arizona real estate attorney or real estate agent - which is less costly

by Mr. Wyatt Jenkins 4 min read

Want the short answer? The real estate lawyer is cheaper. But in most situations, the savings still come at a high cost.Oct 19, 2021

Who is the best real estate lawyer in Phoenix AZ?

Laura B. Bramnick, PLC Attorney at Law is a real estate law office representing clients in Phoenix. It provides legal counsel and services to individuals who are in need of help with matters of real estate transactions, property issues regarding inheritance and divorce, and breach of contract litigation.

How much does it cost to get an Arizona real estate license?

State Fees To Obtain An Arizona Real Estate License Pearson VUE Testing Examination Fee: $75 State Original License Fee: $50 State Real Estate Recovery Fee: $10 Arizona Department Of Public Safety Finger Print Clearance Card Fee: $67 Total Government Fees: $202

How much does a real estate attorney cost?

How much does a real estate attorney cost may factor into your decision-making given how many costs are associated with closing on a house . Fees will vary depending on the state you live in and the lawyer’s level of experience. The real estate attorney cost could be a flat fee, though some lawyers charge an hourly rate.

How to become a real estate salesperson in Arizona?

Read What Is The Arizona Contract Writing Course. You must complete and pass a school administered exam. This exam acts as a “gateway” to the actual real estate salesperson exam administered by Pearson Vue. Once passing the school exam, you will receive a certificate that allows you take the Pearson Vue® AZ Real Estate Sales exam.

Do I need a real estate attorney in Arizona?

Arizona law generally doesn't require prospective homeowners to have an attorney. Just because the state doesn't require people to have an attorney for a real estate closing, that doesn't mean it's not a good idea to help protect your interests.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

Throughout the United States, typical attorney fees usually range from about $100 an hour to $400 an hour. These hourly rates will increase with experience and practice area specialization.

Do I need an attorney to sell a house?

While you definitely need a lawyer to complete the settlement of your sale, you technically don't need a lawyer to sign a 'Sale and Purchase Agreement'. However, it's wise to speak to your lawyer as soon as you have decided to put your property on the market.

What does a real estate attorney do?

Real estate lawyers do everything from title search of a property to dispute resolution. They have to conduct the due diligence for the property to know if the title is clear for development or sale. Then they have to make title search reports or title search certificates as per their client's requirements.

Is it better to hire a local attorney?

Local lawyers can more effectively judge the value of your case or the likelihood of success. A local attorney knows and can fairly judge the temperament in the community and the likelihood of a fair and reasonable verdict being returned in your particular matter.

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

How do you know if your lawyer is selling you out?

Unprofessional or unethical behavior can include:Arriving late or failing to show up for important meetings, or missing court dates.Making decisions of importance about your case without discussing it with you first.Missing filing deadlines, filing paperwork incorrectly or filing the wrong paperwork with the court.More items...•

Who gets the deposit when a house sale falls through?

The payment of a deposit in an agreement to buy property is a sign of good faith on the part of the buyer that he or she will do what the agreement says. If the purchase is completed the deposit will be credited to the buyer as part of the purchase price.

Can I be forced to sell my house?

Conclusion. A homeowner can force a sale that is co-owned, either by negotiating a buyout, selling your share to a new owner, or getting a court-forced to sale. A mortgage is an additional legal issue that needs to be addressed in a forced home sale.

How do you make an offer on a house without a realtor?

Remember, your offer becomes your legally binding purchase contract.Step 1: Land on your offer price. ... Step 2: Document the details. ... Step 3: Include contingencies. ... Step 4: Offer earnest money. ... Step 5: Make your asks. ... Step 6: Lay out the timeline. ... Step 7: Include any addenda. ... Step 8: Deliver the offer to the seller.More items...•

How much do real estate agents make?

How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make At Most? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. real estate agents will earn a median income of $56,000 per year in 2020. It cost about $49,000 according to the figures.

