Real Estate Attorney in Margate, FL
A real estate attorney in Margate, FL handles contracts, closings and property disputes for buyers, sellers, owners and landlords in north Broward County. Joseph S. Hughes of Hughes Real Estate Law handles every matter himself. He earned his J.D. at the University of Miami School of Law and has more than 10 years of practice in Florida real estate law. Margate has many established condominium and 55-and-over communities alongside single-family neighborhoods. Older buildings and long-held properties raise their own legal issues. Here is how we help.
What Does a Real Estate Attorney in Margate, FL Do?
Most of the work happens before closing. Florida deeds must meet the signing and witness rules in Chapter 689, Florida Statutes. Contracts set the deadlines for inspections, financing and title objections. Joseph Hughes reviews those terms, catches title problems early and stays involved if a dispute follows.
| Service | How it helps Margate owners | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Contract review | Sets fair deadlines and protects your deposit | Contract review and drafting |
| Closings | Reviews the settlement statement, liens and deed | Real estate closings |
| HOA and condo disputes | Assessments, fines, approvals and board actions | HOA attorney |
| Title problems | Clouds on title, boundary issues, quiet title | Title dispute attorney |
| Landlord and tenant | Leases, notices and evictions | Landlord-tenant lawyer |
| Litigation | Contract breaches, fraud and co-owner disputes | Real estate litigation |
Margate clients work directly with Joseph Hughes from the first call through closing or trial. He reviews your documents, explains your options in plain terms and tells you what each step will involve, so you can decide with the full picture in front of you.
Condominium Purchases and Disputes in Margate
Condo buyers in Margate should review the association’s finances and rules before the contract’s review period ends. Chapter 718, Florida Statutes, governs condominium associations. Key items include:
- The budget, reserves and any pending special assessments
- Building inspection and reserve study reports, which Florida now requires for many condo buildings three stories or taller
- Rules on rentals, pets and buyer approval
- The estoppel certificate showing what the seller owes
Owners who receive a special assessment notice can ask how it was approved and what it will fund. We review association records and advise owners and boards.
55-and-Over Communities in Margate
Some Margate communities operate as housing for older persons. Federal law lets them restrict residents by age if at least 80% of occupied units have at least one resident 55 or older. Learn more about the 80/20 rule for 55+ communities in Florida.
Inherited and Long-Held Property in Margate
Many Margate homes and condos have been owned by the same family for decades. When an owner dies, the title often has to be cleared before the property can be sold. Common issues include:
- Deeds that were never updated after a death or divorce
- Co-owners who disagree about selling
- Old mortgages or liens that were never released
- Association approval for heirs who want to keep or rent a unit
Joseph Hughes reviews the title and recorded documents and handles the title dispute or real estate litigation needed to resolve it.
Landlords and Tenants in Margate
Florida’s residential landlord and tenant rules in Chapter 83, Florida Statutes apply to every Margate rental. Security deposits are a common source of disputes. Under section 83.49, a landlord who makes no claim must return the deposit within 15 days after the tenant leaves. A landlord who intends to keep part of it must send written notice of the claim within 30 days, and the tenant then has 15 days to object. Joseph Hughes drafts leases, prepares notices and handles evictions for owners. He also represents tenants in deposit and repair disputes.
Real Estate Attorney Serving Margate and North Broward
Margate is part of Broward County’s Seventeenth Judicial Circuit. Our office at 1141 SE 2nd Ave in Fort Lauderdale is a short drive south. We also serve nearby Coconut Creek, North Lauderdale and Pompano Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell a Margate condo I inherited?
Usually, once the title is cleared. That may require probate or other recorded documents, and the association may need to approve the buyer.
Can a Margate condo association charge a special assessment?
Yes. The board can levy special assessments under the declaration and Chapter 718. The notice must state the specific purpose, and the funds must be used for that purpose.
Where can I find a real estate lawyer near me in Margate?
Joseph Hughes serves Margate clients from his Fort Lauderdale office at 1141 SE 2nd Ave. Call (954) 256-5125 to schedule a consultation.
Protect Your Margate Property Before You Sign
Whether you are buying a condo, selling a family home or facing an assessment, an early review keeps your options open. Talk with a real estate attorney in Margate, FL who handles your matter personally. Learn about Joseph Hughes, call (954) 256-5125 or request a consultation. Our office is at 1141 SE 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.
