Real Estate FAQ

What is Title Insurance?

Title Insurance provides a guarantee of marketable title to your home. It informs you of the nature of any other interest in the property (i.e., liens and encumbrances) and protects you against unknown claims of ownership to or interests in your property.

What is the purpose of a Title Search?

A Title Search is performed to determine the rightful owner of a parcel of property and to determine the liens, rights of way, leases, etc. that effect the property. This is done by examining the public records of the County in which the property is situate. Depending on your needs or the needs of your lender, we provide either title insurance (60 year search) or an Attorneys' Certificate of Title (50 year search).

Can the same Attorney represent the Buyer and Seller in a real estate transaction?

The practice is not recommended. However, if both parties to a real estate transaction want to be represented by the same attorney, the parties must agree to sign a Consent to Dual Representation. If a problem arises between the two parties, the Attorney would withdraw from representing either party. Our attorneys do not represent both parties in commercial real estate transactions.

How long does a real estate transaction take to complete?

Once an agreement of sale has been signed and brought to our office, the closing can occur within 10 business days if the parties and the lender are prepared (barring any problems revealed in the Title Search, appraisals, surveys, etc.).

Does either party have to be present for a real estate closing?

It is recommended that both parties be present at the closing. However, if either party is unable to attend, arrangements can be made to close the transaction by mail or by escrow (by holding funds until all documents are signed and received). Upon request, our office will hold closings outside of our normal business hours.