What Does a Real Estate Attorney Do?
Real estate transactions can be complex. Even a single misstep can cost money when buying or selling property. Therefore, you must hire a real estate attorney in Sonoma County to oversee the deal. Real estate attorneys know the ins and outs of real estate laws and regulations. They are equipped with the knowledge to draft purchase agreements, mortgages, documents, title documents, and transfer documents.
Johnston & Associates Attorneys at Law is Sonoma County’s leading real estate attorney. If you are looking for additional information, contact our team of experts or continue reading to learn more.
Reviewing Real Estate Contracts
A real estate attorney can ensure that all terms and conditions that protect your interests and rights are included in the contract. Before you sign the dotted line, your attorney will want to review it to ensure it is legally binding.
Carrying Out Title Searches
Real estate attorneys do in-depth title searches before their clients close deals. The purpose of a title search is to ensure that:
➢ The seller is the legal owner of the property and has the right to transfer it to the buyer.
➢ There are no outstanding taxes.
➢ There are no ongoing problems that can affect the buyer’s right to take possession of the property after the purchase is completed.
➢ There are no liens or legal claims against the property.
➢ There are no zoning restrictions or restrictive covenants that limit land use.
Drafting Title Insurance Policies
A title insurance policy protects the buyer from losses that result from defects in the ownership title that existed before the purchase. In addition to drafting a title insurance policy, your real estate attorney can review one to check for exclusions and exceptions that aren’t covered.
Preparing Closing Documents
Real estate attorneys handle the loan closing process on behalf of their clients and ensure all documents, including the deed and closing statement, are appropriately filed.
Preparing and Reviewing Covenants
Real estate attorneys help HOAs draft covenants that specify what homeowners can do with their property. For example, if you plan to buy a home, an attorney can review the HOA covenant to check for regulations prohibiting the buyer from making certain upgrades to the property.
Filing Quiet Title Actions
If your real estate attorney uncovers a problem they can’t fix by correcting the title, they can file a quiet title action that names all the parties that might claim the property. Once a lawsuit is filed, the parties must respond within the stipulated time, or it is assumed that they intend to surrender their rights.
Dealing With Zoning and Land-Use Issues
Real estate attorneys help their clients, both prospective homebuyers and property owners, file a lawsuit requesting the court to review restrictive zoning laws. They also challenge rezoning proposals in a court of law on behalf of their clients.
Johnston & Associates Law is one of the most trusted law firms in Sonoma County. Our attorneys have amassed a wealth of legal knowledge and can tailor legal solutions to our client’s specific needs. To learn more, call (707) 545-6542.