Why do I need a real estate attorney?

A real estate closing is a legal proceeding that must be conducted by a licensed attorney. In South Carolina the buyer chooses the closing attorney and your choice should be communicated to your mortgage banker. The attorney will examine the property title records for prior conveyances, liens, encumbrances and errors in the deeds within the chain of title. Your real estate closing attorney will prepare the necessary documents and those you sign may include the contract of sale, a promissory note, mortgage, settlement statement and deed as well as other documents. Your attorney will examine all documents to be sure that your rights are protected as well as explain any items you don’t understand.