Gig Harbor Real Estate Law And Litigation Representation
Real estate can be an attractive investment. Sometimes it is essential for your business success. Maybe you are looking for a new home or a vacation property? While real estate agents and brokers understand how to fill out paperwork and complete transactions, they do not often help investors make strategic decisions.
Over Three Decades Working In Gig Harbor
Our attorney at Gordon & Alvestad, PLLC, is a real estate lawyer, as well as has decades of experience with complex and sophisticated business, investment, estate planning and tax matters. This wealth of experience means we can provide the “big picture” when you are considering the purchase of real estate.
We help business and individual clients in Gig Harbor and throughout Washington state with commercial real estate transactions and litigation matters, as well as residential real estate issues. Attorney Paul Alvestad has over 40 years of legal experience, and this depth of experience ensures you receive cost-effective advice for every case.
We know this area, and our experience allows us to explain in straightforward, meaningful terms your options, important deadlines, and the potential rewards and risks of those options.
Help For Complex Real Estate Matters
In Washington, land use and real estate regulations can vary greatly between jurisdictions and municipalities. With commercial enterprises, these variations can be challenging. If you are starting a business or scouting for a location, you must know the requirements and limitations of every parcel you are considering.
We can help you with complex decisions related to real estate issues such as:
- Adverse possession
- Easements
- Encroachments
- Boundary disputes
Whether you are dealing with a single home sale, need to manage multiple properties or are struggling with municipalities and regulations, our lawyer can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Real Estate
Dealing with a real estate issue in Washington state can be a stressful experience. Here are three commonly asked questions about commercial and residential real estate disputes that our lead attorney regularly addresses for his clients.
What is a “quiet title action,” and when is it necessary for a property owner?
A quiet title action is a formal lawsuit filed in a superior court – such as the Pierce County Superior Court – to establish a party’s legal title to real property and remove any “clouds” or competing claims. A cloud on title is any claim, lien, boundary dispute, recorded document or other issue that creates uncertainty about ownership or the extent of a property interest.
Once resolved, the court’s order can be recorded to help clear the title for future sale, financing or development.
How does Washington state’s adverse possession law apply to misplaced fences in Pierce County?
To claim land through adverse possession in Washington state, an individual must openly, exclusively and continuously possess the disputed property for at least 10 years. In the Gig Harbor area, boundary disputes frequently arise over old or misplaced fence lines. For example, if your neighbor has maintained and treated the land up to a fence as their own for a full decade, they may have a valid legal claim to that strip of property, even if an official survey indicates the fence was built on your side of the property line.
Can a buyer recover their “earnest money” if a real estate transaction falls through?
In Washington state, the recovery of earnest money or good faith deposit depends entirely on the specific contingencies outlined in the purchase and sale agreement. Common protective contingencies include financing approval, satisfactory home inspections and clear title reviews. If a buyer backs out for a reason explicitly covered by a contingency (e.g., discovering major structural issues during an inspection), they are typically entitled to a full refund.
However, if the buyer breaks the agreed terms of the contract without a legal excuse, the seller may retain the earnest money as liquidated damages. Since these cases are complex, the outcome will depend on the specific circumstances and the terms of the purchase agreement.
Don’t Navigate This Process Alone, Contact Us Today
We can help you or your business deal with matters involving a broad range of real estate and real estate litigation issues in the Tacoma area or throughout Washington. Call our Gig Harbor office today at 253-666-9219 or schedule an initial appointment using our online contact form.
