We all love a closing! After all the hard work put in by the Realtors, lenders, closing attorneys, etc. it’s time to sign. One of the most common questions we are asked is how can a buyer sign the closing documents if he or she cannot attend closing. While there are a number of alternatives to signing in person (and every law firm handles that issue a little differently), we wanted to provide a brief summary of those options and the nuances involved with each.
Best Real Estate Attorney in Savannah – 2020 Savannah Morning News
I am excited to announce that I was selected as the Best Real Estate Attorney and Best Overall Attorney by the Savannah Morning News. This is the third year in a row that I have received this honor.
There are so many talented and well-respected lawyers in the Coastal Empire. I am just grateful to be a part of that incredible group of individuals.
As always, I must acknowledge the Realtors that I have the incredible privilege of working with every day. Thank you for allowing me to do what I love! I also want to thank all of the lenders, my clients, as well as Brannen, Searcy & Smith, LLP for their unwavering support.
Finally, I am so fortunate to have such an amazing team of paralegals. None of this would be possible without their genuine passion for the world of residential real estate and commitment to providing an awesome closing experience.
As always, if you need help with anything at all, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime at 912-484-1996 (even nights and weekends) or email me at jgerber@brannenlaw.com.
Below is an article that summarizes the attorney’s role in the closing process. Download a printable PDF version to share with your buyers to educate them on this aspect of the home-buying experience.
What is a closing and what does the closing attorney do?
What an exciting time! You are thinking about purchasing a home. Moving forward, you will be working closely with your Realtor, the lender, and closing attorney. While the roles of the Realtor and lender might be obvious, you may have no idea what the closing attorney does. In a nutshell, the closing attorney is the quarterback for the entire transaction. The closing attorney works with the buyer and seller, both Realtors, and the lender. Having a great closing attorney (who has an amazing team of paralegals) is critical to ensure a seamless transaction. Below is a brief outline of the role of the closing attorney throughout the closing process (and more specifically, it is the way my firm handles each and every transaction).
As we all know, certain things just take time. Finding a parking spot at the mall during the holidays, checking out at Walmart, and POA closings, just to name a few. Determining whether to file for the 2020 Homestead Exemption should not be one of them.
For those of you who are a Georgia resident, purchased a primary residence in 2019 (or have made a prior owned property your primary residence as of December 31, 2019) and that property is located in Bryan, Effingham, Liberty, Bulloch, Glynn, Long, Tattnall or McIntosh Counties, you should file for the Homestead Exemption now. By filing for the Homestead Exemption, you will receive a reduction of your home’s assessed value each year going forward as long as you reside in the home as your primary residence.
To file for the Homestead Exemption in these eight counties you will need to bring your driver’s license (showing the new property address) and 2019 utility bill to your respective county tax assessor’s office. The Homestead Exemption must be filed before April 1, 2020. You only need to file for the Homestead Exemption one time.
