Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures Extended to October 17, 2020

On April 20, 2020, Governor Baker signed into law An Act providing for a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 Emergency, which severely limits the ability of landlords and mortgage lenders to enforce lease obligations, and conduct evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 crisis. This emergency moratorium was extended by 60 days, until October 17, 2020. That means, absent exigent circumstances, landlords and mortgage lenders cannot take affirmative steps to impose penalties upon or enforce their rights against tenants and homeowners who fail to pay rent or monthly principal and interest payments as a result of COVID-19. These restrictions apply to residential and (certain) commercial tenants alike.

With respect to commercial tenants, the Act primarily protects for profit and non-profit small businesses that occupy a property for commercial purposes. Businesses that are excluded from the Act include a premises occupied by a tenant that (i) operates multi-state; (ii) operates multi-nationally; (iii) is publicly traded; or (iv) has not less than 150 full-time equivalent employees.

The Act forbids Landlords from filing an eviction action for non-payment of rent. Landlords may not impose late fees or report non-payment to the Consumer Reporting Agencies (Credit Bureaus) if the tenant provides proof that the non-payment of rent relates to the pandemic. Mortgage lenders are also obligated to grant a forbearance to homeowners who cannot pay their monthly principal and interest payments as a result of the pandemic.

Northshore Legal LLC specializes in real estate law, and represents buyer and sellers of residential and commercial real estate. We will continue to provide updates throughout the pandemic crisis. We can be reached at consultation@northshore.legal or 781-463-6063.

Governor Baker Ends Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Inspection Exemption

Governor Baker has rescinded the Emergency Order that allowed parties to residential real estate transactions defer smoke and carbon monoxide inspections until after closing. This means that parties presently entering into a purchase and sale agreement for a residential property in Massachusetts are unable to defer the required smoke and carbon monoxide detector inspection to a date after closing. The rescinding of the order does not invalidate any inspection deferral that agreed to in the purchase and sales agreement pursuant to the terms of the Order. Those transactions that closed prior to July 10, 2020, now have until October 8, 2020 to schedule an inspection with the local fire department, and obtain a signed certificate of inspection.

Northshore Legal LLC specializes in real estate law, and represents buyer and sellers of residential and commercial real estate. We will continue to provide updates throughout the pandemic crisis. We can be reached at consultation@northshore.legal or 781-463-6063.

Remote Online Notarization is Now Here in Massachusetts

Real Estate and Estate Attorneys are now able to notarize important documents by way of remote videoconferencing. Governor Baker signed into law Bill S. 2645 which temporarily allows attorneys and notaries public to remotely notarize documents under certain conditions:

• All parties and the notary public must be located in Massachusetts. The Notary should confirm the location of the signatory at the outset of the video conference. The signatory must also swear and affirm that they are present in Massachusetts.

• All signatory parties must provide proof of identity during the video conference or by emailing a copy of a State ID or Passport to the Notary Public. It is recommended that the Notary receive a copy of the ID prior to initiating the video conference and then verify identity during the video conference.

• The notary must observe execution of the documents through real time electronic video conferencing. It is recommended that the signatory hold up the document so that the Notary can verify the document being signed and that the camera be placed at an angle so that the Notary can observe the signing.

• All executed documents must be sent to the notary for the stamp and signature immediately after the video conference.

• If a Mortgage is being executed, the signatory and Notary must hold a second video conference to confirm that the document signed was executed by the signatory.

• The Notary certificate must state that the signatory remotely appeared before the Notary Public.

• The notary public must execute an affidavit confirming under the penalties of perjury

  that the notary public has: (i) received a copy of each principal’s current identification credential and visually inspected the credential during the initial video conference with the principal, if applicable; (ii) obtained each principal’s verbal assent to any recording of the video conferences; (iii) taken each principal’s affirmations as to physical presence of the principal within the commonwealth; and (iv) been informed and noted on the affidavit any person present in the room, including a statement of the relationship of any person in the room to the principal.

