When buying or selling property, there are increasingly complicated processes and documents involving legal information that can be frustrating to sort through, but having an attorney assist you can make the experience much easier. At Collins, McMahon & Harris, we have the combined years of experience and skill in the area of real estate to guide you through a purchase and/or sale with less aggravation for you.
Purchase and Sale Contract - When buying or selling property, the Purchase and Sales Contract is one of the first steps in the process. Whether you need a contract drafted or simply want someone who is looking out for your best interest to review a contract that has already been prepared, we will work with you to insure that you understand all aspects of the agreement.
Title Search - Our firm conducts thorough title searches on property being purchased by our clients. We research the property in the land records back 40 years, look at all the deeds, easements, mortgages, liens, etc. that pertain to the property. We will confirm that all previous mortgages have been validly discharged. We review tax, town zoning and state permit information applicable to the property to make sure all town and state requirements are satisfied. One reason the title search is done is to make sure that you are buying property that is free and clear of all encumbrances of record.
Title Insurance - We can provide title insurance and issue an owner’s title insurance policy to the buyer who wants it for a one time premium. Title insurance will “keep you covered,” so to speak, should a claim arise against your property that is not apparent from a search of the land records. For example, if the purchase property was previously obtained by a forged deed, that is not apparent from a title search. In such a situation, an owner’s title policy would be beneficial in defending title to the property.
Closing - The closing is the last step of the process. If you are buying property with bank financing, the closing is typically at your attorney’s office. When representing you as a buyer, the closing is where we will go through all of the lender’s documents with you, explain what the documents mean and answer any questions you may have. We review the deed and other property transfer documents and make sure that the appropriate documents are sent to the land records and bank. We also handle the preparation and exchange of all the checks that will be necessary. When you are selling property, the closing is typically held at the buyer’s attorney’s office. The main duty of a seller at a closing is simply to sign the deed and a couple of property transfer forms. However, we can attend the closing when you are the seller in case you should have any questions during the process. Also, if you are not able or do not wish to attend the closing, whether you are buying or selling property, we can appear for you and sign the documents with a Power of Attorney.
Our office can answer other specific questions you may have. Please contact us any time and we would be happy to assist you.