what are the duties of a florida real estate lawyer representing a buyer in a residential closing

by Dr. Lempi Klein II 9 min read

Issuing and sending title insurance policies to lender and buyer; and Preparing and filing Form 1099, if applicable. The attorney for either the buyer or seller may act as the “closing agent” to close a Florida real estate transaction. The contract should always set forth which party shall select and pay for these services.

At closing, the closing attorney will handle paying realtor commissions, discharging the existing mortgage, disclosing and paying lender fees and closing costs, funding the mortgage escrow account, paying prepaid interest, and distributing the sales proceeds.

Full Answer

Who is the closing agent in a Florida real estate transaction?

Issuing and sending title insurance policies to lender and buyer; and Preparing and filing Form 1099, if applicable. The attorney for either the buyer or seller may act as the “closing agent” to close a Florida real estate transaction. The contract should always set forth which party shall select and pay for these services.

Do you need an attorney to close a house in Florida?

Jun 10, 2016 · For a nominal charge, an experienced real estate lawyer can review your purchase and sale contract, investigate zoning and land use issues, and negotiate your best price. Moreover, in marked contrast to a transactional realtor’s obligations, real estate lawyers are always required to act as your fiduciary and have your best interests in mind.

What are the seller’s duties to buyers in Florida?

Apr 01, 2022 · As a real estate licensee who has no brokerage relationship with you, (insert name of Real Estate Entity and its Associates) owe to you the following duties: 1. Dealing honestly and fairly; 2. Disclosing all known facts that materially affect the value of residential real property which are not readily observable to the buyer. 3.

What does a real estate closing attorney do?

Apr 05, 2021 · The purpose here is to ensure that all parties are who they say they are. Then, a legal expert of the closing company will go through the documentation with the buyer and the seller. Here, all questions will be answered and all specific details will be cleared up before proceeding with the transaction. Filing and Signing the Paperwork

What does a real estate lawyer do?

What Does A Real Estate Attorney Do? Real estate attorneys know how to, and are legally authorized to, prepare and review documents and contracts related to the sale and purchase of a home. In some cases, a real estate attorney is also the person who'll be in charge of your closing.Mar 7, 2022

Does Florida require attorney for real estate closing?

In the State of Florida, it is not mandatory for the buyer or the seller to hire a real estate attorney for the closing of the sale of residential real property. Many operations are conducted through negotiations between the parties; real estate agents, and the involvement of a title company.

What does a real estate attorney do in Florida?

The primary function of a real estate lawyer is to make the transaction as easy as possible while ensuring your interests are protected. Mistakes in the purchasing process may cause delays, add unforeseen costs, and expose you to legal liability in the future.

Is Florida an attorney closing state?

Several states have laws on the books mandating the physical presence of an attorney or other types of involvement at real estate closings, including: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New ...

Can an attorney act as a real estate agent Florida?

Lawyers: Any active member in good standing with the Florida Bar, who is otherwise qualified under the real estate license law, is exempt from the Florida Real Estate Commission 's prescribed prerequisite educational course for licensure as a real estate sales associate.

When should I hire a real estate attorney?

A Lawyer for Real Estate will make sure that the seller has clear and transferable ownership right over the property that he or she is selling. There should be no pending litigation on the property and the title should be transferable.

How much are closing cost in Florida?

Closing costs in Florida are, on average, $4,606 for a home priced at $255,006, according to a 2021 report by ClosingCorp, which provides research on the U.S. real estate industry. That price tag makes up 1.81 percent of the home's price tag.

How much do real estate attorneys make?

The average Real estate lawyer salary in London is ÂŁ99,820. This is 30.5% more than the average national salary for Real estate lawyer jobs. The average London Real estate lawyer salary is 125.2% more than the average salary across London.

Do you need an attorney to sell a house?

Except for a few states where you are required to hire a real estate attorney to do your closing, you do not have to hire an agent or attorney to help you. Be aware, however, selling a home yourself is a lot of work.

What does Clta cover?

CLTA Title Policy That means, it protects the insured against existing liens, clouds, defects or other encumbrances related to record title. This type of basic coverage most typically comes about where the title company simply failed to detect something on recorded title or in the public records.Jan 10, 2022

Is Florida a title state or attorney state?

