Real Estate Attorney in Green Bay, Wisconsin

Buying or selling a home can be a stressful and uncertain process, even under the most ideal circumstances. You could encounter a boundary dispute, issues with legal title or prior transfers, unexpected ownership claims or liens, or concerns over a residential or commercial lease? The truth is anytime you’re involved in a real estate transaction, problems can arise. We can help you figure out how to address these issues properly to protect your financial interests.   

If you’re considering buying or seller a home, farm or commercial property, you need someone that you can trust to give you sound legal advice and ensure that your best interests are served. For help with this, call us at Lewis & Van Sickle, LLC. From our offices in Green Bay, Wisconsin, we’re happy to represent clients throughout the area, including Brown, Oconto, Marinette, Shawano, Kewaunee and Door Counties.

Real Estate Transactions  

The most common real estate deal is, of course, buying or selling a home, but even within a simple residential real estate purchase or sale lots of issues can arise. There could be problems initiating and/or ending lease agreements, subleasing, performing a 1031 tax-deferred exchange, the purchase of a new construction home, a short sale, or buying and selling properties as an investment opportunities. Because there are so many different parties involved in real estate transactions—buyers, sellers, lenders, escrow companies, title companies, inspectors, appraisers, tenant, brokers, and agents, it’s no wonder that conflicts can and do arise.   

When issues arise you’ll want to work with an experienced real estate attorney. We have been assisting clients in Northeast Wisconsin for more than 20 years.   

Attorney Review Period for Real Estate Transactions  

In some instances, you’ll want to implement an attorney review period for your real estate transactions. This is typically a period of a few days after the initial purchase agreement has been signed by both parties. This allows time for an attorney to carefully review the terms of the agreement and either approve it, reject it, or suggest revisions based on their findings. They will cross reference multiple documents, including the home inspection report, the current title, and appraisals, and look into any liens or bankruptcies associated with the property. Many real estate transactions, especially in a tight market, can happen very quickly, and it’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of buying or selling your home and forget to pay attention to the details. If you choose to have a review period, you should always work with a local attorney who’s knowledgeable about real estate law in your area.   

Why It’s Important to Hire a Real Estate Attorney  

Buying and selling property is often the most expensive financial decision you’ll ever make. Also, you’ll want a team of trusted professionals working in your corner to ensure your needs are met. Although the state of Wisconsin doesn’t legally require the use of an attorney to draw up your transaction paperwork, you may decide this is in your best interest. This is especially true if the property in question presents a complicated sale. For instance, if you inherited a house from your family and now wish to sell it, if you’re buying or selling a house that’s in a “distressed” condition, or if the property in question currently has tenants that you want to evict. A real estate attorney can bring additional oversight to this process and ensure the legal wording on all documents clearly reflects the terms of the agreement. They can also review any documents presented to you by the other party to ensure you’re not agreeing to anything you shouldn’t be and see that you remain in compliance with all state and local ordinances.  

An attorney can also be helpful when negotiating over the terms of: price, what repairs should or could be made after the inspection is complete, or the final terms of the contract. A real estate lawyer will be able to spot potential legal hurdles and help you address these issues so they present a problem for you now or in the future. They can be instrumental in helping you close the deal all while protecting your rights.