If there is something about your real estate transaction that does not seem right, talk to an attorney.

The contracts that we use in Florida to sell real estate are legally binding documents. They were created to address the issues, concerns and requirements buyers and sellers should be aware of when buying or selling a home. As a result of repetition, practice and training, real estate agents should have a very good understanding of what is written in the contracts and can direct a buyer or seller to a specific addendum, clause or paragraph that might address their concerns or questions.

A buyer or seller should never rely on anyone other than an attorney for legal advice however. If you are not comfortable with or fully understand what you are agreeing to we strongly encourage you to talk to an attorney before proceeding. You should think twice before letting someone other than an attorney create special clauses or wording that are to be added to your contract.

I am quick to let buyers and sellers know that if there is something about your real estate transaction that does not seem right, talk to an attorney.

291,309 foreclosure cases are currently pending in Florida

The Florida BAR News reports that 291,309 foreclosure cases are currently pending statewide as of September 30, 2009. Nearly 300,000 people facing the very real possibility of losing their home. As of today, November 11, in the MLS covering the Central Florida area, 16,105 homes are listed as being subject to short sale which are potential future foreclosures.

The Florida BAR News article addresses the need in the minds of some for a mediation program that would allow home owners and the lenders potentially to avoid foreclosure or assist in speeding up the process.

According to the report 95% of Floridians facing foreclosure do not have an attorney.


Related blog posts on foreclosures

Are you involved in mortgage foreclosure? Task force would like you to complete a borrower survey.

Completing a survey may seem like the last thing you want to do right now if you are facing foreclosure. But that is exactly what the Florida Supreme Court Task Force on Residential Mortgage Foreclosures would like for you to do. The task force has the authority to recommend changes to the methods and policies surrounding mortgage foreclosures so your participation could work for the greater good of all.

There are 37 questions listed on this survey for borrowers. There is also a separate survey for lenders/mortgage holders and one for attorneys. You can visit the Florida State Courts website to take the survey.


Related Florida real estate views:

Florida lawyers have volunteered to assist

The goal is to keep Florida's homeowners from losing their homes

Florida attorneys offering free help to homeowners facing foreclosure

In a recent news release from The Florida Bar News, Attorneys in Florida have announced the formation of, FLASH - Florida Attorneys Saving Homes. The Florida Bar, The Florida Bar Foundation, Florida Legal Services, and the Real Property Probate and Trust Law Section all are taking part in this effort.

If you are one of the thousands of Floridians who have fallen behind on payments or are about to fall behind, you can contact FLASH by using their toll free number, (866) 607-2187. The phones are answered during the week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This pro bono project is the first to place homeowners and volunteer attorneys together before the foreclosure starts according to Kent Spuhler, executive director of Florida Legal Services, Inc.


Related Florida real estate views:

Washington Mutual helps more than 7500 homeowners avoid foreclosure

Florida Governor Crist addresses Florida foreclosures

Mr. Postman look and see if there is a letter from FHA for me.


- Greg Staker, Watson Realty Corp., 407-304-0255