Real Estate

Representing sellers and purchasers of residential and commercial properties

  • Vacant land
  • Land Use Issues, Zoning and Planning
  • Special use permits and variances
  • Closing agent for banks and mortgage companies

We represent many first time home buyers and take the time to explain and estimate potential closing costs, including bank fees, title charges and taxes.

Buying A Home

For most people the act of buying a home generally represents their single largest investment. Just this fact alone is reason enough to seek the benefit of professional advice when undergoing this major purchase. But a home is more than just an investment, it is a place to live. With such a major impact on the financial and personal aspects of your life, the need for sound professional advice is even more important.

What Kinds of Problelms Can Occur in Buying/Selling A Home?

As momentous and as complicated as the purchase of a home can be, with the proper legal representation it generally proceeds to a closing without a hitch. However, it's not uncommon for minor problems to arise which your lawyer can easily address. Major problems are relatively rare in typical residential closings.

Among the difficulties that can occur are:

TITLE PROBLEMS: A number of problems can arise in regard to the status of the title to the property. Often they are minor, such as the failure to obtain certain required but readily available documentation. In rare occasions they can be serious enough to prevent the closing.

CREDIT PROBLEMS: If you are a buyer, the kind of credit problem you may face usually involves some difficulty in obtaining a mortgage. As it affects the buyer's ability to buy, this situation may affect the seller as well. In addition, if you are a seller, the kind of credit problem that may affect your ability to sell typically involves a judgment or lien which creates a title issue. While your lawyer may be able to get the title issue resolved, as a practical matter, if the buyer can't obtain a mortgage, they generally can't close.

SCHEDULING DELAYS AND CONFLICTS : They do happen. In the best of circumstances it may merely mean some inconvenience; in less fortunate circumstances significant costs may be involved. The alternatives should be discussed with your lawyer.

UNEXPECTED CHANGES TO THE PROPERTY: This runs the complete range from the minute, such as a missing light fixture, to the extremely serious, like the partial or complete destruction of the house or other structure on the property. Typically it is the smaller changes, like the light fixture, that occur.

CONSTRUCTION DELAYS: This generally applies to new construction only. Although this is usually covered in the contract, the serious inconvenience that can occur if the new home isn't ready when expected must always be kept in mind when purchasing new construction.

Unfortunately, this is by no means an inclusive list. However, many problems that do occur fall into one of the above categories. You should discuss any particular concerns you may have about possible problems with your lawyer. You should note that there is a difference between expected and unexpected problems, and an experienced real estate lawyer should be able to point out situations where a problem is likely to occur.