Real Estate Law Services

Residential Real Estate

My real estate experience began in 1996, when I worked as a residential real estate paralegal. After my admission to the Massachusetts Bar in 2002, I continued in residential real estate as an attorney representing buyers, sellers, and lenders.

Earlier in my career, I also worked as an Exclusive Buyer's Agent, which gave me additional insight into the practical issues buyers face when searching for, evaluating, and purchasing a home. I no longer provide real estate brokerage or buyer-agent services; my role today is solely as legal counsel in residential real estate transactions.

Real estate transactions involve legally binding documents and significant financial obligations. My role is to guide clients through the transaction, help them understand the documents they are being asked to sign, identify issues that may need to be addressed, and protect their interests from the beginning of the transaction through closing.

Representation of Buyers, Sellers, and Lenders

Buying or selling a home is often one of the largest financial transactions a person will make.

I represent buyers, sellers and lender in residential real estate transactions, including the preparation, review, and negotiation of Purchase and Sale Agreements and other transaction documents.

Negotiation of Purchase & Sales Agreements

An Offer to Purchase and a Purchase and Sale Agreement can create significant legal and financial obligations. I work with clients to make sure they understand the terms of the transaction and address issues involving financing, inspections, title, closing dates, deposits, contingencies, and other concerns before the transaction proceeds.

My involvement continues throughout the transaction as questions arise, deadlines approach, and issues need to be addressed before closing.

Clear and Marketable Title and Title Insurance

A buyer should receive clear and marketable title to the property.

As part of the closing process, I review title examinations and identify title issues that may need to be addressed before the transaction can be completed. When title issues arise, I work to resolve them when possible and to ensure that the title being conveyed satisfies the

requirements of the transaction.

I also issue lender's and owner's title insurance policies to protect against certain title defects and other covered risks affecting ownership of the property.

Condominium Purchases

Purchasing a condominium involves considerations beyond the condition and title of the individual unit.

When representing a condominium buyer, I review the condominium documents and available financial information to help identify issues the buyer should consider before completing the purchase. Depending on the transaction and the documents available, this may include review of:

• Master Deed
• Declaration of Trust, By-Laws, and Condominium Rules and Regulations
• Condominium budget
• Budget and available financial information, including the monthly condominium fees and reserves
• Existing or anticipated special assessments
• Information concerning significant planned repairs or capital improvements
• Other available condominium records relevant to the purchase

The goal is to help buyers understand not only the unit they are purchasing, but also the condominium association they will be joining and the financial obligations and responsibilities that may come with ownership.

Residential Real Estate Closings

I represent lenders in connection with residential purchase and refinance transactions and represent buyers in cash transactions.

My work includes reviewing transaction and loan documents, addressing title and closing requirements, coordinating with the parties and professionals involved in the transaction, conducting the closing, and completing the necessary post-closing responsibilities.

A Team Approach to the Transaction

Residential real estate transactions involve a number of professionals working toward the same goal.

I believe communication among the attorney, client, real estate agents, lender or mortgage professional, and other professionals involved in the transaction is an important part of keeping the process moving efficiently.

I work collaboratively with the professionals involved in the transaction, keeping the appropriate parties informed of important developments, identifying issues that may affect the transaction, and helping coordinate the steps necessary to move toward closing.

Each professional has a different role, but effective communication and coordination can help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure that issues are addressed when they arise.

Real Estate and Divorce

My residential real estate experience is particularly valuable when divorce involves the marital home or other real estate assets.

Decisions about whether to retain or sell a home, structure a buyout, refinance an existing mortgage, transfer title, or address continuing mortgage and ownership obligations can have significant legal and financial consequences.

Because I work in both divorce and residential real estate, I am able to help clients better understand how real estate considerations fit into the broader financial and legal decisions being made as part of a divorce.

Getting Started

If you are buying or selling residential real estate, contact my office by phone or email to discuss the transaction and the type of legal assistance you need.

I will let you know what information and documents are needed to get started and remain available throughout the transaction to answer questions, explain legal documents and issues, and address concerns as they arise.

Contact me about your Real Estate Transaction.