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The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Contact through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should not act or fail to act based on the information on this website. All cases differ. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorneys at The Law Office of Robert M. Baskin are licensed to practice law in the State of California.


In cases accepted on contingency, there are no hourly attorney fees or out-of-pocket expenses, excluding the actual costs related to the lawsuit.


Our attorneys pursue maximum compensation for clients in exchange for a percentage of the amount recovered.

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The Law Office of ROBERT M. BASKIN  1849 Knoll Drive Ventura, CA 93003  Phone: (805) 658-1000 Fax: (805) 658-8034  terri@baskinlawoffice.com
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Ventura Real Estate Attorneys

 Law Office of Robert Baskin


Ventura Real Estate Attorneys – Law Office of Robert Baskin

Real Estate Lawyers at the Ventura Law Office of Attorney Robert M. Baskin have been successfully representing clients in a broad range of Real Estate matters since 1975. We proudly represent clients in Ventura and throughout the surrounding communities.


Depending on the issues involved, Real Estate cases can become extremely complicated. Because these matters generally involve or affect one’s business or home, tempers can flare and cases can quickly escalate out of control.


Our team of highly respected real estate lawyers is result-oriented, and possesses the skills necessary to not only help our clients successfully litigate a wide variety of real estate disputes, but also guide our clients through real estate transactions with the primary goal of ensuring that these transactions are as stress-free as possible.


Contact us at (805) 658-1000 to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation with one of the region’s premiere Real Estate Law Firms. Our attorneys provide courteous legal representation to all of our clients, and strive to always keep our clients informed as to the progress and status of their case. Let us put our more than 40 years’ experience to work for you!


Real Estate Practice Areas in Ventura

At the Ventura Real Estate Law Firm of Robert Baskin, we represent landowners, business owners, building contractors, property developers, borrowers and lenders in a vast array of cases pertaining to Real Estate Law, including (but not limited to) the following:


Construction Defects – Real Estate Attorney Robert M. Baskin and his associate lawyers provide zealous legal counsel to parties in construction defect matters. When negotiations fail to yield acceptable results, our attorneys have the experience required to carry the case all the way through trial.


Whether you have reason to believe that the residential or commercial property that you have purchased has construction defects, or you are an architect, developer, or general contractor who is being sued because of an alleged defect in construction, our Ventura Real Estate Lawyers can help.


The most common issues which arise in construction defect cases involve:


Cracked Pipes

Cracked Stucco

Cracking in the Walls

Dry Rot

Electrical Defects

Faulty Drainage

Foundation Cracks

Heating Problems

Issues with Structural Integrity

Landslides

Loose Siding

Mold

Plumbing Defects

Roof Cracks

Roof Leaks

Substandard Duct Work

Uneven Floors

Window Leaks


Construction Defects can result in severe damage to not only the residential or commercial property, but also to personal property and one’s health and welfare. Whether you are a plaintiff or defendant in a construction defect case, it is imperative that you seek the assistance of qualified legal counsel as soon as you realize that an issue exists that may result in litigation.


Ventura Real Estate Attorneys at the Law Office of Robert M. Baskin have extensive experience in construction defect law. We can help you resolve your matter effectively and efficiently, whether through settlement negotiations or, when necessary, real estate litigation.


Construction Defect cases generally require expert testimony to back up or refute the alleged defects. We employ experts in all areas concerning defective construction to fully inspect the property and help us build or defend a case.


Contact us today at (805) 658-1000 to learn how we can assist you.


Land Use – Since 1975, Ventura Real Estate Lawyers at the Law Office of Robert Baskin have been providing results to landowners in land use disputes. These cases address the rights of property owners to utilize their land and any buildings that sit on it free from excessive interference from not only other property owners, but also the government.


Land Use cases are varied, ranging from conflicts between neighbors to fighting governmental attempts to invoke the right of eminent domain, and public entities placing restrictions on land use that result in a “taking” under the theory of inverse condemnation.  Our attorneys possess a thorough understanding of land use law, including recent judicial and legislative changes in the field.


We have helped numerous clients obtain successful resolutions in the following areas of land use law:


Zoning – Zoning disputes, including obtaining variances and permits that will allow owners to make use of their property in a way that differs from how the area is zoned. We help clients understand how their property is zoned, and can help you file the requisite paperwork to obtain the necessary permits and variances pursuant to local regulations.

Boundary Disputes – Zealous representation in boundary disputes involving neighbors. These cases generally involve conflicts regarding who has the right to cut down trees, the duty to maintain an area that is in dispute, and where a fence may or may not be erected.

Easement Rights – Easements allow an individual or property owner to use a portion of another’s property. They may be created in a variety of ways, although the most common easement is one which allows a property owner to utilize another’s property to access their home or land when no other available or reasonable means of access exists. Whether you are the grantor or the grantee of an easement, if a dispute has arisen with respect to the use thereof, it is crucial to contact an experienced Real Estate Law Firm. Our lawyers have handled easement disputes for more than 40 years, and we strive to help you resolve your conflict without entering into litigation.

