- Identifying unpaid loans, litigation, liens, or other claims on a property. The legal counsel further works toward clearing these factors, uncovering deed restrictions or any discrepancies in the chain of title.
- Writing up disclosures, deeds, the mortgage, or preparing the note to secure the mortgage after the mortgage lender's instructions. The lawyer is also responsible for explaining mortgage terms to clients.
- Preparing settlement statements that indicate funds from the buyer and the charges to all parties involved. These charges include agent commissions, lawyer fees, taxes, title search fees, loan discount points, and underwriting fees.
- Reviewing and negotiating real estate contracts to determine the amount of money that needs to be allocated.
- Ensuring all parties involved have fulfilled the terms of the contract and offer assistance if there is conflict.
- Check their level of experience and for deals closed successfully in the recent past.
- Check if the person is a member of the real estate section of the region's bar association.
- When it comes to lawyer fees, check whether they charge hourly or flat rates to file paperwork and carry out other legal proceedings.
- Identify the title insurance company they are authorized to represent.
- Ensure they are on the approved lawyer list for closing loans for multiple reputable banks.
- Confirm the hours of availability to ensure easy communication.