Residential Real Estate Attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Navigating the ins and outs of residential or commercial real estate can be daunting, especially if you are buying or selling a property in St. Paul or anywhere else in Minneapolis. While real estate agents can help you find the property of your dreams or sell your home for a great price, a real estate attorney can assist you with situations and complications beyond a realtor’s expertise.  

At Engel Professional Association, we are committed to guiding you through legal real estate issues, whether with buying or selling a property. We are dedicated to providing scrupulous and reliable help for all of your residential real estate needs. If you live in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the greater Twin Cities area of Minnesota—including Mankato, Maple Grove, St. Cloud, and Woodbury—reach out to our team today.

Real Estate Transactions in Minnesota

If you are buying, selling, leasing, or renting a property, it is always wise to have an attorney review the relevant paperwork and advise you on solving common problems, such as:  

Contract Disputes 

If you do not agree on the terms of your contract, a real estate attorney can negotiate in your favor and will be indispensable if the case goes to court. 

Title Problems 

Anyone selling a property must check the title of that property and make sure that no issues come up to prevent the deed transfer taking place. A real estate attorney can guide you through the process of solving problems that might arise when checking the title, such as a lien placed on the property.  

Liens 

Liens are claims laid on the right to a property by someone other than the owner. For example, a lien may be placed on a home by a spouse during a divorce, or by the IRS if tax issues have arisen. An attorney will be able to advise you on next steps to take if a lien has been placed on your property.  

Boundary Disputes 

A boundary dispute can impede a real estate transaction. For example, when you check the title in preparation for selling your home, you might find that the neighbor technically infringes over your property line, or vice versa. Your attorney can advocate on your behalf with the aim of reaching a resolution and allowing the transaction to continue. 

Attorney Review Period  

Many states have a built-in Attorney Review period during which each party’s attorney views the contract so that they can flag issues or propose modifications. This period varies by state. According to the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General, buyers should schedule their closing dates at least six weeks from the date on which the purchase agreement was signed. This gives your attorney time to check the relevant paperwork and attend to any legal matters that may arise.  

Why It’s Important to Hire a Real Estate Attorney

Negotiate & Protect Your Rights 

A real estate attorney will promote your best interest if contract disputes arise. An attorney will also be more informed than a realtor about your rights during a residential or commercial real estate transaction and will be prepared to argue in your favor. 

Draft & Review Contracts  

An attorney can make the often-confusing wording of contracts clear, as well as identify points in the contract that you might want to argue. They can also assist with drafting non-standard wording in contracts for special situations. 

Identify Issues & Close the Deal 

A reliable and knowledgeable real estate attorney is your first line of defense against unforeseen legal concerns. A real estate attorney can identify these problems and work with you to solve them much more effectively than a realtor can, and will be dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.