ATTORNEY
The Attorney's Role in Your Purchase (Vermont)
In Vermont, the attorney plays a critical role in protecting the buyer's financial interests and ensuring the legal transfer of the property. We work with your legal teams to ensure a smooth, secure closing.
Primary Responsibilities for the Buyer
| Responsibility | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Title Search & Insurance | The attorney's office researches the property's history to ensure the seller legally owns it and there are no hidden claims (like old liens, unpaid taxes, or boundary disputes). They issue Title Insurance to protect you financially from future claims against the title. |
| Clearing the Title | If issues are found during the title search, the attorney works to resolve them before closing. This often involves ensuring that prior mortgages or lines of credit are officially paid off and discharged. |
| Document Preparation | The firm prepares all necessary legal documents to transfer ownership, including the Deed, the Title Insurance policy, and documents related to your lender's requirements. |
| The Closing | The attorney (or a paralegal on their behalf) conducts the closing meeting, explains all final documents, ensures funds are properly disbursed, and makes sure the transfer is correctly recorded with the Town Clerk. |
| Legal Review | While your agent (us!) helps with contract negotiation, the attorney provides final legal review of contracts, riders, and complex contingencies to ensure they are enforceable and protect your interests. |
Working with the Legal Team
Flat Fee Structure
Most real estate attorneys in Vermont, including groups operate on a flat fee structure for standard residential closings. This means you know the legal cost upfront, avoiding hourly billing surprises.
The Contact Point (Paralegals)
Due to the high volume of transactions, the firm's experienced paralegals are typically your main and most efficient point of contact. They handle scheduling, document exchange, and answering most procedural questions, keeping the process moving quickly. The attorney oversees the final legal work and complex decisions.
We will connect you with the legal team early in the process to ensure all closing documents are processed accurately and efficiently.
Have Questions About the Legal Process?
Our team is here to help you understand every step of the closing process and connect you with trusted legal professionals.