• The Notary Public must retain the Affidavit for a period of 10 years and it does not need to be recorded at the Registry of Deeds.

This new law will ease the pressure and burden on Notaries Public and Attorneys who have struggled to adhere to social distancing standards during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Northshore Legal LLC specializes in real estate law, and represents buyer and sellers of residential and commercial real estate. We will continue to provide updates throughout the pandemic crisis. We can be reached at consultation@northshore.legal or 781-463-6063.

Median Price of Closed Single Family Real Estate in MA is $416,000.000

The Massachusetts Association of Realtors® (MAR) recently reported that the median price for Massachusetts single-family homes is now $416,000 and the median price for Massachusetts condominiums is now $428,500.  These prices are based on recent sales prices of homes in Massachusetts and can be used to estimate home value on the market. The increase for single family homes is a 6 percent increase from March 2019, which was $390,500.00. The increase for condominiums is a 14 percent increase from March 2019 which was $375,000.00. It was reported that closed sales in March 2020 have decreased by 3 percent due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the demand for housing remains strong and residential real estate inventory is at record low levels. This is helping keep the value of residential real estate in Massachusetts steady and at its current market value.

Northshore Legal LLC specializes in real estate law, and represents buyer and sellers of residential and commercial real estate. We will continue to provide updates throughout the pandemic crisis. We can be reached at consultation@northshore.legal or 781-463-6063.

Source: The Massachusetts Association of Realtors® (MAR); www.marealtor.com. Northshore Legal LLC claims no rights or ownership of any content or source materials contained in this Post.

MA Now Provides Additional Protections for Homeowners and Tenants

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on April 20, 2020 the Massachusetts legislature and Governor Baker extended temporary protections to homeowners and rental tenants.

The new legislation and law provides two important protections for homeowners: A moratorium on foreclosures for the sooner of 120 days from enactment or 45 days after the end of the state of emergency, and 180 days of mortgage forbearance for homeowners experiencing a financial impact from COVID-19.

The new legislation and law provides additional protections to residential and small business rental tenants. The following provisions are in effect for the sooner of 120 days after enactment or 45 days after the end of the state of emergency. Landlords may not impose late fees or report to consumer reporting agencies for a tenant’s late or failure to pay rent. Landlords may not sent a Notice to Quit for a failure to to pay rent. The only exception for a Notice to Quit is if the tenant is engaged in criminal activity or has violated the lease terms by creating a health and safety risk. Additionally, Massachusetts Courts are prohibited from are accepting new non-essential eviction cases and all pending eviction cases are present placed on hold.

These protections are aimed at ensuring that residents and occupants of residential real estate in Massachusetts are provided housing during the current pandemic.

Northshore Legal LLC specializes in real estate law, and represents buyer and sellers of residential and commercial real estate. We will continue to provide updates throughout the pandemic crisis. We can be reached at consultation@northshore.legal or 781-463-6063.

Real Estate Services is an Essential Business Activity in Massachusetts

On March 23, 2020, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order requiring all businesses that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to the the public and workers. Since the enactment of the emergency order, it has been amended to include “Residential and commercial real estate services, including settlement services.”

Residential and commercial real estate brokerage may resume their brick and mortar agency operations. However, the real estate brokerages must observe the rules that preclude gatherings of ten or more persons, and the current social distancing and hygiene rules.

The amended order also means that real estate attorneys in Massachusetts may also resume their normal business operations. Real estate attorneys provide “settlement services” by acting as the closing and escrow agent throughout the real estate transaction. There are many purchase and sales agreements that were entered into prior to the date of the emergency order, and there are numerous transactions that are scheduled to close during the month of April. If real estate attorneys were not considered as essential during the current crisis, the damages suffered by homeowners and buyers, as well as the Massachusetts economy would be unprecedented.

Northshore Legal LLC specializes in real estate law, and represents buyer and sellers of residential and commercial real estate. We will continue to provide updates throughout the pandemic crisis. We can be reached at consultation@northshore.legal or 781-463-6063.

