Who Will Be Involved? When you buy a home, you will come in contact with a variety of specially-trained people. In most cases, the real estate agent will be your first contact, then your lawyer, your banker and, in some cases, a title officer. It is important to understand the functions of these people so you can determine whether you are being treated fairly and properly. We provide services as both attorneys and title officer for you. Why Do I Need a Lawyer? Your lawyer should participate in all phases of the transaction to help you in dealing with the other people involved. Your lawyer will explain to you the different phases of the transaction. Any document requiring your signature should be reviewed by your attorney. This is true regardless of what the document is or how it is described to you. In some instances, your lawyer may also provide additional services. Why Is a Title Examination Necessary? Before settlement, the title should be examined to determine whether there are any liens, encumbrances or other potential clouds on the title. Also, most institutions providing a mortgage will require that you purchase title insurance at the time of final settlement. In our case, the title examination is done by us, your lawyer. The buyer pays for the title search and for the title insurance. We, as your lawyer will examine it to determine that you will receive proper and legal title to the property. Only a lawyer is qualified to evaluate the legal implications which may anise as a result of the title examination.