Are you curious about the behind-the-scenes process of a real estate closing? From the moment a contract is signed to the final steps of post-closing, there's a lot that goes into making a real estate transaction successful. Let's take a journey through the lifecycle of a real estate file and break down each step of the way. Pre-Closing It all starts when an agent comes to us with a fully executed contract, and Read More

When you buy or sell a house, you will hear the words “at closing” used by almost everyone involved with the home sale. You’ll be told how much money you need to bring, which forms you must sign, and other transactional items that will all happen “at closing.” In reality, closing refers to the whole process of buying a property. During the home-buying process, most people refer to closing as the time when you go to Read More

Regardless of how many times you have gone through the home-buying process, there is going to come a time when you get a settlement statement from your lender. Odds are, you will need to learn how to read it in preparation for your closing. However, as attorneys who focus exclusively on real estate law, we are here to help. Not only should this process be fun, but you should be able to rely on your attorney to answer Read More

Are you thinking of going to an open house this weekend? If so, be sure to follow this checklist to make the most out of it! Many homebuyers feel overwhelmed when they attend their first open house. However, with a little preparation and a checklist, you can make the most out of this valuable opportunity to view properties. Here is your ultimate guide to making the most out of open houses. Happy house Read More

Agents and attorneys have the same goal, but they cover two different components of a transaction. Buyers need reliable closing attorneys as much as they rely on dependable agents to help them find a home and make a fair offer based on market value. As a real estate attorney in the Lake Norman area, we wanted to share some advice for new real estate agents. Although we are lawyers, we have completed thousands of Read More

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