real estate litigation | Real Estate Litigation

The Unwavering Un-waivable Implied Warranty of Workmanship and Habitability in Arizona

Posted on January 13, 2023 by Bob Henry

By: Robert A. Henry and Emily R. Parker The Arizona Supreme Court recently issued an opinion on the scope of the implied warranty of workmanship and habitability (the “implied warranty”) in contracts between homebuyers and builder/vendors that provides clear guidance … Continue reading →

Author: Bob Henry | Leave a comment Tagged construction warranties, implied warranties, implied warranty, implied warranty of workmanship and habitability, purchase and sale agreement, real estate, real estate litigation, real property, Warranty of Habitability, warranty of workmanship

Liquidated Damages: Too High and It’s a Penalty. Too Low and You’re Out of Luck.

Posted on November 9, 2022 by cfernandez

By: Christian Fernandez Liquidated damages provisions in commercial and residential real estate contracts play a vital role when a transaction goes south, and should be given careful consideration when negotiating a real estate contract. Liquidated damages may be referred to … Continue reading →

Author: cfernandez | Leave a comment Tagged actual damages, actual loss, anticipated loss, commercial real estate, construction, contractor, earnest money, good-faith deposit, insufficient liquidated damages, liquidated damages, liquidated damages too low, loss, non-refundable deposit, penalty, purchase and sale agreement, real estate, real estate litigation, unenforceable penalty

Can I Record a Lis Pendens in Arizona if the Lawsuit is filed Another Jurisdiction?

Posted on August 17, 2022 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves Recent research I did on a case led me to the conclusion that Arizona law recognizes foreign litigation (i.e., a lawsuit filed outside of Arizona) as a justification for the recording of a lis pendens against real … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged foreign lis pendens, lis pendens, real estate litigation

HOA Foreclosure Excess Sale Proceeds Go to Owner

Posted on August 9, 2022 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves Over the last few years, the Arizona Court of Appeals wrestled with the question of who should receive the excess proceeds from a foreclosure sale. We’ve blogged about some these past unreported decisions here and here. Those … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged real estate litigation

When Is A Project Delay Material and Actionable?

Posted on January 2, 2022 by Rick Erickson

By Rick Erickson Welcome to 2022! This year, the construction industry will undoubtedly reflect on the last two years as unprecedented times plagued by construction project delays. The COVID-19 pandemic contributed to suspension of work and closure of construction projects … Continue reading →

Author: Rick Erickson | Leave a comment Tagged #COVID, breach of contract, construction, construction bonds, construction defect litigation, construction law, construction lending, construction litigation, construction management, contractor, Covid-19, damages, design team, owner, project manager, real estate litigation, residential construction, subcontractor

Can a Home Builder Disclaim Implied Warranties of Workmanship and Habitability?

Posted on August 3, 2021 by Kevin Parker

By: Kevin J. Parker In a recent Arizona Court of Appeals case, Zambrano v. M & RC II LLC, 2021 WL 3204491 (7/29/2021), the Court of Appeals addressed the question whether a home builder’s attempt to disclaim implied warranties of … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged caveat emptor, construction warranties, home construction, implied warranties, real estate litigation, Warranty of Habitability, warranty of workmanship

Tort Claims Against an Alter Ego May Be Considered an Action “On a Contract” for the Purposes of an Attorneys’ Fees Award under California Civil Code section 1717

Posted on March 26, 2021 by acarucci

By: Tony Carucci California Civil Code section 1717 entitles the prevailing party to attorneys’ fees “n any action on a contract,” where the contract provides for an award of attorneys’ fees to the prevailing party, regardless of whether the prevailing … Continue reading →

Author: acarucci | Leave a comment Tagged attorneys fees, commercial real estate, construction, contractor, real estate litigation

Married Couple’s Acquisition of Title as Joint Tenants Does Not Rebut the Presumption of Community Property

Posted on December 1, 2020 by Kevin Parker

By: Kevin J. Parker https://www.swlaw.com/people/kevin_parker In re Brace, 470 P.3d 15 (Cal. 2020), a California married couple acquired real property with community funds, and took title as “husband and wife as joint tenants.” When the husband filed a chapter 7 … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged community property, joint tenancy, real estate litigation

Does a Landlord’s Violation of the Arizona Residential Landlord-Tenant Act Constitute Negligence Per Se?

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Kevin Parker

By: Kevin J. Parker In a recent Arizona Court of Appeals case, Ibarra v. Gastelum, 2020 WL 4218020 (7/23/20), the Court of Appeals addressed the question whether – in a tenant’s personal injury claim against the landlord – a landlord’s … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged negligence per se, personal injury, real estate litigation, residential landlord tenant

Does a Broker Forfeit His or Her Commission for Technical Non-Compliance with Department of Real Estate Statutory Requirements?

