Real Estate

Protect your largest investment. Your attorney drafts purchase agreements, prepares deeds, reviews contracts, and examines title — so you can buy or sell with confidence.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Your home deserves the same protection as any major investment.

Real estate transactions involve complex contracts, significant money, and long-term consequences. Yet many buyers and sellers navigate this process relying solely on their realtor, who, while valuable, isn't a legal advocate and can't provide legal advice.

Real estate contracts are filled with contingencies, deadlines, and clauses that affect your rights and obligations. Title issues, easements, and encumbrances can create problems that surface years later. Disclosure disputes can lead to claims down the road.

Your attorney provides the legal expertise that complements your realtor's market knowledge. While they help you find the right property and negotiate price, your attorney ensures the legal documents protect your interests — drafting the contracts, preparing the deeds, and working alongside your title company and lender.

The Value Provided

Protect Your Investment

Your home is likely your largest asset. Legal representation ensures the transaction is handled correctly and your interests are protected.

Understand What You're Signing

Real estate contracts are complex. Your attorney explains the implications of each provision so you make informed decisions.

Identify Hidden Issues

Title problems, easements, and encumbrances can create future headaches. Attorneys spot issues before they become your problem.

Negotiate from Strength

When issues arise, you need someone in your corner who understands the legal implications and can negotiate effectively.

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Missing deadlines, waiving rights unknowingly, or signing unfavorable terms can cost thousands. Professional guidance prevents these errors.

Peace of Mind

Knowing a professional is watching every detail lets you focus on the excitement of your purchase, not anxiety about legal exposure.

Services

Comprehensive real estate legal support.

From purchase agreements to deed preparation, the legal protection is provided that your real estate transaction deserves.

Purchase Agreement Drafting & Review

Contract draftingTitle examinationRisk identificationTerm negotiation

Buying a home is likely the largest financial transaction you'll ever make. Your attorney drafts and reviews purchase agreements, identifies risks, negotiates terms, and examines title to ensure the contract protects your interests. The documents your attorney prepares are what your title company and lender need to move the transaction forward.

Sale Contract Preparation

Contract negotiationDisclosure guidanceDocument preparationLiability protection

Selling your home involves significant legal exposure. Your attorney drafts and reviews the purchase contract, ensures proper disclosures, and negotiates terms that protect you. The completed documents are provided to your title company for the transaction.

Contract Review & Negotiation

Clause analysisRisk assessmentTerm negotiationAmendment drafting

Real estate contracts are complex legal documents with significant consequences. Whether you're buying or selling, your attorney reviews every clause, explains the implications, and negotiates modifications that protect your interests.

Title Examination & Review

Title search reviewLien identificationEasement analysisIssue resolution

Clear title is essential for any real estate transaction. Attorneys examine title reports, identify potential issues (liens, easements, encumbrances), and work to resolve problems before they create future headaches.

Deed Preparation & Transfers

Deed draftingTitle verificationProper executionRecording coordination

Transferring property ownership requires properly drafted and recorded deeds. Attorneys prepare warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, transfer-on-death deeds, and other conveyance documents, ensuring proper execution and recording.

Refinance Document Review

Loan reviewTitle updateDocument preparationLender coordination

Refinancing involves new loan documents and title updates. Attorneys review loan terms, examine updated title, and prepare the documents your lender needs to ensure your refinance proceeds smoothly.

FSBO Legal Support

Contract draftingDisclosure preparationProcess guidanceLegal protection

Selling without a realtor? You still need legal protection. Attorneys draft or review the purchase contract, prepare required disclosures, and ensure your FSBO sale is legally sound. Your title company handles the transaction mechanics.

Property Ownership Restructuring

Ownership analysisTax coordinationTrust transfersDocumentation

Changing how property is titled, adding a spouse, transferring to a trust, or creating joint ownership, requires careful attention to tax implications, estate planning considerations, and proper documentation.

Boundary & Easement Review

Survey reviewEasement identificationEncroachment analysisBoundary explanation

Understanding what you're actually buying includes knowing about easements, encroachments, and boundary issues. Attorneys review surveys and title documents to identify and explain any issues affecting the property.

HOA Document Review

Covenant reviewFee analysisRestriction identificationFinancial review

Homeowners associations come with rules, restrictions, and financial obligations. Attorneys review HOA documents before you buy, covenants, bylaws, financial statements, and meeting minutes, so you know what you're getting into.

1031 Exchange Documentation

Exchange documentationTimeline complianceQI coordinationIRS compliance

Tax-deferred exchanges require strict compliance with IRS rules. Attorneys work with qualified intermediaries to prepare documentation that protects your exchange, ensuring you don't inadvertently trigger taxable events.