Are You In An Attorney State?StateAttorney State?Delaware​Yes - Attorney StateDistrict of Columbia​NoFlorida​NoGeorgia​​Yes - Attorney State47 more rows•Jan 4, 2022

Is Florida an escrow closing state?

In table closing states, some transactions are closed without a meeting between buyer, seller and lender at a single table, typically when the parties are not located in the same place. These are called by various names: remote closings, escrow closings, or “mail away” closings (the term used in Florida and Georgia).Aug 8, 2018

What is a realtor in Florida?

In Florida, a realtor may act as a single agent, a transaction broker, or maintain a “no representation status”.

What is a single agent realtor?

A single agent realtor is a broker who represents either the buyer or the seller, but not both, and is a fiduciary to either the buyer or seller. The single agent status can only be created in writing.

What is a no brokerage relationship?

In that case, the realtor is only licensee must deal honestly and fairly with the customer, disclose all known facts that materially affect the value of the residential property if they are not readily observable, and account for all funds entrusted to the licensee. A “no brokerage” relationship must be established in writing to avoid the statutory presumption of transaction broker.

What is transaction broker?

A transaction broker is in essence working to close the transaction and is not in a fiduciary relationship with their client. “Fiduciary” means that the broker is “in a relationship of trust and confidence” with the buyer or seller, has the duty of loyalty, confidentiality, obedience, full disclosure, and accounting, and also the duty to use skill, ...

Can I sell my home in Miami Dade without a lawyer?

While it is possible to buy or sell real estate in Miami-Dade and Broward County without a real estate lawyer, it is always advisable to hire an experienced real estate lawyer before entering into your transaction. For a nominal charge, an experienced real estate lawyer can review your purchase and sale contract, investigate zoning and land use issues, and negotiate your best price. Moreover, in marked contrast to a transactional realtor’s obligations, real estate lawyers are always required to act as your fiduciary and have your best interests in mind.

Is a realtor a broker in Florida?

In Florida, a realtor may act as a single agent, a transaction broker, or maintain a “no representation status”. Most realtors in Miami-Dade and Broward County are acting as transaction brokers. In fact, and while it may come as a surprise, it is presumed that your realtor is acting as a transaction broker unless agreed to in writing otherwise. ...

What is the legal duty of a seller in Florida?

1. Seller’s Legal Duty To Disclose Defects. Under Florida law, the seller must disclose issues regarding the property that the seller knew about, or should have known about, which a buyer would not be able to discover even with an inspection.

What happens if you hire a real estate attorney in Florida?

If you hire a Florida real estate lawyer, you create an attorney-client relationship and the lawyer is your fiduciary. He or she answers to the party that has hired the lawyer.

Why do title companies close with open title issues?

Some title companies are willing to close a transaction with issues in the chain of title simply because their title insurance underwriter is willing to issue a title insurance policy. However, there are risks of closing a deal with certain title issues pending against the property.

What are the laws for condos in Florida?

There are extensive laws in Florida that relate specifically to condo unit owners and condominiums. Anyone purchasing a Florida condo should know what their rights and duties will be as a condo owner. For instance: 1 will they be able to rent the condo? If so, how often and for how long? 2 Is there an age requirement? 3 Can you have pets? 4 What about storage, parking, and dockage? 5 Can the new owner transfer his or her interest in these elements and who is responsible for the cost to maintain them?

What is a lease agreement?

The Lease Agreement. Sometimes, residential property is bought as an investment and the property is sold to a buyer who has no intention of renting the property. A lawyer can review and answer questions about a lease agreement, prepare an assignment of lease, and facilitate an eviction. 6.

What are the ramifications of a building code violation in Florida?

A Florida lawyer can explain the ramifications of a building code violation (like for an illegal conversion or enclosure, or a non-permitted bathroom) or pending code enforcement liens for uncut grass or a broken fence. 10. Boundary Issues. Every residential property has legally defined boundary lines.

What type of deeds are there in Florida?

A Florida lawyer can explain the pros and cons of these different forms of ownership (tenants in common, tenancy by the entirety, and joint tenants with the right of survivorship) and counsel on the different types of deeds, which include: Quit Claim Deed, Warranty Deed, Special Warranty Deed, Trustee Deed, and.

What are the duties of a real estate licensee?

