15 ways to resolve legal issues

As another year starts, it’s once again time to discuss some lessons we’ve learned in dealing with real estate law issues.

Therefore, I present to you, in no particular order, some best practices you can use when dealing with any legal matter.

■ Do not sign anything you have not read and understood.

■ Do not be afraid to ask questions, and do not feel you must accept the answers at face value.

■ If you have any doubt as to what you are told, do more research.

■ There are very few things that cannot wait one day while you think about it.

■ Whenever a situation seems like it might become a problem, take lots of notes and cellphone photos.

■ If you come to a meaningful agreement on a telephone call, send an email to the person you spoke with to confirm the details.

■ While confrontation can be uncomfortable, the best and least expensive way of resolving a dispute is speaking calmly to the responsible party about the issue.

■ If the branches from your neighbor’s tree hang over your property line, you can safely trim them back, at your expense, as long as you do not damage the tree’s health.

■ Consult with an estate planning professional to get your will done.

■ If you are buying a property with someone you are not married to, it is good to get a joint property ownership agreement prepared.

■ If you rent a home, you should read the landlord-tenant statute; it is relatively easy to read and act as an instruction manual.

■ When buying a property in a condominium or homeowners association, you need to understand the rules and live by them. If this idea does not work for you, find a different property.

■ Don’t underestimate the importance of insurance and the importance of shopping around for the best price.

■ Some have said that good fences make good neighbors, but I find it is more accurate to say that good people make good neighbors.

■ As hard as it can be to sift through the junk, it is essential to check your mail for important notices regularly.

It has been a rough year. I hope these tips will help your new year be a better one.