Real Estate

As concerns any real estate matter, we would like to have a copy of any documents that pertain to your transaction including contracts, deeds, surveys, title policies, boundary agreements, etc. We have established a relationship with all local lending institutions and numerous institutions outside of the area to close loans for such lenders. As an approved attorney for Lawyers Title Insurance Company, Investors Title, Southern Title, Fidelity American Title and First American Title Insurance, a variety of options can be presented to you as concerns title insurance coverage.

A separate fiduciary trust bank account is maintained solely for the purpose of handling funds received in connection with escrow for closing your loan or purchase. Such funds are received, deposited, and disbursed from the fiduciary account in accordance with the disciplinary rules of the Virginia State Bar and the "Wet Settlement Act".

As a closing agent in a purchase for a loan closing, where necessary, we place orders for title insurance, receive monies for escrows, order payoffs, order surveys and inspections, prepare settlement statements, draft closing documents, and set the closing appointment. We are fully bonded, insured, and approved as a real estate settlement agent under the Virginia Consumer Real Estate Settlement Protection Act.

Unlike non-lawyer settlement agents, Donald C. Blessing is a fully licensed attorney and member of the Virginia state Bar, capable of providing legal advice with regard to a transaction. This legal advice includes:

• Explaining the legal obligations of the parties of the real estate contract.
• Explaining legal terms used in taking title to the property or advising parties on the manner to take title.
• Explaining the legal obligations of the parties under loan documents.
• Explaining the legal effect of a title reported as an exception to title.
• Explaining the legal effects of a document in the chain of title.
• Drafting legal instruments for the party of the transaction.
• Selecting the proper legal instruments to be used in a transaction.
• Instructing or assisting parties in the completion of the legal document.
• Providing important legal opinions in response to the following types of questions:
  • What should I do?
  • What are my rights and obligations under this document?
  • What are the lenders rights or obligations under this document?

Fees are discussed and set before the commencement of work is undertaken. Most fees are "flat fees", but on occasion hourly fees are required.