Have You Ever Wondered What an Attorney Does at Closing?

When people think about a real estate closing, they often imagine sitting at a long table, signing a stack of documents, and walking away with keys in hand. While that moment is certainly exciting, what happens behind the scenes is far more complex. An attorney’s role at closing goes well beyond handing you a pen.

Ensuring Accuracy of the Numbers

One of the attorney’s most important responsibilities is verifying that all the numbers on the settlement statement line up. From the purchase price to prorated taxes, lender fees, and recording costs, the attorney double-checks every calculation. Even a small error can snowball into a major problem—one mistake can cost you thousands of dollars.

Conducting a Thorough Title Search

Before you can buy property, the attorney must confirm that the title is clean. This means searching every grantor in the chain of title since the last title policy—often going back thirty years. Attorneys also search for judgments, liens, bankruptcies, and lawsuits that could attach to the property or the seller. The goal is to make sure no one else has a legal claim that could disrupt your ownership. Only once the title is clear can the property legally transfer.

Coordinating With the Lender

In transactions involving financing, attorneys play a critical role in working with the lender. They review loan documents, ensure the lender’s instructions are followed, and handle the flow of funds. This coordination protects both the lender and the buyer, making sure money changes hands securely and legally.

Assisting With Due Diligence in Commercial Deals

When it comes to commercial properties, an attorney’s job expands even further. They may review leases, zoning issues, environmental reports, or corporate documents. Commercial transactions involve layers of complexity, and the attorney ensures no detail is overlooked before the client commits to the purchase.

More Than Just Paperwork

In short, an attorney at closing isn’t just a witness to signatures. They are investigators, financial auditors, coordinators, and problem-solvers. Their job is to protect their client’s investment, ensure the deal is legally sound, and provide peace of mind.

So the next time you sit down at a closing table, remember: by the time you sign, your attorney has already done a tremendous amount of work to make sure that moment is possible—and that hidden liens, lawsuits, or one simple mistake don’t end up costing you thousands.