If you’re buying a home, the expenses involved start adding up quickly. There’s the hundreds of thousands of dollars you’re using to buy the property, of course, but then there’s also inspection fees, interest, broker fees––the last thing you want to do is add anything else to that growing list of expenses, but it’s still important to have a real estate attorney on your side through the process.
Do You Need to Hire a Real Estate Attorney in Texas?
There are some states that require parties to be represented by attorneys in real estate transactions. Texas is not one of these states; here, you can purchase a home without having an attorney involved at all. That said, for your protection as a buyer, it’s a good idea to have a lawyer working for you to make sure every aspect of the deal is on the up-and-up. First-time home buyers, buyers who are purchasing a home that is for sale by owner (FSBO), and buyers who are purchasing a foreclosed property in particular should be represented by a skilled real estate attorney.
In a state like Texas where real estate attorneys are not required by law, most real estate agents are versed in the basics of property law, so they’re able to facilitate many types of transactions. When conflicts arise, though, you’ll be glad that you have an experienced real estate lawyer working closely with you and your buyer’s agent to make your case and protect your rights.
What Real Estate Attorneys Do for Buyers
In an ideal real estate transaction, the seller and buyer work in harmony, with the same overall goals, and seek to avoid conflict. Unfortunately, ideal transactions can quickly become heated battles and a good real estate attorney can give you an advantage in such situations. Conflicts may occur surrounding repairs, what is included in the sale (does your buyer want to take the dining room light fixture that you fell in love with or the washer and dryer you assumed were included?), or language in the sale contract.
Real estate attorneys can help buyers prepare a home purchase contract that’s superior to the fill-in-the-blanks templates used by most real estate agents. They can prepare other home purchase documents, perform a title search, and help you close the deal.
With the purchase of a property, there may be legal issues that arise that a real estate agent cannot answer. If there’s a problem with the title that needs to be resolved before you complete the purchase, there’s no one more qualified to help than a real estate lawyer. Rent-to-own scenarios can be particularly problematic, so they’re another situation in which an attorney is critical.
Hire a Real Estate Attorney in Texas
If you’re purchasing a home and you’re seeking a knowledgeable real estate attorney to represent you through the home buying process, contact Kelly Legal Group at 512-505-0053. At Kelly Legal Group, we pride ourselves on Getting It Done for clients in Austin, Houston, San Antonio and beyond.