MA Division of Banks Advises Lenders and Services to Offer Mortgage Relief

Due to the outbreak of of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Massachusetts, the Division of Banks has strongly encouraged and advised all Banks, mortgage servicers and mortgage lenders to implement homeowner relief programs to assist real estate owners in Massachusetts who face financial difficulty. The main objective is to ensure that the financial service industry provides programs and assistance to homeowners so that they may avoid the eventual loss of their family home. (These guidelines are not mandatory at the time of this Blog entry). The recommendations include the following:

• Postponing all real estate foreclosures for a period of 60 days;

• Waiving late payment fees and any online payment fees for all monthly mortgage payments for a period of 60 days;

• Forbearing mortgage payments for 60 or more days from their monthly due dates;

• Refraining from reporting late payments to consumer reporting agencies for 60 days;

• Providing loan modification assistance to mortgage borrowers;

• Ensuring that the servicing operations are active and that homeowners can reach the lender with questions and concerns;

• Contacting Borrowers to ensure that they are aware of any mortgage relief options.

Northshore Legal specializes in commercial and residential real estate, and represents clients throughout Eastern Massachusetts. We will keep you updated on the developing events concerning the current pandemic.

1031 Exchange Deadline Can Be Extended Due to COVID-19

Due to the outbreak of of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States and Massachusetts, the IRS has issued tax relief Notice 2020-18 pursuant to the President’s issuance of an emergency declaration. The IRS Notice postpones the due date for filing Federal Income Tax returns and for making Federal tax payments to July 15, 2020. Returns and payments were due on April 15, 2020.

This is good news for real estate investors in Massachusetts that are presently engaged in a 1031 exchange transaction. For those real estate investors that are subject to an exchange period deadline of April 15, 2020 it is possible and advised to take advantage of the 90 day extension. If you closed your relinquished property between October 18, 2019 and December 31, 2019, it is now possible for you close close your replacement property by July 15, 2020. If you are an real estate investor and have questions about your transaction, please contact one of our Lynnfield, Boston area real estate lawyers at 781-463-6063.

Obtaining a Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Certificate during the COVID-19 Pandemic

For residential real estate transactions in Massachusetts, the parties must obtain a certificate of inspection from a local fire department indicating that the property has been equipped with functioning and adequate smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Specifically, MG.L. ch. 148 s. 26F mandates that the Seller in any residential real estate transaction in Massachusetts equip the property with smoke and CO detectors, and obtain certification from the local fire department. It is customary for a residential real estate attorney at any closing to receive the original certificate of inspection from the Sellers or the Listing Agent for the Seller prior to or at closing. Otherwise, the assigned attorney, as settlement agent, will suspend or reschedule the closing.

Due to the outbreak of of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), many local Fire Departments have suspended inspections for the installation of approved smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. On March 20, 2020, Governor Baker issued an Executive Order permitting the deferral of smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm certificate inspections as required under Sections 26F and 26F½ of MG.L. ch. 148 so long as:

1. The Parties to the sale or transfer have agreed in writing that the buyer assumes responsibility for equipping the property with approved smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

2. The buyer agrees as a condition of taking title to equip the property with approved smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms immediately upon taking title.

3. An inspection as otherwise required under sections 26F and 26F½ occurs no more than 90 days after the state of emergency is lifted.

This Executive Order allows parties to shift the burden of installation and inspection to the Buyer, and defer such until after closing. However, Buyers and Sellers of real estate in Massachusetts should be aware that there are costs associated with the certification process and purchase of the detectors. It is recommended that parties speak to their real estate attorney to discuss a credit from the Seller to the Buyer to cover these costs, and a holdback or escrow from the sale proceeds to cover these costs. The Executive Order makes no mention of cost shifting and this can be an important issue for all parties.

