REAL ESTATE LAW We provide nearly twenty years of experience to clients who seek advice in their real estate matters, from contract negotiation to closing. On the way, we will clear the way to make the transaction a smooth experience. Purchase of Your Home Why do you need a lawyer to buy a home? This is the largest financial transaction most Americans make. Most mortgage companies and title insurers have made the transaction a paper chase. The agreements and documents are becoming increasingly more complex, and it only makes sense to retain an attorney to guide the way. If necessary, we can refer you to real estate professionals including brokers, mortgage lenders, inspectors, and repair contractors. Generally, our involvement with your purchase begins with review and modification of the purchase contract to meet your needs. We have a limited time to exercise your rights in this area, so time is of the essence. A home inspection is suggested for all purchases Even if the home inspector says the house is in perfect shape, it is worth the fees you pay for this peace of mind. We review the home inspection with you and send any demands for repairs to the seller’s attorney. We will monitor all dates and deadlines to complete your purchase in a timely, professional manner. We arrange the closing date and time and will advise you of any required documents and funds necessary to close. An attorney, not a paralegal, will attend your closing to explain the loan documents and review the closing statement and other seller conveyance documents. We review title searches and insurance policies to be sure you are receiving clear title to the property with proper title insurance. After the closing, the recorded deed and owners title insurance policy will be mailed to our office, verified for accuracy, and mailed to you. Typically our fee to represent a purchaser is between $400 and $500 for a standard real estate closing. Obviously, each transaction has the potential to become complex, and some require additional attention and negotiation. These rare cases may require additional payment. If you require our real estate service, please contact us. Sale of Your Home To sell a home, your attorney will cut through the government and contractual requirements in an efficient and effective manner. We feel an attorney is essential to complete a real estate sale. We review the contract and modify the language as necessary to meet your needs. Virtually all sellers will be asked to concede money or repairs in the negotiation of the contract. It is the good attorney who can tell you what is necessary. Usually that decision is made in concert with you and your real estate agent, so your objectives are met. We order a survey, title search, payoff letters from your mortgage companies, homeowner association clearance letters, sanitary district payoffs and other documents necessary to enable you to convey a clear title. Prior to closing, all documents will be signed so you will not have to lose precious moving or work time. We will explain all closing documents to you and answer any questions you may have. We coordinate the closing from start to finish in our office, or at a title insurance company of our choosing. Our fee for a sale is between $475 and $550. Obviously, each transaction has the potential to become complex, and some require additional attention and negotiation. These rare cases may require additional payment. If you require our real estate service, please contact us.