20 Questions

Questions to Ask Closing Attorney

Navigate real estate closing with strategic questions that help you understand the legal process, requirements, and your rights while ensuring a smooth and successful closing.

1

What's your approach to the closing process and what should I expect?

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Why this works

Reveals the closing process while helping you understand the timeline, steps, and what to expect during closing.

2

What's your approach to working with different types of closing documents and paperwork?

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Why this works

Shows their documentation expertise while revealing what documents you'll sign and what they mean.

3

What's your approach to working with different types of title searches and insurance?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their title work while revealing how they ensure clear title and protect your ownership rights.

4

What's your approach to working with different types of closing costs and fees?

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Why this works

Shows their transparency while revealing what costs to expect and how they're calculated.

5

What's your approach to working with different types of mortgage and financing requirements?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their financing knowledge while revealing how they work with lenders and ensure financing is in order.

6

What's your approach to working with different types of contingencies and conditions?

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Why this works

Shows their contract expertise while revealing how they handle contingencies and ensure conditions are met.

7

What's your approach to working with different types of inspections and disclosures?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their due diligence while revealing how they review inspections and ensure proper disclosures.

8

What's your approach to working with different types of property liens and encumbrances?

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Why this works

Shows their title work while revealing how they identify and resolve liens and encumbrances.

9

What's your approach to working with different types of buyer and seller issues?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their problem-solving while revealing how they handle issues that arise before closing.

10

What's your approach to working with different types of closing delays and problems?

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Why this works

Shows their crisis management while revealing how they handle delays and resolve closing problems.

11

What's your approach to working with different types of real estate agents and other parties?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their collaboration while revealing how they work with agents and coordinate with other parties.

12

What's your approach to working with different types of escrow and trust accounts?

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Why this works

Shows their escrow management while revealing how they handle escrow funds and protect your money.

13

What's your approach to working with different types of property ownership and deeds?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their ownership expertise while revealing how they ensure proper ownership transfer and deed recording.

14

What's your approach to working with different types of property taxes and assessments?

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Why this works

Shows their tax knowledge while revealing how they handle property tax prorations and assessments.

15

What's your approach to working with different types of homeowner association and condo requirements?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their HOA knowledge while revealing how they handle HOA documents and requirements.

16

What's your approach to working with different types of closing location and methods?

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Why this works

Shows their flexibility while revealing where closing will occur and whether remote closing is available.

17

What's your approach to working with different types of post-closing issues and support?

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Why this works

Demonstrates their commitment while revealing what support they provide after closing is complete.

18

What's your approach to working with different types of legal questions and concerns?

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Why this works

Shows their accessibility while revealing how they handle your questions and address concerns throughout the process.

19

What's the most important thing for clients to know about the closing process?

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Why this works

Provides key guidance while revealing what they consider most critical for successful closing.

20

What's your vision for a smooth closing and how do you plan to ensure it?

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Why this works

Shows their commitment while revealing their approach to ensuring a smooth and successful closing process.

Mastering Real Estate Closing

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Best Practices

Understand the Process

Ask about the closing process, timeline, and what to expect so you're prepared and know what's happening at each step.

Review Documents Carefully

Ask about all closing documents and what they mean to ensure you understand what you're signing and your obligations.

Clarify Costs and Fees

Ask about all closing costs and fees to ensure you understand what you're paying and why, with no surprises at closing.

Question Sequences

The Process Explorer

1
What's your approach to the closing process and what should I expect?
2
What's your approach to working with different types of closing documents and paperwork?
3
What's your approach to working with different types of closing location and methods?

The Protection Focus

1
What's your approach to working with different types of title searches and insurance?
2
What's your approach to working with different types of property liens and encumbrances?
3
What's your approach to working with different types of escrow and trust accounts?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Sign Without Understanding

Never sign documents you don't understand. Ask questions until you're clear about what you're signing and agreeing to.

Avoid Rushing the Process

Don't rush through closing. Take time to review documents and ask questions, even if it means delaying closing slightly.

Don't Ignore Red Flags

Pay attention to warning signs like unexpected fees, pressure to sign quickly, or vague answers. These may indicate problems.

Conversation Templates

The Process Explorer

1
Step 1: Start with: "What's your approach to the closing process and what should I expect?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What's your approach to working with different types of closing documents and paperwork?"
3
Step 3: Deepen with: "What's your approach to working with different types of closing location and methods?"

The Protection Focus

1
Step 1: Begin with: "What's your approach to working with different types of title searches and insurance?"
2
Step 2: Explore with: "What's your approach to working with different types of property liens and encumbrances?"
3
Step 3: Connect with: "What's your approach to working with different types of escrow and trust accounts?"

Further Reading

"The Complete Guide to Buying a Home" by Steve Berges
"Real Estate Law" by Marianne M. Jennings
"The Home Buyer's Guide" by CFPB

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