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Kevin Parker

By: Kevin J. Parker In a recent Arizona Court of Appeals case, CK Revocable Trust v. My Home Group Real Estate LLC, 2020 WL 4306183 (7/28/2020), the Court of Appeals addressed the distinction between “substantive” and “technical” statutory requirements for … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged brokerage agreements, forfeiture of commission, real estate litigation, violation of Department of Real Estate regulations

If You Purchase a House at an HOA Lien Foreclosure, Are You Entitled to Excess Sale Proceeds?

Posted on November 12, 2019 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves That pesky excess sale proceeds statute, A.R.S. § 33-727, is making waves again. We previously blogged about this statute here. In the prior post, we explained that excess sale proceeds (i.e., a foreclosure sale price greater than … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged Excess Sale Proceeds, foreclosure, HOA Lien, real estate litigation

Foreclosure Deficiency: Construction Loan vs. Home Improvement Loan

Posted on August 23, 2019 by Kevin Parker

By: Kevin J. Parker In a recent Arizona Court of Appeals case, Helvetica Servicing, Inc., v. Pasquan, 2019 WL 3820015, (8/15/19), the Court of Appeals addressed the distinction between (1) a construction loan (or refinance of same) and (2) a … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged anti-deficiency, Deficiency judgment, foreclosure, real estate litigation

CCP 998 Does Not Confer an Independent Right to Attorneys’ Fees

Posted on June 7, 2019 by acarucci

By: Tony Carucci A so-called “offer to compromise” under California Code of Civil Procedure section 998 can reverse the parties’ entitlement to costs after the date of the offer, depending on the outcome of the litigation. Cal. Code Civ. Proc. … Continue reading →

Author: acarucci | Leave a comment Tagged commercial real estate, construction, contractor, real estate, real estate litigation, Snell & Wilmer

That’s Common Knowledge! Failure to Designate an Expert Witness in a Professional Negligence Case is Not Fatal Where “Common Knowledge” Exception Applies

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Lyndsey Torp

By: Lyndsey Torp In reversing summary judgment for defendants, the California Fourth District Court of Appeal recently held that homeowners suing their real estate broker for negligence did not need an expert witness to establish the elements of their causes … Continue reading →

Author: Lyndsey Torp | Leave a comment Tagged brokers, common knowledge, experts, professional negligence, real estate litigation, summary judgment

Colorado Court of Appeals clarifies that a finding of irreparable harm is not required to enter a permanent injunction to enforce an easement

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Luke Mecklenburg

On March 21, 2019, the Colorado Court of Appeals issued its opinion in Rinker v. Colina-Lee, holding for the first time that the “irreparable harm” element typically required to grant a permanent injunction is not needed for injunctions issued to … Continue reading →

Author: Luke Mecklenburg | Leave a comment Tagged colorado real property, commercial real estate, developer, easements, injunction, irreparable harm, real estate, real estate litigation, real property, Snell & Wilmer

Vacation Rentals: Liability of the Owner for Injury Suffered by the Renter

Posted on April 19, 2019 by Kevin Parker

By: Kevin J. Parker With the explosion of the “private” rental business wherein residential property owners rent their house or condo on a short-term basis to third-parties, certain legal issues have arisen with regard to the duties owed by the … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged Premises liability, real estate litigation, Vacation rentals

Recording “Un-Neighborly” Documents

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Bob Henry

By: Bob Henry In September 2018, in Baumgartner v. Timmins, 245 Ariz. 334, 429 P.3d 567, the Arizona Court of Appeals provided further clarification on what constitutes an “encumbrance” on a property for purposes of Arizona’s statutory scheme prohibiting the … Continue reading →

Author: Bob Henry | Leave a comment Tagged A.R.S. § 33-420, Baumgartner, real estate litigation, recording false documents

What If Your CCP 998 Offer is Silent on Costs?

