When purchasing a home, you have much more to consider than whether you will make a significant financial investment. In addition, you will probably invest extensive personal time and effort to close the deal. Before beginning your home buying journey, you should consider some legal tips that may help make the home buying process feel less stressful and may also assist you in avoiding disputes.

The Law Offices of Daryl L. Jones, P.A, is a top-rated real estate law firm helping clients in South Florida with every aspect of the home buying process. While it may feel overwhelming to begin the process of purchasing a home, knowing the following legal tips will help ensure that you find the home you want and close on a deal that protects you and your rights in the property. 

What Are the Best Legal Tips for Buying a Home in South Florida?

Buying a home is part of the American dream for most people. However, before you make this important purchase, you need to determine all of the key factors that will make a home the perfect place for you. These factors may include your budget, your preferred neighborhood, and the features you need or want in your future home. In addition to these factors, you should be aware of certain legal issues concerning seller disclosures, purchase contracts, and property title that may come up throughout your property buying journey. Some of the best legal tips you need to know before buying a home in South Florida include:

Carefully Review the Seller Disclosure

Seller disclosures are important for you to review carefully before closing on a new home. This is because simply touring or looking at a property may not be enough to tell you what problems the previous owner had while living there. Some details that must be included in a Florida seller disclosure include:

• Whether specific appliances need repair
• Defects in the electrical, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning systems
• Environmental conditions, such as termites or asbestos
• Issues with the structure, including the roof, foundation, and walls
• Legal issues including deed restrictions and boundary disputes

We recommend that you have the help of a trusted real estate lawyer who will review the seller’s disclosure alongside you.

Hire an Independent Home Inspector

Instead of relying solely on a seller’s disclosure, take matters into your own hands and hire an independent home inspector who will double check the information detailed within the disclosure. Home buyers often make their offer contingent upon a satisfactory inspection report to be sure no additional defects exist. If there are defects, then you may either renegotiate or cancel the sale with the help of a real estate lawyer.

Obtain a Title Search

Before buying a home in South Florida, a buyer should always obtain a title search from a title company. A title company searches public records and other sources for any liens, easements, or other encumbrances or title restrictions that may affect the property and your ownership of it. If the title search finds an issue, the seller is expected to correct these as a condition of closing. To get help in this situation, you should contact a Florida real estate attorney. 

Get Help From a Top-Rated Florida Real Estate Attorney

The Law Offices of Daryl L. Jones, P.A, is a South Florida real estate law firm with over 30 years experience helping clients avoid legal disputes when purchasing a new home. To schedule a free initial strategy session, contact us here or call 786-876-9604.

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