how does georgia real estate law work. the lawyer represents the lender? who represents the seller

by Beulah O'Connell 7 min read

The attorney who directs the real estate closing process in Georgia represents the lender, not the buyer or seller. However, although the closing attorney represents the lender in the transaction, he or she has a responsibility to all parties involved to complete the closing in an efficient manner.

The attorney who directs the real estate closing process in Georgia represents the lender, not the buyer or seller. However, although the closing attorney represents the lender in the transaction, he or she has a responsibility to all parties involved to complete the closing in an efficient manner.

Full Answer

Does the closing attorney represent the buyer or seller in Georgia?

The attorney who directs the real estate closing process in Georgia represents the lender, not the buyer or seller. However, although the closing attorney represents the lender in the transaction, he or she has a responsibility to all parties involved to complete the closing in an efficient manner.

Why hire a Georgia real estate attorney?

Our Georgia real estate attorneys have experience facilitating the purchase and sale of many types of properties, including single family homes, condominiums, multifamily homes, retail centers, office buildings, hotels, apartment complexes, and vacant property slated for development.

Can a real estate attorney represent the buyer or the seller?

When it comes to buying and selling property, a real estate attorney can either represent the buyer or the seller. One attorney cannot do both. And when the buyer needs to borrow money for a mortgage, the real estate attorney who does the closing doesn’t represent either the buyer or the seller, but rather the lender.

Who can be present at a Georgia real estate closing?

In Georgia, each real estate closing must be conducted by a Georgia real estate attorney. Further, this attorney must be physically present at the closing, and he or she must maintain control of the closing process from start to finish.

Who represents a lender in closing transaction?

When there is a loan involved, the lender's attorney must handle the closing. For this reason there will often be three real estate attorneys involved in the sale of property, one representing the buyer, another the seller, and the third representing the mortgage lender.

Is Georgia an attorney state for real estate closings?

Georgia Law Requires Georgia law requires a licensed attorney to close all real estate transactions. In other states, the title company handles the closing and matters pertaining to escrow.

Is Georgia a title or attorney closing state?

In Georgia, a licensed Georgia attorney must close all real estate transactions, unlike in many states in which title companies handle escrow and closing matters. The contract is sent to the closing attorney and to the buyer's lender.

What does a closing attorney do in GA?

By overseeing the entire process, the closing attorney helps those involved in the transaction by making sure that all the documents are correct and complete, and by explaining the transaction. This way, all parties can make sure they're getting what they bargained for.

How much does a real estate attorney cost in Georgia?

Hourly rates for real estate lawyers may range from $150 to $300 or more.

Who handles real estate closings in Georgia?

Every state has its own laws regarding real estate transactions. One issue that varies from state to state is whether an attorney is required to be present at closing. In Georgia, each real estate closing must be conducted by a Georgia real estate attorney.

How much does a closing attorney cost in Georgia?

In the State of Georgia, it is required that an attorney perform the closing process. The attorney's role is to ensure that all documents are properly prepared and that title is clear. The average cost of closing is $500-$1,000 and is usually paid by the buyer. However, as with other fees, this can be negotiated.

Who chooses the closing attorney in Georgia?

the buyer ofIf you are buying or selling real estate... In Georgia, it is customary for the buyer of real estate to select the designated closing attorney. However, the seller may negotiate an arm's length choice, particularly when contributing to the buyer's closing costs.

Is Georgia an attorney title state?

Analysis: The state of Georgia has traditionally been an “attorney-closing state,” meaning that only licensed attorneys may conduct the settlement at which closing documents are signed.

Can you do a mail away closing in Georgia?

The Supreme Court of Georgia last week temporarily suspended the requirement that the closing attorney conducting a closing must be physically in the presence of the signing parties in the transaction. Today, Governor Kemp signed an emergency order temporarily allowing for the remote/online notarization of documents.

Do you have to be present at closing in Georgia?

Anyone whose name appears on the loan or the title to the property must be present at closing or be represented by a power of attorney approved by us and your lender. Also, if a spouse or other person is to be on the deed (even if they are not on the loan) they must attend closing.

Do you need an attorney to sell a house in Georgia?

Georgia, unlike some states, DOES mandate that an attorney be used for the process of selling a home. Specifically, an attorney is required for all closing matters. However, having a lawyer in your corner is also never a bad idea for contract review or to assist in negotiations.

