what to look for in a real estate attorney the buyer

by Dr. Garth Schuster DVM 4 min read

A title document is a paper that defines the legal ownership of the people to any property and asset. A real estate attorney search and reviews this important document on behalf of the buyer. In general, a title includes three key components which are legal ownership, occupation and possession.

Some common examples of when hiring a real estate lawyer makes sense include:
  • Exclusive representation. When you are buying or selling your home, everyone has an interest in the deal getting done, including real estate agents and the lender. ...
  • Reasonable cost. ...
  • Peace of mind.
Jan 7, 2021

Full Answer

Do I need a buyer’s attorney to buy a home?

Mar 24, 2019 · Roy Oppenheim is a sought-after legal expert on issues relating to real estate, real estate litigation and commercial litigation. In 2009, he started the South Florida Law Blog to address the real ...

How do I find a real estate lawyer?

Mar 13, 2022 · Generally people hire an attorney if their real estate deal is anything outside a “vanilla transaction,” says Bryan Zuetel, a real estate attorney, broker, and agent in …

Do I need a lawyer to review a real estate contract?

Apr 26, 2015 · The buyer’s real estate attorney uses the findings of the title search to order title insurance. All lenders require buyers to purchase title insurance before closing. The attorney also serves as an advocate for the client with the bank. The attorney assures that the fees charged by the bank are correct and reviews the terms of the loan ...

What does a real estate attorney do when selling a house?

Jan 07, 2021 · A real estate lawyer is familiar with all aspects of the home purchase process and can represent buyers, sellers or lenders. In states where a lawyer is …

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Why is a sales and purchase agreement important?

It is a legal contract to obligate a buyer to buy the real estate property and a seller to sell the property. It is really important to note that this type of agreement is commonly associated with all type of real estate deals to make sure the interest of both buyer and seller.

What is real estate property tax?

Real Estate property tax is an ad valorem tax on the basis of the value of the property levied on the real estate property . This tax function is really critical to understand where a real estate lawyer can explain it very clearly. However, it is levied by the local state government and the rate will vary according to different states.

What is estate planning?

Estate Planning is the sense of anticipating and managing for the disposal of that person’s real estate property in the lifespan and after death. It totally includes planning to reduce incapacity and the system of reducing and preventing any type of uncertainties that help to increase the value of the property.

What is zoning in real estate?

Zoning. Zoning is the prices of breaking down the land in an area where the property is being sold. This is a type of sense to make sure permission and prohibition information on the land rules. Zoning is also a condition of the land to provide the permission of the buyers according to environmental law.

What is a property deed?

A property deed is highly known as a written statement where information is about the legal instrument. Information in the property deeds deals with ownership of real estate property from the seller to the buyer. There are some important elements of real estate property deeds which are

Why is it important to know the real estate laws?

It is very important to know this law when someone is going to transact any portion of property like buying, selling of property, leasing office space and constructing permanent high-rise buildings . Real Estate Laws clearly explain the rules and regulation of these functions about real estate property.

What is title in relation to property?

Title in relation to property is known as a bundle of rights in the piece form of the property that can be owned by the buyer. It meets the legal interest on behalf of the buyer and it is a formal document the transfers’ ownership of the land to the buyer. This is a legal function which can be done by the Real Estate Attorney. There are some rights in the title bundles

What is the role of an attorney when buying a home?

As a buyer, your attorney will perform several key functions, including reviewing important documents and paperwork quickly and accurately, processing purchase and sale agreements, and examining title documents, including title insurance and the plat of survey. Along the way, your attorney can help explain this important paperwork to you in depth, so you know what you’re agreeing to and making necessary changes, as appropriate.

What does a buyer's attorney do?

As a buyer, your attorney will perform several key functions, including reviewing important documents and paperwork quickly and accurately, processing purchase and sale agreements, and examining title documents, including title insurance and the plat of survey. Along the way, your attorney can help explain this important paperwork to you in depth, ...

What is the role of a buyer's attorney at a closing?

In addition, they will be responsible for thoroughly communicating all of the relevant information to their clients, including matters relating to cash flow, closing costs, and more. At the closing table, the buyer’s attorney will help walk their client through the final aspects of the paperwork, helping to explain and guide the signing of documents, including deeds, notes, settlement statements, loan documentation, and so on.

What is real estate property?

For one thing, real estate falls into its own unique category as “real” property – broadly meaning land, and the structures affixed to that land. It is distinct from personal property, those tangible and intangible possessions other than land or buildings (like appliances, cars, stocks and bonds, and so on).

Can a broker represent you in a real estate transaction?

