Home Buying Process: Selecting an Attorney

Just getting all settled in after a long day dealing with Web hosting issues and some confusion at the court house while trying to record an environmental certificate with the deed for a property in the Shenandoah Valley. I was able to spend a little extra time with the children tonight, and that made the whole day worthwhile.

So getting back to real estate and considering the importance of selecting an attorney. Before you sign an agreement of sale, you might consider asking an attorney to look it over and tell if you if it protects your interests.

If you have already signed your agreement of sale, you might still consider having an attorney review it. An attorney can also help you prepare for the settlement.

In some areas attorneys act as settlement/closing agents or as escrow agents to handle the settlement. An attorney who does this will not solely represent your interests, since, as settlement/closing agent, he or she may also be representing the seller, the lender and others as well.

As with any big decision, you should look around and ask what services will be performed and for what fee. Find out whether the attorney is experienced in representing home buyers in Virginia or otherwise.