A real estate lawyer specializes in legal matters related to property—buying, selling, leasing, or using residential and commercial real estate. Their role varies depending on whether you're a buyer, seller, developer, or landlord/tenant, but here are the core things they typically handle:

🔑 Key Responsibilities of a Real Estate Lawyer:

1. Reviewing and Drafting Documents

• Purchase and sale agreements

• Lease agreements (commercial or residential)

• Mortgage and financing documents

• Title documents and property deeds

• Homeowners association (HOA) documents

2. Conducting Title Searches

• Ensures the property title is clean (free of liens, disputes, or legal restrictions)

• Resolves title issues like easements, encroachments, or unclear ownership

3. Handling Closings

• Coordinates with lenders, realtors, and title companies

• Prepares the closing documents and settlement statement

• Ensures money is properly transferred and title is legally recorded

4. Negotiating Real Estate Deals

• Helps clients get better contract terms

• Advises on zoning, land use restrictions, or environmental issues

• Navigates commercial leasing negotiations

5. Litigation and Dispute Resolution

• Represents clients in real estate lawsuits, such as:

  • Boundary disputes

  • Breach of contract

  • Landlord-tenant issues

  • Construction defects

6. Legal Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal real estate laws

• Advises on tax implications of property transfers

• Helps with estate planning related to real estate

🏠 Who Needs a Real Estate Lawyer?

• Homebuyers/sellers: Especially in states where it's required or if it's a complex deal.

• Investors and developers: For zoning, land use, and development issues.

• Landlords and tenants: In commercial lease agreements or eviction cases.

• Lenders and banks: For foreclosures and loan closings.

• HOAs and co-op boards: For governance and dispute resolution.