Most people work with an agent when selling a home, but you can choose to forego representation. This is called a for-sale-by-owner transaction, or FSBO. Many sellers choose this route to avoid paying agent commissions, which can add up to thousands of dollars. Buyers, too, sometimes seek out FSBO properties hoping to negotiate a better price directly with the seller.
No matter what side of the transaction you are on, the best way to protect your interests is to work with a Fort Washington for sale by owner lawyer like ours at Friedman Schuman Layser. Our experienced real estate attorneys have an in-depth knowledge of state law, and they are prepared to provide guidance and advice through all aspects of the home-buying or selling process. Reach out to us today to schedule your consultation.
In a traditional home sale, real estate agents on both sides handle most of the paperwork, coordinate deadlines, and guide the transaction from start to finish. In an FSBO sale, that responsibility falls on you. In Pennsylvania, this means you should prepare and review a written agreement of sale, meet specific disclosure requirements, and work through the title transfer process, among other steps.
Pennsylvania law requires sellers to disclose known issues with the property to buyers before the sale is finalized. This protects both parties and helps avoid disputes after closing. Without an agent to walk you through these forms, it is easy to miss something important.
It is a good idea to have legal guidance as a home buyer or seller, even when working with a real estate agent. In an FSBO scenario, however, consulting an experienced real estate attorney is even more important. If you are preparing to buy or sell a home without an agent, you should speak with an attorney before signing anything. Our Fort Washington FSBO lawyers can help you understand what you are agreeing to and protect you from issues that may not be obvious at first glance.
Buying or selling a home without a real estate agent does not mean you have to handle the process alone. Our for-sale-by-owner lawyers in Fort Washington can step in at any point to make sure your interests are protected and that the transaction moves forward without unnecessary complications. Whether you are the buyer or the seller, there are several ways our lawyers can assist you.
This is the most important document in any home sale. Our team can prepare a contract that reflects the terms you have agreed to, or review one that has already been written to make sure it is fair and complete.
Pennsylvania sellers must disclose known property conditions to buyers. Our lawyers can help make sure the right disclosures are completed accurately, which protects both parties.
Before closing, you should know whether there are any liens or other claims against the property. Our lawyers work with title insurance companies to obtain title history and title requirements to complete the sale.
Several documents need to be signed and filed when a home sale is finalized. We can prepare these in advance and walk you through each one at closing.
Having an attorney present at closing means you have someone in your corner if any last-minute questions or concerns arise.
Working with a real estate attorney does not complicate the FSBO process, but makes it easier. You get the flexibility and potential savings that come with skipping an agent, while still having experienced legal guidance at every step.
Friedman Schuman Layser has been a trusted legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania for decades. If you are looking to buy or sell without an agent, contact our firm today to speak with one of our Fort Washington for sale by owner lawyers. You can get answers to your questions and learn more about how we can help.
