Owning a home is part of the American dream. But for many homeowners, the first home you buy may not be the home you stay in for most of your life. It’s normal to consider selling, whether you need to relocate for a job or want to move into a bigger property after having a child or adopting your fourth dog. Selling a home can be a different experience than buying a home, and the more familiar you are with the process, the better. Your Minnesota real estate attorney answers some of the most frequently asked questions homeowners have about selling their properties.
What Do I Need to Do When Selling My Home?
Every sale is unique, but there are a few things you can and should do to set yourself up for success so you can find a qualified buyer quickly. Take a look at your property and consider if there are any repairs you want to make before putting your home on the market. You’ll also want to work with an experienced real estate agent and real estate attorney to help ensure that your sale goes as smoothly as possible.
Do I Need to Hire a Minnesota Real Estate Attorney to Oversee the Sale?
While you’re not required by law to hire a real estate attorney when selling your home, doing so can still be a good idea. Real estate attorneys can review sales agreements to ensure that the terms of the contract are fair and beneficial to you as the homeowner. They can also help you through closing, making it less stressful in the long run.
What Happens if I Enter Into a Dispute With the Buyer?
While most sales go through without too much hassle, some buyers may refuse to live up to their end of the purchase agreement. If this happens, you’ll want to work with a real estate attorney. They’ll help you identify a possible solution, and if needed, can represent you in court should the dispute require court oversight.
Can a Real Estate Attorney Help With Due Diligence?
If you’re selling your home and are trying to buy a new one at the same time, you’ll need to conduct due diligence on the property you’re considering moving into. This process takes time, but it’s essential if you want to protect your interests and ensure that the seller isn’t hiding any liens or trying to sell the property without the proper authority. Real estate attorneys can easily conduct due diligence for you and will keep you updated on any findings. If they identify any areas of concern, they can recommend resolutions to help the purchase go through.
Do I Need a Real Estate Agent if I’m Working With an Attorney?
Real estate attorneys can work with real estate agents, but they fulfill completely different roles. Your real estate agent will help you market your home, find qualified buyers, host home tours and open houses, and help you go through closing. Your real estate attorney can review any agreements you may enter into, help you draft the contract, and help you hold buyers accountable for the terms they agree to.
For most homeowners, it’s a good idea to work with both a real estate agent and a real estate attorney. This way, you’ll have the real estate advice you need to stage and sell your home quickly and the legal advice needed to ensure that the sale goes through smoothly.
Waypoint Law Can Help
If you’re looking for a legal expert to help you buy your next home and sell your current one, Waypoint Law is here to help. Our experienced Minnesota real estate attorneys will work with you to ensure that your home sale and purchase go as smoothly as possible. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.