Finding an Attorney

You may be wondering why you need to find an attorney at all. Purchasing a home can be a very complicated transaction and an attorney will protect your legal interests throughout the process. The sellers will have an attorney and you need one, too.

Your attorney should:

1. Review the purchase contract to make sure there is nothing amiss.
2. Make recommendations for standard contingencies such as mortgage approval, sale and transfer of title, home inspection, etc.
3. Work with the seller's attorney to make the closing happen.

How to find an attorney.

1. Get referrals from family, friends, co-workers or even from your Realtor.
2. Finding an attorney who specializes in real estate law and closing transactions may be your best choice.

What is a closing date?

A closing date is a time in the future (usually 30 days or more) that the buyer and seller, their attorneys and realtors and the lender (ESL) are working toward to complete the purchase transaction.

1. It is usually stated on the purchase offer.
2. It needs to be a realistic date (i.e. can the seller move out by that time?)
3. It is subject to change if something unexpected happens with the transaction (for example: the buyer cannot give clear title because of an old lien on the property).
4. It is not final and can be changed to suit the needs of the buyer and/or seller.

Okay, your attorney has reviewed and approved the purchase offer. Now it's time to start working with ESL.

Questions about an ESL Mortgage? Call an ESL Mortgage Origination Counselor at 585.336.1502 or 800.352.6669. Or submit a request on line and we'll call you back!