seller or buyer's lawyer closing where

by Maximillia Little 5 min read

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.Sep 15, 2016

Is the seller and buyer at closing?

Closing costs are split up between buyer and seller. While the buyer typically pays for more of the closing costs, the seller will usually have to cover their end of local taxes and municipal fees.

Does buyer or seller choose closing attorney in NC?

Under the law, really it's up to the parties to decide. It's a completely negotiable term. Each party or each side has an interest in choosing the closing agent. For the seller, they're the ones that have to provide clear title at the seller's table.

Can I back out after closing?

Federal law gives borrowers what is known as the "right of rescission." This means that borrowers after signing the closing papers for a home equity loan or refinance have three days to back out of that deal.

Is NC An attorney closing state?

Even though North Carolina is an attorney state, the title company plays a pivotal role in the closing. The attorney submits the title work to the title company so the property can receive title insurance.Oct 28, 2011

What are the laws of Georgia?

While there are federal laws that govern the sale of real estate, in Georgia there are several state laws that also apply. These include: 1 The Georgia Brokerage Relationships in Real Estate Transactions Act 2 Georgia Law for the Real Estate Sales Contract

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.

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.

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 happens when a seller accepts an offer?

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. Generally a seller will hire a real estate attorney once he or she has the offer to purchase on the table.

Can a real estate contract be enforceable?

If it isn’t, it cannot be enforceable in a court of law. Even if a real estate agent or broker draws up the contract, it’s important for a real estate attorney to check the contract to ensure it is valid and correct. Various things that are usually covered include: Condition of the property, particularly defects and age ...

Why do you need an attorney for real estate?

An attorney helps you protect your investment and assets while ensuring you’re conducting your side of the transaction legally — which can prevent costly missteps. Real estate attorneys are required in many states, but even if you aren’t legally required to use an attorney while selling, it can be a good idea.

What is a real estate attorney?

Real estate attorneys help oversee home sales, from the moment the contract is signed through the negotiating period (aptly called the “attorney review”) to closing. A seller’s attorney reviews sales contracts, communicates terms in a professional manner and attends closings to prevent mishaps. Selling a home is a complex process ...

How much does a real estate attorney charge?

How much does a real estate attorney cost? How much you’ll pay for real estate attorney fees depends on your market and how involved they are in the transaction, but they typically charge a flat rate of $800 to $1,200 per transaction. Some attorneys charge hourly, ranging from $150 to $350 per hour.

Do you need an attorney for a closing?

In 21 states and the District of Columbia, attorneys are legally required as part of the closing process. Attorney-required states include: As a best practice, if the other party in your transaction has a lawyer representing them and supporting their best interests, you should too.

What to do if you inherited a home?

An attorney can help you navigate the complexities. Estate sale: If you inherited the home you’re selling, hiring an attorney to sort through ownership documents can ease the burden, which is especially helpful when you’re grieving the loss of a family member.

What is the job of a home inspector?

Their job is to make sure the buyer knows about everything that may need to be repaired on the home. Sellers also sometimes hire an inspector to do a pre-inspection so they can make any necessary repairs before putting the house on the market.

What is a closing attorney?

The closing attorney represents the buyer in the buyer’s purchase of real estate, or refinance of a mortgage loan. The closing process can be divided into three parts: Pre-closing, Closing, and Post-Closing. Here are some of the responsibilities and tasks of the closing attorney.

Where does closing take place?

CLOSING. All the preliminary activity leads up to The Closing, which usually takes place at the closing attorney’s office. The closing attorney and the buyers attend, of course, and usually their realtor and occasionally the lender. The closing attorney reviews all the documentation involved in the transaction with the buyers.

What happens after closing?

After closing, the closing attorney’s office updates the title, records the deed and the deed of trust at the Register of Deeds office, returns documentation to the buyer’s lender, and disburses funds to the seller, the seller’s lenders, the realtors, the new homeowner’s insurance company, and all the other parties whose funds were collected at closing.

What happens if you don't have a clear title?

Without clear title, the sale may become much more complicated . Upon receipt of a real estate purchase agreement or a request from a bank or mortgage broker, the closing attorney will begin to check the title to the property being sold.

What is title examination?

The title examination is for the purchaser and the lender to evaluate title to the real estate. The purchaser will need to know whether there are certain restrictions of use, easements, encroachments or whether the title is marketable and clear for the seller to transfer the property to the purchaser. The closing attorney will identify any existing ...

What is a closing attorney?

The closing attorney is available to explain documents such as a deed, a note, a deed of trust, a settlement statement, disbursement at the end of the transaction and loan documentation required by the lender. Record and disburse: The closing attorney is literally responsible for closing on the transaction and distributing all monies.