Posted on January 17, 2019 by acarucci

By: Tony Carucci In California, the “prevailing party” in litigation is generally entitled to recover its costs as a matter of law. See Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1032. But under California Code of Civil Procedure section 998, a party … Continue reading →

Author: acarucci | Leave a comment Tagged commercial real estate, construction, contractor, developer, foreclosure, Guarantor, guaranty, real estate, real estate litigation

Attorneys’ Fees Are Available in Arizona Eviction Actions

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves The Arizona Court of Appeals recently held that any successful plaintiff in a forcible detainer action (i.e., an eviction action) may recover an award of its attorneys’ fees and costs incurred at trial under A.R.S. § 12-1178(A). … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged Arizona, Eviction Action, real estate litigation

Court Addresses HOA Attempt to Restrict Short Term Rentals

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Kevin Parker

By: Kevin J. Parker In a recent case, the Texas Supreme Court addressed an attempt by a homeowners’ association (“HOA”) to restrict short-term rentals based upon recorded Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (“CC&Rs”) applicable to a residential subdivision. The property was … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged real estate litigation, Restrictions on short term rentals, restrictive covenant

Arizona Court Determines Statute of Limitations Applicable to a Claim for Reformation of a Deed of Trust (and a Related Claim for Declaratory Judgment)

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Kevin Parker

By: Kevin J. Parker In a recent Arizona Court of Appeals case, Deutsche Bank National Trust Co. v. Pheasant Grove LLC, 798 Ariz. Adv. Rep. 15 (August 23, 2018), the Court of Appeals addressed the question of what statute of … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged declaratory judgment, equitable subrogation, real estate litigation, reformation, replacement mortgage, Statute of Limitations

Ten Years After Colorado’s Adverse Possession Amendment: a brief look backwards and forwards

Posted on September 10, 2018 by Luke Mecklenburg

In response to national outrage over an infamous adverse possession case in Boulder, Colorado, in which a lawyer and a judge intentionally took their neighbors’ undeveloped land through adverse possession, the Colorado legislature amended the state’s adverse possession statute (C.R.S. … Continue reading →

Author: Luke Mecklenburg | Leave a comment Tagged adverse possession, colorado real property, CRS 38-41-101, real estate, real estate litigation, real property, residential, Snell & Wilmer

Wait, You Want An HOA?! Restricting Implied Common-Interest Communities

Posted on August 31, 2018 by nmcconomy

By: Neal McConomy While the butt of many jokes and a thorn in the side of some property owners, homeowners associations (“HOAs”) serve the vital function of collecting and disbursing funds to care for and maintain common areas of residential … Continue reading →

Author: nmcconomy | Leave a comment Tagged CCIOA, common-interest communities, HOA, homeowner, homeowners association, homeowners' associations, real estate, real estate litigation, real property, residential, residential construction, residential real estate development

Everyone Wins When a Foreclosure Sale Generates Excess Proceeds

Posted on July 13, 2018 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves Introduction When a foreclosure sale generates more money than needed to pay off the lien, the excess proceeds usually go first to creditors in the order of their priority, and second to the owner after creditors are … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged Excess Sale Proceeds, foreclosure, real estate litigation

California Supreme Court Clarifies Deadline to File Anti-SLAPP Motions in Light of Amended Pleadings

Posted on June 14, 2018 by acarucci

By: Tony Carucci California’s “anti-SLAPP” (“SLAPP” is an acronym for strategic lawsuit against public participation) statute—codified at California Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16 et seq.—is the primary vehicle for defending against any action involving petitioning or free speech. The … Continue reading →

Author: acarucci | Leave a comment Tagged commercial real estate, construction, developer, eminent domain, real estate litigation, real property

What Types of “Damages Claims” Survive a Trustee’s Sale?

Posted on February 23, 2018 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves Introduction Arizona’s trustee’s sale statutory scheme provides for the waiver of all defenses and objections to a trustee’s sale that: (i) are not raised prior to the sale, and (ii) do not result in an injunction against … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged ARS 33-811, foreclosure sale, real estate litigation, trustee's sale, wrongful foreclosure

Withdrawal of an Admission in California May Shift Costs—Including Attorneys’ Fees—Incurred in Connection with the Withdrawal

Posted on January 11, 2018 by acarucci

By: Tony Carucci Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 2033.300, a court may permit a party to withdraw an admission made in response to a request for admission upon noticed motion. The court may only do so, however, “if … Continue reading →

Author: acarucci | Leave a comment Tagged real estate litigation

Oregon and Nevada Adopt the Uniform Commercial Real Estate Receivership Act

Posted on January 4, 2018 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves Nevada and Oregon join Utah in adopting the Uniform Commercial Real Estate Receivership Act (the “Act”) promulgated by the Uniform Law Commission. We have been following the development of the Act since its drafting stages. If you want more … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged Commercial Real Estate Receivership Act, real estate litigation, uniform law commission

The Contributors to This Blog Are Pleased to Announce That….

