real estate question

[LadyJane]

I am making an offer on a piece of property in Meredith. I think I have seen this question before, but I'm going to ask again: can someone recommned an attorney that I could use at the closing if everything goes right? Or is it common to just use the title services company for closings on land?
this is exciting !!

[ITD]

I've used Keith Nelson, Moultonboro, many times with excellent results each time. Very quick and responsive. (603) 476-5123

Although most real estate agents I've dealt with have told me I don't need to use an attorney ( I think it makes their life easier) I always do. Usually things in contracts get pointed out and fixed, plus I like the extra bit of insurance on title searches and such. Good luck with your purchase.

[Irish mist]

Always, always use an attorney ! It's only a few hundred dollars.

[secondcurve]

Lady Jane:

Most of the time the bank's attorney (assuming you are borrowing money to purchase the property) protects your interest in the closing process. Thus, people often assume they don't need an attorney when purchasing real estate. Usually this assumption is correct. However, it isn't always the case. I am fairly experienced with real estate transactions and I always use an attorney. My guess is that you should too. Don't ever rely upon a realtor for anything. At best they are inexperienced and naive, at worst they are dishonest and/or their interests aren't in line with yours. Good luck with your purchase and remember don't be afraid to walk away if you don't get what you want. It is a buyer's market and it likely will become more of a buyer's market before it becomes a seller's market.

[steadyon]

Hi Lady Jane,
If you need a Home Inspection, please call me!
Grand View Home Inspections, Meredith
387-1066
Thanks and good luck

[upthesaukee]

Lady Jane:

Most of the time the bank's attorney (assuming you are borrowing money to purchase the property) protects your interest in the closing process. Thus, people often assume they don't need an attorney when purchasing real estate. Usually this assumption is correct. However, it isn't always the case. I am fairly experienced with real estate transactions and I always use an attorney. My guess is that you should too. Don't ever rely upon a realtor for anything. At best they are inexperienced and naive, at worst they are dishonest and/or their interests aren't in line with yours. Good luck with your purchase and remember don't be afraid to walk away if you don't get what you want. It is a buyer's market and it likely will become more of a buyer's market before it becomes a seller's market.
Actually, the bank's attorney is only there to represent the bank's interest, because that is who is paying him/her (a charge usually passed on to the buyer), the real estate agents in most jurisdictions by law represent the seller (even the agent you use to help you find the house, with very few exceptions), so if you want someone on your side representing your interest, then have your own attorney. Relatively short money for a whole bunch of peace of mind. In fact, your own attorney may pick up on something the agents and bank atty missed; our attorney when we bought a house in NY noticed that there was an open line of credit shown on the seller's homeowner policy, same company as the first mortgagee. Seller had the release from the mortgage company for the first mortgage, but not for the line of credit. Our closing started on a Fri afternoon at 3:30, and the seller was fortunate enough to find someone at the mortgage company that could send a release.

Downpayment = thousands of $
Atty fee = $400
Him/her protecting your interest = Priceless ! ;)

[beagle]

Hi Lady Jane,
We used Peter J. Minkow in Meredith when we closed on our house last year, and we were happy with his service.
Good Luck, and have fun with the new house!

[LadyJane]

I am making an offer on a raw piece of land......no house.......yet.
I just want to thank you all for your good wishes and great advice.
I appreciate it and it helps me a lot !
:)

[eyenotall777]

When we sold a piece of land, we used the Buyers Title Co. that was handling their financing w/ their bank. They basically told me that it would be around $150.00 for them to draw up the new deed, but in the P&S to the buyer, we stated the buyer was responsible for all closing fees so we did not have to pay anything. It really is not that complicated, you just need to carefully read through the P&S and look for any special clauses that may have been added to protect yourself.

We also closed on a piece of land as well and the attorney located @ the Title Co. handled for the the buyer (us) & the seller.

[new boater]

"...the real estate agents in most jurisdictions by law represent the seller (even the agent you use to help you find the house, with very few exceptions),"...

Just a small correction. Your quote above is not true anymore. Under today's real estate rules there is Buyers' Agency where the agent is under contract to the Buyer and has a fiduciary responsibilty to protect the Buyers' interest. The days of sub-agency where the agents all represented the Seller are gone.

[Just Sold]

New Boater: "...the real estate agents in most jurisdictions by law represent the seller (even the agent you use to help you find the house, with very few exceptions),"...

Just a small correction. Your quote above is not true anymore. Under today's real estate rules there is Buyers' Agency where the agent is under contract to the Buyer and has a fiduciary responsibilty to protect the Buyers' interest. The days of sub-agency where the agents all represented the Seller are gone.
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Just to put the record straight as far as NH is concerned.

Each State has their own laws and regulations governing how a real estate licensee is to treat and work with buyers and sellers. It is not a uniform situation and can vary widely as to how a State requires licencees to work with buyers and sellers. Sub-Agency does still exist in NH but try and find someone who will offer it due to the potential legal ramifications it presents.

See this link for the actual requirements in NH:
http://www.nh.gov/nhrec/adrule2f.html

[Sassamon]

I purchased property in Meredith last year and used:

- Frank Michel and associates to assist with the closing:

Frank S. Michel Esq.
Law Offices of Frank S. Michel, PLLC
66 N.H.Route 25
Meredith, New Hampshire 03253
603-279-6100
603-279-9955 (fax)

- Tom Fleischmann for the home inspection:

Thomas Fleischmann
PO Box 68
North Sandwich, NH 03259
1-800-315-1479
603-284-6345
MASS. LISC. NO. 418

They were both instrumental in helping resolve a couple of issues prior to closing that might have become showstoppers.

Best of luck with your purchase!

[offmycloud]

Use Bob Varney of Walker and Varney in Wolfeborough - he is the local judge and NO ONE messes with him. Developers especially fear him.

[This'nThat]

If you're the buyer, then:
Always
use an attorney, and
Make sure the closing is held in your attorney's office