You may think that something must have to go horribly wrong to bring an attorney into the mix when you’re selling your home. On the contrary, a real estate attorney can help the sale proceed smoothly and prevent serious problems that could come back to haunt you later.
In most cases, an attorney won’t need to go into court for you. They’ll simply provide guidance that even the most experienced real estate agent can’t.
Some scenarios where an attorney’s help can be valuable – and necessary
Let’s look at some situations where an attorney can be an important addition to your home-selling team.
- Negotiating and resolving issues with the title and deed – particularly if there’s the discovery of a lien on the property during the title search
- Helping with the sale of an inherited property – especially when there are multiple owners, such as siblings or other family members
- Negotiating the completion of and payment for repairs to the property after the inspection
- Getting the necessary documents to and from buyers who don’t live in the area – something that is becoming an increasingly common scenario
- Negotiating with the lender on a short sale or foreclosure
Not every home sale is going to require legal advice. Maybe you’re selling a home that you moved into a few years ago when it was brand new because you need a larger place or are moving to another area. The couple whose offer you’ve accepted are first-time homebuyers. The chances are that there won’t be any serious complications.
If you have any of the scenarios above or others that can put the sale at risk or cause other complications, an experienced real estate attorney can provide help and peace of mind.