What is a Residential Real Estate Closing?
A real estate closing – also known as a "settlement" – is the point in time at which the title to the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer. If the buyer is financing the purchase, this is also the time the mortgage will be given to the lender. A closing agent acts as a clearing house for the parties' funds and information necessary to close the transaction.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Sarasota Real Estate Lawyer for Residential Closings?
Many homebuyers do not realize that the cost of hiring a Sarasota Residential Real Estate Closing Lawyer is about the same as closing with a title company. When closing with a Sarasota Real Estate Lawyer, you have someone working exclusively for you instead of a title company whose sole objective is to close the transaction regardless of whether it is in the buyer's best interest to do so.
Buying a home is one of the most exciting commitments one makes in their life. It is also typically one of the largest and most significant purchases you will make. The closing is the most important part of the transaction. Hiring a Sarasota Residential Real Estate Closing Lawyer can ensure all of the closing documents are properly prepared and properly executed.
Even though most real estate transactions use a standard "fill-in-the-blanks" form contract a real estate lawyer can assure that the blanks are not completed in a way that makes the transaction unfair to one party or the other.
A real estate attorney has the knowledge and experience to address issues in the purchase agreement including but not limited to:
- What are the legal consequences if the closing does not take place?
- What happens if the inspection returns with findings of defects, lead-based paint, asbestos or termites?
- What the seller has failed to disclose defects in the property?
- If the seller has altered the property in any way, were the changes properly permitted and approved?
Once the contract is signed, a title search is performed and a real estate attorney can review the requirements of the title commitment and can verify that the legal description is correct, determine if there are any problems with adjoining owners or prior owners, and explain title exceptions. The attorney can also determine whether or not there are any legal restrictions that would impair the seller from selling the property, explain the effect of easements or restrictions imposed by a previous owner and allow a buyer to understand important details about the property they are buying.
The closing process can be complex and confusing. The most important reason to be represented by a real estate attorney is to obtain independent representation to protect your interests.
Your rights could be at risk if you proceed to closing without a Sarasota real estate lawyer. Contact us today.
The Closing Process
- Once the contract has been reviewed and/or revised by your real estate attorney and terms have been agreed upon, the seller and buyer enter into a written purchase contract.
- At that time, a closing agent (who is often a real estate attorney) is selected to handle the closing process.
- The buyer then provides an "earnest money deposit" which is given to the closing agent to be promptly deposited into an escrow account where the funds are held until closing.
- Next, a request for preliminary title work will be submitted. This search is done to compile a list of requirements to be satisfied before ownership of the property can be transferred (i.e. payoff an outstanding mortgage, payment property taxes, or a lien against the property).
- The closing agent prepares the deed and other documents to be signed by the parties and when all of information relating to the transaction is obtained, prepares the HUD –or "settlement statement". This document outlines all the costs for both the buyer and seller associated with the closing.
- On closing day, the seller signs and delivers the deed to the buyer and the HUD will be signed by both parties.
- Ownership of the property will then be transferred from the seller to the buyer.
Contact our offices today to start discussing how we can help you through the closing process.
When Should I Contact a Sarasota Real Estate Attorney?
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“We chose Sherry because of her professional experience in real estate.”
- James L. -
“I will definitely recommend her to any of my friends or customers.”
- Shelley -
“She promptly contacted the other party on our behalf and literally within 10 days, we had all of our money refunded back to us.”
- Dave
Why Choose The Edwards Law Firm, PL
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Over 28 Years of Experience
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Sheryl A. Edwards is a Board Certified Specialist in Real Estate Law
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Achieve Client Objectives in a Timely Manner
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Selected for Super Lawyers 11 Times
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Personalized Attention & Case Strategy
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Your Goals Always Come First
