Not everyone has the luxury of having the funds to hire a lawyer. But it isn't just the money, as there can be a lot of time caught up in a trial. So, if you are having a real estate dispute and you would like to try to avoid going to court, here's what you need to do:

1. Head Straight to the Source.

Whether it is a neighbor that you are fighting over a property line with or a property assessor who believe wrongly assessed your property's condition, you should get all parties involved together and discuss the situation. It may be a good idea to have a neutral mediator or arbitrator involved to head the meeting to help keep things amicable. Another good idea is to actually meet at the site of concern, such as the property, which allows the issue to be seen first-hand and issues to be resolved on the spot.

2. Make the Other Party See the Greater Benefit.

If you are purchasing a house and the seller is refusing to make a repair that you are requesting, you could explain to them that the cost of the repair is very small compared to the profit that they will make. In addition, if they refuse, they will be out more money as well as the inconvenience of having to conduct open houses, showings, etc. after rejecting your offer.

3. Simply Ask What an Ideal Solution Is.

You never know what it is going to take to solve a problem if you don't ask. While everyone may not get every little thing that they desire in the end, this can often help each party get a bulk of what they want so that the conflict can be resolved.

4. Maintain Solid, Detailed Records.

In some cases, your dispute may be occurring because of an alleged disagreement or misunderstanding of something previously said. When detailed notes are kept, these types of disputes can often be avoided. If you and another individual, such as a buyer or seller, agree to something verbally, make sure to have it written down and signed by all parties involved. If possible, have a witness signature as well.

Unfortunately, the above does not always do the trick. In the end, you may have to end up hiring a lawyer. In many cases, if money is an issue for you, you can work out a deal with a real estate attorney to pay your fees so that you can get your case taken care of. If you're having difficulty managing a real estate dispute on your own, contact a local real estate dispute attorney for professional assistance. 

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