Jack Gilbert

Homeowners Association Law Housing & Real Estate Law Real Estate Law

What is a homeowners association?

March 26, 2026

A homeowners association (HOA) is a private governing body in a planned community that enforces rules and collects mandatory dues from property owners. HOAs are...

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Landlord Tenant Law Lease Agreements Rental Agreements & Leases

What is a landlord-tenant agreement?

March 26, 2026

A landlord-tenant agreement is a legally binding contract that sets the terms for renting a property, including rent amount, lease length, deposits, and each party’s...

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Contract Law Legal Agreements & Contracts Legal Definitions Real Estate Law

What is a covenant?

March 26, 2026

A covenant is a legally binding promise attached to property—typically recorded in the deed—that restricts or requires certain uses by current and future owners. Covenants...

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Housing & Real Estate Law Land Use and Zoning Regulations Property and Land Use Law

What is a zoning law?

March 26, 2026

A zoning law is a local ordinance that regulates land use by dividing a city or town into zones (such as residential, commercial, or industrial)....

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Building Regulations Land Use and Zoning Regulations Property and Land Use Law

What is a variance?

March 26, 2026

A variance is a zoning-law exception that allows a property owner to deviate from specific code requirements when strict compliance would cause unnecessary hardship. It...

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Property Law Real Estate Law

What is condemnation?

March 26, 2026

Condemnation is an eminent domain proceeding where a federal, state, or local government can take private property for public use with just compensation under the...

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Property Law Property Rights and Ownership Real Estate Law

What is an easement?

March 26, 2026

An easement is a legal right to use another person’s property for a specific purpose without owning it. It typically “runs with the land,” meaning...

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Property Law Property Rights and Ownership Real Estate Law

What is adverse possession?

March 26, 2026

Adverse possession is a property law doctrine that can let a non-owner become the legal owner after openly and continuously possessing land for a state-defined...

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Mortgage Law Real Estate Real Estate Law

What is a short sale?

March 26, 2026

A short sale is when a homeowner sells a property for less than the mortgage balance, and the lender approves accepting the lower payoff. It’s...

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Foreclosure Protection Mortgage Law Real Estate Law

What is a deed in lieu of foreclosure?

March 26, 2026

A deed in lieu of foreclosure is a voluntary agreement where you transfer your home’s title to the mortgage lender to avoid foreclosure. In exchange,...

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Government & Public Policy Property Law Property Rights and Ownership

What is eminent domain?

March 26, 2026

Eminent domain is the government’s power to take private property for public use, but the Fifth Amendment requires “just compensation.” It applies at federal, state,...

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Insurance Coverage Real Estate Law

What is title insurance?

March 26, 2026

Title insurance is a one-time policy that protects your ownership (and your lender’s interest) against past title problems like liens, fraud, or recording errors. It...

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