Why Do I Need a Real Estate Lawyer?

Between closing costs, realtor commissions, taxes, and filing fees, hiring a real estate attorney is often low on your priority list. However, failing to do so can cost you even more.

By retaining an experienced real estate lawyer to monitor and finalize real estate transactions, you can protect your family and business from fraud and title defects. Contact the professional real estate team at Mette Law by calling 717-232-5000 or connecting with them online before finalizing any real estate transaction in Lebanon, PA.

Benefits of Retaining Private Real Estate Counsel

Whether you’re purchasing a home in Woodfort or renting a building on Cumberland Street, here’s why you need a private real estate attorney:

Quieting Title

If you notice any discrepancies in the title, you may need an attorney to file a legal action to ‘quiet title’. This means establishing clear legal ownership of the property. If the seller only offers you a quitclaim deed or you notice another party on the deed has a legal interest, such as a life estate, hire an attorney immediately.

Ensuring Legal Transfer

Pennsylvania is a ‘race’ jurisdiction for obtaining property ownership. This means the first party to file the deed obtains legal rights to the property in case of ownership confusion or fraud. A real estate attorney can ensure the title vests with you.

Analyzing Adverse Possession

Adverse possession is the legal term used when someone else, such as a neighbor, has taken control of a portion of the property. This often occurs when the neighbor’s fence is on your lawn. This can create significant problems and liabilities. A real property lawyer can ensure the property is free from potential adverse possession claims.

Checking for Easements

Many properties have hidden easements, such as those permitting neighbors to cross your driveway. Experienced real estate attorneys can check to see if the property is free from the following:

• Utility easements
• Necessary easements
• Access easements
• Prescriptive easements (adverse possession)
• Public easements
• Easements by estoppel

Some easements are implied or based on previous use and good faith promises. These must be disclosed and considered in the sales and purchase price.

Most large real estate and title companies offer ‘legal services’, but these attorneys do not work directly for you. They want to push through transactions, not protect you from potential liabilities. Always consider retaining private real estate counsel, whether you live in Lebanon or a nearby community.

Attorneys for Real Estate Contract Disputes

When you sign a real estate purchase contract, the seller makes specific promises to the buyer. Sometimes, one party wants the contract to fail because the financing fell through, or a better deal is available. Undisclosed liabilities, such as local tax liens, can surface before closing. In some cases, you might need to litigate. A private real estate lawyer can help renegotiate or cancel a real estate contract in Lebanon. Experienced real property litigators can also file a lawsuit for specific performance to force the sale.

Retain a Dedicated Lebanon, PA Real Estate Lawyer Today

If a real estate transaction looks too good to be true, it probably is. Do not take any risks on high-value commercial or residential real estate transactions. Contact the experienced Pennsylvania real estate team at Mette Law today by calling 717-232-5000 or contacting us online.