Real Estate

Matters of real estate can be complicated and often require the skills of a knowledgeable attorney. The Pittsburgh attorneys David W. Tyree or C. Donald Gates can assist you with the following:

Deeds
Mortgages
Closings

Title insurance
Boundary line disputes

Deeds

A deed is the document that legally transfers ownership of real estate. It contains the names of the old and new owners and a legal description of the property. It is signed by the parties transferring the property and recorded in the county clerk's office.

Quitclaim deeds are commonly used by divorcing couples with property in both their names. One spouse signs all of his or her rights in the couple's real estate over to the other.

A grant deed transfers ownership and implies certain promises—that the title has not already been transferred to someone else or been encumbered, except as set out in the deed. If you need to transfer property, David W. Tyree and C. Donald Gates can help determine the best approach.

Mortgages

A mortgage is a loan specifically designed for the purchase of real estate property through a contract. If you are entering into a residential real estate transaction, an attorney can help protect your rights and responsibilities. Both buyers and sellers may benefit from the advice of an experienced lawyer.

Closings

A closing is a meeting where papers are signed to formalize buying and selling real estate. If you are signing a new mortgage or refinancing an existing one, you may need counsel from an attorney to protect your rights.

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Title insurance

The purpose of title insurance is to protect the real estate purchaser and mortgage holder against loss from defective titles, liens, and encumbrances. Protecting a buyer against loss is done by issuing a title insurance policy. Since title insurance is a risk assumption, it is very important that the title insurer eliminate the risk and prevent losses caused by defects in title arising out of past events. Mr. Tyree and Mr. Gates routinely provide title insurance for their residential and commercial clients.

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Boundary line disputes

There are times when adjoining neighbors have difficulty determining where the boundaries between their two properties lie. Generally, a property survey can settle such disputes. However, in some situations you and the parties involved may wish to agree on where the line should be and make a lot line agreement between yourselves. A qualified attorney can help you research local zoning and subdivision laws if you wish to make such an agreement.

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