When you buy a piece of land in North Florida, your real estate agent will help you every step of the way. But do you need to hire a real estate attorney? This guide explains your options.
Should You Work With a Real Estate Lawyer When You Buy Land in Lake City?
For most people, it’s smart to hire a real estate attorney when purchasing land. That’s because the attorney can help with the title search and represent your interests at closing. There are other reasons to hire an attorney, too, including the fact that your attorney can assist your real estate agent in structuring your purchase contract in your favor.
However, it’s up to you to communicate well with your attorney about what you need from the real estate transaction. You should work with an attorney who focuses primarily on real estate, rather than a general practitioner, because real estate law can be very complex and hard to keep up with. An attorney who focuses on other areas may not have the experience or knowledge necessary for your transaction.
Related: What is a land contract?
How to Find a Real Estate Attorney When You Buy Land in North Florida
Before you start hunting for a real estate attorney on your own, talk to your real estate agent. Your agent likely knows many local professionals who will be able to help during your transaction. After you get some names from your real estate agent, you should do personal interviews with each attorney you’re interested in working with. You should ask the following questions to get started:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- Do you have experience in real estate law?
- How much of your practice is dedicated to real estate law?
- Are you familiar with purchasing land of this type?
- What are your fees, and how do you bill?
Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation. You can take that time to ask these questions and become familiar with the attorney’s business practices. That way, you can determine whether the attorney is a good fit for you.
Related: FAQ on land loans in Florida
Are You Buying a Home or Land for Sale in Lake City?
If you’re moving to Lake City, we can help you find the perfect place to live. Call us at 386-243-0124 to tell us what you want from your home and we will begin searching right away.
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