Your Biggest Financial Transaction Deserves More Than a Neutral Party
Buying or selling a home is likely the largest financial decision you'll make. We make sure the paperwork, the title, and the terms actually protect you — not just close the deal.
Michigan doesn't require an attorney to be present at a residential real estate closing. But the absence of a legal requirement isn't the same as the absence of risk. A title company coordinates the closing — it does not represent you. CF Legal does.
What a Title Company Does — and What It Doesn't Do
A title company plays an important and legitimate role in a real estate transaction. It processes documents, issues title insurance, and facilitates the closing itself. What it cannot do is act as your advocate. A title company is a neutral party by design — it serves the transaction, not the buyer or the seller.
That distinction matters more than most people realize. If the purchase agreement contains terms that disadvantage you, the title company won't flag it. If the title commitment reveals an easement or lien that affects your intended use of the property, you may not hear about it until after the deal closes. An attorney reviewing those same documents is looking out for one person: you.
Purchase Agreement Review
Before you sign anything, we review the purchase agreement for terms that could create liability, limit your remedies, or leave key issues unresolved. A purchase agreement is a binding contract — and the time to negotiate unfavorable terms is before you sign, not after.
Title Search and Title Commitment Review
We review the title search results and the title commitment issued by the title company. Our job is to identify anything in the chain of title that could affect your ownership — outstanding liens, easements, encroachments, or unresolved claims — and address those issues before closing.
The Full Scope of Our Closing Representation
Transferring or hiding assets before filing, which can create legal issues.
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Closing Document Review
At the closing table, you may be asked to sign a stack of documents under time pressure. We review each document before you sign and explain what you're agreeing to. If something doesn't match what was negotiated, we address it on the spot.
Deed Preparation
For sellers, proper deed preparation is essential to transferring clear title. For buyers, the deed is the document that establishes your ownership. We prepare and review deeds to make sure they accurately reflect the transaction and comply with Michigan recording requirements.
Title Insurance Guidance
Title insurance protects against claims that arise from defects in the title that existed before your purchase. We help you understand what your policy covers, where the gaps may be, and whether additional endorsements are warranted for your specific property.
Land Contract Transactions
Not every residential sale involves a conventional mortgage. If you're buying or selling on a land contract, the legal structure of that agreement requires careful attention. We draft and review land contracts to make sure the terms are enforceable and that both parties understand their obligations.
Post-Closing Issues
Problems don't always surface at the closing table. If a title defect, boundary dispute, or undisclosed condition emerges after closing, we're already familiar with your transaction and can move quickly to assess your options and protect your interests.
Representation for Buyers and Sellers
We represent both buyers and sellers in residential closings throughout Genesee County and mid-Michigan. Whether you're purchasing your first home, selling an investment property, or navigating a more complex transaction, our role is the same: make sure the legal side of the deal works in your favor.
What Our Clients Say
Residential closings are one part of a broader real estate practice. If your transaction involves additional legal complexity — or if you need counsel beyond the closing itself — we handle it in-house.
Our real estate attorneys also assist with land contracts, landlord representation, real estate litigation, and construction law disputes throughout Genesee County and mid-Michigan.
We Also Handle Related Real Estate Matters
Residential closings are one part of a broader real estate practice. If your transaction involves additional legal complexity — or if you need counsel beyond the closing itself — we handle it in-house.
Our real estate attorneys also assist with land contracts, landlord representation, real estate litigation, and construction law disputes throughout Genesee County and mid-Michigan.
Local Court Familiarity
Legal outcomes can depend on local processes; working with someone familiar with Will County courts helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Common Questions About Real Estate Closings in Michigan
Do I need an attorney for a real estate closing in Michigan?
Michigan law does not require an attorney to be present at a residential real estate closing. However, having an attorney review your purchase agreement, title commitment, and closing documents provides a level of protection that a title company — which represents neither the buyer nor the seller — cannot offer. For most people, a home purchase is the largest financial transaction of their life. Legal representation at that stage is a straightforward way to reduce risk.What does a real estate closing attorney do that a title company doesn't?
A title company facilitates the closing and issues title insurance. It does not represent your interests, negotiate on your behalf, or advise you on contract terms. An attorney reviews the purchase agreement before you sign, identifies title issues that could affect your ownership, explains what you're agreeing to at the closing table, and can represent you if a dispute arises after closing.How much does it cost to have an attorney at a real estate closing in Michigan?
Attorney fees for residential closing representation vary depending on the complexity of the transaction. We are transparent about our fees from the first consultation. For most straightforward residential closings, the cost of legal review is modest relative to the value of the transaction and the protection it provides.What should I do if a problem comes up after my real estate closing?
Post-closing issues — including title defects, undisclosed property conditions, boundary disputes, and lien claims — are not uncommon. If you worked with CF Legal for your closing, we're already familiar with your transaction and can advise you quickly. If you're coming to us after a closing handled elsewhere, we can review what happened and assess your options. Contact our office as soon as the issue surfaces — delay can limit your remedies.Can CF Legal represent me if I'm buying or selling a home outside of Flint?
Yes. We represent buyers and sellers throughout Genesee County and across mid-Michigan, including Grand Blanc, Davison, Fenton, Burton, and Saginaw. Our Flint office at 302 E. Court St. and our Grand Blanc satellite office allow us to serve clients across the region.