Kick Out Clauses in Residential Massachusetts Real Estate Transactions

In a white hot real estate market, Sellers of residential real estate on the Northshore of Massachusetts have adopted a new contractual provision to counter a Buyers’ request for an existing home sale contingency. Typically, a potential Buyer of a residential property that presently owns another property, will be required, for financial reasons, to sell their existing home in order to purchase the replacement home. The reason is simple: Most homeowners do not want to carry the mortgage, property insurance and taxes for two homes, and any mortgage lender will require that Buyer sell the existing home to satisfy loan underwriting requirements.

Therefore, Massachusetts homebuyers that are looking to upgrade or downsize their home, will likely request that a Seller of real estate agree to a prior sale contingency. In other words, if the Buyers fail to sell their existing residence prior to the closing date or some other date set by the parties, the Buyers then may terminate the transaction and receive a full refund of their deposit.

Sellers are now countering a home sale contingency by inserting their own contingency clause in a purchase and sale agreement. A “kick out” clause will permit a Seller to continue to market the property for sale to other prospective purchasers while the property. If the Sellers receive an offer for an amount equal to or that exceeds the existing and agreed to purchase price (and no prior sale contingency), the Sellers will then have the right to demand that the Buyers waive the home sale contingency, otherwise, the Sellers may terminate the transaction. In this instance, the kick out clause will provide the Sellers an escape hatch if they are able to find Buyer for the property that are willing to pay a greater price and waive any home sale contingencies. This is not a desirable position for any homebuyer since the Buyer will not only lose the right to purchase the property, they will likely have to start the home buying search again and may lose their interest rate lock set by the lender.

If you are presently negotiating a purchase and sale agreement it is important that you retain experienced legal counsel that is skilled at limiting the scope and applicability of kick out clauses. Northshore Legal LLC has seen many poorly drafted kick out clauses that impose strict limitations on Buyers and provide the Sellers with expansive rights. These kick out clauses often appear in counter offers from the Sellers to the Buyers on Standard Offer to Purchase Real Estate forms, and are often drafted by real estate agents that have little experience in such clauses. If you received a counter offer that contains a kick out clause and require assistance with your real estate transaction, please contact one of our attorneys at Northshore Legal at 781-463-6063.

What are my options if a Lis Pendens is Wrongfully Filed Against my Property?

A Lis Pendens, also known as , is a legal notice approved by a Massachusetts judge that is recorded at the Registry of Deeds to which the related property is situated. This legal notice provides record notice that there is a legal action pending against the real estate at issue and/or named in the lawsuit. A Lis Pendens may only be allowed if the applicant makes a claim of a right to title to real property or the use and occupation thereof.  The Lis Pendens differs from a real estate attachment in that the Lis Pendens relates to title or occupation of real property and an attachment is a remedy to secure assets to satisfy a potential judgment or prohibit transfer or concealment of property that could satisify a judgment. 

The effect of the Lis Pendens is to "cloud" that title to the property, or otherwise, create a defect in title that will discourage any potential purchasers or transferees from accepting title to the property.  It can also interfere with and prevent a property owned from obtaining a loan whereby the property is being used as collateral for the loan (mortgage). In almost all instances, no purchaser of real estate or lender will complete a transaction and accept title with a legally valid Lis Pendens recorded against the property.  In other words, the title will need to be cleared and the Lis Pendens released before a property owned can warrant clear title to any prospective purchaser or mortgagee (lender). 

The pertinent Massachusetts statute that governs the use and application of a lis pendens is Mass.Gen. Laws ch. 184 s. 15.  The Statute sets the procedure and requirements for obtaining a Notice of Lis Pendens. In order to obtain a Lis Pendens, an applicant must file a verified complaint; identify the real estate and property owners; and describe a claim that relates to title or occupation of the real property.  

What are your options if a Lis Pendens is Wrongfully Filed Against your personal or business property?

In the instance of a Notice of Lis Pendens that was inadvertently filed against a property, a qualified real estate attorney can help you clear title.  There are some cases where the property address or recording information was misidentified by the lis pendens application; an old title abstract was relied on; or there was some other type of clerical error either in drafting or recording the notice.  In these cases, the applicant will release the notice voluntarily.  

