An Experienced Orange County Real Estate Attorney
A reputation you can trust
Peter C. Wittlin has a strong reputation for being a capable and knowledgeable real estate lawyer in Irvine, California, and surrounding areas. He has, for nearly 35 years, been editor of a real estate publication while writing about real estate legal dealings in Orange County. He has twice been awarded the “Most Outstanding Achievement Award” by the Orange County Bar Association real estate section. And as an outstanding litigator, he is frequently invited to speak to a number of realty groups. The favorable results he has delivered to his real estate clients attest to the level of skill he brings to this area of law.
Helping you with business and private real estate dispute resolution
Described as an all-purpose real estate attorney, Peter Wittlin is often asked to broker commission disputes between sellers and buyers. He has represented clients in disclosure matters at trial or through alternative dispute resolution (ADR) hearings such as mediation or arbitration. During his three decades of legal practice, he has represented buyers regarding their right to have a return on their deposits and represented both buyers and sellers in easement matters and landlord-tenant disputes. His knowledge of this area of law allows for him to resolve all quiet title, zoning, and other building disputes — even in circumstances where injunctions have been filed.
Are you seeking an experienced real estate attorney in orange county to help with your situation?
Schedule a consultation with Real Estate Attorney Peter C. Wittlin by contacting us at (949) 430-6366 or fill out the form below.
Experience Matters in Real Estate Litigation
Peter Wittlin knows the rules and procedures (including all important deadlines) for the court systems in a number of Southern California counties. He frequently appears in Orange County and Los Angeles County courts.
Real estate law is uniquely complex because each property varies widely from one case to the next. The sheer amount of potential legal difficulties associated with any litigation makes it imperative to have the utmost knowledgeable legal assistance at your side. In his 35 years of practicing real estate law, attorney Peter Wittlin knows firsthand just how high the stakes can quickly emerge during matters of property and estate litigation.
Peter Wittlin is a tried and tested attorney with a proven track record when it comes to assisting California real estate owners with their legal needs.
His areas of coverage concerning real estate litigation include:
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Residential & commercial leasing
- Failure to disclose construction defects
- Title issues such as defects on deeds
- Breach of contract disputes
- Zoning restrictions
- Eminent domain
- Mortgage audits, modifications, and foreclosures
- Security interests
It bears repeating that Peter Wittlin is extremely knowledgeable in many different areas of law that may touch upon real estate concerns. He regularly provides legal services to clients concerning commercial leasing, business sales, and various probate matters. His knowledge of bankruptcy laws allows for him to resolve real estate matters that otherwise would have been thwarted due to a bankruptcy proceeding going forward by a buyer or seller.
What can a real estate lawyer do?
A lawyer can also help with the following:
- Performing a title search (to see if the property is free of any liens or judgments)
- Guiding the process from the contract stage to closing
- Helping to look over and file real estate deeds at the county and state level
- Making the buyer aware of all relevant facts about the property
- Helping the buyer understand the loan package from lender
Real estate involves a lot of complexity. A lawyer can help you understand the process from beginning to end, and avoid a lot of stress and potentially explosive legal trouble if something isn’t satisfied according to any contracts.
Real estate is purely defined as a piece of land, including any natural (trees, water, valuable mineral deposits, and oil) or artificial things (sidewalks, buildings, and fences) that are a part of it. Real estate can belong to two categories: residential and commercial.
Residential real estate is intended for human occupation by a single family or multiple families. While owners can live in their houses, they can also rent them out to others–causing the real estate to be leased. On the other hand, commercial real estate is more focused on businesses. It includes office buildings, malls, restaurants, and other activities. It can be owner-occupied or leased as well.
While real property and real estate are often used interchangeably, real property is a more broad term. Not only does real property include real estate, it adds a bundle of rights. These rights include the right to sell, lease, use, exclude, enjoy, dispose of or develop the property. It gives property owners to use the property in any way they see fit.
Buying a house? You need a lawyer.
From contract to closing, a real estate lawyer can be a trusted advisor throughout the process.
Mortgages. Foreclosure. Closing on a house.
In some states, you are legally required to have a lawyer when buying a house. And when you need to fill out and understand purchase agreements, mortgage documents, and deeds, it can get complex really quickly.
In this blog, we will break down the process of purchasing or selling a home, the documents you may see, and how a lawyer can help you navigate the process of buying your dream home.
What’s the process?
It seems simple.
When someone wishes to sell a house, they enter into a brokerage contract with a real estate agent. The broker will go find a potential buyer. The seller and buyer will negotiate through the broker. After negotiation, the seller and buyer will enter into formal written contract called the purchase agreement.
Closing occurs after the buyer has satisfied all the conditions of the purchase agreement to the satisfaction of the seller. On the closing date, the ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer.
What are the documents needed?
Some documents that you may see include:
- The purchase agreement is a binding contract that includes the agreed-upon price and any terms and conditions that come from selling and buying a house. An attorney can help write a purchase agreement that can protect your interests.
- A mortgage is a legal document given to the lender when you buy or refinance a house that creates a lien on the property. It gives the lender the right to take the property if the loan is not repaid (if this happens, it is called foreclosure).
- A deed is a document that transfers ownership of real estate. It identifies the buyer (grantee) and seller (grantor), provides a legal description of the property, and has the seller’s notarized signature.
Beyond this list, an attorney can help you discover all of the necessary paperwork required.
Free Real Estate Legal Advice
- Protecting the broker’s commission against seller’s or buyer’s remorse
- Ask Pete: What are my legal rights if a seller does not pay commission?
- Tips for tenants when negotiating a commercial real estate lease
- Tips for landlords when negotiating a commercial real estate lease
- Legal tips for selling your business in California
- 4 things to consider when negotiating your commercial real estate lease
- Buying a business in California? Beware of the bulk sales transfer law
Real Estate Litigation Lawyer in Southern California
Real estate litigations can often become very complicated due to the involvement of multiple parties and numerous legal regulations. Therefore, clients are not advised to step into a litigation dispute involving real estate matters without the council of a practicing attorney at law. With over three decades worth of experience in legal negotiations, Peter Wittlin is the lawyer Southern California turns to for resolving real estate litigation disputes by standing firmly with his clients and offering them practical advisement concerning any title issues.
Over 30 Years of Real Estate Litigation Experience in Orange, Riverside and Los Angeles Counties
Peter Wittlin’s law firm has stood the test of time in Southern California and has seen many courtroom victories by protecting his clients’ interests in court while constructing innovative solutions along the way. By choosing Peter Wittlin as your litigation attorney you are immediately backed by nearly 35 years of real estate law experience. His vast expertise and knowledge of the real estate business within the state of California has helped clients achieve numerous wins in overly complex cases. Whether you’re a tenant or landlord in the Southern California area and need advice from an experienced attorney concerning an upcoming real estate litigation, you can be sure to rely on the experience and ability of Peter Wittlin to resolve your legal issues in an expedient and affordable manner.
Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Your Real Estate Litigation Issues
Contact Peter Wittlin by filling out the form below with a brief description of your legal issue, or simply call his law firm at (949) 430-6366 to schedule your initial consultation. His law firm is located in Irvine, California at 8 Corporate Park Suite 300.