what to ask a realestate lawyer regarding a forclosure purchase

by Elenor Bartell 9 min read

Ask the agent to show information from you comparable property of recently-sold homes so you have a clear understanding of the deal. With comparable properties, you’ll know whether or not you’re getting a good deal. 13. Are there More Foreclosures in the Area?

Full Answer

What questions should you ask when hiring a real estate attorney?

Apr 09, 2018 · This is a perfectly fair question to ask. If you are buying a foreclosure, you deserve to know why the property is up for sale. Is it because the previous owner was laid off? Was the home simply too expensive? Did they stop making payments for a unique reason? Knowing the why will help you make an informed decision. 5.

Do you need a real estate lawyer to buy a house?

Ask family members and trusted friends if they have an attorney they have used in the past that deals specifically with real estate law. Your real estate agent may suggest one as well. Once you have a few names (however you got them), the real work begins. You will want to conduct a phone interview and ask as many questions as possible.

Do I need a lawyer for a mortgage foreclosure?

A local real estate lawyer can fill you in on the redemption laws in your state. If you're tempted to buy at a foreclosure auction: Research the condition of the property to the extent possible, by viewing the outside and searching for its address online.

When should you call a real estate attorney?

Jan 29, 2022 · Expect the bank to draw up a purchase contract or addendum to your standard purchase contract. Read it thoroughly and ask a real estate lawyer for advice if you do not understand it. You can bet that the bank's lawyer drew up …

Why is experience important in real estate?

In real estate law cases, the experience of the attorney or law firm is important. More complicated real estate matters suggest having a more experienced legal presence. You may have to pay more for experience, but the value of your investment in such cases probably warrants the higher expense. The potential financial loss in larger real estate ...

Why is it important to have an attorney on staff?

They may also have one on their staff. This is helpful because it means the attorney’s office controls the closing process. There is no need to coordinate with any other office, and this can simplify and speed the closing process. It might also lessen the expenses based on communications.

Why are references important?

References are important, too. You want to know if the attorney has done a good job for other clients. You want to be given a list of references who are available for you to contact whether you call them all or not. The attorney should be confident and successful enough to provide you with a list of satisfied clients who want to speak well of them.

Do I need a real estate attorney?

If you are considering buying or selling real estate, you may want to have a qualified real estate attorney represent you to make sure there are no legal complications that would interfere with the closing process or any transactions involving you and the other party. An investment in real estate is a large commitment, and you want to make sure you have the best protection possible to prevent any serious complications.

Is it ok to fill out all real estate forms?

If the answer is filling out all the real estate forms, this is probably not the right attorney for you. This is not the kind of service you need. Filling out standard forms is not enough because not all real estate transactions are the same. Many are not standard.Ask if the attorney plans to do due diligence for you and will spend ...

Is real estate a unique deal?

Every real estate deal is unique with its own set of circumstances and potential problems. Your case is no different. It is wise to find an attorney who is familiar with those types of problems and who knows how to prevent them from happening.

Do I need to be certified to be an attorney?

If the attorney is recommended by a referral service, he or she will no doubt be certified. If you find an attorney be some other method, you want to make sure the attorney is licensed in the state in which the property is located, not just the state where you live, invest, or are incorporated.

What are the scenarios where you may wish to employ a real estate lawyer?

If you are selling property, the below are all scenarios where you may wish to employ a real estate lawyer: Selling a property you inherited. Selling a property during a divorce or separation. Selling a property with a lien. Short-selling a home. Selling a home with multiple owners.

Why do you need a real estate attorney?

For buyers, the following are all great reasons to seek legal counsel: Out of state/town home purchases. Purchasing a short sale. Purchasing a bank-owned property or foreclosure. Purchasing commercial real estate. Purchasing an estate.

How to sell a house with a lien?

If you are selling property, the below are all scenarios where you may wish to employ a real estate lawyer: 1 Selling a property you inherited 2 Selling a property during a divorce or separation 3 Selling a property with a lien 4 Short-selling a home 5 Selling a home with multiple owners 6 Selling a home with known problems (structural problems, mold and so forth)

Should I use a real estate lawyer for a home purchase?

While you can opt to use a real estate lawyer for a simple home purchase or home sale, some homeowners forego this step in order to save money. If you are an experienced purchaser you can certainly rely on your real estate agent, but it never hurts to have an expert in legal matters on your side, just in case. ...

What is foreclosure auction?

Buying at a foreclosure auction is the riskiest way to purchase foreclosed property, and shouldn't be attempted by a first-time buyer. It means that the lender has decided to foreclose, and put the home up for sale at a public auction, to go to the highest bidder for cash.

Can you buy a house without a third party?

If you can communicate with a homeowner whose property is facing foreclosure, it might be possible to buy the house without any third parties getting involved. The idea would be that you give the homeowner some amount of cash (likely less than the home is worth) in exchange for any equity built up in the house. You'd then be responsible for paying any outstanding debts or liens on the property.

Can a mortgage lender own a house?

Mortgage lenders often end up owning the house themselves after a foreclosure auction. The bank will then typically pay off any other outstanding debts, such as property taxes or amounts owed to the IRS, in order to sell the house with a clear title.

How much does an attorney charge per hour?

Standard hourly fees range from $150 to $200, he says. For simple matters, you may be able to negotiate a price.

Who is Aaron Hall?

Before you hire an attorney, it is helpful to determine how much real-life legal experience he or she has, says Aaron Hall, a Minneapolis-based attorney with Twin Cities Law Firm LLC.

Can I ask an attorney for a brief overview of what he plans to do on my behalf?

