Edwards Real Estate Lawyers
Reliable Colorado real property attorneys help landowners and developers
Buying, selling, developing and owning real estate can give rise to a number of different legal challenges that require professional legal assistance to navigate successfully. At Heckman & O’Connor, P.C., you can trust our experience and knowledge to guide you through the complexities of Colorado real estate law. Our firm, located in Edwards, has served the Vail Valley for more than 40 years.
What is real property?
Real property consists of land and anything permanently affixed to it, including buildings, condominiums and fences, as well as rights connected with the land, such as easements and mineral rights. It differs from personal property, which consists of movable items. Specific issues that fall under real estate law include ownership and leasing rights, land development, zoning and other issues. Our legal background plus our thorough understanding of land-related concerns affecting the Vail Valley give our clients an edge.
Disputes concerning real property
Attorney Brett Heckman of our office is serving a three-year term until 2028 as an Eagle County Planning Commissioner and cannot advise or represent clients in matters in which Eagle County may be involved. However, his practice remains focused on land disputes involving municipalities, metro districts, neighbors and homeowner associations. Mr. Heckman has lived and practiced in the Vail Valley since the 1980s and has witnessed firsthand the land use and development that has transformed this region. We draw on this background to advocate for clients in conflicts relating to adverse possession, easements, boundary disputes, use restrictions and other matters.
Forms of real estate ownership
Real estate ownership can take a number of forms, formalized by deeds and other title documents recorded in the county where the real estate is located. The most common forms of real estate ownership are:
- Sole ownership — As the term implies, this is ownership by a single individual, who is free to grant or transfer property rights through sale, lease, inheritance or agreement.
- Tenancy in common — This is a legal status in which two or more people share ownership of a single property. If one of them sells or bequeaths their share, the purchaser or heir becomes a tenant in common of the property.
- Joint tenancy — Another type of ownership among multiple parties where each joint tenant has a right of survivorship, meaning that the survivors automatically inherit a deceased joint tenant’s ownership interest without the need for probate, making it potentially useful in estate planning
We can help you understand, establish, transfer and protect your rights regardless of the specific type of real estate ownership.
Common legal issues associated with real estate
To enjoy your real property in the way you intended, you might require legal counsel to address one or more of the following:
- Easements
- Zoning laws and land use regulations
- Boundary issues and encroachments
- Environmental restrictions
- HOA rules
Each of these items can restrict your ability to develop and use your property, potentially affecting its sale value as well. Resolving these matters successfully often requires the support of an experienced and knowledgeable legal professional. You can count on us to pursue any legal avenue available to address and abate these concerns.
Contact an experienced Colorado real estate lawyer for a consultation
Heckman & O’Connor P.C. handles a wide range of real estate matters for clients across the Vail Valley and other parts of Colorado. Over decades of service, we have helped individuals and families accomplish their goals. To discuss your situation and needs, please call 970-926-5991 or contact us online. Our office is in Edwards and we also serve communities such as Vail, Eagle, Gypsum, Avon, Minturn and Leadville.
