How much does a real estate attorney cost in California?
You can expect to pay between $150 and $350 an hour for a real estate attorney. However, there are also typically representatives who will charge a flat fee for a service like preparing documents of sale or reviewing a contract.
Does California use real estate attorneys?
You Need Not Hire an Attorney, Although You Might Want To While some states require that an each party to a real estate transaction retain a lawyer to represent their interests at the closing; California does not.
What do real estate lawyers do in California?
Real estate lawyers help clients with title issues and environmental and insurance issues. They review and prepare appraisals, inspections, leases, and purchase agreements. They draft documents such as financial and rental agreements, leases, and deeds for higher priced purchases or conveyance transactions.
What do closing costs include?
Closing costs are the expenses over and above the property’s price that buyers and sellers usually incur to complete a real estate transaction. Those costs may include loan origination fees, discount points, appraisal fees, title searches, title insurance, surveys, taxes, deed recording fees, and credit report charges.
Can I use a real estate attorney instead of an agent in California?
Western states, like California, have allowed buyers and sellers to used licensed real estate agents who are overseen by a DRE licensed Real Estate Broker without a mandatory real estate attorney. In California, having a real estate attorney representing YOUR interests is recommended but optional.
Do you need a lawyer to sell a house in California?
First and foremost, you absolutely need the assistance of a real estate attorney to ensure the sale is done in compliance with all California laws. Real estate agents cannot give you legal advice, so if you have questions about the sale agreement, or are not using a Realtor, you will need to contact an attorney.
Can an attorney act as a real estate broker in California?
CONCLUSION. An attorney who is also licensed as a real estate broker may act in both capacities on behalf of a client in connection with the purchase of real property so long as both professions are pursued within the standards of the State Bar of California.