Why You Need a Barnes Walker Real Estate Attorney at Closing

Buying a home or other real property is often the largest investment a person makes, both financially and emotionally. Real estate attorneys play a critical role in protecting buyers, sellers, real estate agents, lenders, developers, contractors, and other parties involved in real estate transactions.

Attorneys are uniquely positioned to add value to real estate closings for several important reasons.

1. Attorneys Draft and Enforce Legal Documents

Only attorneys may draft legal and enforceable contracts, agreements, deeds, loan documents, and other instruments relating to real estate. When issues arise during a transaction, an attorney can quickly reduce verbal agreements to writing and ensure that solutions are legally sound, allowing the closing to proceed as scheduled.

2. Attorneys Examine and Cure Title Issues

Real estate attorneys are trained to research and examine title. Most real estate attorneys examine their own title work and correct defects as part of the closing process. When title issues arise, an attorney has the skill and authority to prepare the necessary documentation to resolve them.

A real estate attorney effectively combines the functions of a title plant, title company, escrow agent, and law office into one comprehensive service.

3. Attorneys Provide Valuable Professional Networks

Attorneys maintain broad and dynamic professional networks. They frequently refer clients to real estate agents, lenders, developers, contractors, and other professionals. Because attorneys do not compete with real estate agents or lenders, these referral relationships can be mutually beneficial.

4. Attorneys Are Skilled Deal Makers

Real estate attorneys routinely negotiate and mediate disputes. Successful attorneys focus on keeping transactions together, not breaking them apart. When unexpected issues arise, an attorney can step in as a neutral problem solver, draft corrective agreements, and help guide the parties toward resolution.

Attorneys also review all documents for legal sufficiency and enforceability and can create additional documentation when needed. Their involvement reduces surprises and helps ensure smooth closings. Attorneys can also advise on post closing issues such as homestead matters, title ownership, and estate planning considerations.

5. Attorneys Help Reduce Liability

An attorney’s involvement helps protect buyers, sellers, agents, lenders, developers, and contractors from potential liability. Attorneys are trained to identify potential risks before closing and address them proactively so that once the transaction closes, it is truly complete.

6. Attorneys Bring Extensive Training and Ongoing Education

Real estate attorneys complete rigorous legal education, including law school and mandatory continuing legal education every year. They stay informed of changes in real estate law, lending practices, and related legal issues, allowing them to provide well informed guidance throughout the transaction.

7. Attorneys Provide Objective Advice

Unlike commissions, attorney fees are not based on whether a transaction closes or on the purchase price of the property. This allows attorneys to provide objective advice focused solely on protecting their clients’ interests and providing peace of mind.

8. The Barnes Walker Approach

At Barnes Walker and Barnes Walker Title, the firm’s approach to real estate closings is guided by the following principles:

• Providing the time and attention necessary to properly serve clients and all parties to a transaction
• Completing closings as fast or faster than competitors
• Keeping rates and fees at or below those of competing title companies
• Having an attorney owner of the firm review all documents and be present at each closing at no additional cost

9. Transparent and Competitive Fees

Barnes Walker charges a flat fee to advise clients and prepare a typical residential real estate contract. When Barnes Walker handles the closing and provides title insurance, there are no additional fees related to contract preparation.

Conclusion

These advantages highlight the value of working with a Barnes Walker real estate attorney. Only a Barnes Walker attorney can provide comprehensive legal and closing services at competitive pricing while delivering speed, experience, and protection. Engaging a real estate attorney is a smart business decision and helps ensure that transactions are handled correctly the first time.

Source: Barnes Walker Educational Series