Real Estate Closing Attorneys
A real estate closing is one of the most significant financial transactions a person or business will ever complete. Whether you are purchasing a home, selling commercial property, refinancing an asset, or finalizing an investment deal, even small legal errors can lead to major financial consequences. Contracts, title issues, financing terms, and regulatory requirements all converge at closing, and mistakes are often discovered only after the transaction is complete.
At Broussard Dove, we represent buyers, sellers, developers, investors, and businesses nationwide in residential and commercial real estate closings. Our attorneys ensure that transactions are structured properly, documents are accurate, risks are identified early, and our clients’ interests are fully protected from start to finish.
If you are preparing for a real estate closing or facing complications with a transaction, call 985 868 4800 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Contact Our Real Estate Closing Attorneys Today
Whether you are purchasing a home, selling commercial property, or finalizing an investment transaction, legal oversight can protect your financial future. At Broussard Dove, we provide experienced guidance through every stage of the real estate closing process.
Call 985 868 4800 or contact us online for a free consultation.
We proudly represent residential and commercial real estate clients nationwide.
WE HELP CLIENTS
NATIONWIDE
Our team understands the complex insurance policies that govern disaster claims. We know how insurers operate — and we know how to hold them accountable.
Comprehensive Representation for Residential and Commercial Closings
Real estate transactions vary widely depending on the property type, financing structure, and parties involved. Our team provides legal oversight for a broad range of real estate closings, including:
- Residential home purchases and sales
- Condominium and townhome transactions
- Multi-family and rental property closings
- Commercial property acquisitions and sales
- Office, retail, and industrial property closings
- Land purchases and development transactions
- Refinancing and loan modifications
- Investor and portfolio transactions
Whether the transaction involves a primary residence, an income-producing property, or a complex commercial deal, our attorneys tailor legal strategies to the specific risks and goals of each client.
Why Legal Oversight Is Critical in Real Estate Closings
Many buyers and sellers assume that lenders, brokers, or title companies are responsible for protecting their interests. In reality, these parties often represent their own financial or institutional priorities. Without independent legal representation, important issues can be overlooked.
Common risks that arise during real estate closings include:
- Ambiguous or unfavorable contract terms
- Title defects or unresolved liens
- Boundary or survey disputes
- Zoning or land use violations
- Undisclosed easements or encroachments
- Financing contingencies and lender requirements
- Environmental or structural concerns
- Inaccurate closing statements or prorations
Once a transaction is finalized, correcting these issues can be difficult and costly. Our role is to identify and resolve problems before documents are signed and funds are transferred.
Residential Real Estate Closings
Residential transactions often move quickly, leaving little room for error. Buyers and sellers may feel pressured to meet deadlines without fully understanding the legal implications of the documents they are signing.
We help residential clients by:
- Reviewing purchase and sale agreements
- Ensuring financing and contingency terms are properly addressed
- Verifying title status and resolving defects
- Reviewing disclosures and inspection reports
- Confirming accurate closing statements and fees
- Addressing post-closing obligations and warranties
Our goal is to make sure homeowners and sellers complete their transactions with confidence, clarity, and legal protection.
Commercial Real Estate Closings
Commercial real estate closings involve significantly higher stakes and more complex legal considerations. These transactions often include multiple parties, layered financing, regulatory compliance issues, and long-term operational implications.
Our commercial real estate closing services include:
- Contract negotiation and review
- Due diligence coordination and analysis
- Title review and resolution
- Lease review and assignment issues
- Environmental risk evaluation
- Financing document review
- Closing document preparation and execution
We work closely with business owners, investors, and developers to structure deals that align with their long-term objectives while minimizing exposure to risk.
Common Disputes and Delays in Real Estate Closings
Even well-planned transactions can encounter delays or disputes. When problems arise, legal intervention is often necessary to keep the deal on track or protect a client from financial loss.
Typical closing issues include:
- Disagreements over contract contingencies
- Title objections or unresolved liens
- Last-minute financing changes
- Disputes regarding property condition
- Failure to meet contractual deadlines
- Inaccurate or disputed closing costs
Our attorneys are experienced in resolving these issues efficiently, whether through negotiation, contract enforcement, or strategic legal action.
Protecting Investors and Portfolio Owners
Investors and commercial property owners face unique risks when acquiring or selling real estate. Small errors across multiple transactions can compound into significant financial exposure.
We assist investors by:
- Reviewing portfolio acquisition documents
- Structuring transactions to reduce liability
- Identifying recurring contract risks
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
- Coordinating multi-property closings
- Addressing ownership and entity issues
Our firm understands the pace and complexity of real estate investment and works to protect both immediate and long-term interests.
Why Choose Broussard | Dove?
