We practice in all areas of real estate law

• We represent buyers and sellers in residential and commercial real estate transactions.
• We are an approved closing title company for national and local lenders.
• We draft new sale and purchase contracts or review existing contracts on behalf of buyers and sellers.
• We perform title searches, issue title insurance, and perform residential and commercial real estate closings.
• We handle landlord-tenant matters, including drafting leases.
• We prepare deeds, assignments, and powers of attorney.
• We quiet title and clear title defects for individuals or commercial entities.

Unlike in many states, sellers and buyers in Louisiana residential closings generally appear at the closing table at the same time. Although not required, most real estate closings in Louisiana are handled by an attorney, who in most instances has performed the title examination of the property being conveyed and who will provide the title opinion and/or title insurance.

What To Bring?

Certified Funds

State law requires that the funds brought to closing by the buyer be "certified".  "Certified Funds" include cash, certified checks, cashiers checks, or funds received by wire transfer. Personal checks can be accepted if the amount required does not exceed $2,500.00.

Homeowner's Insurance Declaration Page and Paid Receipt

A homeowner's insurance policy must be obtained prior to the closing. The insurance agent will provide documents evidencing this coverage which must be brought to the closing. In most cases, the lender will require proof that the first year's premium has been paid prior to closing or collected on the settlement statement.

Issues To Consider

Title Insurance

In a residential real estate transaction, most lenders require the Buyer to purchase a lender's title insurance policy. This policy usually provides coverage in the amount of the morgage, and will insure the lender in the event of a title defect discovered in the future. Coverage usually extends to actual losses and the cost of providing a legal defense against a claim. The insured on this type of policy is the lender. Therefore, the Buyer has no protection under this policy. For information on owner's title insurance, please click here.

Power of Attorney

In a large percentage of closings, one or more of the parties appears through a Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney is a document signed before a notary and two witnesses, wherein one person authorizes another person to act on his or her behalf. It is very important that the Power of Attorney be properly drafted both in content and form. It is highly recommended that you allow the closing attorney or title company to prepare the Power of Attorney for closing. If a Power of Attorney already exists, then a copy of the Power of Attorney should be send to the closing attorney or title company prior to closing for approval.

Commercial Real Estate

Our commercial real estate attorneys guide you through your purchase, sale, and lease contracts:

• Residential Real Estate Development:  Our commercial real estate lawyers have assisted developers with numerous large residential developments and the entire legal process involved from the purchase of the raw land to sales of developed lots and homes.  We have represented major residential developers in addition to the smaller operations.

• Leasing Issues: The commercial real estate lawyers at Prime Title can assist you with developing and negotiating leases.

• Business Formation:  If you want to start your commercial real estate business or expand your existing operations, our lawyers can assist by creating your new entity including limited liability companies, partnerships, and corporations.