Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Attorney

Real estate regulations can vary between different states and counties. A real estate attorney is familiar with local, state, and federal regulations and can help ensure all documentation is in order. Before you make a decision, your attorney will visit the property you are interested in to check if any additions or modifications violate local bylaws.

Legal problems can arise if the seller of the property is its joint owner and sells it without obtaining the written consent from the other owner. Real estate attorneys help their clients find out if the seller of the property they’re considering is its true owner or a friend or relative of the true owner.

A lien can prevent a homeowner from selling the property until it is satisfied. Attorneys carry out a title search on the behalf of their clients to check if there are liens on the property. Your attorney can also help you identify tax issues that can affect the transaction.

Before you sign a contract, have your attorney review it. Once your attorney reviews your contract, they will help you understand your rights and take steps to protect them. Some common home buyer’s rights include:

• The right to know about any encumbrances such as a lien or easement
• The right to know about any defects or dangers that affect the property’s livability
• The right to have the property appraised
• The right to appoint an expert to analyze the market prices of the property and compare it with other similar properties in the area
• The right to demand a copy of the purchase and sales agreement before closing

Attorneys ensure that all facts have been disclosed by the seller. If an attorney feels something is amiss, they verify the information provided by the seller. They review home inspection reports and help their clients avoid unwanted surprises that can lead to a lawsuit in the future.