Although several states require an attorney to oversee the closing process for real estate transactions, Florida is not one of them. As such, many Floridians who purchase a beautiful piece of real estate wonder if hiring an attorney is necessary for their own closing. While it’s not required by state law, bringing an attorney into the closing process can remove a lot of the headache in doing things yourself – not to mention the added protection that an experienced attorney can bring to the table.
Avoiding Common Issues
Buying a home already isn’t a cheap transaction. Hiring an attorney can save a lot of money when compared to the potential problems that can arise when purchasing a home. The main issue that a potential home buyer will face is some sort of title issue, which is why title insurance is always recommended. Title insurance can protect against several issues in the title of a home, including unforeseen liens, outstanding mortgages, or other issues that could prevent you from closing. An experienced attorney can conduct a title search of their own to find these issues before you even move into the closing process, as well as provide advice on how to handle the situation.
Getting Better Contracts
Real estate contracts can include a lot of moving parts, as well as coordination between a broker, title closer, buyers, and the seller – not to mention any lending companies or others that could be involved in the process. Your attorney should be able to ensure that the contract is what you expected, and doesn’t contain any hidden details that could cause trouble down the road. A real estate attorney may also handle the escrow process, providing another layer of protection for your sizable investment.
Know Your Rights as an Owner
Since attorneys are well versed in laws surrounding ownership rights, they are a great resource for protecting your interests as a homeowner. If you have questions about what you can and cannot do with your property, an attorney can answer them for you. An attorney can also help you to understand any potential zoning issues that could come up in your area, and how to best handle them. While these items may not seem relevant at the moment of signing the contract, they could become a problem later if a new homeowner does not handle things properly.
With an attorney on your side, you can avoid common title and purchase issues, as well as secure a more favorable contract. By taking the right steps, you can ensure that your home purchase goes as smoothly as possible. For any assistance in your Florida home purchase, contact our team today at (954) 315-1155 today.
John Salas
