Buying a new home and eventually settling down is a great step worth celebrating. Getting that furniture inside is a great relief to its occupants. However, the problems arise when you are not aware of the occurrence of legal issues and how to handle them. Therefore, as a homeowner, it is important to know how to handle legal issues such as insurance, warranties, homeowners associations, mortgages and much more. When you are well prepared, you will be able to handle any unforeseen legal problems if they occur.
Your rights as a homeowner
Now that you are a homeowner, it is only fair that you enjoy your stay in that home to the fullest. Being your home, you have certain rights that go along with the property ownership. It is important to know them so that you can utilize them accordingly. They will also help you to know that is expected of you from your neighbours and your state in general. Some of these rights include:
1. Total ownership
As a homeowner, you fully possess that property. In other words, you have the right to exercise physical control over that property. Hence, you have the right to occupy the home without any interference. How you use your home is entirely your business. You are at liberty to do whatever you wish with your house. In fact, there are countless ways to use your home. So, go ahead and utilize it as your heart desires.
2. Home ownership transfer
As a homeowner, you have the freedom to transfer your home to someone else. When you do so, the new owner will possess the rights you have been enjoying on your house. There are different ways to transfer your home to someone else such as:
Through a will
A will is a form of property transfer after the death of the owner. This can occur to parents or guardians who want to leave their properties to their children or any other person willing to transfer their home ownership to someone else for their own reasons. For your information, it is illegal to enforce the will prematurely or tamper with it.
There is also the inheritance law which governs those entitled to receive the home of the deceased. For instance, close relatives like spouses and children have the right to claim the property even when a will fails to include them.
As a gift
Yes, you read right. You have the right to gift your loved one with your home if you so desire. Gifting someone with a property gift is defined as a transfer of ownership. In this case, the giver won’t receive any compensation in return. This type of property transfer mostly happens to close family members. For the transfer to be effective, it must have witnesses.
Basic transfer
This form of home ownership transfer is the most common whereby a willing seller and a willing buyer are involved. In this case, paperwork is of great essence. The process involved in this form of transfer may be quite complicating and some assistance from a lawyer can go a long way. That is why it is important to seek guidance from renounced legal firms such as Manzanares Lawyers, a renounced abogados in Marbella. These experts are well equipped to ensure you get what you bargained for.
Critical legal tips for homeowners
Facing unique legal issues as a homeowner shouldn’t stop you from quenching your thirst of becoming a homeowner. Below are amazing tips specially designed to help homeowners plan for any unexpected events in case they occur.
Homeowners’ insurance policy
An adequate homeowner’s insurance policy is extremely vital. To be on the safe side, avoid buying the most affordable policy. Instead, go for the one that covers natural disasters common to the place you live in. It is a superb way to ensure your losses are covered in case a disaster strikes.
Safety of documents
Living in your own house may tempt you to keep all the important documents inside the house. This is not a good idea. That’s because these documents can be destroyed, get lost or even land in the wrong hands. For maximum safety, make sure all your important documents such as title deeds, wills, insurance documents, warranties and the like are kept in a safe location.
Homeowners associations
You can be sued for failing to observe the associations bylaws if your home is governed by a Homeowners Association (HOA). For instance, some HOA bylaws restrict the modifications you can do in your home. Thus, if you go ahead and make such changes, you stand to be fined for failing to adhere to the rules. If reviewing the HOA bylaws is a problem for you, then consult the services of a lawyer. That is why they are there.
Hiring a contractor
All homeowners have to deal with repairs and renovations at some point. In fact, it is inevitable if you want your home to be in a good state. When the need to hire a contractor arises, make sure you consider crucial factors such as references. The contractor should also be insured and licensed. This is to ensure you are dealing with qualified personnel who will handle the renovations without ruining your home.
Renting
Sometimes, you make think of renting out your home if you are not currently living there. While this may be a good idea to bring in some more income, remember to check if your mortgage allows such a plan. Besides, very few homeowners’ insurance policies will include renters. So begin by reviewing the terms of your mortgage and insurance policy. If you are contented with what they have stated about renters, then you can rent the whole space or part of the space.
The bottom line
It is amazing to own a home. Although the challenges are there, with the right information, you are good to go.
