Gary Singer

Board-certified real estate lawyer Gary Singer writes about industry legal matters and the housing market. To ask him a question, email him at gary@garysingerlaw.com, or go to SunSentinel.com/askpro.

Whether dealing with a family disagreement, a career decision, or a financial setback, the best outcomes usually come from a calm, informed approach. (Getty Images)

Ask a real estate pro: Sage advice regarding themes from your 2025 questions

January 1, 2026 at 6:15 a.m.

Whether real estate-related legal questions are about relationships, tackling financial hurdles, or making decisions about the future, preparation, communication and perspective are key.

While it is frustrating to be told to take down your holiday decorations, your association likely has the authority to enforce such rules, depending on your community's governing documents. (Orlando Sentinel file)

Ask a real estate pro: Can HOA make me take down holiday decorations?

December 25, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

A reader asks real estate lawyer Gary Singer: Can the HOA force me to remove holiday decorations under threat of a fine?

Although a constantly barking dog is upsetting, maintaining a decent relationship with your neighbor is important, as you don’t want to turn a disagreement into a feud. (The Press Enterprise file photo)

Ask a real estate pro: How can we get neighbor to deal with constantly barking dog?

December 18, 2025 at 6:30 a.m.

A reader asks real estate lawyer Gary Singer: How can we get our neighbors to quiet their constantly barking dog?

A minimum credit score requirement is a common way for boards to evaluate financial reliability and reduce perceived risks. (Dreamstime/TNS)

Ask a real estate pro: Can condo board keep me from renting if my credit score is barely too low?

December 11, 2025 at 4:40 a.m.

A reader asks real estate lawyer Gary Singer: Can the condo board deny my rental application if my credit score is just under its minimum requirement?

Moving to a new area for a job is an exciting opportunity, but it also involves important decisions, one of the biggest being whether to buy a house or rent one. (Orlando Sentinel file photo)

Ask a real estate pro: Is it better to rent or buy when I move for a new job?

December 4, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

A reader asks real estate lawyer Gary Singer: When I move for a new job, is it better to buy or rent a place to live?

When developers undertake a project, they often need to follow environmental regulations and conduct assessments to reduce harm to ecosystems. (Los Angeles Daily News file photo)

Ask a real estate pro: Is developer of new project liable for damage to our trees?

November 27, 2025 at 3:35 a.m.

A reader asks real estate lawyer Gary Singer: A developer's project pushed animals out of their habitat and into our neighborhood, where they've damaged property. Is the developer liable?

Property lines are usually established by a survey, which is a legal document that defines the features and boundaries of your land. (Steve Nehf/The Denver Post)

Ask a real estate pro: Do I need to move concrete fence before selling my home?

November 20, 2025 at 3:50 a.m.

A reader asks real estate lawyer Gary Singer: When I'm selling my home, do I need to address neighbor's claim that concrete fence is encroaching on his property?

Feeding ducks and other wildlife can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity that brings you closer to nature. However, it is common for community associations to step in and regulate activities like this, especially if they believe it is causing issues for the neighborhood. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Ask a real estate pro: Can HOA stop us from feeding the ducks?

November 13, 2025 at 6:30 a.m.

A reader asks real estate lawyer Gary Singer: Can a homeowners association prevent residents from feeding ducks on the property?

Whether you’re updating a few features or doing a full-scale renovation, there are steps you can take to make the experience as stress-free as possible. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel file photo)

Ask a real estate pro: How can we keep our kitchen remodel from becoming a nightmare?

November 6, 2025 at 6:30 a.m.

A reader asks real estate lawyer Gary Singer: What tips can you offer to help keep our kitchen remodel from becoming the nightmare my friends warn about?

The law requires every property owner to use their property in a way that does not cause unreasonable harm to others. While your neighbor has every right to water their landscaping, that right ends when their actions damage your property. (Alan Dep/Marin Independent Journal)

Ask a real estate pro: Can I sue owner of building next door over damage caused by sprinklers?

October 30, 2025 at 4:10 a.m.

A reader asks real estate lawyer Gary Singer: Can I sue the owner of neighboring building whose sprinklers caused damage my garage and an adjacent room?

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