The duties of a real estate licensee owed to a buyer or seller who engages the real estate licensee as a single agent include the following: 1. Dealing honestly and fairly; 2. Loyalty; 3. Confidentiality; 4. Obedience;

What is a dual agent?

As used in this section, the term “dual agent” means a broker who represents as a fiduciary both the prospective buyer and the prospective seller in a real estate transaction. This part does not prevent a licensee from changing from one brokerage relationship to the other as long as the buyer or the seller, or both, ...

What is single agent disclosure?

— Duties of a single agent must be fully described and disclosed in writing to a buyer or seller either as a separate and distinct disclosure document or included as part of another document such as a listing agreement or other agreement for representation.

When can a single agent relationship be changed to a transaction broker relationship?

— A single agent relationship may be changed to a transaction broker relationship at any time during the relationship between an agent and principal, provided the agent first obtains the principal’s written consent to the change in relationship.

Closing Process in Florida – The Basic Concept

Also known as a mortgage closing or a settlement, the closing process is the last phase of any real estate transaction. This process typically happens between 4-8 weeks after the parties in a real estate transaction reach an agreement.

Understanding the Real Estate Closing Process in Florida

The closing stage of any real estate transaction must be taken very seriously. Sometimes, first-time buyers get somewhat intimidated at this stage, especially due to the amount of paperwork both parties are required to sign.

Who is Involved During the Real Estate Closing Process in Florida?

Typically, the people involved in the process include the buyer’s real estate agent, representatives from the title and escrow company (e.g., Marina Title), a person representing the title insurance company, and the attorneys representing both parties.

Real Estate Closing Process in Florida – A Step-by-Step Overview

As most transactions include a mortgage, the most common initial step is the lender sending the funds to the closing company.

Real Estate Closing Process in Florida – We Can Make It Easier for You

Waste no time with uncertainty. Avoid unexpected issues by working with Marina Title – the best title and escrow company in South Florida.

What documents are required for a real estate transaction?

Real estate transactions for the purchase of a residential property require the preparation of many documents, including, a contract for sale, a deed, a closing statement detailing all costs of the purchase, certificates, and research on the property’s title history.

What is the main document for a sale?

The main document for the sale is the contract. It specifies, among others, all terms and conditions of the transaction, including, price, payment terms, financial obligations, deadlines, relevant dates, and the seller and buyer’s duties and responsibilities.

What is Apfelbaum Law?

Apfelbaum Law provides a wide variety of legal services, including, family law, divorces, business and contract transactions and litigation, immigration, wills and estate planning, probate law, and real estate law.

What is title insurance?

In addition to real estate agents, title insurance companies are likely also involved in the purchase and sale of residential property. Title companies are dedicated to investigating the records and title of a property to ensure that the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership, and title to the property is free and clear ...

Do realtors need to be drafted in Florida?

While some of these documents may not need to be to be drafted by a Florida real estate attorney, realtors cannot ultimately provide legal advice; thus hiring a Florida real estate lawyer may offer buyers and sellers more security in the transaction. The main document for the sale is the contract. It specifies, among others, all terms ...

Do you need a real estate attorney to close a home in Florida?

In the State of Florida, it is not mandatory for the buyer or the seller to hire a real estate attorney for the closing of the sale of residential real property. Many operations are conducted through negotiations between the parties; real estate agents, and the involvement of a title company.

Can a title company give legal advice?

Title companies are also prohibited from giving legal advice; thus hiring a Florida real estate lawyer may offer buyers and sellers additional comfort during the transaction. In Florida, some real estate attorneys may be able to provide title services for the closing of your property.

What does closing agent do?

When an attorney closes a real estate transaction as a "Closing Agent" he does not represent the Buyer or the Seller. He is simply the closing agent. If the Buyer or Seller wants an attorney to represent him or her during the real estate transaction, he needs to hire an attorney solely for that purpose. Although some attorneys can act as the closing agent and the attorney for one the parties, I do not recommend so, unless the attorney discloses to the non-represented party that the attorney is representing the other party.

Is an attorney a closing agent?

If the party chose "an attorney as the "closing office" for a real estate transaction (as opposed to choosing a title company)" then the attorney is a closing agent and does not represent either party. You are free and encouraged to hire your own counsel to represent your side of the transaction...

Should there be two lawyers in real estate?

