Owning property is a huge accomplishment, and a goal many people work diligently toward for years. Having a trusted legal professional to guide you through the transfer of ownership process is important, and developing a positive working relationship with your real estate attorney can serve you in multiple ways in the years you own your property.
The following information is provided in the hopes of clarifying some of the most common questions people have when it comes to finding and hiring a real estate attorney. This is a big step, and one that you should feel confident about as you move through the process of buying or selling property or navigating how to use that property.
What does a real estate lawyer do?
The primary role of real estate attorneys is to handle and oversee the transfer of real property. This includes reviewing all of the documents connected to the sale. Not only will your real estate attorney check the contract and any additional agreements between buyer and seller, they also review the mortgage documents as well as title and transfer paperwork.
It's important that you understand all aspects of the transaction, and your real estate attorney takes the time to explain the details and answer any question you might have. If needed, your attorney can also negotiate with the other party on your behalf.
In addition to the tasks associated with buying or selling a piece of property, real estate attorneys also handle numerous other matters. Some examples include:
Adverse possession
Easements
Foreclosures
Leases
Unlawful detainer
Homeowners' association law
Collections
Evictions
Title law
Boundary disputes
This is far from a comprehensive list. Your real estate attorney can guide you through virtually any dispute or problem that arises in how you use, protect, and enhance your property after purchase.
How to find a real estate attorney
Never before has it been so easy to find someone to perform virtually any type of professional service, including legal services. Online marketing helps connect attorneys and clients, and gives you a chance to review the available services a practice offers prior to making initial contact.
Good old word-of-mouth recommendations remain a valid way to find a real estate attorney. If you have a friend or family member who had a great experience with their attorney, you might have a similarly positive outcome.
The best way to choose a real estate attorney is to take the time to meet with a few candidates to discuss your needs and learn more about how they perform their duties. You'll need to communicate with your attorney frequently throughout your transaction, so finding someone who shares your communication style is important.
What are the benefits of hiring a real estate lawyer?
Real estate purchases or disputes can be expensive, so many people wonder about the benefits of hiring a real estate lawyer. As with so many financial matters, investing in professional guidance is always a worthwhile endeavor.
Your attorney works on your behalf to ensure you understand all aspects of the transaction. They know state law as well as how transactions are handled locally. A good attorney can catch potential areas of concern early in the process, giving you time to make changes that are in line with your needs and goals.
If you are involved in a property or landlord/tenant dispute, a misstep can have a negative impact on the manner in which you are able to use your property. Your attorney works to resolve disputes in a fair manner, but with your interests always at the forefront.
benefit, but anyone who has lost sleep worrying about how a legal dispute might be resolved can attest to the benefit of allowing a skilled legal professional to guide the process and handle issues as they arise.
If you still find yourself questioning the benefits of hiring a real estate lawyer, schedule a time to come in and meet the team. Being able to ask questions and learn more about the process in a face-to-face setting is often the best way to decide if an attorney is the right fit for your needs.