When you are looking to buy or sell a home, the common thought is to hire a real estate agent. After all, they are considered the experts with pricing, paperwork, and closing the deal. However, if you have ever considered the cost of hiring a realtor, you might think about looking for a cheaper alternative. For some, the practices of a real estate attorney Austin TX communities are familiar with could be a more savvy way to navigate the real estate arena.
Different Areas of Expertise
Every state has its own set of real estate laws. These govern the paperwork requirements for the purchase or sale of a home or building. The entire process of buying and selling is complex, and navigating these laws and requirements is reason enough to hire an experienced agent. The realtor can also be a good resource for finding mortgage brokers or good inspectors to help with the loose ends that you will need to tie up. They will also be more aware of what the local market is doing and what best practices are for your contract.
A real estate attorney might be a way to get around the high commission cost of using an agent. Many states don’t require an attorney’s assistance for brokering a real estate deal, but by having one in your corner, you can make sure the contract and exchange is valid and binding. Although the attorney will know the ins and outs of state law, you may not need his services for the entire transaction. You have the option to simply hire the services to review documentation or answer legal questions about your sale or purchase. Although attorney rates are often extremely high, being able to do much of the legwork on your own could be cheaper than working with an agent for the entire process.
Be Informed
When you are deciding between an agent or an attorney, do some homework on the real estate laws of your state. When in doubt, work with a professional that can get you from start to finish with the least amount of stress.