When selling or buying a home, you must meet numerous obligations and prepare, review, and sign more than a dozen multi-page documents. Hiring a real estate agent makes the process easier, but some matters require help from an attorney. Here is why hiring a lawyer is essential for a successful home sale and purchase.

What Lawyers Do for Sellers

Most buyers and sellers end up making changes and additions when using standard real estate purchase and sale contracts. Typical changes include how and when the title will be transferred and what fixtures and other items are part of the sale.

Representation by an experienced Iowa contract lawyer ensures all the documents and modifications comply with federal and state laws. Your lawyer makes your intentions clear, and the contract terms serve your best interest.

Other services an Iowa seller’s attorney performs include holding the buyer’s earnest money in their escrow account and locating the abstract of title. They also prepare the deed, Declaration of Value (DOV), Ground Water Hazard Statement (GWHS), and a closing statement.

What Lawyers Do for Buyers

A buyer’s attorney ensures the purchase and sales contract conforms to the law and serves their client’s best interests. Your lawyer receives the updated abstract of title from the seller’s attorney and reviews it.

Other services include advising you on the types of deeds, such as a warranty deed and court officer’s deed, and how to take title to the property. Attorneys for buyers explain the benefits of purchasing an Owner’s Title Guarantee Certificate and endorsements and how the Iowa Finance Authority Title Guaranty Division issues the documents.

Your lawyer prepares or reviews all necessary closing documents, communicates with your lender to exchange paperwork, and attends the closing. After closing, the attorney ensures all disbursements have been made and that the deed, GWHS, and DOV are recorded.  

Whether you’re selling or buying a home, get help from the lawyers at Cronin Skilton & Skilton, P.L.L.C. Experienced in serving residents in communities throughout Charles City and Nashua, IA, this legal team offers skill, knowledge, and dedication in bringing real estate sales transactions to successful conclusions. To speak with the Nashua office, call (641) 435-2462 or call the office in Charles City at (641) 228-3318. Visit their website to learn more about their practice areas.