Clients across the country choose Broussard Dove for real estate closings because we provide:
- Nationwide representation for residential and commercial transactions
- Experienced attorneys focused on risk prevention and transaction integrity
- Thorough document review and due diligence
- Clear communication throughout the closing process
- Strategic guidance tailored to each transaction
- Contingency-free legal oversight designed to protect your investment
We approach every closing with the understanding that the transaction represents a significant financial milestone for our clients.
What to do
Before Your Real Estate Closing
If you are preparing for a real estate closing, taking the right steps early can prevent delays and disputes:
01
Get
pre-approved
Try to get pre-approved (not just pre-qualified). A full pre-approval shows a seller you are serious about a safe price range and locks in realistic expectations
02
Do
Your Homework
Fully understand the location, flooding/drainage issues, insurance requirements, and any other concerns you may have prior to making an offer and purchasing a property.
03
Hire an
Independent Inspector
Make sure all offers are contingent upon an inspection and due diligence. Fully understand the roof age/condition, foundation issues, drainage, termite damage, and moisture issues
04
Seller
Disclosures
Read the disclosures thoroughly and provide them to your inspector. Do not be afraid to ask questions to clarify issues raised
05
Understand the
True Monthly Cost
Do not just focus on the purchase price. You will owe mortgage/interest, insurance premiums, property taxes, possible HOA dues, etc.
06
Closing
Review the HUD Settlement Statement and understand all of the closing costs: loan origination fee, flood certifications, realtor commissions, appraisals, title work, recording costs, etc.
07
Title
Company
Our law firm has handled 100s of closings from single family homes to multi-million dollar industrial complexes. We can walk you through this legal process from start to finish to ensure a successful closing.
Early legal involvement helps ensure a smooth, secure closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an attorney for a real estate closing?
Legal representation is strongly recommended, especially for commercial transactions or complex residential deals. An attorney ensures your interests are protected and documents are accurate.
What happens if an issue is discovered after closing?
Post-closing issues can be difficult to resolve and may require litigation. Our goal is to prevent these problems before closing occurs.
Can Broussard Dove handle out-of-state transactions?
Yes. We represent clients nationwide and coordinate with local professionals as needed.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
Costs vary based on transaction complexity. We provide clear fee structures and explain expectations upfront.
Is Louisiana a community property state?
Yes. Louisiana is a community property state, meaning most property acquired during a marriage is jointly owned by both spouses, regardless of whose name is on the title—unless there is a valid prenuptial agreement or separate property classification.
What makes Louisiana real estate law different from other states?
Louisiana follows a civil law system based on the Louisiana Civil Code, not common law. This affects:
- Property ownership
- Successions (inheritance)
- Mortgages and liens
- Foreclosures
- Spousal rights
Because of this, Louisiana real estate transactions often involve legal concepts not found in other states.
Do I need an attorney to buy or sell a home in Louisiana?
While not always required by law, many Louisiana closings involve an attorney, especially when:
- There are title issues
- Successions are involved
- Property was inherited
- There are liens, judgments, or unpaid taxes
Attorneys often conduct closings and issue title opinions.
Buying a Home in Louisiana
What are closing costs in Louisiana?
Closing costs may include:
- Title examination
- Title insurance
- Recording fees
- Attorney or notary fees
- Survey costs
- Prepaid taxes and insurance
Is a home inspection required?
No, but it is strongly recommended. Inspections commonly include:
- Structural inspection
- Roof inspection
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
- Termite inspection (often required by lenders)
What is a termite certificate?
In Louisiana, many lenders require a wood-destroying insect report (termite certificate) before closing. This shows whether the property has active infestation or prior treatment.
Are flood zones important in Louisiana?
Absolutely. Many areas of Louisiana are in flood zones, and properties in certain zones require flood insurance, which is separate from homeowners insurance. Flood zones can significantly affect insurance costs and resale value.
Can I back out of a purchase agreement?
It depends on the contract. Many Louisiana purchase agreements include:
- Inspection contingencies
- Financing contingencies
- Appraisal contingencies
Missing deadlines or acting outside these provisions can result in loss of deposits.
Selling a Home in Louisiana
Do I have to disclose defects when selling a home?
Yes. Louisiana law requires sellers to complete a Property Disclosure Document disclosing known defects related to:
- Roof
- Foundation
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Termite damage
- Flooding history
Failure to disclose known issues can lead to legal liability.
What is redhibition?
Redhibition is a Louisiana-specific legal doctrine that allows buyers to seek damages or rescission if a property has a hidden defect that makes it unusable or substantially diminishes its value and existed before the sale.
Can I sell a home “as-is” in Louisiana?
Yes, but “as-is” does not protect a seller from fraud or intentional nondisclosure. Known defects must still be disclosed, even in an as-is sale.