Fair Agreement

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Private property sales make up a substantial amount of real estate transactions every year. While the vast majority of transactions happen with the help of agents on both sides, about 10% of sales happen through for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) transactions. When you conduct business without a realtor, you have to work much harder to ensure that everything […]