Posted on November 2, 2017 by Ben Reeves

Snell & Wilmer’s Real Estate Litigation Group, which provides the content for The Real Estate Litigation Blog, is pleased to announce that it has been recognized in both the national and metropolitan rankings by U.S. News Media Group and Best … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged Best Lawyers, National Tier 1, real estate litigation, U.S. News Rankings

California Mediation Confidentiality May Apply to Third Party “Participants” Retained to Provide Analysis

Posted on October 27, 2017 by acarucci

By: Tony Carucci California Evidence Code section 1119 governs the general admissibility of oral and written communications generated during the mediation process. Section 1119(a) provides that “o evidence of anything said or any admission made for the purpose of, in … Continue reading →

Author: acarucci | Leave a comment Tagged commercial real estate, eminent domain, foreclosure, foreclosures, real estate litigation

Arizona Supreme Court Clarifies Area Variance Standard; Property Owners May Obtain an Area Variance When Special Circumstances Existed at Purchase

Posted on October 10, 2017 by Ben Reeves

By: Nick Wood, Adam Lang, Noel Griemsmann, and Brianna Long In Pawn 1st v. City of Phoenix, the Arizona Supreme Court rejected a Court of Appeals rule that would have unduly restrained alienation of property in Arizona. The Court of Appeals … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged LLC v. Phoenix, Pawn 1st, real estate litigation, variance, zoning

The “Ugly” Property Next Door is Ruining My Property Value

Posted on September 6, 2017 by Kevin Parker

By: Kevin J. Parker Traditional bases for private nuisance claims include circumstances where noise, light, vibration, or odor emanating from a neighboring property harm the value of your property. Such bases can be objectively verified and quantified. Courts in various … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged nuisance, real estate litigation

Does Your 998 Offer to Compromise Include Attorneys’ Fees and Costs?

Posted on June 8, 2017 by acarucci

By: Anthony J. Carucci In California, the “prevailing party” in litigation is generally entitled to recover its costs as a matter of law. See Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 1032. But under California Code of Civil Procedure section 998, a … Continue reading →

Author: acarucci | Leave a comment Tagged commercial real estate, real estate litigation

Conflicts of Laws, Deficiency Actions, and Statutes of Limitations – Oh My!

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves What law governs a deficiency action if the choice-of-law provisions in the note and deed of trust conflict? The Arizona Court of Appeals answered that very question in ZB, N.A. v. Hoeller, No. 1 CA-CV 16-0071 (Ct. … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged choice-of-law provisions, deficiency action, real estate litigation, Statute of Limitations

Federal Court Issues Permanent Injunction and Permanently Shuts Down Santa Ysabel’s Desert Rose Bingo

Posted on January 19, 2017 by acarucci

By: Anthony J. Carucci On December 12, 2016, Judge Battaglia of the United States District Court for the Southern District of California issued the Court’s long-awaited ruling on the State of California and Federal Government’s motions for summary judgment in … Continue reading →

Author: acarucci | Leave a comment Tagged real estate, real estate litigation

Avoiding Lender Liability for Credit-Related Actions in California

Posted on October 21, 2016 by acarucci

By: Anthony J. Carucci Aside from general statutory prohibitions on lender discrimination, there are certain circumstances under California law in which lenders may be held liable for credit-related actions, such as negotiating or denying credit. See generally 11 Cal. Real … Continue reading →

Author: acarucci | Leave a comment Tagged commercial real estate, foreclosure, foreclosures, real estate, real estate litigation, real property

Washington Answers the Question of Whether Title Companies Owe a Duty of Care to Third Parties…

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves Last year (as we blogged about here and wrote a more in depth Law360 article about here), the Ninth Circuit certified to the Washington Supreme Court the question of whether title companies owe a duty of care … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged Centurion, duty, gratuitous recording, real estate litigation, title company liability

Equitable Subrogation Part Deux: Mechanic’s Lien vs. Later Bank Deed of Trust

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Kevin Parker

By Kevin J. Parker https://www.swlaw.com/people/kevin_parker This post follows, almost two years to the day, Rick Erickson’s post of August 29, 2014. As noted by Rick Erickson in his August 29, 2014 post, the Arizona Supreme Court in the Weitz case … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged equitable subrogation, mechanic's lien, real estate litigation

Landlords Must Not be Arbitrary When Denying a Tenant’s Request To Sublease or Assign

Posted on July 8, 2016 by Richard Herold

By: Richard Herold So, you’re a landlord who’s entered into a 30-year lease, the lease has rent escalation clauses which are dramatically out of step with the market, and it’s your view that you are therefore losing money every month. … Continue reading →

Author: Richard Herold | Leave a comment Tagged Arizona real estate, commercial real estate, landlord, lease, real estate litigation, tenant

California’s One-Action Rule May Apply to Federal Lenders

Posted on June 3, 2016 by acarucci

By: Anthony J. Carucci California’s one-action rule provides that “here can be but one form of action for the recovery of any debt or the enforcement of any right secured by mortgage upon real property or an estate for years … Continue reading →

