Who Handles Real Estate Closings?

In Florida, a real estate closing can be handled by either a title company or by an attorney. The parties to the transaction make this choice at the time they sign the contract for sale and purchase.

Misconception – Fees

One common misconception in real estate closings is that attorneys or law firms are more expensive. This is not the case at Peterson & Myers. Our law firm typically charges less than title companies for standard residential and commercial real estate closings.

Misconception – Attorneys Complicate Things

Another common misconception in real estate closings is that attorneys unnecessarily complicate real estate transactions. I cannot speak for all attorneys, but I trust if you talk to the realtors, brokers, lenders and parties our real estate attorneys work with, you will find that we do not complicate closing and we quickly close transactions correctly, professionally, and without unnecessary delay.

Expertise and Legal Advice

Another benefit of having a law firm or attorney handle your real estate closing is the closing will be handled or overseen by a licensed real estate attorney. Legal issues or questions often arise during the course of a real estate transaction. A real estate attorney can oftentimes deal with these legal issues in the proper manner faster than a title company. A real estate attorney is also able to provide legal advice during the closing process regarding matters such as title questions, the impact of title exception documents on the property, questions regarding surveys (such as access or encroachment issues), and questions about how to take title (such as via a quit claim deed or warranty deed; or as joint tenants with rights of survivorship versus as tenants in common). A title company on the other hand is limited in the type of advice they can provide because they are not attorneys.

Other Areas of Law and Services

I have found in my real estate practice that a real estate closing is often the first time a person has been to a law firm or personally dealt with an attorney. After a closing, the parties will now have a law firm they are familiar with and can utilize for other legal issues and services, such as estate planning, wills and trusts, probate, divorce, personal injury, business law or other real estate matters.

Peterson & Myers, P.A. has a department devoted entirely to real estate and loan closings, so you can be assured that you will receive the attention and service you deserve. We would be happy to assist you with your real estate and closing needs.