Why You Should Have an Attorney Handle Your Real Estate Transaction
The real estate market is hot right now. With interest rates trending low and people staying home more than ever before, finding the right home for your family has become incredibly important. If you’re considering moving, you’re in good company. This could be exactly the right time for you to find your dream home.
Whether you are looking to sell your home yourself or hire a realtor, there are a lot of things you should know about the legalities of the process. While you may think you can handle the situation on your own, hiring an attorney to help you with your real estate transactions is a safe and worthwhile investment. Luckily, The Lopez Law Group is here to help you buy or sell your home.
We’re the Legal Experts When It Comes to Real Estate
There are many things that you can do yourself rather than hire a professional, and you know your limits best. But if you haven’t had the training to install a new hot water heater, you’re likely going to call a plumber. There’s reassurance in hiring someone to help you with things you aren’t trained to do yourself.
Real estate is definitely an area that seems plausible to do yourself. It’s easy enough to find a buyers or sellers checklist on the internet. The downside is that the unexpected may occur, and then you will be liable for any mistakes or mixups that happen. Real estate transactions are legally binding and having an attorney on your side can help you avoid overlooking something important.
Realtors work with lawyers specifically because they are the experts at buying and selling homes, and lawyers are experts at the legal side of the equation. Some locations require having a real estate lawyer process the forms. While Florida is not a state that makes this a requirement, hiring an attorney is still the best practice for real estate transactions.
Unless you yourself have spent years learning all the ropes for buying and selling in Florida, hiring an attorney is a good idea. Not only can laws and regulations vary depending on your town or county, but a lawyer has been well trained to not overlook any important details, pieces of paperwork, and specific codes.
We specialize in real estate complete transactions and contracts like yours on a daily basis. We’ve made this paperwork and law our specialty for a reason. You can rely on our instincts and accept that we have the expertise to handle your transaction.
Another bonus is that we know exactly which form you need and where to find it. With so much paperwork to keep track of, it could be easy to forget a small, but likely essential piece!
Avoid Surprises By Having A Lawyer Handle Your Real Estate Transaction
Realtors are the first line of defense when you’re looking at a purchase contract. They can help buyers determine if the terms are fairly standard or if someone is being unreasonable. Realtors are helpful and their experiences can make working with a realtor a practical choice. However, if you forgo the realtor it’s time to consider working with a lawyer.
Having a trusted lawyer who is trained in real estate can be beneficial in many ways. Not only can we look over a purchase agreement before but we can help draw up more specific contracts than a standard one that a realtor may be using. If you’re buying or selling situation is more complex, for instance, if a trust will be making the purchase, you should definitely hire an attorney.
Don’t underestimate the importance of a contract when dealing with real estate. If you have decided to bring a lawyer into the situation, be sure to give them a few day’s time to review the specific needs. It’s best to consult with a lawyer prior to listing your home to ensure that you’re doing everything you can according to the law.
A great lawyer will make sure that the timeline you’ve set forth for your closing on your new property is realistic. We are always thinking ahead for you on the little things that may become setbacks so you can focus on packing and preparing for your big move. As your representation, we will also help you make sure a disclosure statement is sound.
Disclosures, inspections, and title searches are all things that a lawyer will be trained to help with. Especially if a title search reveals some issues, for instance, a lien against the property. A lawyer can help you investigate further so you can move past the bureaucracy, keep your closing on track, and protect your investment going forward.
Working with a great lawyer can leave you feeling satisfied that no big surprises will come your way. And if they should, at least you have a professional on your team to help you overcome any obstacles. If your inspection shows a problem, a lawyer is going to be able to help you figure out what to do for instance.
Don’t settle for just anyone with a law degree, finding someone with experience with real estate law is essential to a smooth process. Our team of lawyers is familiar with the laws and regulations of the Florida area you’re buying or selling in. We can help guide you in every aspect of real estate from complicated land trusts to commercial property purchases.
We Are Also Licensed Title Agents
Did you know that in Florida you need to work with a licensed title agent? Individuals in Florida must have at least one year of responsible title duties or take a 40-hour class in order to qualify for a license. The process in Florida offers a comprehensive license granting it’s holder the chance to countersign, run title searches as well as help with closings.
Whether you’re working with a realtor or you have a for sale by owner deal, you’re going to have to hire a title agent anyway, so why not work with an attorney who can also serve as a title agent? Work smarter, not harder and use us as both your real estate agent and title agent. You’ll save yourself time and money if you do.
Having a title that’s clean and free of issues is imperative for the successful buying and selling of real estate. Since a title agent will be responsible for coordinating one of the biggest purchases in your lifetime, you want someone trustworthy. The Lopez Law Group is proud to be on your side and will earn your trust by helping you every step of the way.
The best part about having your lawyer serve as the title agent? You won’t have to stress out about bringing your paperwork from one place to another or missing a specific form. We have everything you need right in house.
What If You’re Planning to Lease? Do You Still Need a Real Estate Attorney?
If you’re simply not ready to buy your own property yet, that’s okay. It still may be worth the effort to contact a lawyer. While many landlords use a standard lease, having a lawyer look it over could still prevent frustration down the road. As real estate lawyers, we are up to date with tenant rights, fair-housing, and specific leasing regulations to your area.
If you’re looking to get into a commercial real estate lease you should definitely hire a lawyer to help you negotiate the terms of your lease. Seeking out an attorney who specializes in commercial real estate can help you avoid a costly mistake and protect your investment. Negotiating through your lawyer is the best practice for commercial spaces.
Before you sign a lease, ask your lawyer for their opinion. Don’t get stuck in a long-term lease that will ultimately not serve your business well. Finding an attorney who can help your business succeed before you even open is the goal anyone should have, don’t pass up your chance to find the right lawyer for you.
Contact Us For a case review for Your Real Estate Legal Needs
If you are ready to meet with one of our lawyers to see how they can make your next real estate transaction run more smoothly give us a call at 727-933-0015 to set up your case review. The Lopez Law Team is here and ready to help you buy, sell or rent your home in whatever way works best for you.
Having a real estate lawyer on your side can make your transactions easier for you and is well worth the investment. You won’t regret reaching out to see how we can help you. From contracts, through inspections all the way to the closings, our team will be with you from start to finish during your home buying or selling process.
See also: Do You Need a Lawyer When Buying or Selling a Home in Florida?