Author: acarucci | Leave a comment Tagged anti-deficiency, commercial real estate, deficiency, foreclosure, foreclosures, Guarantor, guaranty, one-action rule, real estate, real estate litigation, real property

Special Rules for Eviction Actions

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Kevin Parker

By: Kevin Parker In a recent case, the Arizona Court of Appeals addressed the special rules of procedure for eviction actions. The eviction rules became effective January 1, 2009. In Sotomayor v. Sotomayor-Munoz, 735 Ariz. Adv. Rep. 28 (March 28, … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged appeal, eviction, landlord-tenant, real estate litigation

Eminent Domain: Be Careful What You Ask For

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Richard Herold

By: Richard Herold and Patrick Paul The condemnation of property for public works may not always be as clean and easy as the government would like. Although local governments are often critical players in the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated … Continue reading →

Author: Richard Herold | Leave a comment Tagged condemn, condemnation, eminent domain, environmental liability, real estate, real estate litigation, real property, seller disclosures, valuation

Lenders Should Contract for the Right to Recover Lost Goodwill Proceeds when Commercial Property is taken in Eminent Domain

Posted on January 14, 2016 by acarucci

By: Anthony J. Carucci Business Goodwill Generally In California, the “goodwill” of a business “consists of the benefits that accrue to a business as a result of its location, reputation for dependability, skill or quality, and any other circumstances resulting … Continue reading →

Author: acarucci | Leave a comment Tagged commercial real estate, condemnation, eminent domain, just compensation, lien, real estate, real estate litigation

Guarantors’ “Lost Profits” Completely Offset Lender’s Deficiency Claim

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves Believe it or not, lenders can breach loan agreements too…and when they do, there can be significant consequences. In Great Western Bank v. LJC Dev., LLC, 726 Ariz. Adv. Rep. 21 (Ariz. Ct. App. Nov. 10, 2015), … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged deficiency action, Guarantor, lost profits, offset, real estate litigation

The Uniform Law Commission Approves the Uniform Commercial Real Estate Receivership Act

Posted on December 15, 2015 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves As we previously reported here, several years ago the Uniform Law Commission (the “ULC”) (the organization that drafted such favorites as the Uniform Commercial Code and the Uniform Arbitration Act) determined that states would benefit from a … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged model receivership act, real estate litigation, receiver, Uniform Commercial Real Estate Receivership Act

Statute of Frauds: (1) Email as “Writing” and (2) Email Signature as “Signature”

Posted on October 26, 2015 by Kevin Parker

By: Kevin J. Parker Arizona, like most states, has a Statute of Frauds that essentially requires real estate related contracts to be both (1) in writing and (2) signed by the party to be charged. A.R.S. § 44-101. Questions often … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged electronic signature, real estate litigation, statute of frauds

It just got a little bit easier to enforce judgment liens

Posted on October 20, 2015 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves Last year, we posted It just got a little bit harder to enforce judgment liens, which analyzed a Court of Appeals decision that invalidated a judgment lien against third-party purchasers due to the judgment creditors’ failure to … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged judgment lien, Lewis v. DeBord, real estate litigation

HOA Super Priority Legal Battles Continue in the Silver State: What Senate Bill 306 Means for Nevada HOAs, Lenders and Homeowners

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Ben Reeves

By: Aaron D. Ford and Karl O. Riley In 1991, the Nevada Legislature enacted the Uniform Common-Interest Ownership Act (UCIOA) which had been promulgated by the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws (NCCUSL) (the Statute). This law provides … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged HOA Liens, Nevada, real estate litigation, SB 306, Super-Priority Liens

Are Short-Term Vacation Rentals Legal?

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves The recent explosion in popularity of short-term vacation rentals through services such as Airbnb.com and VRBO.com not only provides terrifying horror stories about problem renters (google it if you’re interested), but also raises serious questions about the … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged real estate litigation, short-term rentals, zoning

Arizona Court Clarifies Premise Liability

Posted on July 2, 2015 by Kevin Parker

By: Kevin J. Parker In a recent Arizona Court of Appeals case, the court clarified the rules for liability of a property owner to a person injured on the premises. In Lee v. M & H Enterprises, Inc. and Wal-Mart … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged Premises liability, real estate litigation

Successful Laches Defense Becoming Commonplace in Colorado

Posted on May 8, 2015 by nmcconomy

By: Neal McConomy Boiler plate language in responsive pleadings often includes “Plaintiff’s claims are barred by the doctrine of laches” (or “The doctrine of laches bars Plaintiff’s claims” if you prefer the active voice). However, litigation of a laches defense … Continue reading →

