What a Real Estate Attorney Brings to the Table of Your Closing

Lots of people are going the do-it-yourself route in many areas of legal representation, believing, often mistakenly, that they can do the job just as well themselves for what they would spend on an attorney to do the work. Other than criminal representation in court, there are few areas of the law where this is less true than in real estate.

The sheer amount of paperwork alone would be alarming to anyone not well versed in real estate law. When taken in combination with the figures and documentation that must accompany even the simplest real estate closing, it becomes quite apparent that this is not a place for an amateur.

In order to effectively, and legally, have your closing, your real estate attorney must complete a title search, making certain there are no liens or encumbrances on the property; makes sure that there is title insurance on the title; coordinate with the lender and the seller, to make sure that the necessary documents, such as the deed, promissory note, mortgage and any inspections among others, are at the closing.

The closing attorney will act as the coordinator for all other parties involved in the purchase or sale. A closing attorney will perform such time consuming tasks as scheduling appointments, intake sessions, and the preparation of the many varied and lengthy closing documents that will be needed at the final meeting.

Some responsibilities of the closing attorney include:

• Payment of realtor commissions, and any other necessary discharges or payments including but not limited to taxes, final utilities and realtor commissions
• Specific Title V and condominium certifications
• Disclosure of lending fees and closing costs, and funding of escrow account

Remarkably, the closing attorney's job does not stop there. They are responsible for several post-closing tasks that bring the entire transaction full circle and to completion including recording the deed, processing the loan funding, and running the title for any changes since the first time.

If you are in the process of buying a home, or are planning to buy a home in the near future, and would like more information on what your closing in MA or CT will entail, contact Crowley & Cummings for an appointment today.


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Crowley & Cummings are real estate attorneys located in Dedham MA specializing in real estate closings, title examinations, complex title issues, purchase & sale agreements, condo conversions, and other related services. They service lenders and mortgage brokers, real estate agents, as well as buyers and sellers in Massachusetts, New England, and throughout the US. To learn more visit them online at www.CrowleyCummings.com.