What is the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaTax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.Immigration attorney: $84,000.Estate attorney: $83,000.Public Defender: $63,000.More items...•

Why do you need a real estate agent?

One of the best reasons to hire a real estate agent is that the sellers are likely to use their own agent— and you want to keep that agent from taking over the process. In fact, the seller's agent might pressure you to let him or her represent both seller and buyer, in a " dual agency " relationship that primarily benefits the seller.

Is a real estate agent required to be a lawyer?

What the Law Says. Every state has its own set of real estate laws. For the most part, a real estate agent's help is not legally required, though agents can help you with tasks that border on legal ones, such as preparing a home purchase contract. In a few states, however, such as New York and Massachusetts, only a lawyer is allowed to prepare ...

Can a real estate agent answer a legal question?

However, legal issues might arise that your real estate agent can't answer. In that case, you'll need an attorney's help. Although good agents know a lot about the negotiating and contracting part of the process, they can't make judgments on legal questions. For example, what if your prospective new home has an illegal in-law unit ...

Do you need an attorney to buy real estate?

Except in states where it's mandated, an ordinary real estate transaction doesn't require an attorney's help. By now, real estate transactions are so standardized that most people in your state will use the exact same purchase contract, just filling in a few blanks.

Can a lawyer close a title search?

In a few states, however, such as New York and Massachusetts, only a lawyer is allowed to prepare the home purchase documents, perform a title search, and/or close the deal.

Do real estate agents get paid?

Real estate agents normally work on commission, not salary. They receive their slice only after your home search is over, the contract negotiated, and the transaction complete. (In many cases, they end up doing a lot of work for nothing, perhaps because the buyers lost interest or can't close the deal.)

General Requirements To Become A Real Estate Agent In Arizona

Before we go over the process. Let’s cover a few requirements that must be met in order to obtain a real estate license in Arizona, for salesperson only. Salesperson is normally the initial license that an agent will obtain. After years of experience, some agents may choose to become brokers, which has a different set of requirements.

6 Steps To Getting Your Real Estate License In Arizona

After determining that you do or will be able to meet all of the requirements to become an Arizona real estate agent. The 1st step is to select an accredited real estate school. Accreditation can be verified on ADRE’s website. Here is a link to verify our school ( American Realty Academy) but you can use it to verify other schools as well.

How Long Does Real Estate School Take?

Now that you know how to become a real estate agent in Arizona, lets talk about time lines. Real estate school can be completed in as little as 14 days. Some students are able to test immediately after that and if they find a brokerage to work for right away, they can be licensed in as little as 3 weeks!

What Is The Cost Of An AZ Real Estate License?

The real estate license cost in Arizona is broken into two parts; government fees and school fees. For this article we will cover these items in regard to initial issuance of a real estate salesperson license only (not a broker, renewal, etc).

Photography Fees

The first hidden cost of working with a real estate agent in Arizona is photography fees. In the first meeting with the real estate agent, they may mention adding high-quality photos to your listing.

Staging Fees

The second hidden cost that could come up is staging fees. If you do not leave furnishings in your property when it is being marketed for sale, the real estate agent may suggest property staging. This helps the potential buyer imagine themselves living or occupying this property and often sells the house quickly.

Curb Appeal & Improvements

A real estate agent is also going to look at your property’s curb appeal. Real estate agents will often suggest improving the curb appeal of the property. Your property will most likely sell faster because of the enhanced beauty of a fresh coat of paint and some new pops of color in the flower beds complete with new mulch, but all of this adds up.

Property Inspections or Surveys

Another cost of working with a real estate agent in Arizona is a property inspection or survey. Many real estate agents like to entice buyers with this extra perk in the listing. Having a recent property inspection or survey is a great selling tool, especially if the property has no major issues or property line encroachments.

Real Estate Commission

Finally, a real estate agent in Arizona will require a commission. This, of course, is negotiated at the time of signing the listing agreement, but it’s easy to forget about that while your property is being marketed. You may not truly feel the impact of the brokerage fees until it’s time to sign the closing papers.

