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Before you sign an agreement of sale,
you might consider asking an attorney to look it over and tell you if it
protects your interests. If you have already signed your agreement of
sale, you might still consider having an attorney review it. An attorney
can also help you prepare for the settlement. In some areas attorneys act
as settlement/closing agents or as escrow agents to handle the settlement.
An attorney who does this will not solely represent your interests, since,
as settlement/closing agent, he or she may also be representing the
seller, the lender and others as well.
Please note, in many areas of the
country attorneys are not normally involved in the home sale. For example,
escrow agents or escrow companies in western states handle the paperwork
to transfer title without any attorney involvement.
If choosing a attorney,
you should shop around and ask what services will be performed for what
fee. Find out whether the attorney is experienced in representing home
buyers. You may wish to ask the attorney questions such as:
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What is the charge for
negotiating the agreement of sale, reviewing documents and giving
advice concerning those documents, for being present at the
settlement, or for reviewing instructions to the escrow agent or
company?
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Will the attorney represent
anyone other than you in the transaction?
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Will the attorney be paid by
anyone other than you in the transaction?
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