Gary Steven Gaffney

The purchase and sale agreement (which we can't review here on line) should designate which party has the obligation to produce evidence of title, and which party will orchestrate the closing, and most insurance companies require that their agent do the closing (but there are exceptions, and both parties can actually generate a HUD if they wish).

Barbara H. Schreibman

I agree with both attorneys but would add one thing: get your own attorney to review everything and attend the closing with you. It's the best way to protect yourself. Good Luck!

Marshall C Deason Jr

Generally, the party that is required to pay the cost of the title insurance gets to choose the title agent. The title agent can be the attorney for one of the parties or a non-attorney title agent. If the deal is not a cash deal, the mortgage lender will prepare all of the documents relating to financing.

Pamela M M Holcombe

The title company can perform its role in assisting the "transaction" in preparing the title commitment, sending estoppel letters, preparing the HUD statement.

Jacqueline Alicia Salcines

No on the contrary. Seller will pay for his attorney who looks out for his or her interests and buyer his or her attorney. For seller representation typically the average fee we charge is 500 and that gets you to the closing table and review of all charges, prepare seller docs and exchange at closing to get the sale funded. This is all inclusive.

Why is closing important?

The closing is an important day for you as a home seller. You will transfer the property to the buyer, fully pay off any mortgages, and receive your sales proceeds. If you are using the proceeds for a new home purchase on the same day or shortly thereafter, it is particularly important that your closing runs smooth ly.

What is a closing called?

A closing is often called "settlement" because the seller, together with the buyer, the buyer's lender, the sales agents, and the seller's lender, are "settling up" among yourselves and all of the other parties who have provided services or documents to the transaction.

Where does closing take place?

Your closing will take place in the office of the escrowee. The escrowee is typically the title insurance company that insures the buyer's title to the property. However, in some places, such as Alaska or Southern California, you are more likely to close at the lender's office or at an escrow company. Upon request, some title or escrow companies ...

Do you have to attend a closing?

Unlike the buyer, who may have to attend the closing to sign original loan documents delivered by the lender to the closing, you, as the seller, may or may not need to attend. For either a conventional escrow closing or a table closing, you may be able to pre-sign the deed and other transfer documents.

What is table closing?

Other states, have what are known as "table closing," in which the entire closing, including the deposit of documents, funds, and other items required to close, and the final disbursement of all the escrow deposits, will occur at a meeting of the parties on a specific date.

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Serving as An Escrow Agent

  • Lawyers can serve as attorney-closing agents if need be. This means we can serve as: 1. The escrow agent for any funds such as funds for repair costs until the funds are distributed 2. The title agent who reviews the requirements needed to give the buyer title insurance to the property – including any lending issues. 3. The closing agent. This is the person who drafts the settlement …
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Skilled Real Estate Lawyers Review The Title Insurance Requirements

  • Seasoned Indian River County lawyers perform some of the following tasks depending on whether we represent the buyer or the seller: 1. Order the local certificate which states what real estate taxes are due when the property is sold and whether there are any other municipal charges. We also obtain payoff statements for the mortgage amounts the seller owes. We review whether the…
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Claims Involving The Real Estate Claim

  • Any claims by the buyer need to be resolved before the title company and the buyer’s lawyer will agree to release the funds due to the seller. A common issue at closing is the buyer’s claim that certain repairs haven’t been completed. Unless the seller sells the property as-is, the seller is normally required to ensure that the property meets local building code requirements. At the clo…
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Closing Documents

  • The buyers and sellers normally need to have, review, and sign certain documents. The lawyer for the buyer/seller reviews these documents with their clients. Common documents that are needed for the real estate closing include: 1. The promissory note 2. The mortgage 3. The HUD-1 Settlement sheet The lawyer for the seller may need to provide death certificates if an estate is s…
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What Happens After The Closing?

  • There are still tasks the real estate lawyer at the closing must perform or make sure the title company performs: 1. Double-check all the title exceptions 2. Record the deed, mortgage, and any other documents that need recording 3. Distribute the payoff checks to the mortgage companies, taxing authorities, utilities, and other companies or people entitled to payment 4. Ensure that an…
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Speak with An Experienced Indian River County Real Estate Lawyer Today

  • At Lulich & Attorneys, our Vero Beach and Sebastian real estate lawyers represent buyers and sellers from the initial agreement of sale through the mortgage approval process, inspections, and the settlement closing. Lulich Attorneys & Consultants guides buyers and sellers, answers all your questions, and helps resolve any disputes that may arise. To learn how we can help you buy you…
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