What Does a Real Estate Lawyer Do?

A real estate lawyer can be a helpful resource for those who are new to the industry or people with complex transactions. Their role is to ensure the transfer of property goes smoothly and follow all legal steps to complete the sale. The duties of a real estate lawyer will vary depending on who hires them, which state you’re buying real estate in, and what factors are involved in the real estate transaction. 

Duties and Tasks Performed by Real Estate Lawyers

A real estate lawyer can handle all manner of real property transactions. Real property refers to permanent structures and land, purchased for the sake of dwelling (residential) or business use (commercial). Some lawyers will specialize in residential or commercial real estate, while others will handle all types of real estate issues across the board. 

Real estate lawyers can:

• Prepare and review documents regarding the transaction
• Review the contract and agreements to check for legal validity and important fine print
• Attend the closing to assure the process goes smoothly
• Handle title searches 
• Facilitate the transfer of funds between buyers, sellers, and lenders 
• Provide advice and support throughout the process

Of course, this is just a sampling of what these lawyers can do; the complete list is not exhaustive and could include different tasks based on the case or transaction involved. 

Do You Need a Real Estate Lawyer?

So, now that you know what these lawyers can do, should you retain one for your real estate transaction? That depends on several factors. Some states require you to have an attorney for certain parts of the process. It may also be a good idea to hire a lawyer if you are dealing with a complex transaction or there are issues with property lines, etc. 

There are also instances where the mortgage lender might require an attorney to be present—if that’s the case, you’re not the one footing the bill, so that’s a relief to a certain degree. If you’re involved in a transaction where the other party has a real estate attorney, you may also want to get your own just to protect yourself. 

If you want a professional opinion and support for your real estate transaction, an attorney could be the perfect choice. They can ensure the process is completed legally and properly and protect your interests throughout. Contact the real estate lawyers at Gandhi Selim Law Firm today.