I will be selling my own house in California, do I need a real estate attorney and title company to assist me?
399811
If you have to ask this Question then... Don't do it yourself! Among other things, California is  the leader in two potentially expensive realities: 1) Lots and lots of Real Estate Scam artists. & 2) Extensive mandatory disclosure requirements. Get a good and experienced Local Real Estate Agent. They sell homes for a living!!! They will guide you and keep you out of trouble and they will get your property sold for what it is worth. The cost of the real estate commision MORE than pays for itself when you consider the potential costs of litigation and other problems that you expose yourself to even long after your your home is sold. \nIf you're still not convinced, then think about this: Las Vegas attracts lots of gamblers thinking they'll win big, but the reality is that Las Vegas was built on the money of the people who thought they could do it but couldn't. \nGood luck!\nIf you're still intent on doing it yourself the answer to your question depends on what part of the state you're in. Northern Cal typicaly uses a title company to handle the closings. A real estate attorney can also do it although you're still going to probably deal with a title co. to provide the neccessary title product. In Southern Cal. an escrow company is more commonly used to handle the closings.
196478
You need to take the real estate licensing classes/test. Contact your state for more information.
435617
Depending on which state you are in you can call any title company located in the area of the property, ask for customer service, and get a preliminary property profile report for free!\nI do it all the time and I am in CA.\nGood luck!\nIf you are looking to buy a home and need the financing still please feel free to e-mail me and I will put you in touch with the best company I know of who can do loans across the country!\n\nThomas@Simmonsrealty.net
966409
I don't know the section of the law, but last year I had to sign some legal papers pertaining to the sale of a house.  With my faxed signature, the process could proceed, but I had to mail the original to the attorney for it to be completely legal.  \n\nA real estate broker said that deals are done that way all the time.
137844
Sunny is correct in telling you that you need only get your RE license to start selling.  However, what Sunny failed to mention is that these companies (at least the successful ones) will want you to have at least bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Accounting or Economics.  Most of them will want you to have your real estate brokers’ license as well.\nAlso, please don’t be fooled by Sunny’s flippant comments about just taking the classes and getting started.  I’m not saying you can’t do well at it, I’m saying it takes a lot of VERY HARD WORK to make your self successful at it.  I know several commercial brokers, and a few successful ones, and the ones that are successful don’t half ass it, they work 60-70 hrs a week.  The payoff for these few is Huge, I’m talking high six and sometimes seven figure incomes but you have to want it, and you have to work for it!\nI hope I have given you a little bit better insight into the world of commercial real estate.  \nI truly wish you the best!
557661
Yes this is legit. You must and you should.\n\n You don't want problems from prior ownerships to interfere with your rights to your property. And you don't want to pay the potentially ruinous cost of defending your property rights in court.\n\nA title insurance policy is your best protection against potential title defects, which can remain hidden despite the most thorough search of public records and the most careful escrow or closing.\n\nCall the title company you will be using and ask them if you need it of if the realtor is full of shit. They are the experts.
588535
You MUST see an attorney who practices in YOUR state to find out if you are the owners or not.\n\nAnswers from another state may not be right.
270769
I used an attorney for the paperwork once. With the correct forms, you can do it, but it is really worth the price you pay the agent to take care of it.  They do all the leg work for you.  Advertisement is the power behind the sell.  Most charge about 6%.
382040
you must at least be a notary at large. Some states are atty. states and that you would have to pass the bar. that is the first step. If you are in a notary state then visit the title companies in your area and ask for their out of office business.
971901
You will either need to get your broker's license (more classes & more tests) or you will need to operate under an already licensed real estate broker.  I believe it is unlawful in any state for a real estate agent to operate without a broker but, I may be wrong.  I am only well versed in Arizona real estate laws.\n\nBy the way, if you have taken the classes and passed the test to get your real estate license then you are a real estate agent.  You are not a "Realtor" unless you join and pay the association fees for the National Aossciation of Realtors, which also requires you to follow their code of ethics.  You can not simply get your license and call yourself a Realtor.\n\nAs for finding property to sell, first you will need to find clients who have property they want to sell.  Advertise, advertise, advertise!  All of this should be covered in your classes prior to licensing.
1021766
Nothing about title to real estate is simple.  You should consult a lawyer.  Title companies are good at identifying problems with a title, but not necessarily good at telling you how to correct or prevent them.
1058542
Yes!    If you are interested in the property - present the seller with an offer to buy letter to be reviewed by their attorney.  You must list the price you are offering and any other comments like in lieu of  expection by your engineer, a termite inspection etc.  You will need to give a copy of this letter to your own attorney and ask the seller to give you their attorney's name and contact # if they are interested in your offer.
687134
It'a alsways best to have representation.  If you buy a house then you will be going through the seller's agent, and they will not be looking out for your best interest.  Find your own.  It costs you nothing and will really be best in the end.  If you need help, let me know.  I am a buyers agent in Texas and would be more than willing to refer you to someone in your area.
1112515
First put up a sign.  For Sale by Owner using start by putting up a sign to let people know that you are selling your home.  If you lived in California, I would have given you a free sign.\n\nSharon 951-272-1027
1169242
That's a tough one, because each county has it's "norm" for who pays what.  In the SF Bay Area, the Buyer pays all the costs of title insurance (owners and lenders) and escrow fee.  In the Sacramento area, the Seller pays the owners title, and usually half the escrow, the Buyer pays the lender's title insurance and half the escrow.   Seller generally pays the County Transfer Tax but some cities charge a Transfer Tax as well and that's usually split between Buyer and Seller.  Southern California is a county by county basis.  \n\nBut remember ... Everthing is negotiable!  Just because it's the norm (there is no "law" stating who pays what!)in that particular county doesn't mean you can't negotiate!\n\nAnd depends on the type of loan program you're using as well.  If you're paying points and extras that brings up your fees.\n\nCall any local escrow/title company and ask them for a quote of fees.  You'll need to give them the sales price (you can make up a general one) and loan amount (ditto) and ask what the Buyer usually pays for in that particular county.\n\nGood luck  :)
93556
Typically you would just disclose that you are a licensed real estate agent acting for your own account, and plainly state that information in the offer.  However, you should check with your state's real estate commission for any specific requirements.
588566
Below is a link which will take you to a site provided by the courts of California for self help in divorce, separation and/or annulment. \n\nhttp://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/family/divorce/\n\nYou do not necessarily have to be re[presented by a lawyer in divorce proceeding though it is always best to seek legal counsel. Specifically if divorce is contested and there are issues regarding division of real property and assets.\n\nHope this helps!!