Archive for November, 2009

Your Real Estate Attorney

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009


Smart real estate investors retain a real estate attorney.  Investors have one week to review the purchase and sale offer and one week to review loan terms and conditions.  Why gamble?  The right attorney can serve as consultant, tax adviser and listener.  You could do a lot worse.  Yes the attorney will cost some mo0ney, but the peace of mind is well worth the investment.   

 

Real estate investments are sizable.  Your investment is a serious, business transaction.  Attorneys who specialize in real estate law are worth their salt and can protect your interests, make sure you get what you expect while helping to negotiate with all interested parties.

 

Here are a few of the services your real estate attorney will provide:

 

·                     Review and explain the purchase offer and contract.

·                     Resolve all contingencies including issues with the structural inspection.

·                     Check that there are no covenants, easements, liens or other conditions that could affect the title.

·                     Prepare and register all legal documents.

·                     Review, explain and clarify the terms of the mortgage.

·                     Modify mortgage terms

·                     Calculate all adjustments to be made at closing including tax adjustments and utility and water credits.

·                     Review all documents prior to and at closing.

·                     Attend closing.

·                     Arrange title insurance protection.

·                     Make sure everything proceeds in an orderly manner and that you receive what you expect.

 

When selling, there is more to do than collect the money.  You need representation to accomplish the following:

 

·                     Review the purchase offer and contract.

·                     Help clarify all negotiations.

·                     Prepare the deed for transfer

·                     Procure power of attorney if you will not attend closing

·                     Attend closing

·                     Review all closing documents and statements

·                     Arrange for transfer of deposits

·                     Arrange insurance certificates

·                     Calculate credits

·                     Confirm and arrange mortgage payout.

 

Many of today’s homeowners would not be in the position they now find themselves had they elected to retain legal representation.  Can you imagine spending hundreds of thousands of dollars and entering into a financial commitment for 15 or thirty years without expert advice?  It doesn’t make sense, does it?