Experienced Real Estate Attorney 

If you are buying or selling residential real estate, contact Maria R. Cozzini, Esq.


        Buying a home is often a once-in-a-lifetime event.  Since a home purchase is a major investment, you want to make sure every detail is handled thoroughly and efficiently, providing you with security for years to come. Similarly, if it ever comes time to sell your home, you deserve to get the most out of your investment when making this major life-changing decision. After you make the decision to buy or sell a home, there are  many hurdles and hoops that must be met from the time a contract is entered through closing, when the keys are given to the buyer and the sale proceeds are paid to the seller.  Most people do not realize all the steps involved with a real estate closing, which can be quite complex. Finding a house or deciding to sell is just the start of the real estate transaction.  An experienced and skilled real estate attorney is absolutely essential to protect your rights and interests during this intricate and detailed process.  Maria R. Cozzini, Esq., has successfully represented buyers and sellers in countless residential real estate closings for over 25 years. She has the intimate knowledge and experience necessary to efficiently navigate the multi-step transactional process, delivering informed guidance from start to finish. If you are buying or selling residential property, please contact Maria R. Cozzini, Esq., for effective and skilled legal representation. She will protect your rights and interests every step of the way. 


           Residential Real Estate Transaction

       Once there is an accepted offer, the sale contract proceeds to attorney review, where the terms are finalized by the buyer and seller's attorney. Until attorney review is completed, the contract can be canceled by either party for any reason. Therefore, attorney review is a critical stage of the transaction, requiring timely and effective legal representation, since an undue delay can result in the loss of the sale.  Also, the contract terms set the stage for the transaction and are very important to protect the interests of both the buyer and seller.

      After attorney review is completed, the buyer will proceed with their mortgage application to secure the financing necessary to complete the purchase.  The buyer will also proceed with various inspections to determine the condition of the property and any required repairs. The buyer's attorney will arrange for a title search and survey of the property.  All title issues must be resolved prior to closing. The buyer's attorney will also confirm that all required permits were issued and approved.  Zoning regulations will also be reviewed. An experienced real estate attorney is required to fully protect the buyer's interest considering the substantial risks involved with the purchase of property.

       The seller does not share the same risk as the buyer in a real estate transaction. The seller seeks the buyer's timely compliance with the contract contingencies, such as the mortgage and inspection contingencies, so that the closing can proceed on the contractual date. The property is kept off the market and the seller must make moving arrangements.  The seller must know that the buyer is proceeding with the transaction  and meeting contractual milestones. If not, the seller's attorney must intervene to protect the seller's contractual interests.  Also, if there are any title defects or repair requests, the seller's attorney must provide effective representation to resolve those issues.

       Each real estate transaction presents different issues, nuances, and problems.  Therefore, it is imperative to have an experienced real estate attorney to guide you through the process. A skilled real estate attorney can offer the sound advice and quality representation necessary for a smooth and successful transaction.                       

      

Maria R. Cozzini, Esq., provides buyers and sellers with skilled guidance and effective representation at every step of a real estate transaction.

If you are buying or selling a home, Maria R. Cozzini, Esq,, provides effective legal representation from contract to closing. Ms. Cozzini understands the specific issues facing a buyer and seller in today's strong real estate market.  She is fully familiar with the intricacies and nuances of a real estate transaction. Ms. Cozzini will work to protect your interests and rights throughout this complex process.  She has the experience and skill necessary to navigate the different hoops and hurdles that each transaction presents. Having an experienced and skilled real estate attorney on your side is essential for a smooth closing, especially considering the amount of your investment and the substantial risks that are inherent in any real estate transaction. Ms. Cozzini has proudly represented countless buyers and sellers in successful real estate closings over the past 25 years, and she will apply her substantial  experience, knowledge, and devotion to your transaction.  She provides the strong advocacy and skilled representation that you deserve when buying or selling property.

Many buyers and sellers are unaware of the complexities involved with a real estate transaction. Any experienced real estate attorney understands that there is no such thing as "a simple closing."  Each transaction is unique, presenting different challenges that require an experienced real estate attorney on your side. Maria R. Cozzini, Esq., provides effective legal representation at ever stage of a real estate transaction, from the initial offer and contract through the closing, including the following steps:

  • Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating purchase and sale contracts in consultation with the client 
  • Collecting the deposit and holding the funds until closing in an IOLTA attorney trust account (see wire fraud warning in Overview Section)
  • Reviewing mortgage documents, including the loan commitment, terms, and closing conditions, lender fees, and any interest rate lock agreement, together with the note, mortgage, and other loan documents 
  • Reviewing the property appraisal and negotiating a price reduction, where applicable, if the property appraises for less than the contract sale price
  • Reviewing inspection reports, such as home/structural, pest/termite, septic, and well, and resolving inspection issues on behalf of the buyer or seller
  • Reviewing environmental inspection reports, issues and risks, such as underground oil and storage tanks, asbestos, radon, and mold, and resolving remediation objectives
  • Reviewing the title search, including exceptions, and clearing title defects and issues for closing, including any mortgage, judgment, or lien that must be resolved or satisfied at closing
  • Addressing easement questions and other title restrictions 
  • Reviewing the property survey and resolving any survey exceptions
  • Reviewing the permit history for the property, obtaining proper permits and approvals if needed, and reviewing zoning regulations
  • Reviewing the property insurance obtained by the buyer, which is a condition for closing
  • Conducting the real estate closing, including review of the conveyance documents, including the deed, and mortgage loan documents, together with closing fees and costs
  • Negotiation and preparation of a use and occupancy agreement where applicable, whether for the buyer to occupy the property prior to closing or the seller to remain in the property after closing
  • Resolving any other issues particular to your transaction, protecting your interests and rights at every step of the closing process

From start to finish, Ms. Cozzini will answer your questions and strive to timely resolve any problems that may arise. At the Law Office of Maria R. Cozzini, LLC, we work hard to make real estate matters less stressful for our clients. We provide guidance for our clients at each step of the closing process and keep keep our clients fully informed as to the status of their transaction.  Your satisfaction is our number one goal, each client is treated with the utmost priority, each transaction is given our full devotion, and we make every effort to provide a smooth and successful closing whether you are buying or selling a home.  


WIRE FRAUD ALERT

As part of the real estate transaction, the Law Office of Maria R. Cozzini, LLC will never request a wire transfer from you.  Do not ever send a wire without first personally confirming the wiring instructions with the recipient, even if you receive an email that appears to have been sent by someone involved in your transaction.  Emails are intercepted and wiring instructions changed.  Real estate transactions are targeted for wire fraud.  Do not be a victim.  Proceed with extreme caution  and always verify wiring instructions personally with the recipient.  

Contact Maria R. Cozzini, Esq., if you are buying or selling property.

For skilled and effective legal assistance with your residential real estate matter, whether buying or selling, please call the Law Office of Maria R. Cozzini, LLC, at (908) 232-2414 or contact us online to schedule a free Initial  consultation. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, Maria R. Cozzini, Esq., would be glad to speak with you regarding any questions or concerns that you may have regarding the closing process.  In today's strong market with multiple offers, we recommend that you consult with an attorney prior to entering into a purchase or sale contract, so that attorney review is not delayed while you search for an attorney to represent you. Maria Cozzini, Esq. would be glad to discuss her qualifications with you and answer any questions that you may have regarding the purchase or sale of property.  We would welcome the opportunity to represent you when buying or selling a home.