A real estate broker can help in many ways throughout the real estate transaction – but it’s essential to remember that they cannot provide legal counsel. Only an attorney can represent you in this way. As you move forward with the goal of purchasing a home, your attorney will be your advocate, negotiating on your behalf and with your best interest at heart. Throughout the process, an attorney can review key documents and implement contract changes, manage negotiations with other parties, lead communication on scheduling, and provide important updates, as necessary. If disputes, questions, or issues arise, your attorney can work to resolve these unforeseen problems, as well.

Can a seller transfer a title to a buyer?

In order for a home to be sold, it must be determined that the seller has a clear title on the home, and can transfer it to the buyer without any complications or issues . A real estate attorney can help coordinate and conduct a title search in order to determine if there are any outstanding issues – such as mortgages, liens, disputes, ...

Why do you need an attorney for real estate?

An attorney helps you protect your investment and assets while ensuring you’re conducting your side of the transaction legally — which can prevent costly missteps. Real estate attorneys are required in many states, but even if you aren’t legally required to use an attorney while selling, it can be a good idea.

What is a real estate attorney?

Real estate attorneys help oversee home sales, from the moment the contract is signed through the negotiating period (aptly called the “attorney review”) to closing. A seller’s attorney reviews sales contracts, communicates terms in a professional manner and attends closings to prevent mishaps. Selling a home is a complex process ...

How much does a real estate attorney charge?

How much does a real estate attorney cost? How much you’ll pay for real estate attorney fees depends on your market and how involved they are in the transaction, but they typically charge a flat rate of $800 to $1,200 per transaction. Some attorneys charge hourly, ranging from $150 to $350 per hour.

What to do if you inherited a home?

An attorney can help you navigate the complexities. Estate sale: If you inherited the home you’re selling, hiring an attorney to sort through ownership documents can ease the burden, which is especially helpful when you’re grieving the loss of a family member.

Do you need an attorney for a closing?

In 21 states and the District of Columbia, attorneys are legally required as part of the closing process. Attorney-required states include: As a best practice, if the other party in your transaction has a lawyer representing them and supporting their best interests, you should too.

Who is responsible for underwriting title insurance?

Title company: A representative of the title company is responsible for underwriting the title insurance and transferring the clean title of the home to the buyer.

Who hires an inspector to inspect a house?

Inspector: The inspector is hired by the buyer. Their job is to make sure the buyer knows about everything that may need to be repaired on the home. Sellers also sometimes hire an inspector to do a pre-inspection so they can make any necessary repairs before putting the house on the market.

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.

What is a real estate lawyer?

A real estate lawyer is licensed to practice law and specializes in real estate transactions. A real estate lawyer is familiar with all aspects of the home purchase process and can represent buyers, sellers or lenders. In states where a lawyer is required to be present at closing, it’s possible that the lawyer is there solely to represent ...

What are some situations that are unusual and might require an attorney’s advice and negotiating skills?

Here are some situations that are unusual and might require an attorney’s advice and negotiating skills: You’re buying a home that is part of a special type of sale, such as an estate sale, short sale, auction or purchase from a bank. You’re purchasing a home that’s in another state.

What is closing on a home?

Closing. The moment you’ve been waiting for— closing on a home sale or purchase —often involves dozens of pages of legal documents to review. A lawyer can help both the seller and buyer navigate the review, which can be especially intimidating and confusing to a first-time homebuyer.

Why is it important to have a lawyer in a negotiation?

This is important because when you’re in the middle of a potentially contentious negotiation that needs to be resolved quickly, you’ll want the lawyer to be available to advise you and negotiate with the other party.

What is the most important document in the home sale process?

It can help you avoid potential problems down the line by making the contingencies as favorable to you as possible. The contract is the most important document in the home sale process, and it includes several negotiable issues. Some of the most important issues in the purchase contract involve: Timing. Your timeline for closing on the property ...

Can a lawyer review a purchase contract?

Although real estate agents usually play a central role in preparing purchase contracts, a lawyer could provide a review of the purchase contract terms. What’s more, real estate agents are generally limited to filling out contract templates, rather than drafting them from scratch.

Can a buyer withdraw from a contract without penalty?

In some cases the buyer—if the contract allows it —could withdraw from the contract without penalty. Title. A title search is routine before a purchase, and might turn up a lien on the property you’re selling or buying, which a lawyer can help investigate. A lawyer also could help ensure the title insurance on your new home adequately protects you ...

What is a buyer's agent?

A buyer's agent is a real estate professional who represents the purchaser's interests in a real estate transaction. A home buyer's agent finds suitable properties for sale based on your goals and price range and guides you through the complex process of negotiating with listing agents and sellers to get the best deal.

What does a real estate agent do?

Most traditional real estate agents work with both buyers and sellers, although usually an agent represents either the buyer or the seller in a single transaction. When representing a buyer, an agent has a legal responsibility to act in their best interests.

