Real estate transactions in Southern California—whether residential, commercial, or mixed-use—are layered with complexities that can quickly turn costly if not handled strategically. From misinterpreted contracts to zoning conflicts and construction defects, the legal risks are real and often overlooked until it’s too late.
At Stryker Slev Law Group, we’ve spent decades navigating these high-stakes issues for clients across San Diego, Los Angeles, and the greater Southern California region. As one of the region’s oldest and most respected firms for construction defect and commercial real estate law, we’ve seen it all—and more importantly, we know how to help our clients avoid trouble before it starts.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common real estate legal pitfalls—and how to avoid them with smart, proactive legal strategy.
1. Poorly Drafted or Incomplete Contracts
One of the most frequent causes of disputes in real estate is vague or poorly written contracts. Purchase agreements, lease terms, construction contracts, and even nondisclosure clauses must be precise and enforceable.
How to avoid it:
Work with legal counsel early in the process to draft and review every contract. A “template” contract found online may miss crucial protections or lack jurisdiction-specific provisions. A smart contract is tailored to your deal and anticipates what could go wrong—not just what should go right.
2. Title Defects and Boundary Disputes
Buyers are often surprised by issues like unknown easements, unrecorded liens, or overlapping property lines. These can delay or derail sales, lead to litigation, or reduce the value of the investment.
How to avoid it:
Always conduct a comprehensive title search and secure title insurance. If you’re dealing with older properties or complex developments, have a legal team review the survey and help resolve discrepancies before closing.
3. Zoning and Land Use Conflicts
Whether you’re planning a redevelopment or investing in commercial property, zoning regulations are a critical legal concern. Violating zoning laws can lead to fines, stop-work orders, or future limitations on use.
How to avoid it:
Before purchasing or developing a property, consult with a law firm experienced in local land use codes. In cities like San Diego and Los Angeles, zoning is dynamic and influenced by neighborhood councils, environmental restrictions, and redevelopment plans.
4. Failure to Disclose Known Issues
Sellers have a legal obligation to disclose known material defects or issues that could impact the value of a property. In California, failure to do so can result in lawsuits for fraud or breach of contract.
How to avoid it:
Ensure all disclosures are thorough and documented. If you’re a seller, consult with legal counsel to understand what needs to be disclosed. If you’re a buyer, review disclosures carefully and ask for clarification or repairs in writing.
5. Construction Defect Claims
Faulty construction, whether due to poor materials, engineering errors, or contractor negligence, can lead to significant financial and legal consequences. These issues often emerge after the property is in use—when repairs become disruptive and costly.
How to avoid it:
Hire reputable licensed contractors with a track record of compliance. More importantly, ensure construction contracts include clear terms about warranties, dispute resolution, and liability. If you’re a developer or investor, having legal counsel involved from the design phase reduces risk downstream.
6. Improper Entity Structure
Investing in or developing real estate without the proper legal structure can expose your personal assets to liability. Many investors fail to set up LLCs, limited partnerships, or trusts before acquiring property, which can complicate tax obligations and lawsuits.
How to avoid it:
Consult with a real estate attorney or estate planning professional before acquiring property. The right structure depends on your investment goals, tax considerations, and long-term risk strategy.
7. Delays in Permits and Approvals
In major metro areas like San Diego and Los Angeles, the permitting process is slow and bureaucratic. Even experienced developers encounter red tape, especially for renovations or adaptive reuse projects.
How to avoid it:
Begin the entitlement process early and anticipate delays. Legal counsel can help streamline communication with city agencies and identify compliance issues in advance, saving you time and costs down the line.
How we can help
At Stryker Slev Law Group, we don’t just handle real estate and construction issues—we prevent them with intelligence, foresight, and strategy. Our legal team brings decades of experience serving developers, investors, contractors, and business owners across San Diego, Los Angeles, and throughout Southern California.
Whether you’re negotiating a high-value commercial deal, preparing for litigation, or planning a real estate development, we approach your case with the smart, forward-thinking mindset that sets us apart. When legal precision and strategic thinking matter most, our team is here to protect your interests and guide you toward success.
Let’s talk about your next real estate move—and how we can help you do it the smart way.
