Home Buying and the Value of Legal Counsel

Imagine moving into your newly purchased home only to find out the next day that the farmer next door can legally herd his animals across your land at 5:00 a.m. The best way to avoid this, and any other potential problems while buying a house? Hire an attorney.

More often than not, the largest purchase you will ever make in your life is buying a home, but far too many people buy one without the assistance of counsel. Having an attorney assist you in buying a home is important from start (the negotiating of the contract) to finish (the closing when you take title to the property). You may find out too late that there are significant problems relating to the property, including easements which interfere with your enjoyment of the property (such as the example with the farmer and his cattle), different boundary lines than you were told or financing concerns. For New Jersey shore properties, an attorney can help you determine if the State of New Jersey is claiming ownership of some or all of the property.

It is crucial that you understand your rights and obligations, whether they are with regard to the seller, the mortgage company or a third party. You do not want surprises after you have settled on the property. The lawyers at Leonard Sciolla have handled innumerable real estate transactions and can assist you with what to expect as to buying a property and the actual transaction. Call John Leonard or Paul Schultz at (215) 567-1530 or (856) 273-6679.

Published October 10, 2016