Buying a house is a huge investment, and it’s important to have someone on your side who knows the ins and outs of real estate law. That’s where a real estate attorney comes in.
A real estate attorney can help you with a variety of legal issues that arise during the process of buying or selling a home.
Table of Contents
1. Handle Real Estate Transactions
The first and most obvious role of a real estate attorney is to handle all of the paperwork and legalities involved in buying or selling a home.
This includes everything from reviewing the sales contract to making sure that the title is clear and there are no outstanding liens or encumbrances on the property. A real estate attorney will also attend the closing with you and make sure that everything goes smoothly.
2. Provide Advice and Guidance
Another important role of a real estate attorney is to provide advice and guidance throughout the home-buying or selling process.
Your attorney can answer any questions you have about the contract, the closing process, or any other legal matters that come up.
3. Protect Your Interests
A real estate attorney can also help to protect your interests if there are any problems with the property or the transaction.
For example, if you discover that there are major repairs needed after you’ve already closed on the home, your attorney can help you negotiate with the seller to get the money you need to make the repairs.
Or, if you’re selling your home and the buyers back out of the deal, your attorney can help you sue them for breach of contract.
4. Handle Disputes
If a dispute arises between you and the other party in a real estate transaction, your attorney can help you resolve the issue.
This might involve going to court, but it can also involve mediation or arbitration. In many cases, disputes can be resolved without going to court at all.
5. Handle Title Searches and Title Insurance
A real estate attorney can also handle title searches and title insurance.
A title search is a process of looking up public records to make sure that the person selling the property is the rightful owner and that there are no outstanding claims or liens on the property.
Title insurance is a type of insurance that protects you from losses if it turns out that there are problems with the title to the property.
6. Review and Negotiate Contracts
If you’re buying or selling a home, it’s important to have an attorney review the contract before you sign it. Your attorney can make sure that the contract is fair and that it protects your interests. Your attorney can also negotiate with the other party to try to get better terms for you.
7. Handle Closing
A real estate attorney will also be there with you at closing to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
The attorney will review all of the documents and make sure that you understand them. The attorney will also make sure that all of the necessary paperwork is signed and that all of the money changes hands.
Final Thought
A real estate attorney can be a valuable asset when you’re buying or selling a home. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal aspects of the transaction, protect your interests, and resolve any disputes that may arise.
When choosing an attorney, be sure to choose someone you feel comfortable working with and who has experience handling real estate transactions.
If you have any questions about what a real estate attorney can do for you, be sure to ask your attorney for more information.