Real Estate

	"I've worked with Benjamin and Rhonda on many real estate closings. I don't have to be on top of things with them the way I do with some other attorneys. In fact, they even remind me what needs to be done." -- Kate Iles, Delap Real Estate

Whether this is your first purchase or you are experienced at buying and selling real estate, all real estate transactions are important in your personal or business life. You need a legal team that will be certain everything is done - and done right. We watch over each detail of your purchase, sale or refinance. Your file isn’t closed until we know everything is complete and you are satisfied.

Are you buying?

Buyers: Most Buyers choose a lawyer after their offer has been accepted by the Sellers. Make your offer carefully; it is a legally binding document. Our firm prefers to consult with Buyers (especially first time Buyers) before or at the time of making the offer. Early consultation often improves the purchase process and can address the home inspection and financing contingencies before the offer is made.

When you or your Realtor bring an accepted offer to us, we contact the Seller's Attorney to request the Purchase and Sale Agreement (P&S) and contact your lender to identify our firm as your attorney. Upon receipt of the P&S we compare its terms to those of the offer and review the document with you before you sign. Typically the balance of your deposit is due upon sigining of the P&S.

The P&S is the "road map" for your closing. Once signed we follow the P&S on your behalf and also research the title to your purchase back fifty years.

At the closing you will come to our office to review and sign the numerous documents required by your lender and the law. This takes about an hour. The day of recording we will receive a Deed and other documents from the Seller, review them, record the Deed and Mortgage and return the other documents to the lender. As your closing attorney, we collect all funds and distribute them according to the closing statement, also known as a RESPA or HUD-1.

Post closing you will receive from us a binder containing copies of all the documents. This should be kept in your files until you sell or refinance the property.

Are you selling?

Sellers: As a Seller you have an obligation to show or to reveal any problem or defect known to you that might not be revealed in a home inspection. When we have a pre-listing conference with a Seller we advise them to go through the entire property and repair the obvious in anticipation of the Buyer inspection. We will also discuss the Listing Agreement you may be considering or have already entered into with your Realtor. We research the title to your property for the period of your ownership and determine what action must be taken to deliver "clear title." As your Attorney, we draft the Deed for your signature and meet with you to sign the Deed, as well as the several documents the Seller is required to sign by the Buyer's lender.

Post closing you will receive from us a binder containing copies for your files.