why use an attorney as a closing agent

by Aidan Smitham 7 min read

1. When using an attorney as the closing agent, the client has legal representation throughout the transaction, from contract negotiations through closing. In contrast, a title company’s role is solely limited to preparing basic form documents necessary to issue a title insurance policy in connection with the closing.

In some regions of the country it is common for attorneys to act as closing agents in connection with the sale and purchase of real estate. When acting as a closing agent, the attorney receives the purchase price from the buyer and, once the closing occurs, disburses it to the seller.

Full Answer

How much should a lawyer charge for a closing?

Apr 19, 2013 · 1. When using an attorney as the closing agent, the client has legal representation throughout the transaction, from contract negotiations through closing. In contrast, a title company’s role is solely limited to preparing basic form documents necessary to issue a title insurance policy in connection with the closing.

Should I hire an attorney for my closing?

Jun 16, 2021 · Benefits Of Having A Closing Attorney Present A closing attorney can help clarify guidelines and terms present in a purchase agreement. Closing attorneys can help guide their client through the various legal terms and jargon. A closing attorney will be more adept at conducting title searches and ...

What are the responsibilities of a closing attorney?

Oct 15, 2020 · You can be held liable for these issues even if you didn’t realize their disclosure was a necessity. The real estate closing attorneys at Rochford Law & Real Estate Title will be able to advise you on all necessary disclosures. This protects you from facing legal troubles down the road. Visit Us Today! PHONE: 615.269.7676

Why do you need a closing attorney?

Nov 02, 2016 · The presence of an attorney can relieve an agent from many burdens of the transaction that would otherwise fall to the agent to sort out. The attorney acts as a second set of eyes for all document review and can also assist in giving the client the confidence he or she needs to close the deal.

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What is the benefit of having a real estate attorney handle closings?

Another benefit of having a law firm or attorney handle your real estate closing is the closing will be handled or overseen by a licensed real estate attorney. Legal issues or questions often arise during the course of a real estate transaction. A real estate attorney can oftentimes deal with these legal issues in the proper manner faster than a title company. A real estate attorney is also able to provide legal advice during the closing process regarding matters such as title questions, the impact of title exception documents on the property, questions regarding surveys ( such as access or encroachment issues), and questions about how to take title (such as via a quit claim deed or warranty deed; or as joint tenants with rights of survivorship versus as tenants in common). A title company on the other hand is limited in the type of advice they can provide because they are not attorneys.

What is a closing in real estate?

I have found in my real estate practice that a real estate closing is often the first time a person has been to a law firm or personally dealt with an attorney. After a closing, the parties will now have a law firm they are familiar with and can utilize for other legal issues and services, such as estate planning, wills and trusts, probate, divorce, personal injury, business law or other real estate matters.

What does a closing attorney do?

A closing attorney will be able to advise you on how to proceed in these situations. Occasionally, it will be best to walk away from a deal if too many issues are found. But there will also be many ways to deal with these potential issues. A closing attorney will know how to navigate that, as well.

Why is disclosure important in real estate?

Protect You From Lawsuits. Disclosures are incredibly important throughout the real estate sales process. Leaving out any potential issues can open up a seller to a variety of legal troubles. You can be held liable for these issues even if you didn’t realize their disclosure was a necessity.

What is a purchase agreement?

The purchase agreement is one of the most important documents in the process of buying and selling real estate. It outlines the basic terms of the agreement: 1 Sale price 2 Conditions of the sale 3 Requirements of both the buyer and the seller 4 Full legal names of all involved parties 5 And more

What is escrow inspection?

Inspect Escrow Documents. The escrow process includes many important documents such as the deed, settlement statement, and more. These documents can have a great effect on how the process moves forward and should be inspected by a professional.

Can closing day complications lead to a sale?

Every step along the way to closing day can have issues. These complications can lead to the sale falling through completely. You don’t want to start back at the first step, so it’s better to try to work through any potential issues and find a resolution.

Do real estate agents know everything?

Your real estate agents are going to have a lot of knowledge relating to these essential documents, but they aren’t going to know everything. An experienced real estate attorney will be able to provide the guidance and assurance needed to confidently make it through the closing process.

What is the difference between a title company and a real estate attorney?

1. A title company works for the title insurer, not the buyer or the seller, whereas real estate attorneys work for whomever hires them.

What are closing costs in Florida?

Many closing costs such as title insurance premiums, documentary stamps, and recording costs are set by the State of Florida. They are the same whether an attorney or a title agent is facilitating the process.

NEGOTIATIONS

Following contract review it may be necessary for a real estate attorney to further negotiate the terms of a given contract for purchase and sale on behalf of your client

RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

Once your client is under contract, a myriad of disputes can arise that an attorney can assist with so that the transaction closes

ESCROW AGENT

Often an attorney for a given client will act as that client’s escrow agent.

CLOSING AGENT

Most attorneys representing a seller will act as closing agent and issue title insurance for the sale.

DOCUMENT PREPARATION

If your client is working with an attorney and is a seller, if the attorney is also the closing agent, his or her office will prepare all of the closing documents.

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Who Handles Real Estate Closings?

  • In Florida, a real estate closing can be handled by either a title company or by an attorney. The parties to the transaction make this choice at the time they sign the contract for sale and purchase.
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Misconception – Fees

  • One common misconception in real estate closings is that attorneys or law firms are more expensive. This is not the case at Peterson & Myers. Our law firm typically charges less than title companies for standard residential and commercial real estate closings.
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Misconception – Attorneys Complicate Things

  • Another common misconception in real estate closings is that attorneys unnecessarily complicate real estate transactions. I cannot speak for all attorneys, but I trust if you talk to the realtors, brokers, lenders and parties our real estate attorneys work with, you will find that we do not complicate closing and we quickly close transactions correctly, professionally, and without u…
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Expertise and Legal Advice

  • Another benefit of having a law firm or attorney handle your real estate closing is the closing will be handled or overseen by a licensed real estate attorney. Legal issues or questions often arise during the course of a real estate transaction. A real estate attorney can oftentimes deal with these legal issues in the proper manner faster than a title company. A real estate attorney is als…
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Other Areas of Law and Services

  • I have found in my real estate practice that a real estate closing is often the first time a person has been to a law firm or personally dealt with an attorney. After a closing, the parties will now have a law firm they are familiar with and can utilize for other legal issues and services, such as estate planning, wills and trusts, probate, divorce, personal injury, business law or other real esta…
See more on petersonmyers.com