Real Estate Purchase and Sale Transactions

Our Los Angeles real estate lawyers play a critical role in ensuring that purchase and sale transactions are legally sound, financially advantageous, and properly executed. Our services span the entire transaction lifecycle, from identification of opportunities, to initial negotiations of deal terms, due diligence, and closing. Below is a summary of the key services we provide:

Preliminary Preparation: Our clients often engage us at the earliest stages—sometimes even before a transaction is fully contemplated—seeking strategic advice as they begin to explore potential real estate opportunities. We assist property owners in identifying and vetting qualified brokers who are well-versed in their specific markets and asset types. Our role includes negotiating broker engagement terms and listing agreements to ensure our clients’ interests are fully protected from the outset. Throughout the sales process, we remain actively involved, providing guidance and oversight to manage risk and achieve optimal outcomes. Unlike brokers and others with a financial stake in transactions, our sole duty is to protect our clients and ensure the best possible outcomes for them.

1. Negotiation of Business Terms

Our experienced real estate attorneys help clients negotiate the essential terms of a real estate transaction, including purchase price, contingencies, deposit amounts, representations and warranties, closing dates, and rights to terminate. We ensure that clients understand the implications of each term and strive to secure favorable outcomes that protect their interests. Our role often includes strategic planning to align the transaction with the client’s long-term business or investment goals.

2. Drafting and Negotiating Transaction Documents

Our Los Angeles real estate lawyers are responsible for preparing, reviewing, and negotiating core transaction documents such as the purchase and sale agreement, escrow instructions, amendments, addenda, and closing documents. These documents must be clear, legally enforceable, and tailored to the specific transaction. Our team ensures that the documents reflect the agreed-upon terms and contain appropriate representations, warranties, indemnifications, and dispute resolution provisions.

3. Title and Survey Review

Title insurance is a key component of any real estate transaction, and our real estate lawyers will carefully review the preliminary title report and related documents to identify encumbrances, liens, easements, or other issues that could affect ownership or use of the property. Our real estate attorneys also review property surveys to evaluate boundary lines, encroachments, and compliance with zoning laws. If defects are found, our attorneys negotiate curative measures or title insurance endorsements to protect the client.

4. Escrow and Closing Coordination

Our Los Angeles real estate lawyers manage the escrow process by working closely with escrow officers, title companies, and other parties to ensure all conditions are met before closing. This includes confirming the timely delivery of funds, proper execution and delivery of documents, satisfaction of contingencies, and compliance with California-specific escrow requirements. We also coordinates final closing logistics to ensure a smooth transfer of ownership.

5. Ownership Structure and Entity Formation

For investors, developers, or business clients, choosing the appropriate ownership structure is critical for liability protection, tax efficiency, and estate planning. Our real estate attorneys advise clients on the benefits and drawbacks of various entities such as LLCs, corporations, or limited partnerships. We assist in forming entities, drafting operating agreements or shareholder agreements, and structuring ownership interests to achieve the client’s legal and financial objectives.

6. Inspections, Repairs, and Due Diligence

During the due diligence period, our attorneys oversees property inspections, environmental assessments, and repair negotiations. We ensure that all inspection reports are thoroughly reviewed and that any issues are addressed before closing. If material defects are discovered, we may negotiate price reductions, repair obligations, or termination rights. Our involvement helps prevent unexpected liabilities post-closing.

In conclusion, our Los Angeles real estate lawyers provide comprehensive legal services that are essential to protecting the interests of buyers and sellers in complex property transactions. Our expertise in negotiation, documentation, title review, escrow management, entity structuring, and due diligence ensures a well-managed and legally compliant transaction from start to finish.

If you are contemplating a new real estate transaction, contact the real estate attorneys at the Ben-Cohen Law Firm. Our Los Angeles real estate lawyers can help you at every stage to ensure the best possible outcome.