When beginning the process of purchasing a home, finding a lawyer that you trust can be a key factor in getting the home of your dreams. The number one reason for hiring a lawyer is to prevent problems before they happen, not after they have arrived. Using a lawyer when looking for a home ensures that you’re acting in a 100% legal way in all your actions. Acting quickly and with the proper knowledge, you will be able to get the home of your dreams successfully without any legal backlash.

Be Sure You Know What to Do/Ask

In North Carolina, a Real Estate Attorney performs the closing on your home. When searching for a Real Estate Attorney, finding one that is familiar with your Real Estate Agent, as well as the local laws and regulations, will help in the process. An attorney acts almost as a referee ensuring that everyone is following the law and that no one pressures another into something they legally shouldn’t do. Even if it’s not mandated to have a lawyer present during your closing, we highly recommend it!

Real Estate Vs Estate

Unfortunately, some people don’t realize that there is a difference between a Real Estate Attorney and an Estate Attorney. An Estate Attorney deals with matters of your estate as an entirety; this could include your home, but also cars, furniture, will, etc. Read up on the differences of a will and an estate on a previous blog titled “Understanding Your Estate Planning Options”. Some attorneys might be well practiced in both areas, and could serve as both for you. Be sure they understand and practice real estate law before you begin the process of purchasing your home with them.

Buyer or a Seller

As a homeowner, you might be selling your home while you are also in the process of buying a new one. Luckily, real estate attorneys are a great tool when dealing with tricky transactions. They can help you sell a house or even just a small plot of land from a bigger acreage that you own. A Real Estate Attorney can also help you understand and prepare for the array of tax consequences or benefits that arise when you buy and sell homes. There are different pieces that you can and can’t exempt in which your Real Estate Attorney will help you understand.

At Law Office of Mark W. Owens, III, PLLC in Greenville, NC, we are always excited to be here to help you in your next life adventure. Whether it be buying or selling a home. We hope to help you get through the process successfully and efficiently. Please feel free to reach out to us when you’re ready to start the search for your next home!