Author: nmcconomy | Leave a comment Tagged Colorado, equitable defenses, laches, real estate, real estate litigation, real property, statute of limitation

Nevada Supreme Court holds that Voluntary Payment Doctrine Prohibits a Party from Recovering Amounts Wrongly Paid to Homeowner’s Association in Order to Prevent Foreclosure

Posted on April 30, 2015 by Bob L. Olson

By: Bob L. Olson On September 30,2014, we posted “Lenders Beware: the Nevada Supreme Court Holds that Foreclosures of Homeowner’s Association Liens May Extinguish First Priority Deeds of Trust” which discussed the recent decision of SFR Investments Pool 1, LLC … Continue reading →

Author: Bob L. Olson | Leave a comment Tagged HOA Lien, Nevada Association Services, real estate litigation, SFR Investments

If Receiver’s Sales Aren’t Foreclosures, What Are They?

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves & Bob Olson When no statute specifically authorizes a court-appointed receiver to sell real property, what type of sale is it? The Supreme Court of Nevada recently addressed this question, holding that “a receiver sale of real … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | 1 Comment Tagged anti-deficiency, NRS 40.455, real estate litigation, receiver sales, U.S. Bank v. Palmilla

Injunctive Relief for Building Encroachment. Do I Have to Move the House?

Posted on February 25, 2015 by Kevin Parker

By Kevin Parker When a land owner mistakenly builds a house or other building or structure that encroaches on a neighbor’s property, what is the remedy? Does the offending land owner have to physically remove the structure from the neighbor’s property? … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | 1 Comment Tagged encroachment, injunction, real estate litigation, trespass

Can an Unsigned Minute Entry Create a Judgment Lien?

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves It appears that 2014 was a banner year for Arizona law on judgment liens. Indeed, we recently posted about the Lewis v. DeBord decision, which invalidates judgment liens vis-à-vis third-party purchasers if the judgment creditor fails to … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged judgment lien, Lewis v. DeBord, real estate litigation, Sysco v. Hoskins

It just got a little bit harder to enforce judgment liens

Posted on December 16, 2014 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves Introduction As everyone knows, the enactment of the Statute of Westminster II in 1285 ushered the concept of a “judgment lien” into English law. The statute – for the first time in English legal history – authorized … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged byers v. wik, judgment enforcement, judgment lien, Lewis v. DeBord, real estate litigation

Homestead Exemption Cannot be Denied on Equitable Grounds

Posted on October 8, 2014 by Kevin Parker

By Kevin J. Parker Arizona’s homestead exemption allows a person to protect from certain creditors up to $150,000 of their equity in their residence (dwelling house, condominium, or mobile home). A.R.S. § 33-1101 et seq. This homestead equity is exempt … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged foreclosure, homestead exemption, judgment liens, real estate litigation

Lenders Beware: the Nevada Supreme Court Holds That Foreclosures of Homeowners’ Association Liens May Extinguish First Priority Deeds of Trust

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Ben Reeves

By: Bob L. Olson Nevada has adopted the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act of 1982 (the “Act”) which governs homeowners’ associations (“HOA”). One particular provision of that Act, enacted by Nevada in 1991 and later amended, and codified as NRS … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | 1 Comment Tagged HOA Lien, Nevada, NRS 116.3116, real estate litigation, SFR Investments v. U.S. Bank

A Subsequent Developer has no Ability to Force a Public Body to Call an Abandoning Developer’s Performance Bonds for Infrastructure Improvements.

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Ben Reeves

The Arizona Court of Appeals decided on July 22, 2014 that a developer cannot compel a public entity to call its performance bonds to complete infrastructure improvements on a construction project that a prior developer abandoned due to bankruptcy. Ponderosa … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged developer, performace bonds, Ponderosa Fire v. Coconino County, real estate litigation

Guarantors Remain Liable for “Carve-out” Obligations, Despite Non-recourse Loan

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves Introduction Believe it or not, guaranty contracts mean what they say. If a guarantor agrees to reimburse a lender for misappropriated security deposits, unpaid taxes, and the cost of enforcement, then – not surprisingly – courts will … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged bad-boy guaranty, carve-out, investors warranty v. arrowhead, non-recourse, real estate litigation

Brandt Revocable Trust v. U.S. – the United States’ theory of land ownership derailed

Posted on March 30, 2014 by Erica Stutman

By: Erica Stutman In Brandt Revocable Trust v. U.S., the United States Supreme Court held that abandoned railway rights-of-way that had been granted to railroad companies under the General Railroad Right-of-Way Act of 1875 left underlying landowners with property free … Continue reading →

