Experienced Guidance For Real Estate Closings & Title Services

The Real Estate Closing

Although a non-lawyer closing agent can conduct a closing, without the qualified legal assistance of a real estate attorney, however, you may be unable to resolve critical issues that arise during your closing. Title problems, processing issues, lack of contractual compliance of the buyer or seller and/or disagreements over closing documents, can delay or even end your transaction, potentially resulting in your loss of time and money.

At the Law Office of Kimberly A. Abrams & Associates, P.A., and its subsidiary title company, Evolution Title & Closing Services, LLC, in Hollywood – Fort Lauderdale, Florida, we will solve all of the legal issues that may arise during your closing process. When you retain the Law Office of Kimberly A. Abrams & Associates, P.A., and/or its subsidiary title company, Evolution Title & Closing Services, LLC, we will thoroughly examine all closing related documents and searches to streamline the transaction and identify and address any areas of concern that may jeopardize your sale or purchase.

We represent both buyers and sellers in both residential and commercial real estate closings in the Tri-County South Florida area, as well as anywhere in the State of Florida. Contact us today.

Providing Knowledgeable, Client-Centered Service

Florida real estate attorney Kimberly A. Abrams, Esq., has been providing a wide range of real estate law and closing services for more than 30 years. Whether you are partnered with a real estate agent, or doing a For Sale by Owner transaction, the Law Office of Kimberly A. Abrams & Associates, P.A., and its subsidiary title company, Evolution Title & Closing Services, LLC, is ready to join your team and guide you through your purchase or sale.

Guiding You Through The Closing Process

When you retain the Law Office of Kimberly A. Abrams & Associates, P.A., and its subsidiary title compnay, Evolution Title & Closing Services, LLC, we immediately begin laying the foundation for a successful closing during the drafting/negotiation of the contract. Kimberly A. Abrams, Esq., has decades of real estate experience that she leverages for you during contract negotiations, drafting and revisions, which is the first step in the closing process.

Once under contract, Kimberly A. Abrams, Esq., will lead you through the processing phase of your transaction, which includes:

  • Title Search – She will examine your title search for ownership, judgments, liens, encroachments, etc., and resolve any issues.
  • Lien Search – She will examine your lien search for permits, violations, utility accounts, assessments, etc., and resolve any issues.
  • Survey (if applicable) – She will examine your survey for encroachments and boundary identification and resolve any issues.
  • Association Estoppel (if applicable) – She will examine your estoppel for the amount and frequency of the regular assessments, the existence and balance of any special assessments, delinquencies, violations of the rules and regulations, to determine if the association is involved in litigation, if the association has a right of first refusal, if there are any other associations that govern the property, etc., and resolve any issues.

Once the processing phase is completed she will then lead you through the closing phase of your transaction which includes:

  • Closing Statement – She will prepare and/or review your closing statement (the document that reflects all of the credits and debits for the buyer and seller) consistent with the terms of your contract making sure that it does not contain any fees/costs that you are not contractually obligated to pay.
  • Closing Documents – She will prepare and/or review your closing documents consistent with the terms of your contract making sure that they do not contain any language that is not contractually required.
  • Document Signing – She will meet with you, or facilitate a remote closing if requested, for the explanation, signing and notarizing of all of your closing documents.
  • Disbursement – She will ensure the proper disbursement of the funds, including the payment of any mortgages and/or liens that need to be paid off.
  • Recording – She will record or confirm the recording of the Warranty Deed and any other required documents such as a Satisfaction/Release of Mortgage.
  • Title Insurance – If the Law Office of Kimberly A. Abrams & Associates, P.A. or its subsidiary title company, Evolution Title & Closing Services, LLC, is the closing agent, Kimberly A. Abrams, Esq. will write the Owner’s Title Insurance Policy and the Loan Policy.
  • Post Closing Closeout – Your file will not be closed until all post-closing matters have been resolved.

The Law Office of Kimberly A. Abrams & Associates, P.A., and its subsidiary title company, Evolution Title & Closing Services, LLC, offers our clients after-hours closings, mobile closings, mail-away closings and electronic closings, in addition to in-house closings during normal business hours.

One Office – Representation And Title Company

There is no need to retain both an attorney and a closing agent for your real estate transaction, the Law Office of Kimberly A. Abrams & Associates, P.A., and its subsidiary title company, Evolution Title & Closing Services, LLC, provides both services for the price of one.

Common Complications In Florida Real Estate Closings

From legal complexities to unexpected financial hurdles, even the most straightforward transactions can encounter complications that delay or derail the deal. Some of the common challenges that can disrupt the process include:

  • Title defects: A clear title is essential for a successful real estate transaction. However, issues like liens, undisclosed heirs or fraudulent transfers can complicate the process. These defects may delay or even derail the closing if not resolved promptly.
  • Survey disputes: Boundary line discrepancies or encroachments discovered during the survey process can lead to disagreements between buyers and sellers. Such disputes may require legal action or renegotiation, impacting the closing timeline.
  • Financing delays: Unanticipated issues with mortgage approval, changes in interest rates or lender requirements can slow down the closing process. Buyers who fail to secure financing in time risk losing the property.
  • Inspections and repairs: Property inspections often uncover hidden issues, such as structural damage, mold or pest infestations. Negotiations over repair costs can cause delays and even result in the buyer or seller backing out of the deal.
  • HOA or condo association issues: Properties within homeowners’ associations or condo associations may involve additional complications, such as unpaid dues, pending special assessments or restrictive covenants that buyers are unaware of.
  • Disputes over fixtures and personal property: Confusion about what is included in the sale, such as appliances, light fixtures or landscaping, can lead to disagreements between buyers and sellers. This can potentially delay the closing.
  • Regulatory compliance issues: Failing to comply with federal, state or local regulations, such as environmental laws or flood zone disclosures, can result in penalties or additional legal requirements that delay the transaction.
  • Delays in document preparation: Missing or incomplete documents, contract errors, or last-minute changes to terms can create bottlenecks in the closing process, frustrating both parties.
  • Sellers financial issues: Sellers facing bankruptcy, tax liens or unresolved debts may struggle to clear the necessary legal and financial hurdles, complicating the transaction.

Understanding potential obstacles ahead of time can help buyers and sellers manage expectations and minimize disruptions in the closing process.

Avoid Surprises At Your Closing: Contact Our Office

Our in-depth understanding of real estate transactions and our client-centered services are two of the many reasons we are known as one of the leading real estate law firms and title companies in South Florida.

We provide cost-effective representation that can help you avoid the legal headaches that often accompany a real estate transaction. We invite you to contact us to learn about the other advantages our representation provides. Call 954-256-5605 or email us today.