Assisting With Real Estate Concerns
Last updated on April 11, 2025
Real estate law can seem broad and complex, but it is important to know your rights as a property owner, landlord or tenant. Our founding attorney, Ed Shaw, has been a real estate investor for 29 years, beginning even before he was a lawyer. Attorney Shaw has a deep understanding of real estate law from a practical, real-world perspective as well as his legal grounding.
At Ed Shaw Law, we offer comprehensive guidance on real estate law issues to individuals and business owners in the Brainerd Lakes area as well as in St. Cloud. We are able to assist with matters concerning both residential and commercial property, including the following:
- Landlord and tenant disputes
- The buying and selling of real estate, including disputes between buyers, sellers and realtors
- Contract for deed
- Real estate litigation
- Homeowner and contractor disputes
- Zoning issues
Legal Solutions That Change When You Do
When facing a divorce or planning your estate, you’ll need to determine what will happen to your property. Our lawyers’ experience in family law, estate planning and business law complements our real estate law services, allowing us to find wide-ranging solutions for our clients.
Property FAQ
Below are answers to common questions about real estate. Please reach out to us for more specific guidance.
What is a deed?
A deed is a document that transfers ownership of any property that includes land. If you own your house, you received a deed when you bought it, and you will sign a deed if you sell it.
What is a contract for deed?
A contract for deed is a contract to sell a property that involves the buyer making payments to the seller and only getting the deed when the property is paid off. This is different from buying with a mortgage, where a buyer gets the deed right away even though they are making payments to the bank.
What is an easement?
An easement is the right to cross over property that does not belong to you. Easements can be in writing, or they can be set up without any written agreement based on use for a certain amount of time, usually 15 years.
What is adverse possession?
This is where a person gets the right to use property that belongs to someone else because they have used it for a certain amount of time, usually 15 years. This often happens when a house or garage is built over the property line by mistake.
How do I set up an easement or adverse possession?
They are established by the court after whoever wants to set them up files a formal request with the court.
What is a purchase agreement?
A purchase agreement is an offer to buy property at a certain price and terms. It is first signed by one party – usually the buyer; once it’s signed by both parties, it becomes a binding contract. Do not enter into a purchase agreement unless you know all the terms and what it requires you to do.
Work With Lawyers Who Understand The Lay Of The Land
We’re a well-established Brainerd firm, and our team knows our surrounding communities well. In addition, attorney Shaw was a licensed real estate broker. He understands the quirks of properties in our part of Minnesota in a way that an outside real estate attorney never could. Give us a call to discuss your situation at 218-520-0325, or send us a message online. Our lawyers are committed to offering accessible, affordable legal solutions.