In other instances, an applicant who has deliberately an/or has in bad faith filed a notice of Lis Pendens against a property is subject to civil liability. A respondent to a Lis Pendens may file a special motion to dismiss on the basis that it is frivolous. "The special motion to dismiss shall be granted if the court finds that the action or claim is frivolous because (1) it is devoid of any reasonable factual support; or (2) it is devoid of any arguable basis in law; or (3) the action or claim is subject to dismissal based on a valid legal defense such as the statute of frauds." M.G.L. ch. 184, s. 15(c).  If the Court grants the special motion to dismiss, it will dissolve the Lis Pendens and may award legal fees and expenses (including recording fees) associated with the dissolution of the notice.  Legal fees may be awarded for any discovery (including document requests, interrogatories or depositions) related to the dissolution of the notice.  

If you have questions about a Lis Pendens or one was recorded against your property, contact one of our Lynnfield Real Estate and Litigation lawyers for a free consultation.   

Selling Real Estate Without a Broker - Considerations and Pitfalls

With the real estate market in Eastern Massachusetts favoring sellers of real estate, we have noticed a trend and tendency of some sellers to list their property for sale by owner and avoid the use of real estate brokers all together.  The simplest explanation for this decision is cost.  Many sellers realize that they can avoid a 2.00 - 2.5% commission to a listing broker if they consummate a sale without assistance.  But what is the true "cost" and what are the disadvantages of not using a listing broker for a real estate sale? 

Statutory, Regulatory and Common Law Compliance - Real estate brokers know exactly the types of Massachusetts statutes and regulations that must be satisfied during each transaction. Real estate brokers are also trained on the various types of common law issues, such as misrepresentation or breach of contract, that can arise during a transaction. And they have been trained on how to avoid those types of common law liability. If you are not using a real estate professional, and unless you are an attorney or real estate professional yourself, you will not be able to satisfy and comply with the numerous laws and regulations associated with real estate transactions in Massachusetts. And in that instance, you are exposing yourself to liability.  

Market Valuation - What is your property worth and what purchase price can you reasonably expect to receive?  Finding the right listing price is crucial. Brokers have the skills and resources to help advise you on the realistic value of your property, and a listing price that will attract several ready, able and willing buyers.  It is common for homeowners to over estimate the value of their homes based on their own personal attachment and knowledge of the property. A broker can provide you with a neutral and experienced third party opinion on the value of your real estate.  If you list your property too low, then you are not maximizing the sale price. If you list your property too high, then you will scare off buyers, particularly the ones who are taking out a mortgage and are responsible for a 20% down payment.  In this instance, the value of a broker should not be underestimated. 

All the "little things" - Who is going to collect signatures and deposits for the purchase and sale agreement? Who will make the mandatory disclosures and obtain the required certificates for closing? Who will coordinate inspections, viewings, and walkthroughs?  Who will serve as tour buffer and advocate if your transaction enters troubled waters? Who will greet potential buyers and handle inquires at open houses? Do you have an expansive and established network in the area that you are selling your home that you can market to? This list is limited, and can very extensive, and all the "little things" that a real estate broker will do for you to ensure that you close on-time are invaluable. 

The above list is not an exhaustive description of all the benefits of real estate brokers in transactions. From a legal observational standpoint, we have noticed a trend that real estate brokers provide tremendous value in each transaction and help smooth the process until closing. If you are preparing to sell your home, and would like to consult with a real estate lawyer, please contact us at 781-463-6063.  

Before You Overbid Listing Price and Waive Inspections on that New Home...

It is a little known secret that the residential real estate market in Eastern Massachusetts, particularly the Greater Boston area, is a Sellers' market.  There is a shortage of turn key homes at affordable prices and, at the same time, mortgage interest rates have been climbing slowly.  The prices of residential homes, particularly in the "starter home" category, in the $300,000 - $400,000 range continue to rise.  And with a healthy economy in Massachusetts, and a vibrant job market, the demand for real estate also continues to rise steadily.  

