REAL ESTATE Attorney's Role In Residential Real Estate Transactions To review contract between buyer and seller. To negotiate any home inspection issues. To review the title commitment and survey. To ascertain whether any liens, encroachments, easements, or restrictions pertain to the property. To communicate and work with lenders, realtors, other attorneys, surveyors, homeowners' associations, and any other parties involved with the transaction. To obtain mortgage pay-off amounts, advise client regarding obtaining homeowner's insurance and other expenses related to closing. To determine whether title exceptions can be cleared successfully and to take the necessary actions to accomplish this task. To prepare or review the closing documents, including but not limited to the deed, the affidavit of title, the bill of sale, mortgage documents (for buyer), the transfer tax declaration, the ALTA statement, and the closing statement. To attend the closing and oversee the signing of documents. Back to the main page