Author: Erica Stutman | 1 Comment Tagged Brandt, condemnation, easement, General Railroad Right-of-way Act of 1875, real estate litigation, reversionary interest

Not All Property Acquired Post-Petition is Safe from Creditors

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves Although property obtained by a debtor after filing for bankruptcy is usually safe from creditors, a recent case from the Ninth Circuit Bankruptcy Appellate Panel allowed a Chapter 7 Trustee to sell real property obtained by the … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged bankruptcy, beneficiary deed, property of the estate, real estate litigation

Mortgage Lenders Can’t Jump Ahead of Mechanic’s Liens

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves In Weitz Co., LLC v. Heth, 223 Ariz. 442, 314 P.3d 569 (Ct. App. Nov. 26 2013), the Arizona Court of Appeals held that the plain language of Arizona’s mechanic lien statute, A.R.S. § 33-992(A), does not … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged equitable subrogation, mechanic's lien, real estate litigation, Weitz v. Heth

Commercial Real Estate Broker Liens

Posted on January 27, 2014 by Kevin Parker

Arizona, by statute, allows a commercial real estate broker in certain limited circumstances to record a lien against the owner’s real property which is the subject of the commission agreement, in order to protect the broker’s entitlement to their commission. … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged broker commissions, broker lien, real estate litigation

Frustration of Purpose: A Frustrating Doctrine

Posted on December 26, 2013 by Erica Stutman

By: Erica Stutman Next Gen Capital, LLC v. Consumer Lending Associates, LLC illustrates the difficulty a tenant faces when trying to avoid liability for breaching a lease based on the “frustration of purpose” defense. No. 1 CA-CV 12-0624 (Ariz. Ct. … Continue reading →

Author: Erica Stutman | Leave a comment Tagged frustration of purpose, next gen capital v. consumer lending associates, real estate litigation

Developers and Homebuilders: The Ramifications of Yanni v. Tucker Plumbing, Inc.

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Bob Henry

By Bob Henry On November 20, 2013, Division Two of the Arizona Court of Appeals issued its opinion in Yanni v. Tucker Plumbing, Inc., 2013 Ariz. App. LEXIS 235. While the opinion was a victory of sorts for the real … Continue reading →

Author: Bob Henry | Leave a comment Tagged construction defect litigation, implied warranty of workmanship and habitability, real estate litigation, Yanni

Partition Disputes

Posted on November 27, 2013 by Kevin Parker

Partition is a statutory procedure whereby co-tenants (for example joint tenancy, tenancy-in-common, community property) can file a court action to physically divide or sell the property. See A.R.S. § 12-1211 et seq. Unless the co-tenants have a private partition agreement, … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | 1 Comment Tagged partition, real estate litigation

AZRE Article Discusses Social Media Resources for the Industry

Posted on September 30, 2013 by Matthew Fischer

By: Matthew P. Fischer In the most recent issue of the magazine AZRE: Arizona Commercial Real Estate (September October 2013), reporter and former editor Peter Madrid wrote on social media coverage of the Arizona commercial real estate industry in his … Continue reading →

Author: Matthew Fischer | Leave a comment Tagged Arizona real estate, AZRE Magazine, blog, commercial real estate, real estate litigation, Snell & Wilmer

Can You Waive the Right to a “Fair Market Value” Hearing?

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves We finally have an answer to the question of whether parties can contractually waive the right to a “fair market value” hearing under Arizona law – and the answer, according to the Court of Appeals – is … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | 1 Comment Tagged A.R.S. § 33-814, CSA 13-101 Loop LLC v. Loop 101 LLC, fair market value hearing, real estate litigation, waiver

A Non-Purchase Money Second Deed of Trust is Not Protected by Arizona’s Anti-deficiency Statute

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves & Julie Maurer Arizona anti-deficiency laws do not prohibit a non-purchase money lender from suing on its note after foreclosure by a senior lender. In Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v. Brewer, No. 1CA-CV 12-0383 (Ariz. Ct. App. … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged Arizona, ARS 33-814, Helvitica Servicing v. Pasquan, real estate litigation, Wells Fargo v. Brewer

Understanding zoning nonconforming uses is no walk in the park, but a mobile-home park may be treated as a unified use.

