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Can You Build on a Property Easement?

Diagonal split screen of drawing and photo of a busy house painter painting a home

Most people with easements on their property may not even realize they are there until they go to make updates. There is just something disheartening about finally getting ready to add that beautiful new pool or fence to your home only to find out there is a legal easement. This can stop you in its tracks, which is why it is essential for you to reach out to a real estate attorney to discuss your options.

There are many different types of easements, but only certain types may affect your ability to upgrade or remodel your home. With the help of a real estate attorney in Nocatee, FL, you can better understand what types, if any, easements you might have and what types of projects you are capable of actually being able to build.

Staying off an easement is typically the best way to go, but there is some flexibility when it comes to the rules. Some of the different types of projects you may be able to proceed with include:

Fences – It is not uncommon for fences to be built along or across easements. It is crucial for a homeowner to understand, however, that these fences can potentially be pulled down by the dominant estate at any point. Some utility companies will do their best to reconstruct the fence when their work is finished, but this should not be expected.

Hot Tubs & Pools – If you are looking to add an aboveground hot tub or pool on an easement, then you should be prepared to have to remove them if required by the dominant estate. In-ground pools are much more problematic and should be avoided if you have a property easement.

Shrubs & Grass – Sprucing up your landscape with new bushes, lawn, and other shallow-rooted shrubbery is typically acceptable on an easement. Trees and other significant vegetation, however, should be avoided. Remember, anything that is blocking access for the dominant estate can and will be removed at their discretion.

Work with our trusted title company in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. We will help you better understand property easement.

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What is a Bridge Loan?

Businesspeople discussing a loanA bridge loan is often used as a short-term financing solution to get the borrower from point A to B. In the market of commercial real estate in Ponte Vedra; a bridge loan can help finance the purchase or renovation of a property until permanent financing is arranged.

These loans are different from traditional loans due to their short-term contract and their higher cost. This means they should only be used where sales proceeds or permanent financing are guaranteed in the future. Some examples of when a bridge loan could be applicable include:

  • Residential real estate sales
  • Commercial real estate sales
  • Larger business orders

The Pros and Cons of a Bridge Loan

Bridge loans allow a buyer access to a deal they may not have been financially able to support at that time. It also allows the buyer to close the sale much quicker than usual. There is also no pre-payment penalty, so if they can be paid off early, there will be no consequence and doing so is often viewed as a positive act.

These loans are incredibly expensive and are a great risk for buyers with no clear plan on permanent payment. If you need assistance determining if a bridge loan is right for your needs, contact our real estate attorneys at Baron Bartlett, P.A. today.

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Three Questions Every Homebuyer Should Ask About Title Insurance

People reviewing a title documentTitle insurance in Ponte Vedra is what protects property buyers and mortgage lenders against problems with a title during a transfer of ownership. If a dispute arises in the middle of a sale, the insurance company may be responsible for paying the legal damages. Homebuyers generally need two title insurance policies, an owner’s policy, and a lender’s policy. Below are three questions every homebuyer should ask about this type of insurance.

  1. Are Prices Regulated?

Title insurance prices are regulated in many states, so there will not be a difference among most companies. However, you want to ensure you are looking at both the quality of the insurance policy and the title search.

  1. How Much Coverage is Needed?

An owner’s policy will cover fraud, forgery, undisclosed heirs, spousal claims, and other contingencies. You can also purchase additional coverage if what you need is not covered in the standard policy.

  1. Does the Seller Select the Title Company?

If you are purchasing the insurance, you have the right to select the company. If a seller is trying to push a particular company, that may indicate a red flag. Working with a real estate lawyer will help ensure you do not encounter any unwanted surprises during the process.

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What is a Commercial Lease?

Modern business center

If you have ever rented an apartment, you are probably familiar with the standard lease process for residential units, but what about commercial leases? If you are interested in leasing a commercial building for your company, there are many different nuances in these types of contracts.

A commercial lease legally binds a landlord and business tenant. A commercial lease should include the following:

  • The names of the parties that are signing
  • A legal description of the property
  • The property type
  • The square footage of the rented area
  • The terms of the tenancy
  • Tenant renewal options
  • The base rent and how often it is paid
  • The security deposit, collection date, and amount
  • Activities that can and cannot occur on the premises
  • Conditions of who makes any improvements
  • The fixtures included in the lease

When you need assistance with your commercial real estate in Ponte Vedra, look to the experts at Baron Bartlett, P.A. We will help you with all of your commercial real estate needs so you can ensure you are making the best decision for your business’s future. Reach out to us today at (904) 285-9993 to schedule a consultation with one of our highly experienced lawyers. You can also send us an email through our contact page.

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How a Trust Can Strengthen Your Estate Plan

Young couple consulting with a real estate agent

Putting together an estate plan can be intimidating. However, to navigate these concepts, a basic understanding can help guide you through it. A trust can strengthen your estate plan, and it is not only for the wealthy. People of all incomes can utilize trusts as part of their estate planning in Ponte Vedra.

The Benefits of Using a Trust

Probate avoidance: By using trusts, you can avoid the lengthy and costly probate portion of a court proceeding.

Tax reduction: A trust can help the person who wrote the will reduce the estate and gift taxes that are applied to their estate.

Disbursement control: One of the biggest benefits of a trust is that it allows you more control over asset disbursement than standard wills. Trusts also prevent the beneficiary from eroding their inheritance due to poor financial decisions. You can also schedule when the funds are dispersed to your beneficiaries, such as after graduation or when they reach a certain age.

If you need assistance with your estate planning in Ponte Vedra, look to the experts at Baron Bartlett, P.A. Our team will help you plan accordingly so you can have peace of mind knowing your estate is in order. Reach out to us today by calling (904) 285-9993 to schedule a consultation.