|
| |
B. Selecting an Attorney
-
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 attorney's 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 agent, he or she may also be representing the seller, the lender
and others as well.
-
I 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.
|