Ethics aside, I think there should always be two lawyers in a real estate transaction because the buyer and seller, the landlord and the tenant, the owner and the contractor, the borrower and the lender, always have different rights and duties that the lawyer needs to consider and to provide legal advice accordingly.

Can a title agent represent only one party?

Without getting into the question of whether the title agent, whether an attorney or not, represents only one party, any party to a real estate transaction would be best served by their own attorney and not by relying on a title agent.#N#Best of luck...

Is it ethical to have a lawyer as a closing agent in Florida?

In Florida, it is ethical for a lawyer to act as a closing agent who does not represent either party in the transaction. In such a case, the role of the lawyer and the non-representation should be disclosed in writing to the parties in the transaction. In Florida, unlike some other states, it is ethical for a lawyer to represent both buyer and seller in a real estate transaction, provided the lawyer meets with the buyer...

What is the closing attorney's job?

There are five primary functions handled by the closing attorney during a real estate transaction: Title examination: The buyer and lender will both want a clear title for the property. Without clear title, the sale may become much more complicated.

Where is the closing attorney located?

While the closing attorney is typically located in or near the county where the property sits , many actual real estate closings today are handled on one or more sides using overnight mail with payments via ACH or wire.

What documents do closing attorneys need?

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.

Does title insurance have to be purchased at closing?

Title insurance is optional for the purchaser in a real estate closing if he or she does not have to get financing through the bank or mortgage broker; is a requirement for most all lenders at the time of purchase or refinance of real estate.

Who does an attorney represent in real estate transactions?

With real estate transactions, an attorney would ideally represent only the buyer or seller unless it’s under certain (but exceptional) circumstances such as clients being in the same family.

What are the responsibilities of an attorney?

Attorneys have responsibilities to their clients both present and former. In handling a legal matter, they have to identify any conflicts of interest so they can best advocate for their clients. These conflicts include identifying the attorney’s potential personal interests and any conflicts among the clients involved.

Why do attorneys keep information confidential?

When it comes to real estate transactions , attorneys have to keep information about the case confidential and representing both buyer and seller in a transaction can divide the attorney’s loyalty, and inhibit their ability to serve their clients well.

Can an attorney represent both parties?

There are some obvious cases in which the attorney cannot represent both parties, such as the defendant and prosecutor. In real estate transactions, if an attorney is retained by both buyer and seller, the ABA gives this specific example: “Directly adverse conflicts can also arise in transactional matters. For example, if a lawyer is asked ...

What is clear title?

A clear property title is essential for the buyer and lender in a real estate closing. Once the purchase agreement has been received, we can begin examining the title. For the sake of the buyer, we will evaluate the restrictions, encroachments, easements, and whether the title clearly allows the seller to transfer it to the buyer. We will then identify if there are existing mortgages on the property that must be satisfied in order to transfer the title over. For the sake of the lender, we will create an overview of any judgments, mortgages, or liens in existence that must be settled before closing. Any concerns about the status of the title are addressed during this process.

Why is it important to have an attorney for a closing?

A real estate attorney ensures that everyone understands the complex legal process that real estate closings are, and that everything is above board.

Why is title insurance important?

Title Insurance. Title insurance is important because if there is a problem with the title in the future, it protects the buyer and the lender. After the title examination, your real estate attorney from De Bruin Law Firm writes an opinion about the title for the title company so they can issue a title binder, which is necessary for obtaining title ...

What documents do closing attorneys need to go over?

The closing attorney can offer explanations for any confusing documents, such as the deed, settlement statement, and loan documentation.

Who coordinates the closing of a home?

The real estate closing attorney also coordinates all of the parties involved in the closing. This means that the attorney must communicate with the buyer, seller, and lender, and any additional players, such as brokers, surveyors, the homeowner’s insurance company, home inspectors, contractors, homeowners’ associations, and more.

Who is Bryan DeBruin?

Bryan De Bruin is a Real Estate and Business Law attorney serving Greenville, SC and the surrounding upstate. Bryan is proud to guide clients through the legal process and makes sure that every client understands each phase of their case, so that they are prepared for what happens next.

Is title insurance required for a first lien?

Title insurance is absolutely essential for the lender because they must assure that it is in the first lien position of the property, but it is optional for the buyer. However, it is best to go through with title insurance, given that it is relatively inexpensive and protects the buyer’s rights to the property.