I'm Ann, the new attorney at Trellis, and I'm excited to join the team! As a Pennsylvania real estate attorney, I will be able to provide real estate transaction services to help our small business clients purchasing a new space and our individual clients purchasing a primary or investment property, in Pittsburgh and across the state. Real estate transactions can be complicated and take unexpected turns. Most people hire a real estate agent to walk through the property and the purchasing process. With that in mind, you may be wondering “Why do I need a real estate attorney?” Well, I’m glad you asked! A real estate attorney can be helpful not just when purchasing or selling a home or commercial space, but also with issues that may arise while you own the property. Below are just a few reasons to engage a real estate attorney for your next property transaction.
Ensure documents are compliant and clear
Documents can be confusing and the rules and regulations for real estate documents can vary county-by-county and by type of transaction. No matter how many times you read something, there are bound to be questions when it comes to the legal documents involved in a property transaction. Engaging a real estate attorney ensures that you can ask questions regarding the documents and will receive a thorough answer to help you understand. A real estate attorney will also make sure that each document is in compliance with the laws and regulations of the state and county where the property is located to ensure a clean and uncomplicated closing process.
Help when you are having issues regarding a property you already own
Property issues sometimes arise after you already own a property. You may be approached by a utility company regarding an easement to run services through your property or you may have a land border issue with one of your neighbors. Unsure which neighbor is responsible for replacing the plumbing for that water main or what part of the sidewalk you are responsible for clearing? A real estate attorney can help look over the survey and title documents to be sure you understand what you purchased and what your responsibilities are.
Trained negotiators
Buying property, especially for commercial purposes, or negotiating a lease can get complicated. Each party comes into the transaction with their own objectives, which can clash. A real estate lawyer is a trained negotiator who can help navigate the process and come to a conclusion that leaves each party satisfied. In most commercial transactions, the other side will likely have their own counsel. Engaging a real estate attorney of your own ensures that your interests are vigorously defended.
No real estate agent commission
Real estate agents typically earn commission on the sale and purchase of a property (and in many lease negotiations). Typically, commission is around 5% of the total purchase price of the property and is split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents (around 2.5% each). The seller can bake this fee into the original listing pricing of the property or it can be negotiated by either side during the purchase. Either way, real estate agent commission can be a hefty fee that can affect the transaction. In contrast, a real estate attorney will typically charge an hourly fee or even a flat rate for their work. While hourly fees can vary by lawyer, you are likely going to save money by using a real estate attorney rather than paying real estate agent commission. Also (this is a big one!) an attorney’s job is ONLY to represent your interests and no one else’s. While it can be more expensive up front or if the deal falls through, the benefit is that the attorney’s job is to look out for you and what’s best for you and can’t jointly represent interests.
Find creative ways to solve problems
No transaction is the same. This is especially true in the real estate realm, where the transaction will change with the type and condition of the property as well as the intended use of the property, whether you're trying to open a brick and mortar or Since each transaction is different, the same documents used for one purchase almost certainly won’t work for the next purchase. This is where a real estate attorney can really help. Since attorneys are trained in the law, we can find creative ways to solve problems that may arise during your transaction rather than be tied to the typical documents or procedures. It’s nice to have someone on your side, fighting for you and helping you navigate the complicated real estate landscape.
Now that we offer real estate legal services in Pennsylvania, don’t hesitate to reach out!
DISCLAIMER: This blog post is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute specific legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Readers should discuss their specific situation and considerations with an attorney.
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