Posted on August 23, 2013 by Erica Stutman

By: Erica Stutman When Arizona municipalities adopt new zoning ordinances and regulations, existing property owners have the right to continue using their property for the use in place when the new ordinance or regulation becomes effective, including the right to … Continue reading →

Author: Erica Stutman | Leave a comment Tagged 9-462.02, mobile home, nonconforming, real estate litigation, Stagecoach, zoning

A Lender Holding Two Liens Can Foreclose on the Senior Lien and Sue on the Junior Lien

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves In Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. v. Riggio, No. 1CA-CV-12-0430 (Ariz. Ct. App. June 4, 2013), the Arizona Court of Appeals held: (i) that the “merger of rights” doctrine does not “merge” a lender’s first and second lien … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | 1 Comment Tagged merger of rights, Mid Kansas v. Dynamic Development, real estate litigation, Wells Fargo v. Riggio

Anticipating Earnest Money “Damages” – Don’t Assume It

Posted on July 24, 2013 by Bob Henry

By Bob Henry The Arizona Supreme Court issued an opinion last month in Thomas v. Montelucia Villas, LLC, 2013 Ariz. LEXIS 152 (June 14, 2013) that adds a few wrinkles to efforts by sellers in real estate transactions to retain … Continue reading →

Author: Bob Henry | Leave a comment Tagged earnest money, real estate litigation, Thomas v. Montelucia Villas

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Latest Attempt to Differentiate a Fair Quid Pro Quo in the Developer’s Permitting Process From an Unconstitutional Taking

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Richard Herold

By: Rick Herold Introduction The U.S. Supreme Court has issued an important decision in an attempt to add clarity and help government land use planners understand the difference between reasonable requests and unreasonable demands rising to the level of unconstitutional … Continue reading →

Author: Richard Herold | Leave a comment Tagged condemnation, eminent domain, essential nexus, just compensation, land use, real estate litigation, rough proportionality, unconstitutional conditions, unconstitutional taking

Arizona’s Anti-deficiency Statute, A.R.S. 33-814(G), Cannot be Prospectively Waived Says the Court of Appeals

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Ben Reeves

By: Ben Reeves In Parkway Bank & Trust Co. v. Zivkovic, 662 Ariz. Adv. Rep. 26 (Ct. App. 2013), the Arizona Court of Appeals held that provisions in loan documents purporting to waive the applicability of A.R.S. § 33-814(G) violate Arizona … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged A.R.S. § 33-814, anti-deficiency, Parkway Bank v. Zivkovic, real estate litigation, waiver

Purchase Options: Strict Compliance Required

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Kevin Parker

By: Kevin Parker In a rising real estate market, we tend to see more disputes relating to purchase options. Given the increase in value, the property owner would rather avoid the option and sell at a higher price. The option … Continue reading →

Author: Kevin Parker | Leave a comment Tagged option contracts, Purchase options, real estate litigation

Green construction sounds great, but…

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Ben Reeves

It isn’t always easy being green. Snell & Wilmer partner Marc Erpenbeck talks about emerging litigation issues generated by the proliferation of green construction projects in this informative article entitled “Understanding LEEDigation, The fast-growing trend of GREEN building spurs new … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged AZRE Magazine, Green Construction, LEEDigation, real estate litigation

Moving From Quiet Title to Wrongful Recordation

Posted on May 27, 2013 by Adam Lang

By: Adam Lang Pretend you own real property in Arizona that you want to sell. You have a buyer. You enter into a purchase contract. But when the buyer runs a title report, she learns that someone else has wrongfully … Continue reading →

Author: Adam Lang | Leave a comment Tagged 12-1101, 33-420, petition to quiet title, real estate litigation, wrongful recordation

Broker Beware?

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Erica Stutman

By: Erica Stutman While oral contracts are often enforceable, certain categories of contracts must be documented in a signed writing or an action for breach of the contract will be barred by the statute of frauds. See A.R.S. 44-101 for … Continue reading →

Author: Erica Stutman | Leave a comment Tagged A.R.S. 44-101, broker commissions, real estate agent, real estate broker, real estate litigation, Rudinsky, statute of frauds

Statutory Caveat Emptor Survives…or Does It?

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Matthew Fischer

By: Matthew P. Fischer Arizona has codified the concept of caveat emptor (i.e., buyer beware) for three particular circumstances. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 32-2156, real property sellers are not obligated to disclose: (1) deaths or felonies that have occurred on … Continue reading →

Author: Matthew Fischer | Leave a comment Tagged 32-2156, blog, caveat emptor, DMB Realty, Lerner, real estate litigation, seller disclosures, Snell & Wilmer

Introducing the Snell & Wilmer Real Estate Litigation Blog

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Ben Reeves

The Snell & Wilmer Real Estate Litigation Group is proud to announce the launch of its new blog. After decades of handling commercial disputes and trials involving real estate, the Group was officially formed in 2008. The firm’s real estate … Continue reading →

Author: Ben Reeves | Leave a comment Tagged blog, real estate litigation, Snell & Wilmer

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