Buying a home is an important financial decision and should be approached with the help of
professionals through each stage of the transaction. Generally a real estate agent will be the
initial contact person and will introduce you to the property and, eventually the seller. The agent
is usually a representative of the seller, but you can also have a buyer’s agent. In either case,
the agent will earn a commission from the seller, even if you contact an agent who is not the
listing agent. Real estate agents are trained not only to help you find a home, but also assist you
in obtaining financing, obtaining necessary certifications, and guide you through the entire
process.

You should also contact an attorney immediately to review the contract prepared by the realtor
so that you understand all of the legal issues involved before you sign it. After you obtain a
commitment for financing, or even if you are planning a cash purchase, your attorney will
perform a title search. This includes searching deeds back at least sixty years, discovering any
outstanding mortgages or judgments or other matters affecting the title to the property to be
purchased. Your attorney should also work directly with you to prepare the settlement
documents, attend the settlement, and disburse the funds resulting from the settlement. It may
be suggested that you contact a title company to perform some of these functions for you.
However, most attorneys are now agents for title insurance companies, allowing them to issue a
title insurance policy for you and handle all other legal situations that may arise prior to and at the
time of settlement. In this way, you are able to obtain the services of both a title company and an
attorney for the same costs as the title company would charge for their services alone. The
costs for title insurance are regulated by the Pennsylvania Insurance Commission and should be
the same for all agents. All expenses of the transactions, including title insurance or other legal
costs, should be discussed and disclosed in advance.

If you do not have an attorney and have questions about this topic or other legal concerns,
please contact me at your convenience.