Experienced Outer Banks, North Carolina Real Estate Attorneys

The real estate attorneys at Sharp, Graham, Baker & Varnell, LLP have been representing buyers and sellers in real estate transactions throughout North Carolina's Outer Banks for more than 30 years. Our lawyers are focused on your needs, and work hard to ensure that your transaction is handled properly, that it's done quickly, and that it's done right. If you are buying or selling real estate in North Carolina's Outer Banks, you don't want to leave anything to chance.

NOTICE: Do not send wiring instructions, personal client information, or other time sensitive matters through this website. Please contact your closer and/or attorney directly. If you do not know your closer’s contact information, call our office directly at 252-261-2126 and we will provide you with the appropriate contact information.

An Attorney Is Required for Sale of North Carolina Real Estate

If you are buying or selling real estate in North Carolina, you may already be working with a realtor. Unlike many other states, an attorney is required for all North Carolina real estate transactions. Most realtors work with one or two attorneys, and people usually use the attorney their realtor recommends. However, you are free to hire an attorney of your choice. Generally, an attorney is hired to:

• perform title searches
• acquire title insurance
• write the Offer to Purchase Contract, including any contingencies such as home inspections or who is responsible for problems with septic systems, radon levels, and electrical or plumbing systems
• coordinate the closing with the real estate agent and lender
• prepare deeds
• handle the final settlement

Whether you are buying or selling a primary residence, vacation home, or rental property in the Outer Banks, you want experienced, trustworthy legal counsel who offers you personal attention and protects your rights. The attorneys at Sharp, Graham, Baker & Varnell will give you peace of mind in knowing your transaction will go smoothly, and that your rights will be protected in what could be one of the largest financial decisions you will ever make.

Offer to Purchase Contract

Most North Carolina residential real estate transactions use a standard "Offer to Purchase and Contract" (Form No. 2-T). This fill-in-the-blank form, created and jointly approved by the North Carolina Bar Association and the North Carolina Association of REALTORS, provides the basic details of the proposed property sale, including the identity of both the buyer and seller, the selling price, and the closing date.

Real estate agents, while knowledgeable, are not authorized to write contracts. Therefore, if your transaction includes anything other than the most basic terms outlined in the standard Offer to Purchase Contract, you should contact an attorney to properly prepare the appropriate legal documents. Hiring an attorney ensures that your transaction goes smoothly, that your rights are protected, and that nothing is left to chance.

Agreement to Purchase Must Be In Writing

To be enforceable, a contract to buy or sell real property must be in writing. The offer to purchase is only finalized and accepted when the seller signs the contract without any further changes. If the seller makes changes to the contract, the changes are treated as a counter-offer. This process of negotiating the terms of sale can continue indefinitely, until both sides come to an agreement.