A real estate lawyer can help you when you are buying or selling a home. Typically when you are buying a home, your real estate lawyer will:

• Help you understand the contract and how you will take the title on the home
• Prepare and register legal documents
• Ensure there are no liens, covenants, or easements registered against the property
• Clarify the mortgage terms and work with your bank to fix them
• Scrutinize taxes owing and utility costs paid
• Come to the closing and review the papers you need to sign
• Arrange title insurance

If you are selling your home, your real estate attorney will most likely:

• Review/prepare the purchase and sale agreement
• If needed, prepare the power of attorney and deed
• Handle issues with the title and help correct them
• Come to the closing and review the papers you must sign
• If necessary, arrange for the insurance certificates
• Arrange for the transfer of security deposits