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Whether you are in the market to sell or purchase a new home, the real estate transaction process can be overwhelming and complex, especially when you attempt to do it on your own. There are a lot of people or agencies that may be involved and each has its own role to play. There’s also a lot of paperwork, deadlines, and legal requirements that must be met.

At Volpe Law, our real estate law lawyers want to make sure the process moves along seamlessly for you. Here, we answer some commonly asked questions, but if you have more specific questions or want smart representation in your residential real estate transaction, contact us today at 720-770-3457 or complete a consultation request form to request a Consultation.

WHAT IS A REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION?

A real estate transaction is a process where a seller offers a home for sale and a buyer agrees to purchase it. At a very basic level, the process involves a number of tasks and activities before closing can occur and the property is officially transferred to the buyer. Many actors are involved in a real estate transaction and could include:

• Real estate attorney
• Real estate broker
• Real estate agent
• Seller
• Buyer
• Mortgage lender
• Home inspector
• Title company

Who is involved and how the process flows is often dependent on state law and regulations.

WHAT IS A DEED?

A deed is a legal document that is used to transfer property from one person (grantor) to another person (grantee). They are typically used to transfer real estate as they are the proper way to transfer ownership rights in the property.

A deed to real estate must meet certain requirements to be considered valid. In Colorado, deeds should be in writing, name the parties to the transaction, state the purchase price (consideration), show intent to transfer, describe the property, specify the estate granted and any warranties, indicate whether it is subject to statutory exceptions, and be acknowledged before a notary public. Deeds also need to be recorded in the county in which the real estate is located. Recording the deed is typically required as that is how ownership of a property is made known. A search of the public records will reveal who owns a certain piece of property.

WHY DO I NEED A TITLE REVIEW IN A REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION IN COLORADO?

There are different reasons why you may need to have your title reviewed through a title search. A title search will go back a certain number of years and document:

• Who has owned the property during that time period
• Whether there are any mortgages or other liens on the property
• Whether there is anyone else that may claim an ownership interest in your property.

It would not be a good idea to purchase a property that has not had the title searched and reviewed. It is the best way to be sure of what you are actually purchasing.

IS LITIGATION THE ONLY OPTION TO SETTLE REAL ESTATE DISPUTES IN COLORADO?

Litigation is rarely the only option for real estate disputes. Mediation is typically available and is highly recommended. Mediation is usually less time-consuming and less expensive. It also allows the parties a say in how the matter is settled. If mediation fails, litigation is available.

DOES A REAL ESTATE LAWYER HELP WITH BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS?

Whether or not a real estate lawyer is able to help with both residential and commercial real estate transactions depends on the attorney. While there are a lot of similarities between residential and commercial transactions, there are even more differences. Some attorneys are comfortable handling both while others prefer to focus on one or the other.

WHAT IS A SELLER’S MARKET?

When you hear that it’s a “seller’s market,” it means that there is more demand for homes than there are homes available. Buyers often compete for homes in a seller’s market, driving up the cost of the properties and often resulting in bidding wars. It is not unusual for a home to sell for more than the asking price in a seller’s market. Sellers have a definite advantage, as buyers are paying more and overlooking property flaws just to be able to purchase a home.

WHAT IS A BUYER’S MARKET?

A “buyer’s market” is generally the opposite of a seller’s market. There are more homes for sale than there are purchasers interested in buying. Sellers are forced to lower their prices to be competitive and attract more potential purchasers.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A REAL ESTATE AGENT AND A REAL ESTATE LAWYER?

A real estate agent (agent) is completely different from a real estate lawyer (lawyer). When you seek to buy or sell a house, an agent is there to help you through the process. For sellers, an agent can tell you what your home is worth, list it for sale, and show it to potential purchasers. For buyers, an agent can help you determine your budget, assist you in finding the home of your dreams, and help you make an offer.

A lawyer assists with the legal aspects of a real estate transaction and can help you ensure your legal interests are protected. In many states, it is a requirement that an attorney performs all real estate transactions while in other states, an attorney is required to either be present at the closing or certify the title. In some states, a lawyer’s presence is not required but is highly recommended, especially for more complex real estate transactions that involve unusual aspects of the contract. In Colorado, a real estate attorney is not required for the transaction or closing. However, this does not mean an attorney should not be consulted. Given that for most people the purchase of a residential property is or will be one of the largest investments they will make in their lives, having your interests legally protected is as critical as it is reassuring.

HOW DOES A REAL ESTATE LAWYER HELP?

A real estate lawyer can help you understand the governing laws and the legal ramifications of your real estate transactions. They help with crucial aspects of the transaction, like:

1. Contracts. Real estate lawyers will review, negotiate, and draft contracts, keeping your interests at the forefront of this process.
2. Title Search. A real estate lawyer can conduct a title search, and if a lien or another issue is discovered, the lawyer can help address it timely and can obtain proof that the lien is fulfilled.
3. Closings. Any number of issues can arise during closing events, and only a real estate lawyer has the legal wherewithal to address them and keep the seller or buyer from being left in the dark or having their rights violated without their knowledge.
4. Fraud. Real estate fraud and scams are on the rise. Unsuspecting buyers lose out on their closing funds and the home they thought they were purchasing. With a lawyer who has done the due diligence, becoming a victim of one of these types of real estate schemes can be avoided.
5. Advice. Generally speaking, real estate attorneys can provide legal advice that a seller or buyer cannot obtain from an agent or broker. Getting smart legal advice over any and all matters related to the real estate transaction offers value from the peace of mind to favorable and timely solutions.

Further, real estate attorneys make sure that once the property has passed hands, you have received the property (as the buyer) or compensation (as the seller) to which you are entitled.

CONTACT A REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY IN COLORADO TODAY

Before putting your home on the market or going to a real estate showing, consider reaching out to a real estate attorney in Colorado. At Volpe Law, our goal is to make sure your interests are protected in your real estate transaction. Contact us today either by using our online form or calling us at 303-268-2867 to request a Consultation.

FEES

A $5,000 retainer is required for all pre-litigation dispute cases, while active litigation matters have a minimum retainer of $10,000. As of 1/1/2025, attorney rates vary between $275 – $400/hour. These hourly rates are paid by the retainer account. Fees and retainers for contract reviews and smaller projects vary, with some cases best suited for a 1-2 hour paid consultation at $350 per hour or $700 for two hours. All retainers are evergreen and refundable. Please call to inquire for further details.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained on this website is provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be construed as providing legal advice on any subject matter. Laws frequently change and therefore this content is not necessarily up to date, nor comprehensive. Contact us or another attorney with any legal questions specific to your matter. You may request a consultation by completing our consultation request form.