Is an attorney required to buy or sell a home?
In most real estate matters the law doesn't require one. Even so, an attorney is the way to get legal advice about the contract and the closing, and I recommend having one involved.
Real estate · Hollywood, Florida
Real estate purchases and sales, with an attorney on the file from contract to recorded deed.
I handle residential and commercial purchases and sales in South Florida, for buyers and sellers. I review the contract, check the title, prepare the closing documents and coordinate the closing, so your legal rights are protected from signing to recording.
What I handle
From the contract to the recording
A purchase or sale is one of the larger transactions most people make. Here is what I do on yours.
Contract review.
I go through the purchase or sale contract with you, as buyer or seller, so you know what you're agreeing to.
Closing statement and documents.
I prepare a closing statement that shows how fees and costs are divided between buyer and seller. If it's needed, I also prepare the closing documents, including the warranty deed, a bill of sale and a no-lien affidavit.
The closing itself.
I coordinate the closing with the buyer, the seller and their representatives.
Recording and title insurance.
The warranty deed is recorded with the county. Title insurance is issued to the buyer, where it's appropriate, to insure their interest in the property.
Why an attorney
Your agent can't give you legal advice
The law doesn't require an attorney in most real estate matters, but an attorney is the only way to get legal advice, and a real estate agent can't provide it. That's true whether or not an agent is involved in your transaction. If you want your legal interests protected, you need someone whose job is to protect them.
For buyers
A title review before you close
For buyers, I review the title to make sure the property is free of:
- encumbrances
- liens
- code violations
- open permits
If any of these turn up, I take the steps needed to clear them from the property.
Questions
About real estate transactions
What does a title review check for?
I check that the property is free of encumbrances, liens, code violations and open permits. If I find a problem, I take the steps needed to clear it from the property.
What is a closing statement?
It's the statement that shows how the fees and costs of the transaction are divided between the buyer and the seller. I prepare it for you.
Which documents do you prepare for a sale?
Where they're needed, I prepare the warranty deed, a bill of sale, a no-lien affidavit and any other documents the transaction requires.
What happens after the closing?
The warranty deed is recorded with the county to transfer title. If it's appropriate, title insurance is issued to the buyer.
This page offers general information, not legal advice for your situation.
Related: Probate and trust administration · Lady Bird deeds · About me
Tell me about the transaction
Tell me if you're buying or selling and where the property is, and I'll tell you how I'd handle it.