Right to Trial

  The Seventh Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to sue for money damages in court. Because binding arbitration clauses are so prevalent, some fear that Americans are losing access to the civil court system. Binding arbitration is outside this system. If you’ve ever purchased stock, insured your car, taken out a loan, … Continue reading Right to Trial →

Posted On August 20, 2016 BY admin

DUI/DWI Liability

Do you think that businesses that serve alcohol should be liable if one of their customers injures someone while driving drunk? Dram shop laws establish the liability of liquor stores, taverns, restaurants, and other businesses that serve alcoholic beverages. A “dram” is a small amount of liquid. Generally, if a business serves alcohol to a … Continue reading DUI/DWI Liability →

Posted On August 06, 2016 BY admin

Snafus In Home Improvement: The Contractor’s Lien

There are many issues that can arise during a home improvement project. One of the worst of these is a Contractor’s Lien. Also called a mechanic’s lien, a Contractor’s Lien is filed when a contractor or subcontractor claims you have not paid for work or supplies. It places a security interest on your property, something that could lead to foreclosure.

When planning any type of construction project, it is best to be aware of the pitfalls of a Contractor’s Lien. With proper planning, you can decrease the likelihood of incurring one yourself. If one is filed for any reason, understanding these liens will better prepare you to fight them, should they occur.

Posted On July 28, 2016 BY admin

Shared Ownership Housing Part I

We’re re-running another popular article today, in celebration of our new home. There are many types of housing. In today’s world, many developments are part of a condominium or Homeowners’ Association. In other areas, co-ops are popular. Today, we’re going to discuss these forms of housing, as well as their similarities and differences.

Posted On July 07, 2016 BY admin

What Happens in a Real Estate Closing?

What Happens in a Real Estate Closing?

Buying property can be an exciting process. You look at properties, find one you love, and make an offer. When the sellers accept that offer, you will need to close on the property. For many buyers, the closing is a mystifying process. This article will explain what to expect at a Real Estate Closing.

Posted On June 30, 2016 BY admin

Real Estate Attorneys

Do I Need a Lawyer When Buying or Selling a Home?
When it comes to buying, selling, and transferring properties, most people think of Realtors, rather than attorneys.  However, failing to hire an attorney for your real estate dealings can be a huge mistake.  There are good reasons to hire an attorney for real estate transactions.

Posted On June 23, 2016 BY admin

What Happens in a Real Estate Closing?

Buying property can be an exciting process. You look at properties, find one you love, and make an offer. When the sellers accept that offer, you will need to close on the property. For many buyers, the closing is a mystifying process. This article will explain what to expect at a Real Estate Closing.

Posted On May 12, 2016 BY admin

The Closing Process

Closing is often called “settlement.” These two terms are used interchangeably, so a Real Estate Closing and a Real Estate Settlement are the same thing. In a nutshell, this is when all documents are signed, monies are exchanged, and the property transfers to the buyer. The period between acceptance of an offer and closing is often called “the escrow period.

Posted On May 12, 2016 BY admin

What Happens During Closing?

All parties involved meet in a mutually agreed upon location to review and sign all of the documents. Since most of these documents are prepared in advance of the Settlement Meeting, you should have already thoroughly reviewed them with your attorney. If there is a mortgage involved, these documents are reviewed, signed, and notarized during this meeting, and the monies are disbursed to the seller. The buyer also pays his share, including closing costs, via certified check. Often, the buyer is also required to set up an escrow account to cover things like taxes, insurance, and the first few mortgage payments. The buyer will need a separate certified check for this. In addition, closing costs (usually 3-5% of the financed amount) are paid with a third certified check. The Real Estate Agents also receive their commissions during the closing conference.

Posted On May 12, 2016 BY admin

Who is at a Settlement?

Whether you are the buyer or the seller, hopefully you’ve followed our advice and retained an attorney to help you with the whole process. Your attorney should have reviewed ALL contracts and documents, as well as helped you with all negotiations. Your attorney should also be there for the closing. In addition to buyer’s and seller’s attorneys, you can expect both the real estate agents (both the Buyer’s and Seller’s agents,) a representative from the financing agency (usually a bank,) and a representative from a title company. You will also need a Notary Public to notarize all the documents. Often, one of the Real Estate Agents, Bank Representatives, Lawyers, or Title Company representatives is a Notary. Connecticut, Georgia, and Delaware all require an attorney to execute the closing, so if you live in one of those states, settlement definitely includes at least one lawyer.

Posted On May 12, 2016 BY admin