Understanding Real Estate Law In Santa Clarita & Beyond

Do you own or rent a property? Then it’s time to learn the basics of real estate law in Santa Clarita and beyond.

Real estate law might sound like something that’s only necessary for landlords, commercial brokers and neighbors in a dispute over property lines. 

But it covers every aspect of real property. 

That means, whether you own multiple properties or rent a mobile home, you have a need for real estate law. 

In fact, even if you’re just signing a lease, you should be working with a real estate lawyer to protect yourself … and the roof over your head.  Otherwise, a simple mistake could turn into a very costly one.

What’s Real Estate Law?

Real estate law covers every aspect of real estate contracts, transactions, disputes and litigation, as well as in all cases of real property including office, retail, industrial and residential properties. 

A real estate law attorney may represent professionals across the industry including builders, developers, small and large property management companies, investors, and brokers. Additionally a real estate lawyer represents anyone who rents or owns real property – essentially anyone with a roof over their heads. Regardless of the client or case, however, a real estate law attorney works to minimize liability while maximizing benefits. 

“Believe it or not, any physical space you touch on a daily basis is real estate,” Steffanie explained. “If you’re a tenant renting a home, apartment, studio, or mobile home – or you’re an investor on your 15th flip – this is all considered real estate law.”The Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick specialize in real estate law, and Founding Partner Steffanie Stelnick also holds her real estate broker’s license in the State of California, giving her inside knowledge and experience in all areas of the market.

Learn more about real estate law in Santa Clarita with Founding Partner Steffanie Stelnick. 

Real Estate Law Services

Real estate law services can include: 

• Acquisition, Development, Sale and Option of Real Property
• Lease Negotiation, Documentation, and Evaluation
• Residential and Commercial Purchase/Sale Agreements
• Financing
• Sale/Leaseback Transactions
• Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs)
• Department of Real Estate and Other Regulatory Agency Filings
• Construction Agreements for Developers, Contractors and Design Professionals
• Governmental Agency Entitlements
• Insurance
• Homeowner Maintenance Manuals and Warranty Agreements
• And more

For a complete list of our real estate law services and litigation experience, please visit our services page.

When Do You Need A Real Estate Lawyer?

You need a real estate lawyer anytime a contract is signed concerning real property, as well as anytime there’s potential for liability or a real estate dispute. 

That means, whether you rent or own, you’ve likely signed a contract that needs to be reviewed by a real estate lawyer, in order to best protect your interests for the future. For example, this could be your apartment lease to the California Residential Purchase Agreement you sign when buying a home. 

“Why do you need a real estate lawyer to review a contract as common as a lease or residential purchase agreement? In the State of California, you’re legally charged with the knowledge of anything you sign,” Steffanie explained. “When you sign a contract, by law, you’re saying you understand the terms and what they mean in all cases. Whether or not you read that 10-page document, the court will hold you accountable to it once you sign it.”

That’s why it’s so important to understand any contract before you sign it. 

“Even in such common transactions as buying or selling a home, you need to know the disclosures that need to be made in the State of California. You also need to know what title is and what escrow is,” Steffanie said. “And that’s what we’re here to help you with.”If you want to protect yourself from any future litigation, we highly recommend you meet with a real estate lawyer – who knows how to write and create real estate contracts – to better explain the implications of your contract. That way, you understand exactly what you’re getting yourself into.

How Do You Best Protect Yourself? 

The best thing you can do to protect yourself is contact a real estate lawyer as early in the process as possible. If you can involve a qualified attorney from the beginning, then you’re more likely to avoid unnecessary spending in a lengthy litigation process. 

“If you get to the point of real estate litigation, then you’re filing a lawsuit against every person involved in the transaction: the home inspector, escrow, title, and all the real estate agents involved,” Steffanie explained. “That’s why it’s definitely cheaper to hire an attorney in the beginning, as opposed to once something has already gone wrong.”

Alternatively, we recommend having a lawyer look over the contracts and transaction details ahead of time, so your interests can be protected from the start. 

“In the most common transactions, such as signing a residential purchase agreement, often all it takes is a quick review,” Steffanie said. “We can answer any questions and give you a synopsis of what to look out for, and that puts you in a significantly better position.”

What’s The Next Step? 

Once you have a better understanding of real estate law, it’s important to have a qualified lawyer look over your existing contracts. 

It could also serve you to find a real estate lawyer before you find yourself in a position of need. If you’re considering buying a property, selling a property, signing a new lease, then we recommend building that relationship now. It’s also important, even if you’re not moving any time soon, but you’re worried about possible litigation, such as a neighbor dispute. 

“Please feel free to give us a call for all your real estate contracts, transactions and questions. We offer a free consultation, and we don’t charge for phone calls,” Steffanie explained. “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain from qualified representation in all real estate matters.” 

We are here to help. Schedule your complimentary case evaluation today, and we will help you map out all the details of your potential case and implement the best solution.

About The Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick 

The Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick is a full-service civil litigation law firm in California that focuses on real estate law, with cases in estate planning, probate, landlord and tenant disputes and contract disputes. Mrs. Steffanie Stelnick represents builders, small and large property management companies, investors, brokers and all types of real property owners. In 2020, she was recognized by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers as Litigator of the Year. Mrs. Stelnick believes all landlords and tenants should know their rights, and when it comes to representation, experience matters. The Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick has handled thousands of real estate cases with a strong, aggressive approach that ensures all clients operate on an even playing field in a litigation environment. Founded in the Santa Clarita Valley, this premiere real estate law firm has offices throughout the state of California, including Encino, San Francisco and Sacramento.