Private Mortgage Insurance

If you purchase a home and make a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price, you may be required to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI). In essence, PMI is a fee which provides compensation to the lender in the event the borrower defaults on the mortgage.

Trespass

An owner of real property, by virtue of the owner's interest in the property, has the right to be free from intrusions upon the property by others. A trespass results from any intentional intrusion upon the property of another. Generally speaking, a property owner's right to prevent such intrusions is absolute.

Residential Real Estate Sales -- The Final Walk-Through

In connection with a residential real estate sale, it is not uncommon for a buyer to "walk through" the house one or more times before the closing takes place.

Fences -- Livestock

Nearly every state and/or locality has a law with regard to fences and livestock. Generally speaking, the laws fall into two categories: open range and closed range. As the matter is governed by state law and local ordinances, the applicable law should be consulted for further details.

A Tenant's Remedy for the Landlord's Breach of the Implied Warranty of Habitability -- Actual and Constructive Eviction

A lease agreement impliedly covenants that the tenant will have the peaceable use and enjoyment of leased premises that are fit for human habitation. In exchange, the tenant covenants that he will pay rent to the landlord. A landlord may file an eviction proceeding if the tenant breaches the covenant to pay rent; however, if the tenant pays rent and the landlord either physically ejects the tenant from the premises or substantially compromises the tenant's enjoyment of the premises, the landlord has breached the covenant by eviction.