Why Hire a Real Estate Lawyer?

In the past, it has been assumed that a real estate agent is the only other team member you need while selling or purchasing your property.  A third member, just as necessary as the agent, is a real estate lawyer.

While the real estate agent can assist you with the logistics of selling/buying, along with negotiating a price and closing date that is right for you, an attorney can review any offer you make or receive and make sure that your rights are protected and your duties clearly defined.

You may benefit from hiring a real estate attorney to assist you with the process.

If you’re buying a home, an attorney can:

• Help you understand the purchase contract, including how you will take title on the property.
• Check that there are no covenants, easements, liens, etc. registered against the property that will impede your use of it.
• Prepare and register all the legal documents.
• Clarify the terms of the mortgage and work with your bank, if necessary, to modify them.
• Scrutinize the adjustments, including taxes owing and utilities costs paid, prior to the transaction closing.
• Oversee the closing and review all the papers you will be required to sign.
• Arrange title insurance protection to protect you from losses due to title defects.
• Ensure you receive a valid registered ownership subject only to the liabilities you have accepted.

If you’re selling a home, an attorney is also able to:

• Review the binder and review or prepare the purchase and sale agreement, including negotiating its terms.
• Prepare the deed and power of attorney if necessary.
• Deal with title issues as they arise and help correct them.
• Oversee the closing and review all the papers you will be required to sign.
• Arrange for transfer of security deposits.
• Arrange for insurance certificates if needed.

Hire a Tampa real estate attorney who understands not only the standards, but the law, that must be met.

Although many legal forms used in real estate are similar, binder or purchase and sale agreement forms vary from state to state.

In addition, some title insurance companies and mortgage lenders require you to use a lawyer to ensure that, among other things, the title is good, there are no liens against the property and that the deal will close as expected.

If you’re ready to make or accept an offer on a property, call Blick Law Firm and ask to speak to our real estate team. For more information, call 813-931-0840.

Editor's note: Dana Blickensderfer works for