What does a closing attorney do?

The closing attorney typically explains the contents of all relevant documentation to the buyer and seller prior to signing. And although buyers and sellers are often represented by counsel during the real estate purchase and sale process, the closing attorney handles the closing alone and receives no input from other legal professionals. ...

What is the closing statement in Georgia?

In addition, Georgia law requires the closing attorney to prepare a statement that details all receipts and disbursements from the seller and the buyer. This detailed statement must be provided to both parties and the broker, if applicable.

Does Georgia require a real estate attorney to be present at closing?

In Georgia, each real estate closing must be conducted by a Georgia real estate attorney.

Can a buyer and seller have legal representation at closing?

However, both the buyer and seller may have legal representation present at the closing. Both federal and state law dictate the attorney’s role in the closing process. The federal law addressing this issue is the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), while Chapter 47 of the local Georgia real estate license law specifies additional ...

Who does the closing attorney represent in Georgia?

The attorney who directs the real estate closing process in Georgia represents the lender , not the buyer or seller. However, although the closing attorney represents the lender in the transaction, he or she has a responsibility to all parties involved to complete the closing in an efficient manner.

What is the most important disclosure in a house?

The most important disclosures relate to existing defects in the house that the seller knows about. Federal law also requires sellers to disclose the use of lead-based paint in the house. Once an offer has been made, the seller has the opportunity to accept or reject it, or to make a counteroffer and negotiate changes to the contract. ...

What is the final step in a real estate sale?

The final step of any real estate sale is the closing. This is when the seller gets paid and transfers title to the buyer. While some people are able to pay cash for a property, most need to raise a loan of some sort, most commonly a mortgage.

What is a real estate attorney?

Real Estate Attorney for the Buyer. Anyone wishing to purchase a property must do so in a valid contract that is structured properly in terms of the law. A real estate attorney will ensure that the offer made in an offer to purchase is drawn up correctly. If it isn’t, it cannot be enforceable in a court of law.

Do you need a real estate attorney to negotiate a sale?

Generally a seller will hire a real estate attorney once he or she has the offer to purchase on the table. A real estate attorney will help the seller negotiate the offer, so clearly buyer and seller would not use the same attorney.

Who handles closing on a loan?

When there is a loan involved, the lender’s attorney must handle the closing. For this reason there will often be three real estate attorneys involved in the sale of property, one representing the buyer, another the seller, and the third representing the mortgage lender. So why is it advisable for both buyer and seller to have a real estate ...

Who does the closing of a mortgage?

And when the buyer needs to borrow money for a mortgage, the real estate attorney who does the closing doesn’t represent either the buyer or the seller, but rather the lender. While buyers and sellers of property are not legally obliged to use the services of a real estate attorney , it’s generally advisable to do so.

Can a real estate attorney represent a buyer?

When it comes to buying and selling property, a real estate attorney can either represent the buyer or the seller. One attorney cannot do both.

What is a townhome?

“Townhome” refers to a type of construction in which a dwelling shares one or more walls with adjoining dwellings.

How long does a brokerage agreement last?

A different reading is that the brokerage agreement, of course, ends on any date of expiration agreed to by the parties, and that if there is no expiration at all, the agreement ends one year after it was entered into. This provides that it ends on a specific date, it therefore automatically ends after one year.

What is a condominium?

A condominium consists of Units that are individually owned, and common elements (typically including the land upon which Units are built, building foundation, roof and exterior, interior corridors, community center, recreation facilities, parking areas, etc.), which all of the unit owners own in common.

How long does a broker relationship last?

Specifically, BRRETA provides that if no expiration is provided, the agreement terminates “one year after initiation of the engagement.”.

What is BRRETA in real estate?

The Brokerage Relationships in Real Estate Transactions Act (“BRRETA”) requires that a written brokerage engagement agreement be signed by the broker and his or her client to establish a client relationship. (See O.C.G.A. § 10-6A-3.)

How much is the fine for a real estate violation in Georgia?

Under state law, the Georgia Real Estate Commission can impose a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 for each violation of the Georgia License Law up to a maximum of $5,000.00 in any one citation (O.C.G.A. § 43-40-25.2).

What is transaction broker?

A transaction broker is a broker who does not represent either the buyer or the seller in the real estate transaction. Since the broker is representing the seller the broker’s agent would also be representing the seller. Real Estate License Law.