In order to buy a home, you'll need to pony up some cash.  Many Buyers have been saving diligently for a downpayment but are then surprised to receive a loan estimate from a Lender telling them they need to bring several thousands more to the table in order to cover Closing Costs.   In fact, a recent study showed that nearly 20% of first-time home-buyers are surprised to learn that Closing Costs exist at Read More

Potential homebuyers conduct title searches because it is a means to determine legal ownership—which is an essential factor during a real estate transaction. The most free and unencumbered real property ownership is called “fee simple.” Under these circumstances, the owner is free to convey the property or leave it to their heirs without limitations.  You may have already accepted that purchasing title insurance Read More

When you make an offer on a home, you will use the North Carolina Offer to Purchase and Contract. Some parties and agents may also refer to this as a due diligence contract. After the seller signs and accepts the offer, the due diligence period is the next phase of the home-buying process. As a buyer, this is your time to inspect the property, and during the due diligence period, you can terminate the contract for Read More

Title insurance covers the condition of your title or ownership rights to a piece of real estate. While it can't guarantee that title defects won't exist or won't occur, a title insurance policy insures you against losses caused by conditions not disclosed in your policy that may affect your title. Hidden risks covered by owner's title insurance include: Forged deeds and other documentsClerical errorUnidentified Read More

When you close on your home, we want you to celebrate afterward. This is a significant milestone in your life, and you’ve worked, sacrificed, and saved to get to the closing table. In addition to providing you with first-class legal services, we also want you to understand the process. When you work with us, you receive an engagement letter with a simple checklist that tells you what your attorney can (and cannot) do Read More

What we are about to go over is so common, and it can completely blow up your closing—which is precisely why we decided to put this information out. Every couple of weeks, we get contacted by a listing agent selling a piece of property. The home's original owner has passed away, and the owner’s children have inherited the property. For whichever reason, the children decide to sell the house and divide the proceeds. Read More

You’ve heard the phrase before. One of your friends comments that they are in the middle of refinancing their home. If you were someone who nodded without fully understanding what they were doing (or why), you aren’t alone. Although most people don’t refinance their homes, that doesn’t mean it is a bad thing or that you shouldn’t consider doing it. It can be in your financial interest under the right circumstances. Read More

In North Carolina, you will need an attorney to represent you during your next real estate transaction. The good news is that between your attorney and your realtor, you have a source to turn to when you have questions between your attorney and your realtor. Though we intend to outline the North Carolina Offer to Purchase and Contract, either your lawyer, real estate agent, or both can explain how it pertains to your Read More

Buying (or selling) a home is challenging but not impossible. There will be hurdles along the way, moments of panic and stress, and last-minute calls with your lawyer, agent, and lender. Knowing that you are that close to the finish line, sitting down at the closing table can feel like a tremendous relief.  If you are new to the homebuying process, you may have questions about what closing will be like. Do I Read More

The idea and possibility of eminent domain are concerning for most people. Eminent domain is a power that the government holds. They can seize private property if it is needed for public use. There have been instances where the government has taken people’s homes because the property sits where a road needs to be built. Federal, state, and local governments all have the power of eminent domain. When people first Read More