Eminent Domain – The exercise of Eminent Domain occurs when a public entity seeks to take private property for public use. Disputes often arise when the public entity exercises the right of eminent domain without providing just and fair compensation to the property owner. It is not necessary that the public entity takes the property in its entirety. Even if the taking consists of a small portion of private property, the landowner is entitled to the fair market value of that portion of the property. If the government is exercising eminent domain over your property and you believe that you have been offered too little for your property or portion thereof, contact the Ventura Real Estate Lawyers at the Law Office of Robert M. Baskin. We will protect your rights and fight to ensure that you obtain full fair market value. Call (805) 658-1000 to make an appointment for your free, comprehensive in-office consultation.

Inverse Condemnation – While similar to Eminent Domain, inverse condemnation is a governmental taking of property without taking physical possession of the property. Under inverse condemnation, a government entity restricts the owner’s ability to use their property to such an extent that it no longer has any economic use for the owner. In these cases, the property owner institutes a suit against the government arguing that their actions amount to a taking, and seeking fair market value for the property that has been rendered useless.

Our Ventura Real Estate Lawyers understand the complexities of land use law and have been fighting on behalf of land and property owners for nearly 40 years. When your ability to utilize your property or exercise easement rights has been threatened, you want the very best on your side. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation.


Real Estate Litigation – Comprehensive legal counsel and tenacious representation in Real Estate Litigation disputes. The Ventura Law Office of Real Estate Attorney Robert Baskin & Associates has been representing individuals and businesses in complex Real Estate Litigation cases involving a wide variety of issues for over 40 years.

Skilled negotiators, our lawyers will make every effort to settle your case outside of Court. However, if negotiation & settlement talks break down, our real estate attorneys are accomplished litigators who are prepared to take your case to trial.

The Law Offices of Robert M. Baskin represents both plaintiffs and defendants in real estate litigation matters, and are proud to provide exemplary representation in the following Real Estate Litigation matters:

Breach of Contract

Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Broker / Buyer Disputes

Commercial Lease Disputes

Commission Disputes

Construction Defects

Demand for Specific Performance

Eminent Domain & Inverse Condemnation Lawsuits

Escrow Disputes

Failure to Disclose Known Property Defects

Fraud

Neighbor Conflict Cases regarding Boundary, Easement & Trespass Disputes

Ownership Disputes

Partition Actions

Property Line Disputes

Purchase / Sale Disputes

Quiet Title Action

Residential Lease Disputes

Title Disputes

Water Rights

Zoning Disputes

Serving Ventura and the surrounding communities since 1975, our attorneys strive to engage in creative solutions to solve real estate disputes prior to escalating the case to litigation. We take pride in having earned a reputation for excellence within the local legal community, and always provide the highest quality of legal representation.

Please call us at (805) 658-1000 to make an appointment for a free, comprehensive case analysis.

Real Estate Transactions – At the Ventura Law Office of Robert M. Baskin, our lawyers understand that purchasing real estate is one of the most important investments that our clients will make in their lives. However, it is not uncommon for disputes or unexpected difficulties when purchasing, selling, or leasing commercial or residential real estate.  

Our Ventura Real Estate Attorneys have guided countless clients through the real estate transaction process for more than 40 years, and we are dedicated to providing knowledgeable, cost-effective legal representation to clients in Ventura and throughout the surrounding areas. The real estate lawyers with the Law Office of Robert Baskin offer the following services to clients during their real estate transaction:

Brokerage Agreements

Commercial Purchase / Sale Transactions

Comprehensive Explanation of all Purchase / Sale Documents

Drafting / Reviewing Commercial Lease Agreements

Drafting / Reviewing Residential Lease Agreements

Drafting Purchase / Sale Agreements

Enforcement of Residential and Commercial Lease Agreements

Knowledgeable Legal Counsel During the Purchase / Sale Process

Purchase Price Negotiations

Residential Purchase / Sale Transactions

Reviewing & Providing Detailed Explanation of CC&Rs

Reviewing Potential Zoning Issues with respect to Commercial Property

Reviewing Purchase / Sale Documents

Whether you are a property owner who wants to lease your property or a tenant about to enter into a lease agreement, our attorneys will review all lease documents and provide a comprehensive explanation of your rights and responsibilities under the lease.

For those who are selling or purchase real property, we can help you through the real estate transaction process and will strive to identify any potential sources of future conflict so those issues can be addressed prior to the close of escrow to avoid litigation down the road.

FAQ

What is General Real Estate Litigation?

Real estate litigation is a very broad term and covers a vast array of claims. The disputes which occur as the result of a real estate matter are extensive. These cases cover commercial, industrial, and residential real estate. Additionally, the causes of action include, but aren’t limited to: breach of contract (leases, purchase & sales agreements; construction contracts; specific performance to force another to either take or refrain from taking a specific action); litigation regarding the governmental exercise of eminent domain, and zoning/land use disputes. While some cases may be settled with relative ease with the assistance of a seasoned lawyer, others are extremely complicated and must be litigated to obtain a resolution.


