Buying or selling a home is a major financial transaction, likely the biggest one most people will ever be involved in. Because of the sheer size and scope of this situation, the support and guidance of an experienced real estate lawyer are crucial throughout the process. Below are a few ways an attorney will help make the home buying or selling experience easier on you and give valuable peace of mind during what can be a hectic time.

3 Tasks a Real Estate Lawyer Will Do for You

1. Read, Review & Draft Contracts

Contracts are the meat and potatoes of any real estate transaction. They spell out the rights and responsibilities of each party involved in the sale. These documents need to be read with an expert eye and reviewed carefully to ensure you are getting the most advantageous and legally-sound deal possible. A real estate lawyer might also need to write up contracts to better protect their clients' interests and safeguard the integrity of the sale and the property.

2. Conduct Title Searches

A title search is a crucial part of the home buying process. It can reveal existing issues with the property deed — issues that, if left unattended, could jeopardize the sale. For example, an existing lien against a property might be present, and neither the seller nor the buyer may even realize such a lien is even in place. A lawyer can identify these problem areas and find the most workable solutions to get the sale back on track with minimum disruption.

3. Handle the Complexities of Closing

The closing is where all the final paperwork and deeds are signed, and the title passes from seller to buyer. There are not-insignificant costs associated with the closing of a property sale, and your attorney will review all documentation and price breakdowns to make sure those costs are appropriate. Your lawyer will also explain the terms of the sale in accessible language so you can be confident in what you're signing.

The real estate lawyers at Pepping, Balk, Kincaid & Olson, Ltd. in Silvis, Illinois, are here for you at every step of buying or selling a house. They have more than 75 years worth of combined legal experience representing area clients in real estate, bankruptcy, and business-related issues, among other practice areas. Call (309) 755-5096 or visit them online to set up an appointment today.