Q1
Are real estate closings more expensive with an attorney?
No. The rates for the title insurance premium, documentary stamps and recording fees are all set by the State of Florida. We meet or beat the other typical charges of title companies. We do not charge legal fees for standard closings.
Q2
Is there an advantage to using an attorney for my Closing?
The advantage of using St. Johns Law Group for your closing is that you get a TEAM of attorneys, escrow agents, processors, closers, and title agents at typically the same cost as a title company. More importantly, if there is a title issue or a legal document in need of drafting, we are able to quickly and efficiently resolve the issue in-house. Whereas title companies must have an attorney to provide legal services.
Q3
What If i need to amend my contract or have a post-closing agreement?
Our closing Team of attorneys routinely take care of contract amendments and post-closing agreements. We can modify a contract to extend closing, adjust a purchase price or provide for such post-closing items as inspection items to be corrected, code enforcement compliance, or any range of issues that arise in the closing.
Q4
How long does a typical closing take?
A closing for the purchase and sale of a property takes approximately one hour. A refinance or construction loan closing might take as little as half an hour. If you would like to review all of your documents prior to closing, please contact us prior to your closing and we will ensure you receive copies of such.
Q5
What is a title search?
A title search is a search of the public records as they relate to the subject property to see if there are any liens or other outstanding judgments and encumbrances against the subject property. Your closing attorney will evaluate the status of the title and will pursue appropriate legal remedies to clear any title defects which might have been discovered.
Q6
What is title insurance?
Title insurance is protection against loss resulting from defects in the title to the property, which might not have been discovered during the title search at the time of closing. There are two different types of title insurance policies a mortgagee policy and an owner’s policy. The mortgagee policy extends coverage to the lender and insures the mortgage lien that a lender is acquiring; whereas, an owner’s policy extends coverage to the home owner and insures against loss or damages due to title problems.
Q7
What will my closing cost?
You can estimate closing costs using the St. Johns Law Group Closing Cost Calculator. Bottom of Page. This is only an estimate and closing costs are typically assigned to buyer or seller in accordance with the terms of the purchase and sale agreement.
A deed is a legal instrument that conveys an interest in real property from an owner to a purchaser. While a deed is more commonly used to convey title to real property, it may also be used to convey title to personal property.
A mortgage is a pledge of real property by the borrower to the lender as security for the repayment of a debt. A mortgage creates a lien or encumbrance against the real property.
Q10
What property tax exemptions are available?
(1) Homestead Exemption; (2) Widow’s or Widower’s Exemption; (3) Disability Exemption; (4) Exemption for Blind Persons; (5) Service-Connected Disability Exemption; (6) Total Exemption for Service-Connected, Totally and Permanently Disabled; (7) Combat Related Veteran’s Exemption; (8) Total Exemption for Non-Profit Organizations; (9) Senior Citizen Age 65 and Over Exemption; (10) Granny Flats Classification; and (11) Tangible Personal Property Exemption. Please contact your local property appraiser for more information on each of these exemptions.
