Reduced Fee Legal Services to review your documents before settlement are available on a sliding scale.
Why Do I Need A Lawyer?
Buying a home or refinancing a mortgage is a legal transaction. Avoid problems or regrets by getting independent advice before you sign legally binding documents. A lawyer works only for you and has no financial interest in the transaction. In contrast traditional real estate professionals involved in these transactions all have incentives to have your transaction proceed because that is how they are paid. Will these professionals tell you that the true value of the house if less than our offer? Or the house is toxic? Or the new mortgage terms are illegal?
What Will My Lawyer Do?
•Explain the fine print in your purchase contract and mortgage documents.
•Discuss unique issues when buying foreclosed properties or through short sales.
•Explain the pros and cons of refinancing to consolidate debt.
•Confirm that your interest rate and settlement costs are fair and reasonable AND that your rate and costs do not change at the last minute.
•Let you know your legal rights and options if you run into obstacles during your purchase or refinance.
How Do I Get a Lawyer?
Contact Civil Justice by email to shp@civiljusticenetwork.org or call 410-706-0174 as soon as you begin your home buying or refinance process. It is in your best interest to meet with an attorney before you sign legally binding purchase and loan documents.
First Time Home Buyers
Be prepared for homeownership. Attend pre-purchase housing counseling at a state-approved nonprofit counseling agency near you. A list of agencies by county is available at: www.mmprogram.org