What Do You Have To Lose? Get Started Now..

We buy vacant land throughout Arizona and the Southwest. There are no commissions or fees and no obligation whatsoever. Start below by giving us a bit of information about your property or call 480-779-8444...

What is Arizona unique in?

The lengthy answer: Arizona is somewhat (if not completely) unique in that the Arizona State Constitution specifically permits real estate agents and brokers to prepare instruments (purchase agreements, contracts for sale, deeds, etc ) incidental to a real estate transaction.

What is Arizona Article 26?

Article 26, Section 1 of Arizona State Constitution: 1. Powers of real estate broker or salesman. Section 1. Any person holding a valid license as a real estate broker or a real estate salesman regularly issued by the Arizona State Real Estate Department when acting in such capacity as broker or salesman for the parties, ...

Do I need an attorney in Arizona?

The bottom line answer: You are not required to use an attorney in Arizona.

What is the difference between a realtor and a real estate agent?

A real estate agent, or realtor, is tasked with marketing a property for sale or finding a property for a buyer, Romer said, while an attorney is enlisted to ensure someone’s legal rights are protected during a home sale. Real estate agents are paid based on commission , while attorneys are paid a separate legal fee that is typically a flat rate, he said.

How much does an attorney charge per hour?

While most attorneys charge a flat rate, some will charge by the hour, with hourly rates ranging from $150 to $350, according to Thumbtack.

Do you need a real estate attorney to close a house?

Some states require a real estate attorney for closing, while others don’t. In states that don’t require an attorney, it’s still a good idea to consider hiring one to help make sure everything is in good order. How much does a real estate attorney cost may factor into your decision-making given how many costs are associated with closing on a house .

Why do I need a real estate attorney?

Reasons to hire a real estate attorney even if it’s optional 1 You’re an out-of-town buyer. 2 You’re buying a property that is a short sale or bank-owned. 3 You’re buying a property that is part of an estate sale. 4 You’re buying a commercial property. 5 You’re buying a property that could potentially have some structural issues. 6 You’re buying a property in a problematic area such as a flood zone or areas with adverse conditions (tornado-prone, radon, toxicity levels, etc.).

Why do you need an attorney when selling a house?

You’re the heir or executor of a property whose owner is now deceased. You’re selling a house with an uncooperative partner. You have judgments or liens on the property.

What is the education required for real estate agents?

As part of agents’ licensing education, they’re taught and tested on real estate contracts used within their state, many of which also require continuing education courses and/or certifications on subjects such as ethics, buyer’s agency, distressed property sales, and more.

Photography Fees

Staging Fees

  • The second hidden cost that could come up is staging fees. If you do not leave furnishings in your property when it is being marketed for sale, the real estate agent may suggest property staging. This helps the potential buyer imagine themselves living or occupying this property and often sells the house quickly. If the realtor is not experienced enough or does not have time to stage proper…
See more on investmentlandalliance.com

Curb Appeal & Improvements

  • A real estate agent is also going to look at your property’s curb appeal. Real estate agents will often suggest improving the curb appeal of the property. Your property will most likely sell faster because of the enhanced beauty of a fresh coat of paint and some new pops of color in the flower beds complete with new mulch, but all of this adds up. Painting a home, installing new plants, la…
See more on investmentlandalliance.com

Property Inspections Or Surveys

  • Another cost of working with a real estate agent in Arizona is a property inspection or survey. Many real estate agents like to entice buyers with this extra perk in the listing. Having a recent property inspection or survey is a great selling tool, especially if the property has no major issues or property line encroachments. This will give buyers...
See more on investmentlandalliance.com

Real Estate Commission

  • Finally, a real estate agent in Arizona will require a commission. This, of course, is negotiated at the time of signing the listing agreement, but it’s easy to forget about that while your property is being marketed. You may not truly feel the impact of the brokerage fees until it’s time to sign the closing papers. Here you see all of your fees taken out of your sale proceeds, this will include th…
See more on investmentlandalliance.com