United States: Real Estate

California voters will soon decide on Proposition 45, the Building an Affordable California Act (BACA), which promises to revolutionize CEQA environmental review for essential projects including housing, infrastructure, and renewable energy developments. The initiative would establish vested CEQA standards, accelerated review timelines, and significantly reduced litigation risks for qualifying projects. Will this landmark reform provide the certainty developers need, or will ambiguities in its broad provisi

Hurricane Isaias left over 650,000 homes without power across Florida and Alabama, prompting critical questions about insurance coverage, federal assistance, and recovery resources. This comprehensive guide outlines essential steps for navigating FEMA programs, insurance claims, and SBA loan options to help affected individuals and businesses rebuild after the disaster.

In Washington State, the government can utilize the power of “eminent domain” to take, even forcibly, private property owned by an individual. Indeed, the property owner cannot refuse to “sell” when the government properly exercises its eminent domain powers.

Texas has launched a sweeping investigation into hundreds of data center developments that failed to comply with mandatory water use surveys, marking the latest escalation in a seven-week regulatory crackdown. The state's actions have frozen permits, paused interconnection studies, and exposed projects to criminal and civil enforcement, all while the industry faces mounting scrutiny over its rapidly growing demands on electricity and water infrastructure. With multiple state agencies now coordinating enforc

Some of the biggest real estate disputes I’ve handled have started with a document that may be only a few paragraphs long: an easement. Easements are everywhere. Utilities use them for pipelines and transmission lines. Developers rely on them for access and infrastructure.

Monmouth County is experiencing a major development surge driven by projects like Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth, the Monmouth Park redevelopment, and residential developments across multiple municipalities.

Eminent domain proceedings in Florida present unique challenges and opportunities for property owners facing condemnation. Understanding the state's owner-friendly statutory framework, valuation methodologies, and business damages claims can significantly impact outcomes when government agencies exercise their taking power.

New York City has begun notifying owners of high-value residential properties about a newly enacted annual surcharge on units not used as primary residences. While receipt of a notice doesn't automatically mean payment is required, it does impose response obligations on owners of second homes, investment properties, and trust-held residences. The surcharge faces active litigation, with courts currently permitting collection to proceed despite ongoing legal challenges.

When you discover serious property defects after closing on a real estate purchase in Massachusetts, understanding your legal options becomes critical. This article examines when sellers, brokers, and inspectors can be held liable for undisclosed defects, exploring the boundaries of Massachusetts' "buyer beware" doctrine and the circumstances under which misrepresentation claims may succeed.