How much commission does a seller pay for a home?

A typical real estate commission is 5% to 6% of the home sale price.

What is an exclusive buyer's agent?

An exclusive home buyer's agent represents only buyers and never sellers. With an exclusive buyer's agent, you never have to worry about a conflict of interest due to the agent or the agent's brokerage representing the other side.

Can an agent be successful?

An agent may have all the qualifications on paper to be successful but might not be right for you . Whether you're a first-time home buyer or buying your third house, note how you feel when interacting.

Can you have two agents in the same transaction?

Beware of dual agency. Some states allow "dual agency," in which an agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction. Avoid this arrangement if you want someone to negotiate on your behalf to get the best deal.

What do homebuyers do instead of buying agents?

Instead of (or in addition to) buying agents, homebuyers may also employ real estate attorneys to represent their interests in the purchase of a home. Attorneys are experts in real estate law and can provide guidance on legal issues that may arise.

Why do you need a buying agent?

It's a relief and an assurance to have an agent who will walk you through the process and look out for your interests. A buyer's agent can be very helpful in hiring home inspectors, negotiating over who will pay for repairs, finding listings, and other matters which are everyday activities for agents but may be foreign to most homebuyers.

How do real estate agents get paid?

How Buying Agents Are Paid. In a typical arrangement, real estate agents are paid through commission — generally around 5% of the home's purchase price. In the common two agent situation (the seller's agent and the buyer's agent), the agents split the 5% and the commission is paid by the seller. Some buyers prefer to pay commission to ...

What is the job of a real estate agent?

Almost all sellers have seller's agents, whose job is to get the very highest price for the property. By working with a buyer's agent, buyers gain knowledge of the industry and familiarity with the particulars of a neighborhood, sellers, contractors, etc. Some states require the use of buying agents to ensure fair dealing between buyers and sellers.

Why do you need an attorney to review a contract?

Attorneys can be very useful in reviewing contracts. Particularly if you are purchas ing a home without a buying agent, you should have an attorney review the real estate contract to make sure that you will not be subject to terms that unfairly favor the seller.

How much do real estate attorneys make an hour?

Unlike real estate agents, lawyers are paid on an hourly basis, and therein lies the biggest drawback of hiring a real estate lawyer in the purchase of your home — attorney's fees can range from $175-$400 per hour.

Why do people hire real estate agents?

Buying a new home will likely be the largest and most significant investment of your life, which is why many people choose to hire a real estate agent to assist in the search and negotiate on their behalf. But it is often a good idea — and sometimes necessary — to also work with a real estate attorney.

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Dealing with Contracts and Other Paperwork

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Buying a home can be complicated; the oversight and assistance of an attorney can help the process go more smoothly, at every step of the way. When you purchase a home, one of the most important considerations is the veritable mountain of paperwork that is going to accompany your transaction. As a buyer, your attorney …
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Handling Negotiations and Resolving Disputes

  • A real estate broker can help in many ways throughout the real estate transaction – but it’s essential to remember that they cannot provide legal counsel. Only an attorneycan represent you in this way. As you move forward with the goal of purchasing a home, your attorney will be your advocate, negotiating on your behalf and with your best interest at heart. Throughout the proces…
See more on gundersonfirm.com

Performing A Title Search

  • In order for a home to be sold, it must be determined that the seller has a clear title on the home, and can transfer it to the buyer without any complications or issues. A real estate attorney can help coordinate and conduct a title searchin order to determine if there are any outstanding issues – such as mortgages, liens,disputes, or judgments on the property – that need to be addressed i…
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Handling Filings and Recordkeeping

  • Much of the paperwork that comes along with a real estate transaction will need to be recorded, often at the county and state level. An attorney can help ensure that this important step goes off swiftly and efficiently, so that the transfer of property is legal and binding.
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Addressing Financial Questions and Considerations

  • A real estate attorney can also be a useful resource when it comes to understanding and managing many of the financial aspects of your real estate transaction, including questions or considerations about property taxes, HOA assessments, and so on. In many cases, your real estate attorney may also take responsibility for handling monies at different steps along the way…
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Coordinating The Closing

  • Generally, attorneys will be responsible for calculating a closing statement, and will assume responsibility for scheduling the details of the closing meeting, including the date, time, and location. In addition, they will be responsible for thoroughly communicating all of the relevant information to their clients, including matters relating to cash flow,closing costs, and more. At th…
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The Bottom Line on Buying A Home

  • At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that there’s a lot that goes into buying or selling property in Chicagoland – from processing purchase and sale agreements, to handling title paperwork, to navigating the development, zoning, and tax laws unique to our area. And while the process is often similar, no two real estate transactions are ever going to be exactly alike! As yo…
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