Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Do I need an attorney to sell my house in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, there is a law (Chapter 221, Section 46a) that prohibits anyone other than an attorney from practicing law in the state. While you can create contracts without a lawyer (which is essentially what they do for you during a house sale), you are required to have a lawyer present at the time of closing.

What is it called when you are forced to sell your property?

So, what is eminent domain? Basically, the government can force the sale of private property in the name of public use. For example, if your house is next to a freeway that's scheduled for widening, the government can force you to sell so long as you are paid fairly.

What do you call a person who helps you buy a house?

Most buyers and sellers refer to him or her as their salesperson, agent, broker, Realtor, or some pet name that is best left to the imagination. The monikers are all interchangeable.

How do you ask a realtor to represent you?

Write An Email. Email is a great way to reach out because you can include a long introduction describing what you are looking for. Consider including a bulleted list of your “must-haves” and “nice to haves” when it comes to the home buying or selling process.

Would an agent be representing a customer in a real estate purchase?

A buyer's agent only represents the buyer, while a selling agent represents only the seller in a transaction. There are also dual agents in real estate transactions. These agents may represent both a buyer and a seller as the agency law allows them to represent both clients within the same transaction.

Why should you use a real estate agent in most cases?

Agents can get broader exposure for your property, help you negotiate a better deal, dedicate more time to your sale, and prevent your emotions from sabotaging it. An agent brings expertise, which few FSBO sellers have, to a complex transaction with many potential financial and legal pitfalls.

What do we call an agent who represents a seller exclusively in a real estate transaction?

The term “agency” is used in real estate to help determine what legal responsibilities your real estate professional owes to you and other parties in the transaction. The seller's representative (also known as a listing agent or seller's agent) is hired by and represents the seller.

How do you talk to a professional realtor?

Key Takeaways

1. Take advantage of your initial meeting to get a lot of your questions answered upfront.
2. Ask your agent to share their preferred business hours and communication style.
3. You both may feel more comfortable speaking by text or email in place of (or in addition to) phone calls.

Does Texas require real estate attorney?

In Texas, it is not legally required to hire a real estate attorney in order to buy or sell property. Most other states will require the participation of an attorney. However, in Texas, we have legislation promulgated title policies, meaning that there's not much negotiation that can happen during this process.

When do you need a real estate lawyer and agent

Do you need an attorney to buy a house in PA?	The simple answer is - no - you do not need an attorney to buy or sell a home in Pennsylvania. There is no legal requirement that an attorney be involved in any stage of the transaction. However, the proper question to be asked is if it would be advisable for you to be represented by an attorney.
How much is a real estate attorney fee in Illinois?	Real estate attorney fees in Illinois typically range from $500 to $1500 for residential transactions, influenced by factors such as experience, location, and specialization.
Why is it important to hire a good lawyer?	An attorney knows what to address and when to address it in Court. This is extremely important and can be overlooked when trying to save money. A detailed understanding of how evidence works and the rules of evidence is critical to a case.
What does a real estate attorney do in Texas?	Property lawyers make sure that the terms of the purchase contract are legally valid and binding. They also verify that there are no liens or other legal issues with the property. If there are any issues, they will work with the buyer or seller to get them resolved before closing.
Do you need a closing attorney in Virginia?	Although The Code of Virginia allows “non-lawyers,” such as title insurance companies, to close real estate transactions, there are many benefits to spending a little extra to have a licensed attorney on your side.
Does having a lawyer make a difference?	There is another important benefit to hiring an attorney if you have been accused of a crime. This is true even if the attorney isn't a very good one. That benefit is having someone to act as a buffer between you and the prosecution.
Can a lawyer be a real estate agent in NY?	A lawyer can be a real estate broker in New York, provided that they meet the legal requirements and follow the rules and regulations of the New York State Bar Association.
What can the NC real estate Commission do?	The Commission's primary function is to license and regulate real estate agents (persons and firms who sell, lease, etc. real estate for others). North Carolina's 100,000-plus real estate agents are licensed as brokers.
Who has the legal right to choose the closing attorney for a real estate transaction in South Carolina?	The buyer Residential Real Estate Closings: Who Chooses the Attorney? Typically, the buyer chooses the closing attorney according to the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code.

• What qualifications do you need to be a real estate agent NZ?
  • To become a real estate agent you need to:
    • Complete the New Zealand Diploma in Business (Level 6) with the real estate strand after you have been working for three years.
    • Apply for an agent's licence from the Real Estate Authority to legally work in New Zealand.
• How much does a real estate attorney cost in NY?

  • On average, real estate attorney fees for closing in New York will run you between $2,000 to $3,000 per transaction. However, fees depend on the attorney, the deal's complexity, and what part of NY the property is. Each attorney has different rates, and there is no set amount that every homeowner must pay.

• Do you need an attorney to buy a house in Massachusetts?
  • Before signing any legal documents or contracts an attorney should be consulted to review the documents. Consult an attorney throughout the home buying process to ensure all deadlines and requirements are met in order to reach the final purchase stage.

• Do you need an attorney to buy a house in NY?

  • If you are buying or selling a home in the state of New York, it is required that you work with an attorney to process all contracts and represent you at the closing. In addition, your attorney will assist you by: Preparing the first draft of the sales contract. Finalizing the contract between the buyer and seller.

• Do you need an attorney to buy a house in Illinois?

  • When it comes to buying and selling property, Illinois is considered an "attorney state." Lawyers participate in the real estate sale process as a matter of custom and practice. But there are no laws or ordinances that require a buyer or seller to use one.

• What credit score is needed to buy a house in Massachusetts?

  • The minimum credit score to buy a house in Massachusetts is 580. Borrowers will a lower credit score of 500 to 579 may also be eligible for select mortgage lenders.

• Does Texas require a real estate attorney?

  • In Texas, it is not legally required to hire a real estate attorney in order to buy or sell property. Most other states will require the participation of an attorney. However, in Texas, we have legislation promulgated title policies, meaning that there's not much negotiation that can happen during this process.

• Why you should always use a real estate agent?
  • Act as an expert guide.

    Buying a home typically requires a variety of forms, reports, disclosures, and other legal and financial documents. A knowledgeable real estate agent will know what's required in your market, helping you avoid delays and costly mistakes.

• Is an attorney required for closing in NY?

  • Technically speaking, an attorney is not required to sell or buy a home or real estate in New York. Thousands of transactions happen every year, with the only professionals involved being real estate agents and brokers.