Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

Recently my husband inherited a house from his late aunt. He is in the process of selling the house but the buyers are giving him a hard time pertaining to the retaining wall in the backyard. Since he is not familiar with the house he got 2 confirmations from neighbors that the retaining wall is not his but the neighbor who's house is up hill. As they put it "it is their retaining wall as it is retaining their dirt off your property. The buyers are currently delaying the closing of the house due to this. Any suggestions?


Asked on 11/30/10, 5:15 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Robert Gleaner Robert A. Gleaner, P.C.

This should be cleared up relatively easily by obtaining a survey. If it is not on the property, it is not your husband's problem. If it is, just having it in place securely and built properly should solve the issue.

Keep in mind that this advice is given based on the little bit of information that you have provided in your question. My advice may change based on other information. Further, no one can rely on advice from an attorney who has not been retained. You cannot rely on this advice because we have not personally met and you have not retained me as an attorney. If you have not already done so, you should immediately meet with a real estate attorney for a full consultation before you take any further steps. Good luck! Rob Gleaner

Read more
Answered on 12/06/10, 6:36 am
Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

This problem should not be a problem. Why is the buyer delaying the sale due to this? Is something else going on, like the wall is falling down?

As a general rule, if the retaining wall is on your husband's property, then it belongs to him, and if it is on the neighbor's land, then it belongs to the neighbor. There may be something in the deeds or an easement that changes this.

You really need a good lawyer to guide you in this. The buyer should not be delaying sale due to this. A survey and a review of the title search should be enough information for an attorney to give you some advice. I could do that very quickly for you, and you could then know how to proceed.

Give me a call, make an appointment to come see me, and let's get moving on this for you.

There is NO COST to you for the telephone call, or for the first meeting at my office.

Robert Davies, Esq. 201-820-3460

My contact information can be obtained from the links below, just click on the Attorney Profile link. Let my secretary know you found me through LawGuru.

Please keep in mind that my response is just a general comment on your question, and not legal advice. Your question and any response does NOT create an attorney-client relationship between you and this law firm. The exact details of your situation and things that you have not mentioned in your question can completely change the response I gave. You can not rely upon what I have written, because I do not have all of the information that I need to advise you, I only have the very small amount of information that you put into your question. To get legal advice that you can rely on and use, please contact me directly. I would be happy to assist you.

Read more
Answered on 12/06/10, 6:58 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Real Estate and Real Property questions and answers in New Jersey