Real Estate Attorneys

From: OH 10/18/07

I am going to contract with a builder to build my house. This is first time I have ever built a house, and I have no idea what do as far as dealing with my General Contractor. Before I sign his contract, please to tell me what I should do. I don't want to mistake.

Do not, I repeat, do not sign any contract with your General Contractor (GC) without getting advice from a competent real estate attorney.

Real estate lawyers are not deal makers. Their job is to make sure the contract is properly executed. They may or may not be involved in the actual negotiations.

It is important that the real estate lawyer you hire be familiar with local rules and ordinances as they can have an enormous impact on how smoothly your deal flows.

If you decide to hire a real estate lawyer, you'll want one well versed in real estate law and its peculiarities.

Many states have web sites where you can look to see that the real estate lawyer you are considering is both licensed and in good standing.

Word of mouth can be the best recommendation to find a real estate lawyer. If a friend or relative has been well served and satisfied with a real estate lawyer, the chances are you will be also.

You can also find one through a local Realtor or local title insurance company. The money spent will be well worth it.

The difference between building a house as an owner/builder and that of using a General Contractor is like the difference between night and day.

Good luck,
Carl


Remember: By being the General Contractor (GC), determining building costs & hiring professionals (subcontractors) to do the actual work (Thats what a GC does), YOU can be your own General Contractor for ANY type of construction: New homebuilding to build your "Dream House"), room additions, remodeling older homes; Build log homes, kit homes, even renovate foreclosures. Since you are the "Boss," YOU can chose your own house plans or home plans, YOU can design your kitchen, YOU can decide to build "Green," build with Solar, Wind, geothermal heat pumps, or anything else YOU desire, and YOU can do it for a lot LESS!