How do you Settle Real Estate Purchase/Sale and Lease Disputes?

When selling or purchasing property, it is imperative that the parties understand they are bound by law to follow certain protocols. Under California law, sellers are required to disclose all pertinent details about the property that could impact the buyer’s decision-making choices. This includes all known defects, as well as those which an attentive property owner should have known about.


Not all defects involve issues with the structure itself, such as electrical, plumbing or HVAC problems. Noise nuisances within the neighborhood, problems with hostile or aggressive neighbors, and any past or present litigation pertaining to these issues must also be disclosed to potential buyers. Failure to do so is a fast track to litigation.


Issues also frequently come up between landlords and tenants. Disputes typically pertain to the following: contractual lease disputes; defaulting on rent; the landlord has failed to meet their duty to provide a safe, inhabitable living space; the landlord refuses to make necessary repairs; other tenants are disturbing the renter’s right to quiet enjoyment of their home, and the landlord hasn’t rectified the problem.


What is Eminent Domain and is it Legal?


Under the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the government has the right to take the property of private parties for public use in return for “just compensation.” The Fifth Amendment is applicable to all levels of government, from municipalities to the federal government itself. Governmental agencies such as the Department of Forestry also have the right to exercise eminent domain for public use purposes.


Public Use is applicable to any project that will benefit the public at large. This includes road and freeway expansions, overpass construction, laying pipe or lines, municipal beautification projects, building new schools, and improving public transportation.


The phrase “just compensation” is the source of most eminent domain cases. While it is meant to be fair market value, that may be interpreted numerous ways – particularly if the government is only exercising their right of eminent domain over a small portion of your property.


How Can a Transactional Attorney Help Me?

A transactional attorney is able to help with a range of real estate matters, such as writing and negotiating contracts to buy, sell, or lease property. They can also review existing real estate contracts and advise you on how to handle issues that may arise. A real estate transaction lawyer will explain what disputes or difficulties could arise before, during, or after your transaction and how to avoid or properly address them. This guidance works to protect your interests and preserve your rights.


What Should a Lease Agreement Include?

Leases should include the names of all tenants and the landlord, a description and location of the property, amount of the rent and when it will be paid, the start date for tenancy and payments, any deposits and/or fees, any restrictions on how the property will be used, and the period of the lease. If the lease does not place any restrictions on how the property is used, the tenant can make use of it for any lawful purpose. When the lease is up, it can either automatically become month to month, you can sign a new lease with whatever period of time you and the property owner wish, or you may vacate the property.

A commercial lease will generally include a premises clause describing the spaces that are included, such as outdoor parking or, when leasing a suite in a building for example, common areas such as elevators, hallways, and restrooms. An attorney can advise you on other clauses for dispute resolution, terms of indemnification, alterations & improvements, utilities, maintenance, code compliance, and insurance.


What is Involved in a Real Estate Purchase Contract?

Purchasing residential real estate is a major investment, and a commercial real estate purchase can have especially large implications. It is important to follow the necessary legal formalities to reduce the potential for disputes and the risk of litigation in the future. Sellers must disclose all information they have or should have regarding the property.

A real estate purchase contract will include the address of the property, a complete legal description of it, the purchase price and any property taxes or assessments to be paid, any agreed-upon special terms, date of closing, mandatory disclosures, buyer’s financing terms, amount of earnest money, closing costs & who will pay them, and any items that are specifically included or excluded from the purchase.

Before signing the contract, access to the property must be granted for a 3rd party inspection, and an appraisal is also done. If there are issues with the inspection or appraisal, the buyer may back out of the proposed contract.


Do I Need a Contract for Construction Work?

California law requires that any home improvement job over $500 have a written contract. This would include simple home-improvement projects as well as larger jobs that utilize surveyors, architects, and general contractors. A construction contract should be specific and include the names of all parties involved, an outline of how to handle damages resulting from either party not fulfilling their obligations (called a breach of contract), a start and completion date for the project, a list and description of materials, a list of labor costs, the total cost of the project, a payment schedule, payment method/s, the type of equipment to be used, dimensions of each room and the overall building, and what will be done with any leftover materials. If the contract needs to be modified later, the change needs to be written out, signed by both parties, and attached to the original contract.


Contact Experienced Ventura Real Estate Lawyers Today

Contact Ventura Real Estate Attorneys with the Law Office of Robert M. Baskin at (805) 658-1000 to make an appointment with one of our experienced, caring Real Estate Lawyers. Conveniently located in Ventura, we represent clients throughout all of the surrounding communities. We will work with you to bring about an acceptable resolution to your real estate dispute, and provide outstanding legal counsel and advice to help your real estate transaction go smoothly.

 

Proudly serving the residents of Ventura County since 1975.

Ventura Real Estate Lawyer Robert M. Baskin Real Estate Law