Real estate transactions are some of the most significant financial moves individuals and businesses make in their lifetimes. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, expanding your business property, or dealing with neighboring landowners, these transactions can sometimes present complicated and overwhelming challenges that require experienced legal guidance.
At Bakke Norman, our real estate attorneys have served Northwest Wisconsin since 1985, providing insightful counsel through every step of real estate transactions and dispute resolution. With us on your side, you can feel confident about your ability to resolve your real estate issues so you can focus on the other important things in life. Call us today or contact us online for a confidential consultation with an experienced real estate lawyer in Wisconsin.
When engaging in real estate transactions, various issues can arise that require careful attention and legal knowledge. Our attorneys regularly assist clients with the following issues.
Purchase Agreement Disputes
When parties disagree about the terms of a sale, the entire transaction can grind to a halt. These disputes often center around price adjustments following inspections, closing date changes, or disagreements about which fixtures and appliances the sale includes. Early legal intervention can help prevent these disputes from derailing the entire transaction.
Disclosure Requirements
Wisconsin law requires sellers to inform buyers about known defects that could affect the property’s value or desirability. Failure to properly disclose issues like water damage, structural problems, or environmental concerns can lead to serious legal consequences. Our attorneys help sellers understand their disclosure obligations and assist buyers in addressing undisclosed defects discovered after purchase.
Title Problems
Issues with property ownership records, undisclosed liens, or easements can significantly affect your rights as a property owner. These problems might include old mortgages that were never properly released, tax liens, or boundary easements that weren’t properly recorded. Our team can conduct thorough title research to identify and resolve these issues before they affect your property rights.
Property Access Issues
Questions about driveways, shared roadways, or easements can significantly affect your ability to use and enjoy your property. In Northwest Wisconsin’s rural areas, these issues often involve shared driveways, agricultural access roads, or recreational easements. We help clients understand their access rights and obligations while working to secure and protect these crucial property interests.
Contract Interpretation
Real estate contracts can be extremely lengthy and often contain complex legal language that can lead to misunderstandings about the rights and obligations of all parties involved. Our attorneys help clients understand the precise nature of any agreements they’re preparing to sign. We also assist in resolving disputes arising from differing interpretations of contract terms.
Clear communication and thorough documentation help prevent many common disputes. However, when issues arise, having an experienced Wisconsin real estate attorney can make the difference between a costly, protracted legal battle and a swift resolution.
Boundary disputes represent one of the most common sources of conflict between property owners in Northwest Wisconsin. These disagreements often stem from:
The rolling terrain and rural nature of much of Northwest Wisconsin can make boundary issues particularly challenging. Many properties have boundaries marked by natural features, such as tree lines or waterways, that may change over time. Additionally, some older properties may have descriptions based on outdated surveying methods, leading to confusion about exact boundary locations.
When boundary disputes arise, they can affect not only the current use of the property but also future sales, improvements, or development plans. Early intervention and professional legal guidance can prevent these situations from escalating into costly litigation.
When boundary disputes arise, several legal remedies can help resolve the situation. At Bakke Norman, we work with our clients to determine the most efficient and cost-effective approach to boundary issues.
Quiet Title Actions
A quiet title action legally establishes property boundaries and ownership rights. This court process examines historical records, surveys, and other evidence to make a binding determination about property lines. Our attorneys guide clients through this process, ensuring they have all the necessary documentation and evidence to support their position.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Many boundary disputes can be resolved through mediation or negotiation, avoiding time-consuming and costly litigation. Our attorneys excel at finding creative solutions that satisfy all parties while preserving neighborly relationships. This approach often proves particularly valuable in Northwest Wisconsin’s close-knit communities.
Professional Surveys
Modern surveying techniques can provide precise boundary determinations. We work closely with professional surveyors throughout Northwest Wisconsin to obtain accurate property measurements and documentation. These surveys often form the foundation for resolving boundary disputes or preventing them entirely.
The best way to handle real estate disputes is by taking proactive steps to prevent them from happening in the first place. At Bakke Norman, we believe that investing in preventative legal services often saves our clients significant time and money in the long run. If possible, consider these essential measures before any disputes arise.
Thorough Due Diligence
Before purchasing any property, you should conduct comprehensive research into its history. Try to identify all previous owners, improvements, and any recorded disputes. This investigation should include reviewing all available public records, title documents, and local zoning regulations that might affect your intended use of the property.
Professional Surveys
Relying on outdated property surveys, approximate boundary markers, or handshake agreements can set you up for complicated challenges down the line. Instead, you should invest in current, professional surveys before making any improvements near property lines. In Northwest Wisconsin’s varied terrain, accurate surveys prove particularly valuable when dealing with waterfront properties, wooded lots, or agricultural land.
Clear Documentation
Maintain detailed records of all property-related agreements, communications, and improvements. This process should include keeping copies of surveys, permits, contractor agreements, and correspondence with neighbors regarding boundary-related matters. Thorough and precise documentation can prevent misunderstandings and provide crucial evidence if disputes arise.
Legal Review
It is difficult to overstate the importance of having an experienced attorney review all real estate documents before you sign them. They can assess all agreements, easements, shared driveway agreements, and boundary line determinations. A skilled Wisconsin real estate attorney can identify potential issues and protect your interests before making binding commitments.
For nearly four decades, our firm has provided comprehensive real estate legal services throughout Northwest Wisconsin. With offices in New Richmond, Baldwin, Menomonie, and Eau Claire, we offer convenient access to high-quality legal guidance for all your real estate needs. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges of rural and urban properties in our region and provide practical, effective solutions for our clients.
Our experienced team will work assertively to protect your property interests and achieve your real estate goals. At Bakke Norman, genuine people, accomplished attorneys, and informed advice come together to serve Northwest Wisconsin clients. Call us today or contact us online for a confidential consultation to discuss your real estate transaction or boundary dispute concerns.
