One of the greatest accomplishments in life is to become a homeowner. It will be one of the largest purchases you’ll ever make in your life. While you are not required by law to hire a lawyer to buy a house in Philadelphia, it can be beneficial to hire a real estate attorney.
How Can a Real Estate Lawyer Help You Purchase Your Home?
Even though you are not mandated to hire an attorney for the homebuying process, there are many ways they can help you as you work to find your dream home.
Understanding Legal Documents
In the state of Pennsylvania, most real estate agents will use forms from the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors. Attorneys prepared these forms in an attempt to be fair to both buyers and sellers.
While they cover the most common scenarios, there may be complications that can arise with real estate tax liens, right-of-way issues, easements, zoning, and ordinances. When you hire a lawyer to review the legal documents associated with your home purchase, they will break down the legal jargon to ensure you understand what you’re signing, particularly when you’re making an offer or getting ready to close.
Helping Buyers from Out of Town
If you’re moving to Philadelphia from another city or state, it may be best to work with a real estate attorney, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer. They can take the lead through the process, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. Additionally, in a city with so many historic properties, there may be special circumstances that arise that will go more smoothly with a legal expert on your side.
Making Changes to the Property
Perhaps you’d like to add a structure to this property or give it a complete renovation. In these instances, you will have many legal considerations to make. An attorney can help you navigate this process to ensure you are able to make the changes you desire without a hitch.
Protection with Title Insurance
Most of the lenders in Pennsylvania will require you to buy title insurance to protect your investment. Even if you don’t need a lender, it is still recommended to get this type of insurance as it can protect you from legal problems such as title defects, which could cause major issues for you in the future.
There are attorneys and law firms that offer title insurance to help simplify the process. You will get the title policy and an attorney’s legal perspective on your home.
Less Stress During the Homebuying Process
While buying a home is an exciting time, it’s also bound to be stressful. You will likely find many homes you can envision living in, but another buyer may swoop in first, or other problems may arise. A real estate lawyer in Philadelphia can help you be confident in your purchase, allowing you to enjoy peace of mind in your new home.
