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How does COVID-19 change the work of Real Estate Lawyers?

How does COVID-19 change the work of Real Estate Lawyers?


The real estate market in Lafayette and California as a whole is showing signs of an upsurge after the COVID-19 downturn. One major reason for this is that residential real estate services are currently considered essential services in California.

However, this does not mean that it is business as usual for real estate. Ensuring public health and safety remains a crucial priority. The real estate business has to be carried out with adherence to all health and safety precautions.

If anything, the effect of COVID-19 has caused a lot of changes to how real estate business is conducted. This is especially so with the use of technology and the emergence of “i-buyers” as well as virtual home tours. 

At the Law Offices of William C. Vencill, we are staying ahead of the curve by engaging the use of technology in carrying out the legal process involved in the real estate business. Get in touch with us online here or call (925) 946-9700 to learn more about how our real estate lawyer in Lafayette can fast-track your business.

Here are a few other ways the COVID-19 pandemic has affected real estate practice and the work of real estate lawyers or professionals.

Real estate transactions are now conducted entirely online

With the virtual showing of properties comes a lot of other advantages. One of the ways COVID-19 has impacted the work of real estate lawyers is that digitized platforms and tools are now being utilized to a great extent. Less physical meetings mean potential buyers, sellers, or other real estate parties can now conduct a successful transaction from the comfort of their homes. This is a developing trend that real estate lawyers and other real estate professionals have comfortably eased into.

E-signing of documents

Even before now, documents like purchase/sale agreements, addenda, contingency removals, leases, etc., have already been completed and signed electronically and remotely.

This trend is now becoming more popular. Since the commencement of the ‘shelter-in-place’ rules, real estate lawyers have been asked to witness signatures with the use of video-conferencing. It is safe to assume that this can only grow in use and popularity. More and more closings will likely be conducted remotely and electronically from now on.

Social distancing regulations 

It is great news to real estate professionals that the showing of homes in person is now allowed to resume. To flatten the curve and mitigate exposure to the coronavirus, CDC guidelines must still be complied with though. Some of these guidelines or practices include that:

  • Persons involved in a transaction must wear face masks or available face coverings,
  • Real estate professionals may decline to show occupied apartments and houses
  • Showing of the home must be done one potential buyer at a time
  • Social distancing guidelines are still in place
  • Surfaces are cleaned and disinfected
  • Virtual showings of properties should be considered if possible

Contact an excellent Real Estate Lawyer in Lafayette today

William C. Vencill has amassed over four decades of litigation experience, focusing on real property and construction disputes; corporate, partnership, and commercial disputes; and title insurance claims.

At the law offices of William C. Vencill, we have adopted the use of technology in offering seamless service to our clients during this period. To discuss your real estate needs with our attorneys, schedule an online consultation with the law offices of William C. Vencill here. You may also put a call through to (925) 946-9700 if you have any real estate business to transact in Lafayette and you need a top-quality real estate lawyer.

Five Ways a Business Lawyer Protects You When Founding a Business

Starting anything from scratch is always challenging.  When it comes to starting a business, for instance, the amount of work that is needed to get things started and running smoothly can be overwhelming.

One of the most important things that you need most at this stage is sound legal direction. Every state has specific regulations and requirements that every startup needs to comply with. To help you understand these regulations, it is best to hire the services of a business attorney, an expert with experience and knowledge about the local codes and how business law works. Such experts can help protect your business in several ways, including:

1.  Detect Legal Problems Early

Many businesses face legal issues such as wrongful terminations and sexual harassment or any other issue that could cause the company to get sued. Do not wait until this happens; seek legal advice as soon as you found the business. The lawyer will advise you on the rights of both employer and employee, which will protect you from future legal problems.

2.  Protect Your Business Name

Naming a business is a very personal process. It is, however, essential to have a lawyer explain all the legal requirements involved before you begin using any name. For instance, all states have rules on naming businesses, including the fact that you cannot use a name that another company is using.

A lawyer will help find out if another business is using the name you have chosen. They will also help you settle for a name that can be trademarked to stop competitors from using it to benefit financially.

3.  Draw All Important Contracts

A lawyer will help you draw contracts that clearly explain the rights and responsibilities of all parties that are involved. This will reduce disagreements and provide ready solutions if the parties do not fulfill their obligations.

Besides, contracts will protect company secrets, define relationships between employees, as well as protect the company’s interest during regular and major transactions. A lawyer will review all the contracts and help you develop agreements that the business is expected to use frequently.

 If you are engaging contractors, a lawyer will help you develop an intellectual property agreement that stops them from walking away with all the ideas that they come up with when working in your company. This will help you avoid conflicts and legal issues in the future.

4.  Reviewing Real-Estate Leases and Agreements

Unless you have a home-based business, you are going to set up shop in an office building, commercial space or some warehouse. Whether you lease or purchase the space, you are going to need a business lawyer to help you review all the fine print on terms and agreements.

5.  Offer Advice On Tax

Each state has requirements for tax, record keeping, and several other business-related processes. When starting a business, you need to understand what is required of you to comply with all the rules and regulations.

A business lawyer will advise you on tax laws required for a new business and help you come up with a structure and any licenses that you might need. This will include advice on any tax you might need to pay when making business investments. This way, you will avoid any surprises from authorities notifying you that you’ve violated tax laws, which could result in the company unnecessarily paying a lot of money in penalties or you (the owner) serving a jail term.

Conclusion

Getting legal help from a business attorney is a shrewd way of starting a business off on the right foot. Whether it is for tax purposes or employment law compliance, you are going to need the services of an attorney. Most importantly, ensure that you contract the right business lawyer for your needs. You can contact qualified business attorneys near you today to discuss your requirements and learn how to set up a business in a way that minimizes your liabilities and optimizes your profits.