Purchasing a home is one of the most significant transactions any of us will make in our lifetime. The process of purchasing a home involves real property law in Pennsylvania. Due to the complexities involved, some states require that an attorney assist buyers and sellers with the sale of homes. Pennsylvania isn’t one of them, but there are still many reasons why you may want to consult a residential real estate attorney.
The residential real estate attorneys at Jones Gregg Creehan & Gerace have helped many clients navigate the real estate market throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. Our real estate practice group provides clients with comprehensive legal services to buyers and sellers of residential property. We will help you protect yourself and negotiate the best terms possible. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and learn more about our legal services.
Residential Real Estate Services We Provide
Our residential real estate attorneys regularly collaborate with real estate professionals, including realtors, developers, lenders, and title agencies. We work diligently to ensure that every residential real estate transaction is handled professionally and efficiently. When you become a client at Jones Gregg Creehan & Gerace, you can rest easier knowing that our experienced real estate attorneys are by your side. We advise clients on a wide range of residential real estate matters, including the following:
- The purchase and sale of residential properties
- Residential real estate leasing
- Residential lease & rental agreements
- Real estate financing, including private financing, leasehold financing, and mortgages
- Appeals of residential property assessments
- Real estate records and title insurance searches
- Real estate development, including retail stores, office buildings, and shopping centers
- Structuring the property ownership to minimize taxes and liabilitiesÂ
- Structuring the property ownership to enhance estate planning goalsÂ
Who Needs a Residential Real Estate Attorney?
During these uncertain economic times, residential property values continue to rise. Working with a residential real estate attorney can help you get the most out of your hard-earned money when purchasing or selling your home.
Real estate attorneys need to be well-versed in several areas of the law, not just residential real estate. At Jones Gregg Creehan & Gerace, we are a full-service law firm, which allows us to draw from a wide breadth of experience when providing legal counsel for our clients. Consulting with a residential real estate attorney is beneficial for every buyer or seller. However, working with an attorney is especially important in the following circumstances:
- An out-of-town buyer
- Purchasing a bank-owned or short sale property
- Purchasing a home that’s part of an estate sale
- Purchasing a home with potential structural issues
If you are a homeowner, we can help you negotiate any disputes that arise, address property damage, mineral rights, zoning issues, and renting and leasing. For home buyers, we can assist you with issues involving escrow accounts, negotiations during the closing process, foreclosure, and help you ensure that the purchase is in your best interest.
For those who are purchasing a property that has been foreclosed upon or is in the foreclosure process, we can help you understand your legal options while protecting your rights. Finally, if you are a renter, we can ensure that the rental agreement is legally valid and protects you. We can also help you address any potential issues you are having with your landlord.
The Benefits of Working with An Attorney
Whether you are selling or purchasing a single-family home, multi-family home, or condo, our attorneys can help you secure your investment and protect your interests by assisting you with all the aspects of your residential real estate transactions, including:
- Arranging home inspections
- Preparing and reviewing purchase and sales agreement contracts
- Conducting title searches
- Securing financing
- Coordinating closings
Drafting and Negotiating Purchase and Sales Agreements
The purchase and sales agreement for residential property can be complex legal documents. Sometimes realtors use standard or boilerplate contracts for the majority of transactions. These types of generic contracts don’t always protect the buyer or seller. They may not cover every unique circumstance in a particular sale. Working with an attorney to review, negotiate, or draft a purchase and sales agreement can help you protect yourself and your property.
When it comes to the purchase and sales agreement for a home, a well-conceived contract protects the buyer from losing his or her deposit if the inspection is unsatisfactory. The contract will also require the seller to make necessary repairs to the property. An attorney can help you ensure that the agreement conforms to local and state law while clarifying how the property can be used. It’s wise to have a real estate attorney review the agreement to protect your interests.
What Types of Issues Should a Residential Real Estate Contract Address?
After the home inspection and title search have been completed, your attorney will be able to negotiate any necessary repairs or other adjustments that need to be included in the sales contract. A real estate attorney will be able to address any complications that arise before the purchase and sales agreement has been signed. Buyers should be aware of any potential issues before they close. The following issues should be addressed with the help of an attorney before signing the purchase and sales agreement:
- Alterations that have been made to the property that were done incorrectly
- Whether the buyer’s plans to alter the property are legal
- What will happen if the buyer discovers any tests or hazardous materials
- What will happen to the down payment if the closing doesn’t occur
- Whether any easement or zoning issues need to be addressed
Reach Out to a Pittsburgh Residential Real Estate Attorney
The attorneys at Jones Gregg Creehan & Gerace understand that buying or selling a home can be a stressful and emotional process. For many of our clients, residential real estate is the single most significant financial investment they will make in their lifetimes. When you work with our attorneys, we will provide you with skilled, responsive legal guidance during every step of the process. Contact our office today to consult with our residential real estate practice group.