Buying a home is one of the biggest, most important purchases you’ll make during your lifetime. You’re investing a lot of money while committing to making monthly payments for up to 30 years.
Before you sign on the dotted line, protect yourself. Make sure to involve one of our experienced real estate attorneys right from the start.
3 Reasons to Hire an Attorney at the Outset of the Home Buying Journey
You’ll want to enjoy your home for many years to come without worrying about hidden legal and title problems that the seller should have disclosed. Here are three reasons to have a lawyer involved in a real estate transaction from the beginning:
1. To Avoid Title Issues
Title issues come up in many contexts, including zoning and estate matters. However, some of the most common problems arise when:
- A creditor filed a lien on the home against a seller, preventing the seller from selling the home
- The seller is divorced but the former spouse’s name is still on the deed
- Children inherit a property but not all of them agree to sell it, an attorney can help negotiate the purchase with the remaining siblings who inherited a share of the property.
2. To Protect You When Buying a Foreclosed Property
Buying a foreclosed property is attractive because there are many bargains to be found. Yet, the process is complex. Novice buyers can be on the hook for hidden fees and costs on a disaster of a property that is sold “as-is.”
If you’ve never purchased a foreclosed property before, you’ll definitely want to involve a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can explain the risks and benefits and protect your interests at the same time. The upside is that you can find a suitable, well-priced property after doing your due diligence and having a lawyer represent you.
3. To Prevent Problems Before and After Closing
Even after a smooth closing, problems can come up. Real estate agents alone can’t always predict legal problems and aren’t trained to spot them. Most agents just want to get the deal done and closed on schedule.
But what if you later discover a non-conforming addition, hazardous waste or your pre-closing inspection reveals a serious problem like radon or a serious rodent or snake infestation? Some agents will convince clients to allow sellers to “fix” a problem after the sale closes or adjust the price.
We can be involved in your purchase from beginning to end. If you involve us early, you could save yourself a lot of time, aggravation and money later.
A Lawyer Can Help Your Transaction Go More Smoothly
We are a trusted, full-service Dallas real estate law firm and have helped people buy and sell real estate for decades. Please email or call us at 214-760-6768 to learn about how we can help make your home purchase and closing go smoothly.
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