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Your Right to Choose a Closing Attorney in Massachusetts & New Hampshire
Your Right to Choose a Closing Attorney in Massachusetts & New Hampshire
Download The Printable PDFBuying a home is one of the most exciting and important decisions you’ll ever make. It’s a significant milestone, but also a complex process with a lot of moving parts. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, it’s crucial that you feel confident every step of the way—and that includes your closing.
When you’re nearing the end of the home-buying process, one aspect that’s often overlooked is the role of your closing attorney. Here’s the good news: In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, you have the right to choose your own closing attorney. Yes, you have the power to select someone who will be there to guide you, protect your interests, and ensure a smooth closing.
What Exactly Does a Closing Attorney Do?
A closing attorney plays a key role in making sure everything goes smoothly at the finish line. They handle a lot of important details to make sure your home purchase is legitimate, legally sound, and properly executed. Here’s a quick overview of their role:
- Reviewing and explaining documents: They’ll go through the purchase agreement, mortgage documents, and other legal paperwork to make sure everything is in order.
- Title review: They’ll ensure that the home you’re buying has a clear title, meaning there are no legal claims against the property.
- Disbursement of funds: The attorney ensures that all the funds are distributed correctly at closing, including payments to the seller, real estate agents, and any other parties involved.
- Notarizing documents: They will handle any necessary notarization of documents to make the closing official and legal.
- Guiding you through the closing: They’ll be there to explain the process, answer your questions, and help you understand the terms of your agreement.
Why Should You Choose Your Own Attorney?
In many cases, lenders or real estate agents may suggest a particular attorney or title company to handle the closing. While it’s not uncommon for this to happen, it’s important to understand that you are not required to use their choice of attorney.
Why is this so important? Because when it comes to the closing of your home purchase, you want someone who has your best interests in mind—not the interests of a lender or seller. Your closing attorney’s role is to protect you throughout the entire process, and that includes making sure the paperwork is accurate, the title is clear, and that no last-minute issues arise.
If you feel more comfortable with someone else, or if you have a trusted attorney you’ve worked with before, it’s your right to bring them into the process.
How to Find a Closing Attorney
If you’re wondering how to find a qualified closing attorney, don’t worry—you’ve got options. Start by asking your real estate agent for recommendations. Many agents work closely with experienced attorneys and can point you in the right direction. Alternatively, your local bar association often offers a lawyer referral service, which can help you find a reputable attorney in your area who specializes in real estate law.
It’s also a good idea to interview a few attorneys before making your decision. You’ll want to ask about their experience with real estate transactions, their approach to the closing process, and what their fees are. It’s important that you feel comfortable and confident in your choice.
Why You Should Care About Your Closing Attorney
Ultimately, the closing attorney is there to safeguard your interests. You’ve likely spent months—or even longer—searching for the perfect home, securing financing, and navigating the complexities of the real estate market. The last thing you want is to rush through the closing process without fully understanding the terms of your deal.
By selecting your own attorney, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve got someone on your side, advocating for your best interests, and ensuring everything is done right.
Don’t Let Anyone Rush You
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and feel pressure from various parties involved in the transaction. But remember: the closing is your moment, and you deserve to feel confident about every decision, including who represents you.
Take a moment to select an attorney who will guide you through the process with transparency, integrity, and expertise. After all, buying a home is a big investment—and you deserve to have peace of mind that everything is being handled professionally.
Take Control of Your Home Purchase!
As you move toward closing on your new home, remember that you have the right to choose your own closing attorney in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. This is an important part of the process, and it’s essential that you feel fully supported and protected. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to your real estate agent or local bar association for recommendations. The right closing attorney can make all the difference in ensuring your home-buying experience is a smooth and successful one.
Want to learn more about the home-buying process or need recommendations for trusted closing attorneys? Reach out today—we’re here to help you every step of the way!
Providing title, escrow, closing and settlement services to clients throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire
From Our Clients
“I would highly recommend David as a closing attorney. I have known David and have been using his office for many years. David’s professionalism when dealing with me, my closing department and most especially my clients has been always exemplary.”
“The Law Office of Attorney David R. Rocheford, Jr. is by far the most exceptional real estate law office that I have had the pleasure of working with. The professionalism is by far second to none.”
“Attorney David Rocheford has provided settlement and title services for me and Greenpark Mortgage several years. He has assisted all of my clients, including my family and friends with mortgage closings. Always providing excellent service. Reliable and trustworthy!”
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