Real Estate Lawyers in Watertown

Massachusetts 1031 like-kind exchanges defer capital gains tax on real-estate sales when proceeds reinvest in similar property — strict 45/180-day deadlines + qualified intermediary required.

Massachusetts adverse possession requires 20 years of continuous, open, hostile, exclusive, and notorious possession.

Massachusetts property boundary disputes are resolved through surveys, deeds, adverse possession, acquiescence, or boundary-line agreements — but they're often more about neighbors than law.

Massachusetts construction defect claims are governed by statutes of repose (typically 6-15 years from substantial completion), pre-suit notice requirements, and warranty rules — but homeowners have real remedies if they act quickly.

Massachusetts earnest money deposits: 5% typical (deposit at P&S signing). The deposit shows good faith and gives the buyer skin in the game; held in escrow until closing or contract termination.

Massachusetts easements give one party the right to use another's land for a specific purpose — utilities, access, drainage, conservation. Created by deed, prescription, necessity, or implication.

Massachusetts fair housing law — federal Fair Housing Act + state law — protects against discrimination in renting + buying based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, and (state-dependent) sexual orientation, source of income, etc.

Massachusetts foreclosure: Non-judicial (statutory). Typical timeline: 150-210 days.

Massachusetts HOAs are governed by recorded covenants/declarations and Massachusetts Condominium Act (Ch. 183A) . Disputes commonly involve assessments, architectural-control decisions, rule enforcement, and board governance.

Massachusetts has TWO different homestead exemptions: one for property taxes and a separate one that protects equity from creditors.

Massachusetts eviction (non-payment): 14-day notice to quit for non-payment. Typical timeline: 60-90 days. Tenant-friendly posture overall.

Massachusetts lis pendens — recorded notice of pending litigation affecting real property — clouds title and stops sales until resolved. Powerful but limited to specific claims about the property itself.