If you've just started shopping for a home, you’ve probably reached out to an agent or even met with a seller. However, you may also need to get in touch with a real estate law expert to settle the sale. If you're not sure what this practice area encompasses, use the following guide to find your footing.

What Is Real Estate Law?

This practice area focuses on “real property,” which is the legal term for buildings or houses and the land they are built upon. It comes into play when a property owner wants to sell to a buyer, or property is being passed down to a successor.

It may also involve disputes between property owners and their tenants. In real estate law, the most important documents are called titles, which highlight the true owner of a piece of property.

Do I Need a Real Estate Lawyer to Buy a Home?

If you're planning on becoming a homeowner in Ohio, you're not legally required to go through a real estate lawyer. However, these professionals may be crucial to achieving your goals.

For example, if a home inspection reveals water or termite damage in your dream home, a real estate lawyer can help you negotiate with the agent and the seller to get a better price, or work repairs into the closing documents. They can also read over the contracts that are presented to you to ensure they align with your best interests.

What Else Do Real Estate Lawyers Do?

Real estate lawyers also solve problems related to title searches, such as if a previous owner failed to pay off the mortgage on the house you're looking to buy. They can sort out the details with the owner, so you can move into your dream home with a clean slate. 

Should you get divorced down the line, a real estate lawyer can work to make sure you keep the house during the division of assets. They can also solve disputes with neighbors regarding boundary lines or property add-ons.

If you're interested in buying a home or commercial property, reach out to Morrow, Gordon & Byrd, Ltd. of Newark, OH. These legal minds have over eight decades of experience in both state and federal courts, so they're equipped to offer sound advice in all your real estate ventures. In addition to real estate law, they also work on estate planning and tax law cases. To learn more about their practice areas, visit them online. To request a consultation, call (740) 345-9611 today.