Real Estate Law

For most people, buying real estate in the most expensive purchase they will ever make. Having a qualified real estate attorney to review all of the paperwork in advance of the closing on your behalf and advise you of any problems or omissions with the documentation. At the closing, the attorney will represent your interests.

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Many states require an attorney be present at closing, but it’s always good to have someone that understands the process and can answer questions or concerns before you enter into a binding contract.

Contract Review

What Real Estate Law Covers

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Real estate law encompasses the purchase and sale of real property, meaning land and any structure on it. It also covers legal issues related to anything that is attached to the property or structures, such as appliances and fixtures.

 

Lawyers who specialize in this branch of the legal system ensure that proper procedures are followed during the acquisition or sale of property. They also may be concerned with the use of property. Real estate law covers deeds, property taxes, estate planning, zoning, and titles.

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The Attorney's Responsibilities

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A real estate attorney is equipped to prepare and review documents relating to real estate such as purchase agreements, mortgage documents, title documents, and transfer documents.

Closing Process

A real estate closing is generally a long and stressful process that involves many steps and procedural formalities. Closing occurs when you sign the papers that make the house yours, but before that fateful day arrives, a long list of things has to happen. Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for the buying or selling process. Use the links below to learn more about the process we use and what we will be asking for.

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Seller's Process

Real Estate Areas of Expertise

GENERAL

Raimondi & Associates, LLC (“R&A”) and its affiliated companies, Atlantic States Title, LLC, and Magnolia Title, LLC specialize in the representation of institutional and private lenders in loan closings (including preparation and negotiation of conventional as well as uninsured nonconforming loan documentation, title review, pre-closing to post-closing functions, HUD-1 Settlement Statement preparation & disbursement, issuance of Opinions of Counsel, title commitments & policies, title clearance, and other required due diligence), as well as clients involved in commercial leasing. R&A also provides representation of real estate developers and investors in a broad range of commercial and residential developments emphasizing real estate financing and property transfers; document and negotiate a variety of transactions including construction and permanent loan financing. We regularly draft and review real property contracts, leases and multiple property forms, purchase agreements, opinions of title, lease purchase/option agreements, promissory notes, mortgages, security deeds, deeds of trust, UCC financing statements, easements, joint use agreements, right of way documentation, construction contracts, developer/ builder marketing agreements, encroachment agreements, sewer and storm water easements, restrictive covenants, road maintenance agreements, and homeowners’ association documentation.



RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

R&A assists our clients in the buying, selling, and financing of residential real estate throughout the state of Georgia. Our clients are guided step-by-step in the entire process of buying, selling and financing property, including refinances and construction loans. Our staff offers clients a vast knowledge of all aspects of real estate law and is positioned to assist our clients with their diverse real estate needs from the negotiation and drafting of contracts to the handling of real estate closings, including the drafting of various real estate and/or secured lending related documents and instruments including easements and leases. As an agent of several title insurance companies, we are also positioned to provide title insurance services to protect ownership and lender's interests in residential property. Regardless of where you are in the real estate process, our company is here to help close your residential real estate transaction successfully.



COMMERCIAL & SBA

R&A is busy representing banks and other financial institutions in connection with the documentation and closing of their business loan transactions. We handle all aspects of secured and unsecured financing transactions. We are often involved in structuring transactions: straightforward commercial acquisition loans providing services such as: Secured lending transactions, acquisition and development, construction, tax deferred exchanges, commercial leasing, commercial real estate, restrictive covenants, negotiation and drafting of contracts, acquisition agreements, easements and other real estate and/or secured lending related documents and instruments. R&A enjoys a sub-specialty of working in the area of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans including both 7(a) and 504 loans. Though our lending and finance practice focuses mostly on the representation of financial institutions, we represent private lenders and borrowers as well.



REO SERVICES

The staff at R&A, has over 25 years of experience handling REO titles and closings. We provide closing representation in Georgia, from foreclosure sale through liquidation and at all points in between. We understand that our REO clients aim to liquidate properties quickly and efficiently, and we know the importance of regular REO client updates, responsiveness to client requests, efficient closings, and timeliness. We are able to facilitate "cradle to grave" services for our default clients; we work closely together to see our clients' properties from foreclosure through final resale for the quick disposition of a high volume of properties. Our streamlined process, technology and great people ensure that we exceed our REO clients' expectations one closing at a time. R&A serves the outsource needs of servicers, investors, Government agencies and asset management companies. REO services we provide include:

  • Processing bulk order Title and Escrow;
  • Identify title issues and handle all curative actions to assure marketable title at closing;
  • Work with all interested parties – (Realtors, buyers, mortgage brokers, lenders and asset management companies);
  • Prepare HUD-1 settlement statement and review all fees with all parties prior to closing; and
  • Manage document preparation, title services, attend closings, disbursement of proceeds and deed recording.
Our trained professional staff work with each client in defining their specific requirements, including customized, milestone reporting. The closing department utilizes robust state-of-the-art software to both complete the closing process and track closing results and timelines. The intake department rapidly and efficiently receives referrals and orders title examinations electronically. The pre-closing and title curative departments process files while utilizing seller's respective websites and portals to communicate and transfer data. We are able to issue title insurance policies at the time of settlement without exception through the one-stop program with our direct source servicers.



LOSS MITIGATION

One of the services offered by R&A is Loss Mitigation. The concept of loss mitigation is a viable and necessary alternative to foreclosure and is strongly endorsed by FNMA, FHLMC, FHA and VA. Our Loss Mitigation department works with the homeowners and the lender to help the homeowners keep their home. No other law firm that represents the mortgage banking industry has such a proactive Loss Mitigation program!

The following loss mitigation services are available in their entirety or in any combination of the parts:
• Loan Modifications
• Assumptions
• HUD Assignments
• Deficiency Litigation
• Special Refinances
• Deed-In-Lieu of Foreclosure
• VA Refunding



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What is required for closing?

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

What you need to provide prior to closing:

  • A copy of a signed contact along with any and all addendums

  • Contact numbers of the buyers and sellers

  • Name and number of the lender/broker

  • Homeowners Association and information, including contact name, telephone number and address

  • Fax copy of the official wood and termite inspection report

  • All payoff information together with contact information for each loan, account numbers, social security numbers for all parties involved

  • Do you require a survey?

  • Information for funds being held in escrow, if applicable

What you need to bring to closing:

  • Original signed contact with all addendums

  • Original home warranty

  • Copy of repair bills (paid/unpaid) if applicable

  • Original official wood and termite report

  • If earnest money exceeds commission, please bring to closing

BUILDERS 

What we need from you:

  • Survey

  • Certificate of Occupancy

  • Official wood and termite inspection report is needed prior to closing-cost and to whom

  • Home builders warranty, if applicable, is needed prior to closing-cost and to whom

  • Percentage of house completed as of January 1 st is needed prior to closing

  • Payoff information, loan numbers, phone numbers, point of contact-prior to closing

What you may need from us:

  • Preliminary HUD

LENDERS 

What we need from you:

  • Date and time of closing

  • Who is on the title commitment

  • How the mortgage clause should be read, the borrower's name and loan amount

  • Is this a first and second?

  • What type of loan is this? (FHA, VA, Conventional)

  • Do you require a survey?

  • Method of delivery of loan package and to whom?

What you may need from us:

  • Tax and homeowners insurance amount

  • Insured closing letter

  • Title Commitment

  • Wiring Instructions

  • Subordination agreement

  • Preliminary HUD

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* The items may be ordered from us by submitting a title order here