It’s not out of line to ask an attorney for a brief overview of what he plans to do on your behalf, Hall says. In fact, it can help you determine which attorneys are knowledgeable about real estate law.

Does Bankrate include information?

While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. When questions arise on a real estate transaction, most people call their agent or broker. But if the deal is complicated or risky, it’s smart to consult with a real estate attorney.

How to get better representation for a buyer?

Unless you have direct experience negotiating with banks, you may receive better representation by hiring your own buyer's agent. Before selecting an agent, choose several, and interview them to find a good fit.

What happens if two lenders are secured to the property?

First, if two loans were secured to the property (which is common these days), the second lender sometimes does not foreclose. If the second lender does not make up the back payments to the first lender and commences its foreclosure proceedings, the second lender gets wiped out in the foreclosure. 4.

What is REO in mortgage?

Key Takeaways. Foreclosures and REO properties are homes that banks have taken back from borrowers who could no longer pay their mortgage. Banks are often eager to move these properties, so they can represent a good chance for a deal when you are buying a home.

Why do banks own real estate?

Banks own real estate because they have acquired the properties through foreclosure. A foreclosure occurs when a homeowner is unable, or refuses, to pay their mortgage payments. When that happens, the lender that backed the mortgage repossesses the home, since the property is collateral for the loan.

How long does it take to get leverage on a REO?

After 30 days , you have more leverage. If you are aiming for a certain price that would make the REO a great deal, don't be afraid to ask for it. You have substantial leverage. On top of the home being foreclosed on, the home also failed to sell at the auction.

How long do you have to wait to get a loan after prequalifying?

A waiting game: You could find yourself waiting a while when dealing with the bank. After prequalifying for a loan, you might be kept waiting for 10 days for the bank to respond to your offer. If the bank won't budge, and you receive an offer rejection, wait another 30 days. Then resubmit your original offer.

What happens if a house is repossessed?

Once repossessed, the lender—typically a bank—will auction off the property in hopes of recouping the losses it incurred when the homeowner missed payments. If the home fails to sell in the auction, it goes on the bank's books and is referred to as a "real estate-owned" (REO) property.

What is justia ask a lawyer?

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only. The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, ...

What happens if you die without a will in NC?

If you die without a will in NC and you are married and have a child: you spouse inherits 1/2 of your intestate real estate and a portion of your intestate personal property (if you die with personal property worth $60,000 or less, your spouse... Read more ».

Can you get legal advice without a license?

The courts cannot give you legal advice -- that would be practicing law without a license, which is a felony. Without reviewing the docket, generally you can motion the court to reset the sale. View More Answers. 1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure for Florida on Jul 12, 2021.

Can a mortgage be foreclosed on?

Yes, the property can be foreclosed on for an unpaid mortgage no matter who holds title. The note secures the property as payment. You should consult with a mortgage foreclosure defense attorney to make sure the bank is following all of the proper protocols and naming the proper parties.

How long does it take to redeem a foreclosure in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, homeowners have a right to redeem their property after the foreclosure within ten days after the sale and up until a court confirms that sale. There are also other complex legal avenues a homeowner can take to redeem their property so it is important to work with a qualified real estate attorney who is well-versed on these issues.

Is the real estate market heating up?

The real estate market is heating up, and there are a lot of opportunities to purchase a property in foreclosure. Here is some important information to keep in mind if you are considering buying a foreclosed property in NJ.

What to do if you don't respond to a tresspass?

If they do not respond, you should hire a lawyer, the law provides strict liability for damage to property from tresspass and for paying the property owner's attorney fees. Any real estate attorney would like this case, if your facts are correct, the attorney... Read More.

What happens if you lose a deed?

If the deed is lost or stolen, you have no means of asserting your claim to the property. Worse, if someone records something on the property before you record your deed, they, not you, may have priority in right and may have a superior claim to the property than you do. Once the deed is recorded,... Read More.

What time do you call a lawyer?

Select the best time for you to receive a follow-up call from a lawyer after your question is answered. ( Required field) Morning (8:00AM to 12:00PM) Afternoon (12:00PM to 5:00PM) Evening (5:00PM to 9:00PM) Other. AM PM.

Is closing date binding on seller?

You should know that in most circumstances, the closing date in the contract is not binding and closing is adjourned at least... Read More. The contract is not binding on a party until that party has signed. You do not have to agree to the new date, but neither does the seller have...

Is probate a question?

As for your question, it's not really a probate question; it's a real estate title question. However, it is sort of related to probate. You appear to state in your post that the real estate attorney told you that, because your mother owned an interest in the property, you need all of your siblings to sign off before...

Is a contract binding on a party until the new date?

The contract is not binding on a party until that party has signed. You do not have to agree to the new date, but neither does the seller have to agree to the date you had proposed. If you don't accept the new date, you have no agreement.

Do you include email in attorney questions?

Do not include any personal information including name, email or other identifying details in your question or question details. An attorney-client relationship is not being established and you are not a prospective client of any attorney who responds to your question.

What can a lawyer do after buying a house?

After the purchase, a lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of homeowner responsibilities such as injury laws, water rights, resolving disputes with neighbors, and any other problems that can crop up. Lawyers are not cheap, however, and are not always available when you need an answer right away.

What documents are needed to file a civil lawsuit?

Finally, gather any legal documents pertaining to the dispute, including: 1 Contracts 2 Correspondence 3 Photos 4 Accident or police reports 5 Witness statements and contact information

Is a lawyer cheap?

Lawyers are not cheap, however, and are not always available when you need an answer right away. A real estate law expert on justanswer.com will provide advice on demand, and without the one-hour minimum charge for their time. Ask follow-up questions, and approve payment only when you’re completely satisfied.