Get the Most Out of
Boom Times in Real Estate

By Attorney/Broker Michael E. Petrie
©1998, Michael Petrie
E-mail: mpetrie@petrielaw.com

he biggest and most important investment for most people is their real estate. Needless to say, it is therefore essential to pay careful attention to all aspects of real estate transactions.

Contracts to buy or sell real estate are generally valid only if in writing and signed. Often, real estate contracts are on pre-printed one-size-fits-all forms that may not be quite right for your particular transaction or difficult to understand. But even pre-printed forms can be negotiated and changed. Real estate agents/brokers who are not licensed attorneys cannot offer any legal advice regarding these contracts and forms. Only a licensed attorney can assist you in these areas. As both a licensed Attorney and Real Estate Broker in California with real experience buying and selling properties in Ventura County, LA County and Orange County, we can assist both buyers and sellers with a wide array of real estate matters.

If you are a seller of real estate, we will see to it that your property is professionally listed with the Multiple Listing Service used exclusively by brokers in the area where the property is located. This assures maximum visibility within the real estate community. However, our services do not end there. Our Attorney/Broker services can protect you by advising of legal rights in areas such as "liquidated damages" if the buyer backs out of the deal, or being able to keep the buyers deposit in such an event; being able to accept a second offer enabling you to sell to someone else if the first buyer does not perform; and other issues designed to help protect your rights in the transaction.

Whether it is a commercial property or a home, buying or selling real estate is always an important event. You should use care and obtain legal advice to assure the best deal possible and that your rights are protected in case something goes wrong. Petrie & Associates not only offers real estate legal services, but we also offer real estate brokerage services and generally charge LESS COMMISSION than the average real estate brokerage firm. Buy right, sell right, protect your rights and pay less in commissions ... that’s how to GET THE MOST OUT OF BOOM TIMES IN REAL ESTATE!

---

Presently, Petrie & Associates offers real estate brokerage services in California only.

---