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.
If choosing an 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:
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?
Will the attorney represent anyone other than you in the
transaction?
Will the attorney be paid by anyone other than you in
the transaction?
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. |