If you have decided to put your home on the market, there are several steps you must take before creating the listing, including hiring the right professionals to guide you through the complex selling process. While an agent can assist you in many different ways, it takes a real estate attorney to ensure a transaction upholds certain legal requirements and serves your best interests. As you navigate the various stages involved in selling a home, you’re likely to have a number of questions. A lawyer will provide you with the answers you need to make educated decisions. Below are a few inquiries to consider making as you determine how to set yourself up to achieve a successful deal.

3 Questions to Ask a Real Estate Attorney When Selling Your House

1. Is It Necessary to Have a Current Certificate of Occupancy?

A Certificate of Occupancy is used to show buyers any construction done on a property has been approved by town officials and was completed in compliance with local building codes and regulations. If you’ve made any home improvements or renovations, this document is essential to have, as it can make the difference in whether or not a buyer’s lender approves their mortgage loan.

2. Can I Change My Mind About Selling Without Having to Pay My Agent?

The answer to this will depend on the terms you agreed to when hiring the agent. Typically, you will still be responsible for paying them a commission if they present you with a buyer who is willing to make an offer at full price regardless of your decision to go through with the sale. A real estate attorney can review the contract you have with the agent to determine what your obligation is.

3. Should I Wait Until After Closing to Let the Buyers Move In?

In some cases, buyers will ask to negotiate a move-in date that precedes the closing date of a property sale. No matter how confident you feel about the transaction, it’s crucial to proceed with caution because it’s possible for a deal to fall through all the way up to the last minute. If this happens after a buyer has already moved into your home, you may have to go through a costly and complicated eviction process. 

Asking the right questions will help ensure you’re fully informed of your rights and obligations as a seller. The residents of Waynesboro, VA, understand the best way to avoid problems with the transaction is to work with a real estate attorney from PoindexterHill, P.C. The firm’s team of reputable legal professionals has been advising clients on how to get the most favorable results out of a real estate deal since 1976. Contact them at (540) 943-1118, or visit their website for more information.