Virtual-First Real Estate

Modern convenience for your real estate transaction.

Real estate transactions used to require stacks of paper and in-person meetings at every step. Today, much of the process can happen virtually, saving you time while maintaining the protection you need.

Virtual contract review, your attorney can review your contract over video conference, walking through provisions together and explaining implications in real time.

Document delivery is streamlined. Your attorney prepares and delivers the documents your title company and lender need electronically, keeping the transaction moving without unnecessary delays.

Continuous access through MyRelevant means documents are always at your fingertips. No more shuffling through paper files to find that one clause you wanted to reread.

MyRelevant for Real Estate

Document Central

Contracts, disclosures, title documents, and deeds all in one secure, organized location.

Quick Questions

Ask questions between meetings and get answers without waiting for callbacks or playing phone tag.

Deadline Tracking

Inspection periods, financing contingencies, and contract deadlines tracked so nothing expires unexpectedly.

Virtual Meetings

Video consultations for contract review, document walkthroughs, and issue discussion.

Secure Sharing

Share documents with your realtor, lender, or title company through secure, controlled access.

Transaction History

Your completed transaction documents remain accessible for future reference, refinancing, selling, or tax purposes.

The Process

What to expect during the process.

Every transaction is different, but here's how your attorney typically supports your real estate purchase or sale.

01

Engagement

You bring your attorney your transaction, whether you've already signed a contract or are about to. Your attorney reviews the situation and explains how they can help protect your interests.

Same day

02

Contract Review & Drafting

Your attorney reviews the purchase agreement or drafts one for you, identifying risks, explaining terms, and negotiating modifications that protect your position.

24-48 hours

03

Due Diligence

Your attorney examines title, reviews HOA documents, coordinates inspections, and addresses any issues that arise during the due diligence period.

Varies by contract

04

Issue Resolution

When problems surface — title issues, inspection findings, appraisal gaps — your attorney helps negotiate solutions or amendments that keep the deal on track.

As needed

05

Document Delivery

Your attorney prepares the documents your title company and lender need — deeds, contracts, amendments — and coordinates with all parties to ensure everything is in order.

2-3 days before

Common Questions

Real estate legal questions answered.

Do I really need an attorney for a real estate transaction?

In some states, attorneys are required. In others, they're optional but valuable. Real estate contracts have significant legal and financial implications — contingencies, disclosures, title issues, and deed preparation all involve legal considerations. An attorney ensures your interests are protected and helps you understand what you're signing.

What's the difference between a title company and a real estate attorney?

Title companies handle closings and issue title insurance, but they represent the transaction, not you. They can't give legal advice or advocate for your interests. An attorney drafts and reviews contracts, negotiates on your behalf, and prepares the documents your title company needs to complete the transaction. Many buyers use both — the attorney for document preparation and advocacy, the title company for the closing itself.

How much does real estate document preparation cost?

Costs vary by transaction complexity. Standard document preparation — purchase agreements, deeds, and contract review — typically ranges from $500-1,500. Complex transactions with negotiations, title issues, or unusual circumstances may cost more. Fee estimates are provided upfront so you know what to expect.

Do you handle closings?

The firm focuses on document preparation — drafting purchase agreements, preparing deeds, reviewing contracts, and examining title. Closings are handled by title companies and lenders. Your attorney prepares the documents they need and coordinates with them to ensure everything is in order for a smooth transaction.

When should I contact an attorney in the buying process?

Ideally, before you sign the purchase contract. Once you sign, you're bound by its terms. If you've already signed, contact your attorney immediately — most contracts have attorney review periods or due diligence windows where attorneys can still help negotiate changes.

What issues commonly arise in real estate transactions?

Title defects (liens, judgments, easements), survey issues, inspection findings, appraisal gaps, financing contingencies, HOA complications, and disclosure disputes are common. Having an attorney means someone is watching for these issues and ready to address them when they arise.

Can you help with investment property purchases?

Absolutely. Investment properties often involve additional considerations — entity structuring, 1031 exchanges, lease review, and different financing structures. Attorneys help investors structure transactions appropriately and prepare the documents needed to protect their interests.

What about new construction purchases?

New construction contracts are heavily weighted toward the builder. Attorneys review builder contracts, identify one-sided provisions, and negotiate modifications where possible. Attorneys also help you understand warranty provisions and what recourse you have for construction defects.

Ready to protect your real estate transaction?

Whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing, schedule a consultation to discuss how your attorney can help.