As soon as your offer is accepted. In New York, the attorney review period begins right after the seller accepts your offer and usually lasts just 3 days. I will immediately review the contract, negotiate terms, and guide you through title, mortgage (if applicable), and closing.

When you list your property for sale or sooner if you anticipate complicating factors such as divorce, death/estate issues, or unclear title. I will prepare or review the purchase contract, handle legal aspects of negotiations in coordination with your realtor, resolve title issues, and coordinate with the buyer’s attorney to keep the transaction on track.

New York law doesn’t mandate attorney involvement, but it’s standard practice for both buyers and sellers to have attorneys. Lenders tend to require attorney representation for mortgage closings. In general, I think it is a good idea to have a lawyer represent you for such a major transaction—probably one of the biggest of your life—to protect your interests. A good, well-connected lawyer will also be able to save you time and hundreds of dollars on title services, surveyors, and inspectors.

Most residential real estate closings in Western New York take 30–60 days from contract signing to closing. Cash purchases often move faster, while mortgage closings can take longer depending on the lender and municipal searches.

We charge a flat fee per transaction, not hourly, for legal services. The fee covers contract review, title review, lender coordination, and closing representation. If there are underlying issues (i.e., divorce or death of Seller) or complicating factors (i.e., complex contract dispute or litigation), it is not covered in the flat fee and in most cases, we will refer you to local attorneys that specialize in that area. The fee does not cover recording fees, title services fees, survey, closing costs, or other third party fees.

1. Offer accepted and attorney review begins.

2. Attorney reviews and negotiates the contract.

3. Title search, mortgage approval, and inspections.

4. Attorney coordinates with lender, seller’s attorney, and title company.

5. Closing scheduled; buyer signs documents.

6. Keys delivered at closing.

Receive an offer and retain an attorney.

Attorney prepares or reviews the contract.

Contract negotiations finalized.

Attorney works with buyer’s attorney and title company to clear title.

Closing scheduled; seller signs the deed and transfer documents.

Funds disbursed and keys handed over.

A closing attorney protects your interests by reviewing and negotiating contracts, clearing title issues, ensuring lender requirements are met, preparing closing documents, and representing you at closing.

At closing, buyers sign mortgage and title documents, sellers sign the deed and transfer papers, funds are exchanged, and keys are handed over. The attorney ensures everything is properly executed and recorded.

Title insurance protects against future claims or defects in ownership. Lenders may require it for mortgages. We will work with you to determine the best choice for your situation.

Common issues include old mortgages, liens, or boundary disputes. We will work with the seller’s side to clear these issues before closing so you receive clear title.

We offer flexible closing options. Some documents can be signed electronically or via remote notarization, while others require in-person signing. We’ll coordinate the best option for your transaction.

Not a problem. Depending on the situation, you can sign a Power of Attorney allowing us or another trusted person to sign on your behalf or you can sign documents in advance and we will deliver them at the closing for you. This is common for out-of-state clients or busy professionals, let us know early on if you think this is something you need. Additional recording/filing fees may apply.

Realtors help with pricing, marketing, and negotiations, while attorneys handle the legal side — contracts, title, and closing. Working as a team helps ensure smooth transactions and happy clients. We have great relationships with many real estate agents and brokers in the area.