Tampa Real Estate Lawyer
Buying or selling a home or other piece of real estate is a momentous and monumental undertaking. Every property is unique, and buyers invest a huge amount of time and money finding the one property that is perfectly suited for their home or business. Once they’ve located the property, there are still a number of tasks to complete – the survey, the inspection, the title search, and, of course, obtaining financing. On the seller’s side, current property owners expend enormous time, money and effort into prepping the property to fetch top dollar, investing in advertising, and finding a qualified buyer – the sooner, the better.
- Collection Of Delinquent Assessments
- Commercial Landlord Tenant
- Contract Termination, Disputes & Analysis
- Deed Preparation
- Ejectments
- Enforcement Of Association Rules
- Evictions
- HOA & Condo Associations
- Homeowner & Condo Unit Owner Representation
- Investor Representation
- In-House Title Services
- Landlord Services
- Lien Foreclosure Representation
- Management Representation
- Property Lien
- Residential Landlord Tenant
- Real Estate Fraud & Misrepresentation
- Real Estate Litigation
- Self-Managed Associations
- Unlawful Detainers
Unfortunately, despite best efforts, something can still go wrong and bust out a transaction at any stage up to and including closing. Neither buyers nor sellers can afford to put so much into a potential transaction only to see it fall through and have to start all over again. Seward Law Office is here for your Tampa real estate needs. Count on our diligent, experienced team to prepare your deed or lease or review a deed or lease prepared by another to make sure it is accurate, complete and valid. Call our Tampa real estate lawyers for deed preparation or any other legal services connected with real estate transactions and ownership.
Closings – Seward Law Office Gets You There
The real estate closing is the culmination of the long process involved in making a real estate transaction come about. At the closing is where buyer and seller exchange cash for keys and a deed to the property, and where title is legally and officially transferred. Seward Law Office helps you get there by conducting a title search, preparing a deed and performing any other necessary legal services. Our team prepares you for closing by reviewing all documents and making sure you have everything you need. Our experienced Tampa real estate lawyer will also attend the closing with you, ready to deal with whatever comes up. And something always does, be it surprise revelations about the condition of the property or the quality of the buyer, or last-minute additions or changes requested, demanded or required of either party.
When something comes up at or before the closing, often there’s a cloud on the title that needs a quiet title suit to clear. Title defects are not something that can just be waived or settled with a cash payment; they require legal action. Seward Law Office handles suits to quiet title and other real estate litigation so a property transaction can proceed and conclude successfully. Our team is also ready to handle conflicts that arise at any time during real property ownership, from neighbor disputes to landlord-tenant matters. Through negotiation, mediation, arbitration or litigation, Seward Law Office finds a path to resolution that protects your rights, promotes your interests, and achieves your goals.
Florida Real Estate FAQs
Seward Law Office provides the following answers to frequently asked questions about real estate in Florida. As a dedicated Tampa real estate attorney, Alicia Seward is prepared to advise and represent clients across the spectrum of Florida real property law, helping with deed preparation, property liens, real estate litigation, landlord-tenant matters, fraud and misrepresentation, and more. For help with a real estate transaction, dispute or any other Florida real property matter, call Seward Law Office in Tampa or St. Petersburg for practical advice and professional legal assistance.
Can a Landlord Go Into a Tenant’s Apartment Without Permission?
Florida law gives the landlord authority to enter the premises for the purpose of inspection, to make repairs, or to exhibit the unit to prospective tenants or contractors. The tenant cannot unreasonably withhold consent to allow the landlord in for these purposes. However, the landlord has to give at least 12 hours of notice before entry and can only come in at a reasonable time, defined in the law as between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The landlord can enter at other times with the tenant’s consent.
A landlord can also lawfully enter the apartment in case of emergency and can enter at any time to protect or preserve the premises. A landlord cannot abuse the right of access or use it to harass the tenant, per Florida Statutes 83.53.
What Do I Bring to Closing?
Buyers: Bring a piece of official photo identification, such as your driver’s license. You will need this to have the necessary documents (mortgage note, deed of trust) notarized. Bring a cashier’s check that covers closing costs and anything left on the down payment. You can have the check made out to the seller, or if you are nervous about losing the check before the deal is finalized, you can get the check made out in your name and then endorse it over to the seller or the title company at closing. If your mortgage lender requires you to have homeowners insurance or flood insurance, you might need to bring a copy of your policy with you as well.
Sellers: Bring a photo ID for the purpose of notarizing documents. Bring all the keys to the property, making sure you have a complete set to all the locks (house, garage, shed, etc.). Also bring garage door openers, if applicable. You might also need to provide the title company with a final meter reading if you haven’t done so already. Bring a copy of your new address to the closing so the settlement company can send you any final utility bills.
What Is the Difference Between a Warranty Deed and a Quitclaim Deed?
A warranty deed transfers good and clear title from the seller to the buyer in a real property transaction. A warranty deed is typically the type of deed you will see in a purchase and sale. A quitclaim deed does not guarantee title or provide any warranty of title. The grantor of a quitclaim deed does not claim to own the property but releases any claim the grantor might have in the property. The grantor of a quitclaim deed, for instance, might be someone who is a potential heir to the property or the spouse of the prior owner who was not a signatory on the deed. A quitclaim deed helps give the buyer clear title and clear up any confusion. Your real estate attorney at Seward Law Office can advise you on whether you need to provide or acquire a quitclaim deed in connection with any Tampa real estate transaction.
Your Tampa Real Estate Law Office
For help with a real property transaction in Tampa, St. Petersburg or surrounding areas throughout Tampa Bay, call the Seward Law office for quality advice and representation from a skilled and successful Tampa real estate lawyer.
