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Residential Real Estate Closings

I work with Adam Diamond on a regular basis. In the most recent real estate transaction Adams and his office did a wonderful job. He went above and beyond to assure my seller had a smooth transaction. He was always available to take my sellers calls and mine. Explained the transaction and closing details in a manner that my clients understand. I am always happy with the service and professionalism when working with Adam Diamond.

~ Heidi Peterson

Realtor

There are many circumstances when it makes sense to seek the help of a professional.

While you might be able to change the oil in your car, you probably would need help to repair or replace a fuel pump.   And while you may be diligent in your oral hygiene, brushing and flossing daily, when you find yourself needing the inevitable root canal, the chances are pretty good you are going to seek a highly recommended oral surgeon to perform the procedure.

The same applies to the residential real estate transaction.  While you might have found an excellent real estate broker, got your house listed, survived a multitude of showings, completed mountains of paperwork and negotiated what you believe is an awesome deal, the assistance of an experienced real estate attorney will prove essential to a successful, and hopefully painless, residential real estate closing.

Our real estate attorneys make sure you completely understand the legal process that culminates in a successful real estate closing.  Whether you make a living as a real estate agent or are attempting to sell or purchase a home, the guidance and assistance of an experienced real estate attorney will be invaluable both before and during (and sometimes after) the real estate closing.  The closing itself is essentially the last opportunity to raise concerns, question contract language, deal with lingering issues or put out last minute fires. Of course, our goal is to make sure there are no concerns, questions or lingering issues by the time the closing is scheduled, but life happens.  Having an experienced real estate attorney at your side for the closing will ensure that the closing process is smooth and successful, and, in the event an issue arises, will be able to propose a solution that protects your interests and is mutually acceptable to all parties.

It takes Skillful Communication and Coordination for a Timely and Efficient Closing

Real estate closing attorneys do much more than review the language and terms of your residential contract.  Having successfully closed thousands of real estate transactions in northern Illinois, we have an intimate knowledge of each phase of the contract and how to coordinate a successful closing.   Let our legal team spearhead your real estate transaction in McHenry County and Lake County, Illinois because, frankly, you have enough to do without worrying about loose ends or missed dates.

Our real estate attorneys communicate every day with the various parties to the contract, from Sellers and Buyers to brokers and agents, other attorneys, lenders, mortgage companies, surveyors, title companies, home inspectors, radon remediation contractors, pest control companies, contractors, insurance companies, homeowner’s and condo associations, municipalities and more.  Our closing attorneys have the experience needed to effectively coordinate your closing with these individuals and entities so you don’t have to.

We make sure all parties are rowing in the same direction (moving forward) so that the closing can move forward in a timely and orderly manner.  We facilitate essential communication between Seller or Buyer (usually through the other party’s attorney), schedule appointments and inspections, monitor dates, tie up loose ends, prepare/review settlement statements and closing documents, keep applicable parties in the loop, coordinate the closing with Buyer/Seller, the brokers, title company and lenders, and verify the final dollar amount to be disbursed to Seller or wired to title company for Buyer.  Imagine trying the herd cats. It isn’t easy because cats have a mind of their own and tend to scatter in all directions when they sense you want to herd them, or they just sit there and ignore you completely. It is incredibly stressful. Let our attorneys handle the herding that is involved in getting everyone to the closing table at the same time and ready to close.

The Importance of Title Review by an Experienced Real Estate Attorney

A residential real estate closing in McHenry County and Lake County, Illinois can be quickly derailed if the title commitment discloses title issues that could be an obstacle to obtaining clear title.  We have examined thousands of title commitments and know what to look for and how to address title issues. Our real estate attorneys will check for chain of title defects, legal description errors and will analyze restrictions, easements and encroachments. We understand exceptions and know which ones are unacceptable and how to deal with them and which ones will not pose a problem in the future.   Concerns about the property’s title status, liens, judgments and mortgages must be addressed before the closing can occur. At closing, the title company will issue a title insurance policy to the Buyer. Title insurance protects the Buyer against unknown defects (bad surprises) that may pop up in the future, such as finding out your neighbor has an easement to share your driveway which he has decided to use to store his 8 derelict clunkers.  Defects that were disclosed and left on title are not covered and our legal professionals re-examine each commitment closely for your protection.

A Virtual Mountain of Paperwork

As the closing date approaches, your To Do List gets longer and longer.  There is packing and cleaning to do, utilities to arrange and forms to fill out.  There simply aren’t enough hours in the day. The last thing you want to do is add reviewing a pile of confusing or complicated forms to that list or, even worse, drafting the forms yourself.  By the time the closing is scheduled, our real estate attorneys are putting the final touches on the closing documents or may be reviewing documents provided by the other party’s attorney. At the closing table, the pertinent documents and forms are reviewed again by the real estate attorney who will explain each document and answer any questions you may have.  From the settlement statement to the deed, title company disclosures, loan documentation and beyond, there are all sorts of documents necessary to ensure the closing proceeds as intended.

Disbursement a/k/a “The Eagle has Landed”

More than 50 years ago America’s dream of putting a man on the moon was achieved.  On July 20, 1969, scientists at NASA’s Mission Control Center in Houston were awed to hear Neil Armstrong announce, “the Eagle has landed”.  Those simple words have become synonymous with “the checks are here”. Our closing attorneys have been heard to say that the eagle has landed at the end of many a successful closing.

The culmination of McHenry County and Lake County, Illinois residential real estate transactions is funding and disbursement of funds (cutting checks).  Once all closing documents have been reviewed, signed, and notarized where applicable, the closing attorney thoroughly examines one of the real estate transaction’s most important documents, the Closing Disclosure, line by line for accuracy.  Once the final numbers are in order, the settlement statement is approved and any lender’s funds have been received by the title company, our closing attorney will direct the title company to disburse the funds and cut checks to the proper parties, such as the Seller, Seller’s lender, the real estate brokers, the attorneys, surveyors and inspectors, the homeowner’s  association, the County Treasurer/Collector, the home warranty provider and, of course, to the title company itself.

We’ve Got Your Back

We understand that selling your home or buying a new home may be the most important financial transaction you ever do.  Hiring a qualified real estate attorney makes you a wise consumer. As your real estate and closing attorney, we advocate for you every step of the way.  As your attorney, we are here to fight for your best interests and legal rights. Our fee is disclosed up front and, in most instances, we don’t get paid unless you close.

Let us help you navigate the residential real estate process.  Our real estate attorneys will explain your legal obligations and how to avoid potentially costly pitfalls.  Selling or buying residential property in McHenry County and Lake County, Illinois has the potential to unnecessarily set you back tens of thousands of dollars or more.  There is no sense in losing sleep, or even worse, money, when our team of talented real estate attorneys are here to help. The flat fee you pay for our legal services will pale in comparison to what you could potentially lose without the assistance of a proven, experienced real estate closing attorney.  We are not satisfied until the deal has closed and you are happy.

Contact one of our real estate attorneys today

Are you looking for experienced legal assistance to close a residential real estate deal in the greater Chicago/Northern Illinois area?  Our legal team has successfully helped countless real estate agents, home-sellers and home-seekers throughout McHenry County and Lake County, Illinois. Give us a call at 773-217-9623 to learn more about our real estate legal services and coordinate an initial consultation.  You worry about the packing, we’ll worry about the closing! (Actually, we won’t worry…..we know what we are doing!)





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