Drafting, Reviewing, and Negotiating Real Estate Contracts, Leases, and other Agreements

Why do I need an attorney to draft a contract, lease, or other agreement? Can I not just use a form I find online?

It is usually not the best idea to use online forms or templates unless it is a form from a government agency.  Forms usually do not take into consideration certain terms and conditions that are specific to your situation. Consulting or retaining an attorney to draft, review, or modify your contract or agreement, is the best route to take to avoid later unforeseen problems.  Even if the contract terms are agreed upon and you just need someone to draft the documents for you, you should seek legal advice to ensure that you have thought through all of the issues which may arise and that you have addressed them in the contract or agreement, instead of waiting until after the situation takes a turn for the worse.

Why do I need an attorney to review my contract, lease, or other agreement?

A real estate contract is a legally binding document between two or more parties. You may believe that you do not need an attorney to help you with a contract to buy/sell or lease real estate as it is a standardized form presented by the other party. However, there are many provisions in a contract that are often one-sided in favor of one party over the other.  Therefore, it is always a good idea to have an attorney review a contract, lease, or any other agreement before signing it.  Although you may have the specific terms negotiated and worked out, there are usually standard and boilerplate terms and provisions in a contract or agreement that should be modified to meet each individual’s specific needs. That is something we can help you with at DesChamps Law Firm.

Why do I need an attorney to negotiate my contract, lease, or other agreement?

You may feel that all the terms and conditions are finalized, and that all the kinks are ironed out; however, you may have a certain right under your situation of which you may not be aware.  With all the laws, statutes, and other general principals that may be applicable to your contract or agreement, you will need someone with the necessary legal knowledge to draft, review, or modify the contract or agreement with your best interests in mind.  At DesChamps Law Firm, we understand that often times what is “right” may not always be “practical” and, at the end of the day, we try to advise you so that you will make an informed decision that is right for you.  We also understand that sometimes you have to balance what is best for you versus what the other party will agree to.