If you are currently in the process of buying or selling a home, you know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the sometimes murky waters of real estate law. While realtors have a great deal of experience with a variety of issues and topics related to the purchase or sale of your home, they are not going to be able to offer you the legal protection and representation you may need in the event of a problem. If you have been wondering whether to hire a real estate attorney, but aren’t sure if it is necessary, you may want to take a look at some of the advantages to having someone who knows real estate law inside and out in your corner before you come to the closing table.
Drafting Contracts- When you and another party are negotiating a real estate purchase or sale, you will need a legally binding contract to make sure both parties adhere to the terms of your agreement. Hiring a real estate attorney to draft the contract, or to review a contract that has been drafted by the other party, is beneficial to you as it ensures that all terms of the contract adhere to state laws. Your real estate attorney can also make sure that the contract properly addresses any issues with the property, as well as other contingencies that need to be dealt with prior to closing. Having a real estate attorney to review any and all contracts related to the purchase or sale of a house can give you peace of mind that everything is in order.
Title Searches- One of the primary services offered by real estate attorneys, a title search entails a thorough check of the property that is being bought or sold, to make sure that there are no existing liens, judgments or other hindrances that would affect the owner’s right to legally sell the property to another party. Many a homebuyer has been broadsided by the presence of a hidden lien or judgment that causes the sale to fall through at the last minute. By retaining the services of a real estate attorney, you can be sure to avoid such a situation. Additionally, if a title search performed by a real estate attorney turns up a problem such as a lien or judgment, your attorney can use this information to negotiate a lower price for the home, since you will now have to wait until the lien or judgment has been resolved in order to buy the property.
Filings – A real estate deed must be filed at both the state and county level once a sale has gone through. Your real estate attorney can quickly and easily handle filing of the deed for you, leaving you with nothing to worry about after closing. You can rest assured that the deed has been properly filed by someone with a great deal of experience.
If you’re in the process of buying or selling a home or property and want experienced legal advice to help the transaction go as smoothly as possible, contact Russo Law Firm, LLC for a complimentary consultation today. Joe Russo’s credentials, which include being a licensed real estate agent, gives him the insights and expertise needed to protect your interests.