Real Estate Law & Litigation
Real Estate Attorney in San Diego
The Law Office of Gregory P. Olson, APC provides a comprehensive range of real estate legal services in San Diego and throughout California. Mr. Olson is a top San Diego real estate attorney, and has many years of experience in dealing with a variety of types of real estate transactions and disputes. These real estate legal services include:
Real Estate Attorney Greg Olson has litigated a wide variety of real estate actions, and is well versed in San Diego and California real estate law. Mr. Olson has represented a diverse array of real estate clients, including landlords, tenants, developers, property owners, and commercial tenants. Our office values its knowledge of real estate law and its commitment to resolving real estate disputes.
Mr. Olson’s expertise includes representation of residential property sellers and buyers, representation of adjacent property owners in matters involving easements, trespass, nuisance, and boundary issues, and representation of contractors and homeowners in connection with construction projects.
Contact our office today for a consultation to discuss your real estate issue. Mr. Olson can help ascertain the facts of your case, and help you obtain a speedy resolution of your real estate law matter.

Real Estate Litigation Attorney Frequently Asked Questions:
What types of real estate disputes do you handle in San Diego?
We handle a wide range of real estate litigation matters in San Diego, including:
- Breach of contract: Disputes related to purchase agreements, lease agreements, and construction contracts.
- Adjacent landowner disputes: Disagreements over boundary lines, easements, encroachments, and nuisance claims.
- Commercial landlord-tenant disputes: options to purchase, rights of first refusal, unpaid rent, security deposit issues, common area maintenance charge issues, and parking disputes.
- Residential landlord-tenant disputes: unpaid rent, security deposit issues, and habitability issues.
- Construction defects: Litigation involving defective construction work, building code violations, and contractor disputes.
- Real estate fraud: Claims involving misrepresentation, concealment, or other fraudulent activities in real estate transactions.
- Quiet title actions: Lawsuits to establish clear ownership of a property.
- Partition actions: Dividing ownership of a property held by multiple parties.
What are the common causes of real estate litigation?
Real estate litigation often arises from:
- Unclear contracts: Ambiguous language or missing terms in agreements.
- Lack of due diligence: Failure to properly investigate a property before purchase or lease.
- Miscommunication: Misunderstandings between parties involved in a real estate transaction.
- Changing economic conditions: Market fluctuations affecting property values and financing.
- Construction defects: Faulty workmanship or materials leading to property damage.
What is a lis pendens?
A lis pendens is a written notice filed with the San Diego county recorder that a lawsuit affecting title to a specific property has been filed. It serves as a warning to potential buyers or lenders that the property’s ownership is in dispute. Section 405.20 of the California Code of Civil Procedure provides as follows: “A party to an action who asserts a real property claim may record a notice of pendency of action in which that real property claim is alleged. The notice may be recorded in the office of the recorder of each county in which all or part of the real property is situated. The notice shall contain the names of all parties to the action and a description of the property affected by the action.”
What is an easement?
An easement is a legal right that allows someone to use another person’s property for a specific purpose. Common types of easements include access easements (allowing passage over property) and utility easements (allowing installation of utility lines). The extent of rights granted by conveyance of an easement is determined by the language of the grant where extrinsic evidence is not received. If the language of conveyance is clear and explicit, the court need not resort to use of extrinsic evidence to show the nature and extent of the rights acquired. When there is ambiguity or uncertainty about the scope of an easement grant, the surrounding circumstances, including the physical conditions and character of the burdened property and the requirements of the grantee, play a significant role in the determination of the controlling intent.
What is a quiet title action?
A quiet title action is a lawsuit filed to resolve disputes over ownership of a property and establish clear title. This can be necessary when there are conflicting claims, unclear ownership history, or errors in public records. The purpose of a quiet title action is to finally settle and determine the parties’ conflicting claims to the property and to obtain a declaration of the interest of each party. To prevail on a cause of action for quiet title, a plaintiff must demonstrate “paramount title” in relation to conflicting claims.
What are the steps involved in a real estate lawsuit?
Similar to other civil litigation, a real estate lawsuit typically involves:
- Pleadings: Filing a complaint and responsive pleadings.
- Discovery: Gathering evidence through depositions, interrogatories, and document requests; and analyzing the evidence.
- Motions: Pre-trial requests to the court.
- Trial: Presenting evidence and arguments to a judge or jury.
- Judgment: Court decision resolving the dispute.
- Appeal: Challenging the judgment in a higher court (if necessary).
How can I avoid real estate litigation?
To minimize the risk of real estate disputes:
- Hire experienced professionals: Work with qualified real estate agents, brokers, attorneys, and contractors.
- Conduct thorough due diligence: Investigate the property, review title reports, and obtain inspections.
- Use clear and comprehensive contracts: Ensure all agreements are well-drafted and reviewed by an attorney.
- Communicate effectively: Maintain open and honest communication with all parties involved.
What are some common defenses in real estate litigation?
Common defenses in real estate cases include:
- Statute of limitations: Claiming the lawsuit was filed after the deadline.
- Lack of standing: Arguing the plaintiff lacks the legal right to sue.
- Waiver: Asserting the plaintiff gave up their right to pursue the claim.
- Failure to mitigate damages: Claiming the plaintiff did not take reasonable steps to minimize their alleged losses.
What are the potential remedies in real estate litigation?
Remedies in real estate disputes can include:
- Monetary damages: Compensation for financial losses.
- Specific performance: Court order requiring a party to fulfill their contractual obligations.
- Injunctive relief: Court order prohibiting a party from taking certain actions.
- Declaratory judgment: Court declaration clarifying the rights and obligations of the parties.
When should I consult a real estate litigation attorney?
It’s advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible if you:
- Have questions about your rights and obligations in a real estate transaction.
- Are involved in a real estate dispute.
- Receive a demand letter or notice of a lawsuit.
- Are considering filing a lawsuit related to real estate.
Awards
Awards for very high ratings in both legal ability & ethical standards




