How to Choose a Real Estate Lawyer
For the most part, hiring a lawyer means something bad has happened, but when purchasing a piece of real estate in Chatham-Kent, it's a necessary step. Buying a Chatham home is a huge undertaking that requires contracts, and the legal expertise of a professional real estate lawyer. Choosing a real estate lawyer however, requires more than flipping through the phone book. Not every lawyer in Chatham-Kent specializes in real estate; some in fact, don't touch real estate at all. There are many reasons you need a good real estate lawyer with experience; most importantly, it will protect you, and make your deal to purchase a home in Chatham-Kent go smoothly.
Do your research before you sign
Before you sign or put a retainer on a Chatham-Kent real estate lawyer, it's important to do your research, as not all lawyers are qualified to work in real estate. Read their websites, look in local directories, ask friends who they used, and talk to your Chatham-Kent real estate agent. If people have successfully used a lawyer and were happy with the service, they'll likely refer you to them. If they've had a negative experience, you can bet they'll also be more than happy to tell you which lawyer not to visit. If you can't find literature or a description of real estate services offered on a lawyer's website, in a newspaper ad, or in the Yellowpages, that is a sure sign they don't specialize in real estate law. Don't take an advertisements word for it either, do your research, and choose wisely. This is a huge transaction that shouldn't be trusted to the first lawyer you find in the phonebook or on Google.
Time to get more specific
Some lawyers don't have knowledge or experience in completing real estate transactions. Just as surgeons specialize in certain areas of the body, lawyers also have areas they practice in on a regular basis. As well, certain lawyers may work on commercial real estate deals, but have no experience in residential (or vice versa). Remember, a business changing hands is very different from a home changing hands. There are unique requirements and concerns in each that your Chatham-Kent real estate lawyer should be aware of. Also, you may want to inquire as to whether or not the seller is also a client of the lawyer, as this may cause conflicting interests.
What will a Chatham-Kent real estate lawyer do?
Chatham-Kent real estate lawyers provide a number of services to both buyers and sellers. First, they draw up the contract defining the purchase price, inclusions, and closing stipulations. Your real estate lawyer will also assure that all requirements of sale have been completed including acquisition of financing, insurance, and any other guideline set out in your real estate contract. After your financing has been acquired, it is your lawyer that takes care of the money transaction for you to assure it is done within the legal guidelines of sale. Once this is completed, your real estate lawyer will also conduct a title search on the property. This will assure that the property is zoned properly and that no liens have been taken out on the property, among other things. In simple terms, a lawyer is supposed to take the stress out of buying or selling a home or property, and they should help you understand your real estate contract and other documents.
If you want to discuss the role of a Chatham-Kent real estate lawyer, or you're looking for a recommendation of whom you can contact, feel free to send me an email on my Contact Me page, or call at 519-360-0141. For now, why not start browsing my Chatham-Kent Real Estate Listings or keep reading my Chatham-Kent Real Estate Resources.