ANSWERS: 1
  • There are many documents and contracts involved with buying or selling real estate, and for buyers or sellers who are inundated with these papers, it can be difficult to understand what is being signed and why. The role of a real estate attorney is to represent the interests of buyers or sellers and take the mystery out of the contracts that relate to the process.

    Function

    For sellers, the real estate attorney draws up the sales agreement, makes changes as required and handles the transfer of deposits and payment as needed. For buyers, attorneys review the sales agreement and any mortgage contracts for fairness, explains the documents and requests changes as needed from the sellers' attorney.

    Features

    Real estate attorneys often attend the closing, the time when money exchanges hands from the buyer to the seller and all necessary documents are signed.

    Benefits

    In addition to devising and explaining contracts, real estate lawyers also handle issues related to unpaid liens or taxes filed against the property that must be resolved before the property can be sold.

    Education

    In order to perform their role, real estate lawyers must receive a three-year degree from an American Bar Association-approved school after completing a four-year bachelor's degree program. Upon graduation, attorneys must pass the state bar exam before being permitted to practice real estate law.

    Cost

    On average, a real estate lawyer charges between $500 and $1,000, according to LendingTree.com.

    Source:

    LendingTree.com

    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy