New Orleans Real Estate & Corporate Law Blog

Many people assume that when they purchase a piece of land, they own it outright with no hindrances, and rightly so. However, the unfortunate truth is that is not always the case. For this reason, thoroughly reviewing the abstract of title is vital whether that land is here in Louisiana or elsewhere.

The abstract of title lets a prospective buyer know whether there are any items in the history of the property that require addressing prior to making the purchase final. It should list any liens, encroachments, easements or other encumbrances that could prevent free and clear ownership of the property. Other things to look for are errors in the recorded documents.

For many people, purchasing a home is a rite of passage. And while you probably did not know much about real estate when you bought your first house, you inevitably learned a lot through the process.

When it comes time to sell your home, you have another learning curve where you can apply some of the information you gleaned in making your investment. As a seller, you should be aware of the disclosures you must provide for potential buyers. Although your disclosure paperwork will likely include “known defects,” do you know what might be included?

Buying or selling a home is one of the most complex financial transactions that a person will make in his or her lifetime. There is a lot at stake in this process, and it is beneficial for a Louisiana buyer or seller to avoid any missteps that could be costly down the road. There are specific challenges to selling a home smoothly and without complications. 

There is more to selling a home than simply putting a sign in the front yard. One of the most significant challenges that a person faces when selling is choosing the right selling price. Industry analysts believe that home prices will continue to rise this year, potentially pricing out many buyers. Another concern is the sustainability of the home that a person is trying to sell. Buyers are more aware now of issues like climate change and the potential for natural disasters, and they are concerned about how a home will hold up over time.

Federal and Louisiana laws protect employees who become pregnant by prohibiting their employers from firing them, harassing them or taking other negative actions simply because of their pregnancy or plans to take maternity leave. Any of these actions constitutes gender discrimination and can lead to serious consequences for the employer. Nevertheless, it is still common to hear of discrimination lawsuits alleging employers fired women who had recently announced their pregnancy.

A recent case involves Netflix and a filmmaker who says her supervisor began treating her badly after she told him she was expecting. The woman claims her boss removed her from important projects and stopped including her in group emails to other employees. The employee also claims her supervisor repeatedly insulted her about her appearance and created a hostile and abusive work environment for her. The day after she announced her plans to take maternity leave, the supervisor fired her.