Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

I recently moved into a housing corporation. I paid the previous owner $20,000.00 for the house. I did not have them sign anything b/c the corporation had them sign a paper when they left. Can these people now sue me for their house back and state I did not pay them for it. I do have the cancelled check.


Asked on 1/04/11, 5:12 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Barry Gartenberg Barry F. Gartenberg LLC

Thank you for your LawGuru question. I need a lot more information. I'd be please to speak with you briefly, without charge, to get a better sense of your circumstances. Please feel free to contact me ASAP so that we may explore your options and protect your legal rights. 973-921-0600.

Kindly note and remember that my response is merely a general comment on the law related to your question, and NOT legal advice or opinion. Also, your question and my response does NOT create an attorney-client relationship between us. You cannot rely upon what I have written, because I do not have all of the information that I need to advise you or render an opinion. Even simple facts you have not shared can completely change my answer. For me to give you legal advice or opinion, you would need to hire me to be your lawyer, and then we would need to discuss this in detail and go over the documents.

With best wishes,

Barry F. Gartenberg, Esq.

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Answered on 1/09/11, 7:11 am
Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

I agree that you should be consulting a lawyer. Someone needs to evaluate what kind of "housing corporation" you purchased, and what kind of documents should have been signed by you, by the seller, by the corporation and whoever or whatever government or other agencies have any jurisdiction over this transaction.

In many cooperative housing corporations, the buyer buys from the coop association, not from the previous owner. There should be an agreement directly between you and the association, and a share certificate and lease.

If it's real estate, there should have been a deed from the seller to you, and several other documents, with a settlement and title insurance. If it's a condo or a homeowners' association, it is still real estate, with the same documentation.

Whatever you purchased, you should have received documents that confirm your ownership.

If you are asking the question because the seller, the corporation or anyone else is questioning your ownership, do not wait, but seek the assistance of an experienced real estate lawyer in your county.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 1/09/11, 7:39 am


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