What Cases Do a Real Estate Attorney Handle?
A real estate attorney is knowledgeable in real estate law and is equipped to help in matters pertaining to real estate transactions. They can handle all of the legal aspects of a real estate transaction or litigate real estate cases. Whether you need assistance with the legal process of buying property or have a dispute you need to settle, a real estate attorney specializes in such cases and is a valuable asset.
Not only does a real estate attorney secure the legal transfer of property from seller to buyer, but they can offer needed assistance to ensure the party’s interests are protected. Buying a home or property is a large investment, and you will want an advocate who best represents your interests at closing. If you are buying or selling property, it may be helpful to work with a real estate attorney in Portland, Oregon. If you’re uncertain if you need an attorney, read below to learn what real estate attorneys do and how they can help with your particular needs.
What Does a Real Estate Attorney Do?
A real estate attorney has in-depth knowledge of all aspects of real estate law and can offer legal assistance with the purchasing process. This includes the land and any structure on it, for residential or commercial property. They can help prepare and review documents, facilitate the transfer of funds, verify the title is clear, and even attend the closing to ensure your interests are protected.
Their scope of expertise is varied, and they are equipped to facilitate document preparation for land purchases, commercial property purchases, financing, leasing, selling, and new construction property. Additionally, if problems arise during a deal, they can litigate any disputes pertaining to the property and work to resolve the issues while minimizing costs.
Buying a Home
Buying a home or property to build on can be an overwhelming process, especially for a first-time homeowner. There are a lot of steps and legal procedures that must be followed to guarantee a legal transfer of the property. This process includes a number of fees and transferring money, as well as negotiating closing costs and any inspections or repairs that are needed.
A real estate attorney can guide you through all the necessary steps to ensure the transfer is legal while working to protect your interests and help negotiate costs. They will evaluate the seller’s offer and make sure the responsibilities of the seller and buyer are clearly defined. Depending on your state of residence, an attorney may be required by the title insurance company or mortgage lender to ensure a secure transaction.
Not only will a real estate attorney help you understand the purchase contract, but they will also prepare and file necessary documents and ensure there are no liens, covenants, or easements registered against the property. They will also evaluate any adjustments prior to closing, review the papers you’re required to sign at closing, and ensure you have received a valid title with no surprise liabilities. They can also secure title insurance should there be any potential problems in the future.
Selling a Home
A real estate attorney can also be obtained by a seller to help prepare the purchase and sale agreement as well as negotiate the terms. Having an attorney on your side during the process can be a valuable asset. They can fix any issues with the title and securely prepare the paperwork while ensuring a smooth transfer of money and deed. This includes preparing the deed, reviewing documents at closing, and arranging both the security deposit transfer as well as insurance certificates. If you’re a first-time seller, an attorney can be the peace of mind you need to make sure you have legally transferred your home and that your interests are protected.
Boundary Disputes
If you own property, it may become necessary to protect yourself from any violation of your boundary line. An easement may allow someone to use your land for limited purposes, such as crossing your land to access a public road or allowing utility companies to access any pipes or electric lines on your property.
While easements give these parties the right to use your land, sometimes, the issue and property line are more obscured. You may be uncertain about the property boundary between a neighbor. Where does the boundary lie? Or maybe you innocently encroached on the adjoining landowner’s property to make an improvement. A real estate attorney can evaluate the boundary dispute and negotiate a settlement or represent you in court to protect your property interest.
Estate Planning
A subset within real estate law is estate planning. This branch focuses on your assets and what happens to them when you pass away. This includes the transfer of property and the creation of wills and trusts. An attorney will ensure your family is cared for and your assets are passed on to the person or organization of your choice with as minimal taxation as possible.
Landlord-Tenant Law
Renting real property affords both the landlord and tenant certain rights. Sometimes, these rights can be violated, and one of the involved parties will require the protection of their interests. However, it can be tricky to navigate whose rights were violated and how to proceed. Landlord/tenant laws are complex and may require expert representation. These laws apply to both residential and commercial property and cover all aspects of renting real property, such as leases and evictions. A real estate attorney is equipped to handle the diverse and various aspects of this branch, from form reviews to fair housing disputes.
No matter what your legal needs are, our real estate attorneys at Warren Allen LLP in Portland, Oregon, are here to expertly guide you. Whether you’re buying or selling a home or looking for guidance or representation in a current dispute, you can put your trust in us. Our skilled attorneys will focus on helping you achieve your legal goals, regardless of the forum. If you’re in Oregon or Washington, contact us today for exceptional service and sound legal advice.