Why Should I Use A Real Estate Attorney?

Any transaction connected with your present or future home is a major expenditure on your part. Since this transaction deals with your family's home, it should be important enough to have your interests represented and protected by legal counsel. Unless your transaction is being handled by an attorney, you have no legal representation. Escrow companies cannot advise you legally or resolve any legal questions or problems which may arise with your transaction. Consequently, it is better to retain an attorney's services from the beginning of your transaction, rather than when problems or questions arise. This early retention of legal counsel assures you that the attorney is familiar with your transaction and you particular needs.

A prudent choice of legal representation would be the selection of an attorney whose practice is limited strictly to real estate matters. A real estate attorney will be familiar with the common problems associated with real estate transactions, as well as the multitude of documents that accompany the sale or purchase of your home. In addition, an entire staff of trained individuals is available to assist you in your transaction. Consequently, you can rest assured that your transaction is in the hands of trained legal real estate professional.

Having an attorney whose hours are flexible to accommodate your closing is an important factor to consider. It is not always convenient with your schedule to close between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Fridays. Your working schedule or unforeseen circumstances may dictate that your closing occurs after normal business hours or on Saturdays. In addition, questions or problems may arise at night or over the weekend. Therefore, telephonic conferences may be necessary during these after hour times. To assure you of the maximum convenience and accessibility, a real estate attorney with flexible hours is essential.

While the costs for closing should not deter someone from having representation, it nonetheless does on occasion. (Note: You only get what you pay for in life.) When comparing costs, it's imperative that you are not misled by a low quote on the closing, especially since it does not reflect all of the costs which an escrow company will charge. Therefore, a price comparison may be helpful in making your decision, especially when you can have legal representation for the comparable costs of an escrow company, which cannot provide legal representation.

In the light of the unpredictability of real estate transactions, you need an attorney to assist you from start to finish. While no one can guarantee you that problems will not arise, an attorney will guarantee you legal representation and protection at affordable costs.

Purchase Contract:
Review, analysis and comment. Address any legal issues
Mortgage Lender:
Contact closing dept. & coordinate closing. Preparation of HUD-1 & associated documents. Review all documents for errors or omissions. All closing documents completed, reviewed and returned to Lender for final funding
Real Estate Agents:
Contact and assist with all appropriate pre-closing inspections and conditions. (i.e. - Well, Septic, Termite, etc.)
Title:
Assure marketability of Title (not just insurability). Procuring appropriate Title insurance and addressing any legal issues or blemishes on the Title.
Survey:
Order and review Survey. Research to any encroachments thereon.
Homeowner's Insurance:
Assist in procuring at fair market rates. Satisfying legal language within policy.
Recording & Distribution of Funds:
Assuring that all legal documents are recorded and all funds distributed in a timely and proficient manner. Setting up escrow's, when necessary.