Real Estate Attorneys Serving New Jersey and Pennsylvania

Trusted Legal Guidance for Buyers, Sellers, Investors, and Property Dispute Resolution

Whether you’re purchasing your first home, managing a commercial transaction, or facing a property dispute, the legal complexities of real estate require experienced counsel. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we provide tailored, transaction-ready legal services for individuals, investors, developers, landlords, tenants, and lenders throughout South Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Our real estate attorneys work to prevent costly legal errors, protect your investments, and ensure that your interests are represented at every stage—from negotiation to closing to litigation.

Our Real Estate Legal Services

We advise clients across a wide range of real estate matters, including:

• Residential transactions (purchases, sales, closings, and contract disputes)
• Commercial property deals (leasing, acquisitions, due diligence, and development)
• Title and deed issues, including quiet title actions and boundary disputes
• Land use, zoning, and permitting compliance
• Landlord–tenant litigation (evictions, habitability, lease violations)
• Construction defects and contractor disputes
• Partition actions involving inherited or co-owned properties
• Foreclosure defense and property redemption strategies

Whether your real estate matter is transactional or adversarial, our team brings the legal clarity and attention to detail needed to protect your rights.

Legal Pitfalls in Real Estate: What You Need to Know

Even routine property matters can turn contentious without proper legal oversight. Here are some common risk areas:

Contracts With Hidden Liabilities

Poorly written or one-sided real estate contracts often include clauses that limit your remedies or shift unexpected costs to you. We draft and review agreements that hold up in court and reflect your actual interests—not just boilerplate terms.

Title Defects and Encumbrances

Unresolved liens, easements, or claims can delay or void your transaction. Our firm works closely with reputable title agencies and can initiate quiet title actions when needed.

Learn more from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Zoning and Permitting Disputes

Municipal zoning laws and land use regulations can make or break your investment plans. We help clients challenge zoning decisions, secure use variances, and interpret local ordinances.

Visit the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for up-to-date zoning and building standards.

We Represent Both Individual and Institutional Clients

Our real estate attorneys work with:

• Homebuyers and sellers in South Jersey and Philadelphia metro markets
• Real estate investors and house flippers needing contract protection
• Small business owners leasing or purchasing storefronts and commercial units
• Landlords and property managers navigating lease disputes
• Heirs and estate beneficiaries managing inherited property or partition disputes
• Developers and construction firms managing municipal approvals and litigation risk

Make Your Next Property Decision with Confidence

Whether you’re closing a complex deal or defending your property rights, our attorneys can guide you through every step of your real estate matter. We bring experience, precision, and strong advocacy to help you avoid legal pitfalls and safeguard your financial interests.

To schedule a confidential consultation, call 856-209-3111 or visit our consultation request page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need an attorney to buy or sell a home in New Jersey?
While not required by law, having an attorney review your purchase agreement, title, and closing documents is strongly recommended. New Jersey’s three-day attorney review period can also be critical for protecting your rights.

What’s a partition action?
A partition action is a court process used when co-owners of a property—such as siblings or former partners—cannot agree on what to do with it. The court can order a sale or division.

Can a landlord evict a tenant without going to court in NJ or PA?
No. Landlords must follow legal procedures, including filing in court, even if a lease has been violated. Improper evictions can expose landlords to liability.

What is a quiet title action?
It’s a legal process used to clear title issues or disputes over ownership—often necessary when buying, selling, or refinancing property.

Can I challenge a zoning denial from my local board?
Yes. Zoning decisions can be appealed through legal and administrative channels. We can help evaluate your options and file for variances if needed.