A real estate attorney is a legal professional who assists individuals with matters related to property ownership and transactions. Their duties may include drafting and reviewing contracts, performing title searches, handling zoning and land use issues, and resolving property disputes. They can also assist with other aspects of real estate law, such as foreclosures and short sales.
Purchasing residential or commercial property is often a significant undertaking for people. A real estate attorney can help people navigate the process by ensuring that all legal documents are properly prepared and that the terms of a contract are fair to both parties. They can also provide assistance with unique situations that may arise during a real estate transaction, such as a buyer’s inability to secure financing or the discovery of environmental contaminants on the property.
Hiring a real estate attorney can be done through a referral from a friend or family member, online reviews, or through advertisements in local papers and on the internet. Individuals should always carefully consider the lawyers’ background and fee structure before hiring one. They should also look at how many real estate clients the lawyer has versus other types of clients. Finally, it is important to find a real estate attorney who is licensed in their state.
When Do You Need a Real Estate Attorney?
Most people hire a real estate attorney when they are buying or selling a home. However, people may also need an attorney’s help when negotiating a lease or sale, handling a foreclosure or short sale, dealing with a property dispute, resolving environmental issues, or acquiring property through probate or divorce. Real estate attorneys can also assist with other specialized matters, such as obtaining permits and approvals for building projects or addressing issues with homeowner associations.
When Buying or Selling Residential Real Estate
The purchase or sale of a single-family home, a multifamily home, a townhome, co-op, condo, storage unit, or vacant land requires an attorney to help ensure that the process is handled legally and in accordance with all applicable laws. A real estate attorney can handle all stages of a residential real estate transaction, including preparing and reviewing the contract, performing due diligence, conducting title searches, and assisting with closings. A real estate attorney can also help with zoning and land use issues, property disputes, and mortgages.
When Buying or Selling Commercial Real Estate
Purchasing or selling commercial property can be complex and difficult to understand. A real estate attorney can help with all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, including negotiating contracts, analyzing leases, and resolving property disputes. In addition, they can also assist with unique situations such as a commercial landlord evicting a tenant, a person acquiring property through probate or divorce, or a business looking to expand. They can also assist with a variety of other specialized matters, such as obtaining approvals for building projects or resolving title defects.
