The Role of a Real Estate Lawyer

Buying a house is a huge deal! It’s probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. Finding the perfect place is awesome, but all the legal stuff can be confusing, and that’s where a real estate lawyer comes in. They are like your translator for all the important information in these legally binding contracts, to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Real estate lawyers are unique because they specialize in property transactions, contracts, and zoning laws. Here’s how a lawyer helps you buy a house while being completely in the know:

1. The Contract

The contract you sign with the seller has all the details about the house. This includes the price, when you move in, who fixes what if something’s broken, and more. Lawyers take that contract and explain it to you in simpler terms. They make sure you understand every single point before you sign anything.

2. Is the House Really Yours?

A lawyer does a title search to make sure the house is really yours to buy and nobody else has a claim on it. They’ll also check for any problems like unpaid bills sticking to the house, so you don’t end up paying for someone else’s debts.

3. No Surprise Costs!

The price on the listing is just the beginning. A lawyer can help you negotiate other things like who pays for closing costs (those extra fees that pop up at the end) and any repairs that need to be done before you move in. They’ll fight to get you the best deal possible.

4. Double Checking Safety

A lawyer will dig deeper than just the shiny floors and new paint. They’ll check for things on the property that could cause problems later; like lead paint or asbestos (stuff that can make you sick). They’ll also look at any rules from the neighborhood association (like if you can paint your house purple or not, for example).

5. Have Your Back When Things Go Wrong

Things don’t always go according to plan. Maybe the inspection finds a big problem, or maybe your financing falls through. A lawyer will explain what your options are in these situations, so you’re protected if something unexpected happens.

6. Signing on the Line with Confidence

Closing day can be overwhelming with all the documents. A lawyer will be there by your side, making sure everything is in order and explaining what you’re signing before you put pen to paper.

7. Thinking Ahead for the Future

A good lawyer will even think about the future. They might talk to you about how this house purchase might affect your taxes or how to plan for what happens to the house when you’re gone.

How Your HHWA Legal Plan Can Help

Buying a house is a big deal, and a lawyer should empower you to make the smartest decisions possible. HHWA members can have important real estate and other legal documents reviewed by our preferred lawyers, for free.

For more information about the service, including how to get started, tap below.