Real Estate Law
Protecting Your Investments and Securing Your Property Interests
Real estate transactions are often the most significant financial decisions an individual or business will make in a lifetime. Whether you are buying your very first home, selling a property that has been in your family for generations, or expanding your business into a new commercial space, the stakes are incredibly high. At the law office of Kenneth D. Bilodeau, we understand that real estate is about more than just land and structures; it is about the memories you will create, the security of your finances, and the future you are building. We are here to ensure that your excitement is not overshadowed by legal complications. Our goal is to provide a seamless, transparent, and secure experience, guiding you from the initial offer all the way to the closing table.
For many of our clients, the process begins with residential real estate. Buying a home is an emotional journey, and it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of finding the perfect place. However, the legal documents surrounding a home purchase are dense and full of legal terminology that can be confusing to the untrained eye. We step in to review the Purchase and Sale Agreement before you sign on the dotted line. This contract is the roadmap for the entire transaction, and it is vital to ensure that your interests are protected regarding inspections, financing contingencies, and closing dates. We make sure you understand exactly what you are agreeing to, helping you negotiate terms that are fair and favorable. If issues arise during a home inspection—perhaps a roof that needs repair or a structural concern—we advocate on your behalf to resolve these matters with the seller, ensuring you aren’t walking into a money pit.
A critical component of our real estate practice is title examination and insurance. When you buy a property, you need absolute certainty that the seller has the legal right to sell it to you and that no one else has a claim on the land. We perform rigorous title searches to uncover any potential issues, such as unpaid taxes, old mortgages that were never properly discharged, utility easements, or unknown liens. Discovering a title defect after you have already purchased a home can be a nightmare that threatens your ownership. We work diligently to clear these issues before closing, providing you with a “clean title.” We also explain the importance of title insurance, which provides a safety net for you and your lender against past defects that might arise in the future. We want you to sleep soundly knowing that your home is truly yours.
Commercial real estate presents a different set of challenges and complexities, and we are well-equipped to handle the needs of business owners and investors. Unlike residential transactions, which often use standard forms, commercial deals are highly customized. We assist in drafting and reviewing commercial leases, which can be fraught with hidden costs and obligations regarding maintenance, zoning, and build-outs. We help you understand the long-term implications of a Triple Net Lease versus a Gross Lease and negotiate terms that allow your business to thrive without unexpected overhead. If you are purchasing commercial land for development, we can assist with navigating local zoning laws, land use regulations, and permitting processes. We understand that time is money for a business, and we work efficiently to clear regulatory hurdles so you can get your doors open and your operations running.
The closing process itself is often the most mysterious part of the transaction for buyers and sellers. It involves a mountain of paperwork, the transfer of significant funds, and coordination between lenders, agents, and attorneys. We act as the conductor of this orchestra, ensuring that every document is prepared correctly and that the funds are distributed accurately. We take the time to sit with you during the closing to explain what you are signing. We believe you should never sign a legal document simply because a lawyer tells you to; you should sign it because you understand its purpose. Our approachable nature means you can ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable. We want the day you get your keys to be a celebration, not a day of confusion.
Beyond transactions, we also stand by our clients when disputes arise regarding real property. Property ownership can sometimes lead to conflicts with neighbors, such as boundary line disputes, issues with overhanging trees, or disagreements over shared driveways and easements. These situations can be incredibly stressful because they happen right at your doorstep. We approach these disputes with a focus on practical solutions. While we are always ready to litigate to protect your rights, we often find that a well-negotiated settlement or a clearly drafted boundary agreement can resolve the issue faster and more amicably, preserving neighborly relations.
We also assist in matters of landlord-tenant law. For landlords, we help draft robust lease agreements that protect your property and ensure you are in compliance with state housing laws. For tenants, we ensure your rights to a habitable living space are respected. When conflicts regarding rent, security deposits, or evictions occur, we provide legal counsel that adheres strictly to the complex statutory requirements of the law, preventing costly procedural errors.
At Kenneth D. Bilodeau ATTY, we view ourselves as partners in your property journey. Real estate law is not just about filing deeds; it is about protecting the physical foundation of your life and business. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer nervous about the process, or a seasoned investor looking to expand your portfolio, we offer the personalized, attentive service you deserve. We handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on moving in and moving forward.
