South Carolina law regulates that an attorney must be present at the close of any real estate transaction. When you're purchasing a home, you want to be aware of each cost, so it may be tempting to choose the least expensive legal representation possible, but there are a few reasons to shop the market for the best real estate attorney in Pawleys Island.

A real estate attorney offers a number of benefits and can help secure the purchase or sale of your home. You'll also appreciate having a keen legal perspective if you encounter a complication during the deal. If you're planning to purchase a home in Pawleys Island or anywhere along the Grand Strand, here's what you need to know about hiring an attorney.

What Documents Do Real Estate Attorneys Handle?

Every angle of a property transaction is considered by your real estate attorney. They are trained and experienced in handling the specialized documents that accompany the close of a property deal. The most common documents handled by your lawyer include:

• Purchase agreements
• Mortgage documents
• Title documents
• Transfer documents

You'll have an opportunity to review the paperwork with your attorney and ask any questions you may have prior to or at the closing.

Who Hires The SC Real Estate Attorney?

South Carolina is one of several states that require a real estate attorney to be involved, but it's one of just a select few that mandate the attorney be physically present at the closing. When you hire your lawyer, you'll work closely with them to set a closing date that allows all parties to be present. In most property deals, the buyer is responsible for hiring the attorney. Your real estate agent may have some suggestions on which Pawleys Island lawyer is best, but it's ultimately your decision.

How Do I Find A Real Estate Attorney?

Numerous online data bases allow you to search through attorneys in your area and read reviews from past clients. But 46 percent of people say they rely on the suggestion of a family member or friend when it comes to hiring the best lawyer.

Before you commit to a real estate lawyer, ask these questions in your phone or in-person meeting:

• How long have you specialized in real estate closings?
• If your real estate deal is complicated, ask the attorney if they've dealt with a similar case.
• How will we communicate?
• How will you bill me? Standard rates range from $150 to $350 per hour. Some real estate attorneys charge a flat fee.
• Who else will be working on my case? You'll want to be familiar with the partnering attorneys or paralegals.

Once you've hired a real estate attorney, you can use them as a resource when it comes to answering your legal questions. The lawyer and their team will prepare and review all your closing paperwork to ensure the transaction goes smoothly and is legally binding. You want your move into a new home to go as effortlessly as possible and hiring a qualified attorney is the first step.