By John Howard Lynch
Perhaps the largest and most important single transaction and investment you’ll ever make is buying and/or selling a home. What better reason to protect yourself against some of the possible pit falls of such transactions. This brochure is designed to help you understand the role of an attorney in a real estate transaction.
Even when it is not practical to consult an attorney in advance of signing a binder, you have the right, when you sign the contract, to select an attorney of your choice to represent you in the actual transfer of the property. Here, the experience of the Real Estate Broker may be invaluable in recommending an attorney.
INITIAL CONTACT
A prospective Buyer and Seller should consult an attorney prior to signing any Contract for Sale or Purchase of Real Estate. The attorney will advise you with suggestions on ways to solve any problems before entering into a legally binding obligation.
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CONTACT US
Southampton Office
295 North Sea Road
Southampton, New York 11968
Westhampton Beach Office
Islandia Office
Syosset Office
99B West Main Street
Westhampton Beach, New York 11978
631 • 288 • 1583
1377 Motor Parkway, Suite 303
Islandia, New York 11749
631 • 265 • 4501
426 Jericho Tpk
Syosset, New York 11791
*By Appointment Only
Role Of An Attorney
“A quick overview for both Buyers and Sellers”
Generally speaking, the contract is prepared by the attorney for the seller and signed by the buyer and seller at his office. However, many real estate contracts are entered into via mail or email wherein the contract is first signed by the Buyer and then the Seller. At the time of contract, the Buyer will then deposit the agreed down payment with the Seller’s attorney in escrow until closing.
Some important components of a contract may include:
· Amount of the down payment
· Type of mortgage (conventional, FHA)
· Contingencies of sale such as a termite inspection and the obtaining of a written mortgage commitment
· Condition of the property
· Compliance with building codes
· What’s included and what’s not
· The date of the closing
· Is this a “Short-sale”
TITLE EXAMINATION
One of the attorney’s most important contributions to a real estate closing is the verification that the seller has a good marketable title to the real estate. One of the attorney’s initial responsibilities in representing a buyer is to have a reputable title insurance company examine and abstract the public land records to investigate the information surrounding title to the property. The facts revealed by the search of the land records will determine a number of factors. Is the seller of the property in fact the legal owner? Are all such owners party to the contract (ie: a wife, husband, parents, etc.)? Is the “estate” or degree of the title that the buyer has agreed to buy, currently and accurately vested in the seller. Is there the presence of unpaid mortgages, judgments or similar liens, which must be satisfied before a “clear” title can be conveyed to the buyer? Are there any existing restriction, easements or rights of way for roads, public utilities, etc., which may limit or interfere with the buyer’s use of the property. As you can see, these questions can significantly effect a transaction.
PRE-CLOSING REQUIREMENTS
Many items need to be secured in advance of the closing, such as:
· Certificate of Occupancy or Compliance
· Surveys
· Termite Inspection
· Bank Payoff statement
· Cesspool certificates
CLOSING RESPONSIBILITIES
The attorney is usually responsible for preparation of other necessary documents that would be considered as part of the closing, such as:
· The Contract
· The Deed
· Mortgage and promissory note if required
· Escrow agreements
· Affidavits
· The settlement statement
CLOSING
The final settlement or closing is also conducted by the attorney. The attorney will supervise the transfer of all appropriate funds between the Buyer, Seller, Lender and all other interested parties as well as the transfer of the deed. The parties are assembled at a time and place most convenient for everyone, usually the lender’s attorney’s office. Papers are explained, executed and exchanged and all financial matters appropriate to the purchase and sale are set out fully for review by all parties. The lender will, in most cases, require, as a condition of the loan, that a Mortgage Policy of Title Insurance be procured at the borrower’s expense. The prudent Buyer will usually procure, with the assistance of his attorney, an Owner’s Title Insurance Policy in order to protect his interest as an owner. The premium for title insurance is paid at the closing and is a one time payment.
To the untrained eye, the closing may resemble dinner time at a boarding house. Papers being passed around from person to person. Copies are run off and telephone calls are being made. Your attorney will coordinate and explain each step.
AFTER THE CLOSING
The attorney will prepare a final settlement statement and will verify that the proper documents have been recorded. This should be a comprehensive document with all the papers that were involved in the closing, the deed, mortgage, CO’s, inspections, survey’s and a financial recap of all monies that were either dispersed or received.
CHOOSING YOUR ATTORNEY
In this day of specialization, many attorneys have their own areas of expertise. It is important that you select an attorney who is customarily engaged in real estate practice and is capable of efficiently and completely handling your transaction.
An attorney’s role in a real estate transaction may include any number of facets of the transaction:
· Consultation prior to signing of a contract
· Contract preparation
· Review of a closing cost
· Preparation of closing documents
· Review of the title search
· Attendance and representation at the closing
· Preparation of a final settlement statement
An attorney’s role in a real estate transaction may include any number of facets of the transaction:
· Consultation prior to signing of a contract
· Contract preparation
· Review of a closing cost
· Preparation of closing documents
· Review of the title search
· Attendance and representation at the closing
· Preparation of a final settlement statement
An experienced and competent attorney will negotiate and secure terms that will be advantageous to his or her client.
All of this work is done in close co-ordination with the Buyer, Seller, Realtor and Lenders. The attorney strives to assure that this complex procedure is carried out in the most pleasing and expedient manner possible.
In making your selection, it is important to understand the function of the attorney, as well as the services being rendered. An awareness of these facts will serve to alleviate much of the confusion and apprehension involved in the buying and selling process.
Fees vary with the degree of difficulty of a transaction and should be discussed with your attorney prior to selection so there are no surprises. The attorney is usually paid at the closing along with other disbursements.