Residential Real Estate Overview

Federal and state laws govern residential real estate transactions. Many home sellers hire real estate brokers to market their property, signing a listing agreement outlining their relationship. The broker may have exclusive rights to sell the property, or may only earn a commission if they find a buyer. The seller must have proof of title to the property. A title insurance company will generally be hired to research and confirm title ownership. Because home ownership is the biggest investment most people make, you need to support every transaction with written documents.

The Federal Fair Housing Act outlaws discrimination in housing based on race, religion, gender, family status, disability, national origin, or color. The act applies to sales, rentals, and housing finance agreements. Residential real estate lawyers can make sure your rights are protected.