Real Estate Closings FAQs

A real estate closing attorney is a legal professional who helps facilitate the transfer of real estate ownership from a seller to a buyer. They ensure that all legal requirements are met, title is properly transferred, each party only pays for what they should, and that each party gets everything they are supposed to get (in terms of money and property).

As a Florida judge used to regularly say, in law, there is generally one way to get it right and a million ways to screw it up. This is certainly true for real estate closings. Click here to see all the steps for closings. A real estate closing involves numerous searches, documents, and checks and re-checks. An attorney can review contracts, conduct title searches, address legal issues, and look out for your interests throughout the process. A real estate sale or purchase is often one of the most expensive financial transactions of your life. There are several times in your life when you should have an attorney. This is one of them.

A Florida real estate closing attorney provides a range of services, including reviewing purchase agreements, conducting title searches, preparing and reviewing closing documents, facilitating the closing process, and resolving legal issues that may arise.

It’s best to hire a real estate closing attorney as soon as you begin the process of buying or selling real estate in Florida. They can provide guidance from the early stages of negotiation through the closing process.

Look for an attorney with significant experience in real estate closings. Consider their reputation, track record, and client reviews. Ensure that they are responsive to your needs and communicate effectively. And of course, “trust your gut.”

During the closing process, the attorney ensures that all necessary documents are properly prepared and executed, that title is properly transferred, and that each party gets the property and money they are entitled to receive. A great closing attorney also helps resolve issues to help the parties achieve their goals.

The cost of hiring a real estate closing attorney in Florida can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the transaction and the attorney’s fee structure. Some attorneys charge a flat fee, while others may bill by the hour or a percentage of the transaction.

A good closing attorney should address this with you early in the process and again just before closing. You will need proper identification and, if you are the buyer, “cleared” funds. The attorney should also prepare all necessary documents that you’ll need to sign.

While title companies can handle some aspects of the closing process, they cannot provide legal advice or address complex legal issues. They are also limited in what documents they can prepare in certain cases. Having a real estate closing attorney increases the odds that your interests are fully protected and any legal issues are properly addressed.

The real estate closing process in Florida typically takes about thirty days from contract to closing. But it can be shorter or longer, depending on various factors. Your attorney can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.