Our Lynnfield real estate lawyers have made numerous observations concerning potential home buyer's decisions while making a new offer to purchase a single family home or condominium. In an effort to make a more compelling offer to purchase that will be accepted by the sellers of the home, buyers are electing to waive inspections and are offering prices that exceed the listing price. Our real estate attorneys, who typically begin representation during the purchase and sale agreement, have reviewed numerous offers whereby buyers demonstrated that they have made aggressive efforts to secure the right to purchase a home. But at what cost?

Before you overbid the listing price on a residential property in Massachusetts, it is important to consider the possible results of your overbid.  If you are borrowing from a mortgage lender, that company will conduct an appraisal of the property to ensure that there is sufficient equity in the property to secure the lender's mortgage.  Lenders will also want to see a lower loan to value ratio (LTV) that averages 80.00% (Check with your mortgage broker for specific requirements).  In other words, the amount that you are borrowing should be 20% less than the purchase price.

If you are overbidding the purchase price of a home, and do not have sufficient cash on hand to achieve an average 80.00% LTV ratio, you may: 1. Not receive a mortgage commitment, or be denied financing that may put your deposit at risk depending on the language and timing the mortgage contingency clause in your purchase and sale agreement.  2. Receive a higher interest rate from your lender, which means that your overall cost of borrowing the funds will increase and so will your monthly payment. 3. You may have to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI), which will increase your monthly payment and the overall cost of borrowing; and/or 4. You will be scrambling to pull together additional cash proceeds so that you may close the transaction.  These are less an ideal scenarios, and it is recommended that you remain in close contact with your mortgage broker and real estate lawyer when you are considering an overbid on a property.  

Our real estate lawyers have also noticed that many potential purchasers of real estate are waiving inspections.  In other words, the inspection contingency clause contained in the offer to purchase has been stricken and waived.  When in effect. this clause makes the transaction contingent on the buyer's satisfactory inspection of the property, which is usually conducted by a certified home inspector.  These inspections can reveal potentially expensive and critical defects in the structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, heating and air conditioning systems, as well as other features of the property.  It is not recommended to waive property inspections (even with new construction) and this appears to be an imprudent concession by a potential buyer who is making one of the largest financial investments during their lifetime.  

If you are a potential buyer or buyer of real estate and require assistance with your offer to purchase or purchase and sales agreement, please contact one of our real estate attorneys at 781-463-6063.  We provide all real estate legal services throughout Eastern Massachusetts. 

Inheriting Tenants at a Residential Property

Our real estate lawyers at the Law Office of Stefan Cencarik, PLLC located in Lynnfield, Massachusetts are addressing the potential issues that may arise when a new property owner inherits tenants. In other words, what types of liability issues may a purchaser / incoming landlord take on when acquiring real estate that is rented to residential tenants? 

The first question that should be asked is what type of contractual relationship exists between the outgoing landlord and the residential tenants. Are the tenants at will? Does a written lease agreement state a certain term of months of years for the tenancy? Any real estate lawyer representing you in the purchase of the property will need to know the type of tenancy and need to review copies of all lease agreements.  This is so that your counsel may determine whether the outgoing landlord and tenants are meeting their obligations; determine what rights and responsibilities each party have; as well as determine the material components of the leasing arrangement such as monthly rent, term, security deposits, maintenance responsibility and others.  

The second question that should be asked concerns the financial affairs of the outgoing lessor and tenant-lessee relationship. Your Greater Boston real estate lawyer will need to understand the rent payment history; present amount of rent; method of payment; amount of security deposit; location and type of holding account for the security deposit; and others. This is in addition to any expenses required for tenant unit maintenance and repair issues. 

Finally, your real estate attorney will need to understand whether there are any civil or insurance claims, or other State or local administrative or regulatory actions, demands, or issues associated with the tenants.  In most cases, these types of problems are rare, however, it is not uncommon for landlords to be subject to claims by tenants for negligence (such as slip and fall on the exterior premises); negligence or breach of the warranty of habitability (concerning the condition of the property); or a landlords' failure to comply with zoning or other fair housing laws.

