The Most Common Causes of Real Estate Disputes

 Posted on February 24, 2025 in Mediation

When you buy or sell a house, closing is usually the end of your involvement with the other party. The seller moves out. The buyer moves in. Neither party ever hears from the other again. However, disputes can and do arise after a real estate transaction has been completed. Unpleasant surprises are sometimes discovered months or even years after a transaction. Issues like boundary disputes, unexpected costly repairs, or easements that were not mentioned in the closing documents might arise long after a sale. Experienced Los Angeles, CA real estate attorney David Schechet has found that mediation is often highly effective in resolving real estate disputes. In many cases, neither party has acted with malice. Especially if attorneys were not involved in the initial transaction, there is a good chance that your real estate dispute is the result of a genuine misunderstanding or one party’s lack of knowledge. Real estate dispute mediation can help you resolve your dispute quickly without the expense of litigation.

Real Estate Issues That Arise After a Transaction 

A few common reasons for legal disputes after a real estate transaction include: 

• Undisclosed defects - Sellers have a legal duty to disclose any known problems with the condition of the home. It would be very unfair to the buyer if the seller were allowed to cover up repair issues that the buyer will need to contend with. When buyers discover that costly repairs are needed soon after purchase, they may reasonably suspect that the seller knew about the problem and failed to disclose it. 
• Boundary disputes - There is sometimes a discrepancy between the lot boundaries shown in the sales document and those recorded by the government. 
• Land use restriction issues - Buyers may discover after purchase that they cannot use the property the way they want to. For example, a buyer may have intended to convert the stand-alone garage into a rental housing unit before discovering that this use is not permitted due to local restrictions. The seller may have been unaware of the buyer’s plans. 

When Disputes Arise During the Real Estate Sales Process

Disputes can arise before the transaction has been completed. Buyers and sellers usually sign a binding contract committing to the transaction well before closing. Breach of contract disputes can occur if the seller is unprepared to turn over the property on the closing date or has failed to make repairs he or she agreed to make. The buyer may violate the contract by failing to secure financing or backing out of the sale without a valid reason.

Contact a Los Angeles, CA Real Estate Mediation Attorney 

Law Office of David Schechet will work to help you and your buyer or seller resolve your real estate dispute without resorting to litigation. Highly experienced L.A. County, CA real estate disputes lawyer David Schechet will do all he can to secure a resolution you are happy with. Contact us at 800-282-4731 for a complimentary consultation.