Attorney vs. Agent: Who Does What (and Why You Need Both)

by Kim Faines

Navigating Real Estate Law with Teresa Raniere: A Journey of Passion, Transparency, and Dedication

In the world of real estate, having the right attorney by your side can make all the difference. Teresa Raniere, founder of the Law Office of Teresa Raniere PC, has built a career dedicated to ensuring transparency and seamless transactions for buyers, sellers, and investors. Her passion for real estate law is deeply rooted in personal experiences and professional expertise, making her a trusted advocate in the industry. In this blog, we dive into Teresa's journey, her insights on real estate law, and the invaluable advice she offers to those navigating property transactions.

The Journey to Real Estate Law

Teresa Raniere did not start her legal career in real estate. In fact, her path was anything but traditional. After taking time off post-college, she pursued a career in litigation, working as a paralegal before eventually attending law school at night while working full-time. Initially, she considered family law but quickly realized it was not her calling.

Her introduction to real estate law came as a "happy accident." She started working in bank settlement transactions, representing lenders, and gradually honed her skills in title work and transactional law. Teresa also had a brief stint as a real estate agent, which gave her firsthand experience in the emotional and high-pressure world of buying and selling properties. Though she decided that being an agent was not her passion, the experience provided her with a unique perspective that she carries into her legal practice today.

Falling in Love with Real Estate

Teresa’s passion for real estate was sparked through her own personal experiences as a homebuyer. She purchased two homes, each of which came with unexpected challenges. Her first home required extensive renovations within six months of purchase—issues that could have been identified with better due diligence. The second home came with a host of legal complications, including a missing Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for the basement and even the shocking discovery that she did not own her own driveway.

These experiences opened Teresa’s eyes to the importance of thorough legal oversight in real estate transactions. She realized that many buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, are often unprepared for the complexities of property ownership. This motivated her to become an advocate for transparency and informed decision-making in real estate transactions.

The Importance of Transparency in Real Estate

One of the core principles that Teresa Raniere upholds in her practice is transparency. She firmly believes that buyers and sellers should be fully aware of all aspects of a transaction before signing on the dotted line. Whether it’s issues with title work, necessary repairs, or discrepancies in a property’s legal status, Teresa ensures that her clients have all the information they need to make sound business decisions.

She takes a proactive approach by researching properties before contracts are signed. Using public records, tax maps, Google Maps, and foreclosure databases, she uncovers potential red flags that could impact a deal. Her diligence ensures that her clients are never caught off guard by unexpected legal complications.

Why Early Legal Involvement Matters

Many buyers and sellers wait until they are deep into a transaction before involving a real estate attorney. However, Teresa advises that legal counsel should be sought as early as possible—preferably before even making an offer on a property.

For sellers, gathering essential documents like prior purchase agreements, title policies, and Certificates of Occupancy before listing a home can prevent delays and complications down the road. Buyers, on the other hand, should ensure they have a solid pre-approval from a lender and understand the financial obligations involved in purchasing a home.

Key Considerations for Homebuyers

Teresa’s legal expertise extends beyond contract review—she also helps buyers understand crucial aspects of a property before they commit. Some of the key considerations she advises clients on include:

  • Loan Type & Appraisal Issues – Different types of loans (conventional, FHA, VA) have varying appraisal requirements. FHA loans, for example, have stricter guidelines regarding property conditions, which could impact a buyer’s ability to secure financing.

  • Title & Survey Issues – Ensuring that a property’s legal description matches what is being sold is critical. Teresa checks for potential discrepancies in property boundaries, missing easements, and outstanding liens.

  • Certificates of Occupancy (COs) – Many homes have modifications that may not be legally documented. Teresa helps buyers identify whether a property is in compliance with local building codes and what steps may be necessary to legalize any unapproved structures.

  • Solar Panel Transfers – One of the more challenging aspects of modern real estate transactions is dealing with leased solar panels. Teresa has helped clients navigate the complexities of solar panel transfers, ensuring that they understand the financial and legal commitments involved.

Setting Boundaries While Staying Available

Despite her busy schedule, Teresa is known for her accessibility. Real estate transactions don’t adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule, and she ensures that her clients can reach her when they need to. Whether through text, phone, or email, Teresa is committed to providing timely guidance. However, she also emphasizes the importance of setting professional boundaries—deferring to real estate agents for market-related matters while focusing on the legal aspects of transactions.

The Future of Real Estate Law

As real estate transactions become more complex, the need for knowledgeable legal representation is more important than ever. Teresa is dedicated to staying at the forefront of industry changes, continuously educating herself and her clients. Through her firm, the Law Office of Teresa Raniere PC, she provides invaluable guidance to ensure smooth, legally sound transactions.

Her mission is simple: to empower buyers and sellers with knowledge, advocate for their best interests, and make real estate transactions as seamless as possible.

Connect with Teresa Raniere

If you’re in need of a real estate attorney who prioritizes transparency, diligence, and client advocacy, Teresa Raniere is the professional to call.

šŸ“ Website: www.teresaranierelaw.com
šŸ“ Instagram: @realt_on_law
šŸ“ Phone: 631-569-9285

For expert legal guidance in your next real estate transaction, reach out to Teresa Raniere and experience the difference that knowledge and transparency can make!

 

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Levar Carter

Broker | License ID: 10311210025

+1(631) 623-7117 | dreamselectrealty@gmail.com

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