The reason that a buyer of a tenant occupied property must review these issues is that residential landlords in Massachusetts are subject to a tremendous amount of regulations and liability. There are statutes and regulations concerning fair housing, sanitary codes, security deposits, rent deposits, and others. Additionally, Massachusetts General Laws ch. 93A, regulating unfair and deceptive trade practices, also applies to residential landlords, and violation of the regulations concerning residential properties constitute per se deceptive and unfair trade practices.  The penalties for a G.L. ch. 93A violation include up to triple damages and reimbursement of legal fees and costs associated with prosecution of the claim.  

If you are buying real estate in Massachusetts that contains tenants, you should consult with a real estate lawyer that specializes in residential and commercial transactions, and has deep knowledge of the due diligence process.  This expertise is crucial so that you purchase an investment without fear of liability and to ensure that you are making a prudent financial decision.  The Law Office of Stefan Cencarik, PLLC provides commercial and residential real estate services and is able to serve as your real estate lawyer in Lynnfield and the Greater Boston area.  

Real Estate Ownership Divorce: The Right to Partition

How does a property owner divide or force the sale of real estate? All joint owners of real estate, except for property held by spouses as "tenants by the entirety," have the right to sever their ownership interest, request physical division of the land and/or force liquidation of the property.  In Massachusetts, M.G.L. ch. 241 s. 1 permits owners of real estate who own an undivided interest in the property to request that the Massachusetts Land Court or Probate & Family Court order the partition the property.  In other words, property ownership in Massachusetts is not intended to ensnare and force unwilling participants in continued joint ownership arrangements. 

The partition statute has few exceptions and provides joint owners of real estate a "way out" of a ownership arrangement.  This may be a useful tool to property owners who no longer wish to be part of an informal business partnership; separated partners and co-habitants; individuals who have inherited property from deceased relatives; or joint property owners who are not "pulling their weight" in relation to maintenance, insurance, property taxes, and upkeep.  In these instances, a property owner may file a petition for partition, which is an extreme remedy after informal efforts have failed to amicably divide or separate the ownership interests.  

In most partition cases that involve property in the well developed areas of Eastern Massachusetts, some type of building (single or multi-family houses, or condominium) and land, in the cases of houses, will be involved.  In some cases, if undeveloped land is subject to a partition action it is possible to request that a Court fairly divide the land between the owners, and then each owner will be free to sell, develop, transfer, encumber, and otherwise take any action that a owner in full possession may do. In other cases, for example, that involve a single family home that is occupied by one or more of the owners, it is likely that a partition action will result in a court order to sell the property on the retail real estate market. A real estate broker will need to be retained; the property will be marketed and sold to the highest offeror; and the proceeds will be divided according to the Court's order. There is an option to hold a public auction for the property, however, this is unlikely to maximize the sale price on the open retail market. Or in some cases, property owners often enter into a buyout arrangement where one owner will purchase the interest of the other in the context of a private sale. 

The partition of real estate has some drawbacks in terms of the financial cost of litigation as well as the infighting over the division of financial proceeds that may result.  The sale of the property must also provide for the payment of all liens of records, including mortgages, executions, property and income tax liens, and other of record. This will, of course, reduce the amount of net proceeds after the sale in addition to reductions for real estate broker commission, legal fees, tax stamps, recording fees, and other closing costs.  Despite these costs, many property owners may wish to seek a partition if there is no other way out of the joint ownership arrangement. 

The Law Office of Stefan Cencarik, PLLC of Lynnfield, Massachusetts maintains a comprehensive real estate practice from representation of buyers and sellers of residential and commercial property; resolution and litigation of issues with real estate; representation of commercial landlords and tenants; and condominium associations.   If you have any questions about these matters,  please feel free to contact one of our Greater Boston real estate lawyers at 781-463-6063.  We provide a free initial consultation, and are responsive to the deadlines and timetables of any new matter.