By Barbara Nichols
RISMEDIA, August 30, 2007-In every real estate transaction, real estate agents, buyers, sellers, builders and property inspectors are all vulnerable to a lawsuit. There are many books providing advice on the processes of buying, selling, building, financing and remodeling homes but there has been a noticeable absence of advice on how to prevent costly litigation when taking part in such endeavors.
Now, with the new book “The No-Lawsuit Guide to Real Estate Transactions” (McGraw-Hill, June, 2007) by Barbara Nichols, everyone involved in real estate has a one-stop reference in order to safeguard themselves from lawsuits.
Whether you are a property owner, a buyer weighing potential purchase options, a real estate professional brokering a transaction or a new home builder, this is the ultimate must-have resource for understanding and managing all of the important liability issues inherent in real estate transactions. Simple enough for novice buyers, sellers and real estate agents, but in-depth enough for seasoned pros, this one-of-a-kind guide is a vital source of information.
The No-Lawsuit Guide to Real Estate Transactions arms readers with the information needed to protect their careers and property with in-depth guidance on:
— Understanding the issues raised in lawsuits
— Avoiding problem areas in transactions
— Handling quotes, contractors, and permit issues
— Dealing effectively with seller repairs and credits
— Coping with the property inspection process from A to Z
— Reducing the risk of tenant lawsuits
— Documenting the transaction and disclosures
— Selecting your real estate agent
In addition to being an active real estate broker with over 20 years of experience, Nichols has served as a consultant and expert witness in hundreds of real estate lawsuits. With her new book, she shows homeowners and investors how to minimize their risks and helps agents and brokers spot the kinds of problems that lead to lawsuits before the situation becomes critical.
With Nichols’ thorough coverage, readers may learn everything they need to know about their potential liability in real estate transactions and understand their obligations as real estate professionals or property owners.
As real estate values continue to increase, the legal stakes for real estate professionals, builders, property inspectors, buyers and sellers are higher than ever, but understanding real estate laws and potential transaction pitfalls is the best way to prevent disputes from ever reaching court. The “No-Lawsuit Guide to Real Estate Transactions” is a sure-fire way to cut risks, protect investments and prevent costly lawsuits before they happen.
Barbara Nichols is the owner of Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Nichols Real Estate and General Contracting. A real estate broker and licensed general contractor for over 20 years, she has a Masters degree in Business from Cornell University and is a member of the Cornell University Real Estate Council.