Real Estate Litigation

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Real estate represents the biggest investment most people will ever make, so it is essential that disputes involving transactions, titles, land use and zoning, and other matters are handled by a skilled property attorney who knows the laws and local ordinances governing real property in Utah.  At Harris Lawyers PC, I am a real estate litigator representing clients in the St. George area and throughout Utah. I draw on my knowledge of the issues that most often affect people buying, selling and improving property to protect my clients' rights in negotiations and in court.

I understand how stressful a real estate dispute can be, affecting your ability to live where and how you wish. Conflicts can arise in a wide range of areas:

• Real property contracts
• Residential home sales
• Construction
• Contractors and subcontractors
• Mortgages
• Homeowners associations
• Condominiums
• Landlord-tenant matters
• Evictions
• Foreclosures
• Eminent domain
• Zoning, land use and building permits
• Boundaries and easements
• Titles
• Liens

I will work toward an optimal and expedient resolution for disputes in any of these areas. My reputation as a skilled litigator offers me an edge in negotiations, so I am often able to reach an agreement that saves you time and money. But I am thoroughly prepared to litigate your case when that presents your best option.

When unexpected circumstances occur that put your home at risk of foreclosure, it's important to know that you have options. I combine innovative strategies with a determination to defend your right to keep your home. When selling it is a better way to proceed, I will guide you toward the most advantageous situation. Depending on your circumstances and your lender's willingness to work with you, I may advise on:

• Mortgage modification
• Loan forbearance
• Short sale
• Deed in lieu of foreclosure
• Lawsuit

You can rely on my ability to negotiate with lenders and make use of all available tools to help you stay in your home.

Eminent domain is the power of the government to take private property for public or nonpublic use. The process involves condemnation of your property, appraisal of its value, an offer to purchase it and negotiation for a fair price. I represent homeowners' property rights in eminent domain cases. If the government offers compensation below a fair market value or your property was improperly designated for public use, I can represent you in an action to halt the eminent domain process or receive the compensation you deserve.

Eviction is disruptive to both landlords and tenants. Landlords must spend the time and money to replace tenants who fall behind on rent, and displaced families must find a new place to live under traumatic circumstances. With this scenario in mind, I help mediate disputes when eviction is threatened. If you are a tenant who unfairly faces eviction, I protect your right to remain in your home by asserting the terms of your lease. If you are a landlord whose tenants are engaged in disruptive, illegal or damaging behavior, I help you to protect your property.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to handle your real estate dispute outside of court. Alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation and arbitration are options to consider. Some contracts require binding arbitration or nonbinding mediation to resolve disputes that arise out of the transaction governed by the agreement. When the cost and time of litigation exceeds the likely outcome, you may choose to settle instead. I will offer advice to help move the proceedings toward a desirable outcome.