Disputes are not uncommon in real estate. A buyer and a seller may have contract disputes, a seller may fail to disclose defects to a buyer, neighbors may have boundary disputes and property owners may face land use disputes.
These cases can be serious, but they don’t necessarily have to end up in court. Involved parties can solve them through mediation.
Here is what to know about real estate mediation:
Is it beneficial?
Real estate mediation is significantly beneficial. Firstly, it’s cost-effective. Taking a property dispute to court can be costly, from legal fees to other costs you may incur before your case is final. However, when you work with a third neutral party, both of you will bring your claims to the table and the mediator will help you find common ground.
Additionally, mediation can bring about a solution within a short time. A real estate mediation can be completed in one or two sessions. This can allow you to put the matter behind you and focus on other things.
Further, mediations are confidential – your agreements will not be put on a public record. This can be vital if you want to keep your residential or commercial property private or maintain a professional image. Besides, since discussions are confidential, you and the other party are likely to be more honest during discussions.
Can all real estate disputes be solved by mediation?
Almost all disputes encountered in any real estate transaction can be solved by mediation, including landlord-tenant, construction, contractual and Homeowners Association (HOA) disputes. Thus, before going to court, talk with a professional to make informed decisions.