Real Estate Law

Foreclosure and other Real Property Issues

Buying a home in Maine is one of the biggest and most expensive purchases you’ll ever make. Whether it’s your first home, an upgraded home for your growing family, or a downsized home after the children are grown, you want to feel good about it when you finally get to move in.

Maybe you’ve done some research online, and maybe well-meaning friends have offered you some advice. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if something goes wrong, who do you turn to? That’s right—a real estate lawyer. So why not work with a lawyer throughout the whole transaction?

If you’re in the market for a home or other property, here are some reasons to consider starting your journey with a real estate attorney.

Documents And The Negotiation Process

Real estate purchase contracts are often long documents with a lot of legal terminologies that are difficult to understand. An enthusiastic seller may want you to sign quickly before you have a chance to read and understand everything.

Whether you’re a buyer or seller, a real estate attorney can negotiate on your behalf and draft documents that are suited to the transaction. Your attorney will also review any documents to make sure it covers everything adequately and is legally enforceable, including the purchase agreement. He or she will explain everything in it and let you know if there is something detrimental.

The Title Search And Title Insurance

Now that you’ve signed the purchase agreement, a title search is in order to determine there are any defects, and if the owner has the legal right to sell you the property. Your real estate attorney will be able to find any liens or judgments associated with the home’s title. Should you continue the process if there’s a problem? He or she can advise you on the best way to proceed, (including title insurance), offer suggestions to the seller about the claims, and obtain proof of their removal.

Real Estate Filings Done Right The First Time

Deeds for real estate transfers must be filed in the county courthouse. Having your real estate lawyer involved in the process ensures that everything is done correctly and that there are no problems with the deed to come back and haunt you later.

The Closing

When it’s time to meet with the buyer/seller and their representative for purchasing, your attorney can accompany you to the actual purchase, or closing, and ensure that everything is done correctly. Other documents associated with the transaction will be executed at this time.

Note: if you decide to hire an attorney for your real estate purchase, it’s best to do a little research, ask around and find one on your own. Don’t leave it to the real estate agent, who may not want any outside parties involved (and won’t always have your best interests at heart.)

Additional Litigation

Should you have problems later on with your home’s title, easements, lien claims, boundary disputes, adverse possession (also called “squatter’s rights”), environmental issues, contract disputes and other related legal issues, a real estate attorney can work with you and the other party to resolve it.

Should the need arise, an attorney can also help you with foreclosures due to bankruptcy or other financial issues. You may not necessarily lose your home.

Your Real Estat Lawyer In Gorham, ME

Working with a real estate attorney is an extra expense on top of everything else involved in a purchase. However, over the course of the transaction, you’ll be able to save money on problems that you might not know about if you don’t have an attorney.

Peter W. Evans has helped homeowners in Maine with their various real estate law issues, including buying, selling, and foreclosure. Mr. Evans gives each client and case personal attention to resolve nearly any kind of real estate litigation problem. Call (207) 747-5114 today or contact us online to make an appointment.