Real Estate Litigation Lawyer Washington DC
Few scenarios in business are more frustrating than entrusting that a contractor, vendor, or other business entity will honor the terms of a contract only to discover that they haven’t held up their end of the bargain in question. If you’ve invested in any kind of real estate matter, whether that involves building a structure from scratch, renovating an existing structure, or overhauling land, and a contractor has failed to honor the terms of a contract, you’re likely feeling angry, overwhelmed, and possibly fearful about what this turn of events will mean for the future. It’s important to know that you likely have legal options available to you. Speaking with an experienced real estate litigation attorney will help to clarify those options so that you can make an informed decision about how you want to proceed.
When Contractors Breach Real Estate Contracts
When two or more parties agree to the terms of a legally-enforceable contract, a breach of that contract may serve as grounds for legal action by the party or parties who have been harmed by the breach. Breach of contract essentially means that a party to a legal contract has failed to perform a promise made within that agreement. Note that it is possible to “legally” breach a contract if a protected excuse explains the reason for non-performance.
If a real estate contractor has breached a contract with you or your business, you likely have the strongest grounds possible for legal action if the breach was material in nature. Say that a contractor agreed to provide a highly specific imported building material for your project. You expected the contractor to install bright white Italian marble from a specific manufacturer. A minor breach of your contract could occur if the contractor installs marble of the color and quality expected but sources it from a different manufacturer. A material breach would occur if the contractor (without your permission) installs grey granite sourced from Minnesota. In the first scenario, your contract has not been followed to the letter but the end result is very close to what you expected when you entered into the agreement. In the second scenario, the results are radically different.
Legal Assistance Is Available
It’s important to understand that every real estate contractual dispute is unique. As a result, it’s important not to make assumptions about your legal situation until after you’ve received legal guidance from a professional with experience in this complex area of law. Once you’ve scheduled a consultation with a real estate litigation attorney, you’ll be able to ask any questions you may have and you’ll receive information about your legal options according to the unique circumstances surrounding your situation. When you are preparing for your consultation, make sure to pull a copy of your contract to show the attorney, and to bring any other relevant documentation along with you to your meeting. These papers will help your attorney to provide you with personalized guidance as opposed to generalized advice.
For more information about real estate agreements, contact a real estate litigation lawyer Washington, DC residents recommend. Call the Eric Siegel Law firm today.