The Ins and Outs of Real Estate Law

Real estate law is the area of legal practice that oversees property ownership and the many aspects of transferring, developing, and using land and buildings. This broad discipline ensures that transactions are conducted correctly and that private property rights are protected. It also helps safeguard public policy interests such as housing accessibility, environmental conditions, and fair market practices within the real estate industry.

Real property law is a complex area of the legal landscape and requires a keen understanding of both state and local regulations. Those who want to pursue careers in this field must know how to apply these laws to the particularities of their area of practice.

An Introduction to Real Estate Law: What Every Buyer and Seller Should Know

The fundamentals of this legal field are focused on the different forms of ownership that property can take, including freehold estates and nonfreehold estates. Freehold estates, for example, are those that are inherited and last as long as the individual owns the property, while nonfreehold estates include tenancies for years, tenancies at will, and tenancies in common.

While some of these facets might seem fairly straightforward, it’s important to note that matters can become more complicated when contracts and disputes arise. For example, the matter of a tree growing on someone’s rented land can quickly become a complicated issue that needs expert legal judgment to resolve. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in this area, the Juris Doctor (JD) program at Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law provides an immersive experience that covers the ins and outs of real estate law.