Why Hire an Attorney When Buying or Selling a Home in Florida?

Ernest W. Sturges, Jr. • April 13, 2023

Buying or selling a home, for most people, is one of the largest financial transactions they will ever make. Having an experienced real estate attorney on your side for a life-changing transaction protects you and your family, and also provides peace-of-mind. An experienced real estate attorney will assist you from making costly mistakes, all the way from the drafting of your initial sales contract all the way through closing.


How Exactly Will a Real Estate Attorney Help Me?


The highly experienced real estate attorneys at Goldman, Tiseo & Sturges, P.A. will advise you at every turn of your real estate transaction. We represent buyers, sellers, and lenders. While the State of Florida does not require the hiring of an attorney to assist with a real estate transaction, an experienced real estate attorney will protect you from unforeseen issues that may arise during your real estate transaction. Hiring an experienced real estate attorney early in the transaction process protects you from beginning to end. Oftentimes, people seek the assistance of a real estate attorney AFTER a contract is signed or a problem arises – when the hiring of an experienced real estate attorney at the start of the transaction likely would have avoid the problem from ever arising.  For most transactions, the cost of retaining a real estate lawyer to guide you through the transaction is less than 1% of the purchase price.


The Role of Your Real Estate Lawyers vs. the Role of Real Estate/Closing Agents:

 

Simply put, your real estate attorney’s only job is looking out for you and your interests. A realtor or closing agent’s job is to close a real estate transaction.

Problems an Experienced Real Estate Attorney Can Help You Avoid

 

Having an iron-clad contract in place


Realtors can certainly assist buyers and sellers with filling out form and template real estate contracts. However, an experienced real estate attorney can assist with more complex contracts, or providing contingencies within your contract should otherwise unforeseen circumstances arise which were outside your control. Additionally, form contracts can be filled in using language that is vague or confusing, which can cause substantial headaches for all parties later in the transaction. Experienced real estate attorneys will ensure all contract language is clear and unambiguous, so all parties clearly understand what their obligations are under their real estate contract.


Timing your closing


Closing deadlines can be affected by unforeseen circumstances that arise which were outside your control. Lender delays, natural disasters, and property damage while your real estate contract is pending can all have substantial effects on your transaction. By thinking ahead and including protective contingencies in your real estate contract, an experienced real estate attorney can protect you and your transaction.


Home Inspection


Home inspections often reveal problems that could require price negotiation between the seller and buyer. Having proper contingencies in your contract could allow you to withdraw from the transaction without consequences.


Obtaining Good Title


Title searches are critical to ensure a successful real estate transaction. A seller must provide “good, marketable and insurable title” to a buyer, and a buyer certainly wants to receive “good, marketable and insurable title”. Property that is encumbered by liens, or that has complicated legal issues regarding adjoining landowners, previous owners and neighbors, raises concerns for both buyers and sellers that must be addressed before “good, marketable and insurable title” can be transferred.


A Successful Closing


When buying or selling property, the “moment of truth” is called Closing. This is the final moment of a transaction, when a seller successfully transfers property to a buyer, and a buyer receives the property they chose to purchase. Deeds, closing statements, mortgages, etc. are all reviewed and signed at Closing. The amount of documents needed to conduct a successful Closing can be substantial and a bit overwhelming for non-attorneys. An experienced real estate attorney can review all Closing documents to ensure that you understand them, without any confusion. A real estate Closing is more often than not a significant moment in a person’s life and should be a happy moment for both buyer and seller – our experienced real estate attorneys can assist with bringing about a stress-free, successful Closing.


Contact Our Experienced Real Estate Attorney


Please call us when buying or selling real estate in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Englewood, North Port, or Arcadia. We can ensure your real estate transaction concludes with a smile on your face!

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Out-of-State Defendant for a Personal Injury Case

By Jason B. Goldman • September 8, 2025
Getting injured because of someone else’s negligence is stressful enough but what happens if the person or business responsible doesn’t live in Florida? Many people wonder if they can pursue a personal injury claim against someone out-of-state. The answer is yes, but there are some important details to understand. How Out-of-State Laws Affect Your Case When a defendant lives outside Florida, courts may need to consider jurisdiction . Essentially, whether Florida courts have the authority to hear the case. In many situations, if the incident happened in Florida or caused harm here, the court can still proceed. Additionally, different states have different laws regarding personal injury claims, including statutes of limitations, liability rules, and damages. This can affect how a case is filed and what compensation may be available. Steps to Take Consult an Experienced Attorney: A skilled Florida personal injury attorney can determine whether your case can proceed here or if another state’s laws may apply. Gather Evidence: Documentation such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements is crucial, especially if the defendant is out-of-state. Understand Service of Process: The defendant must be formally notified of the lawsuit. Serving someone in another state follows specific legal procedures to ensure the court has jurisdiction.  Consider Legal Strategy: Sometimes, pursuing a claim in Florida is straightforward; other times, filing in the defendant’s home state may be necessary. Your attorney will guide you through the best approach. Protect Your Rights Handling a case with an out-of-state defendant can be complicated, but you don’t have to navigate it alone . The team at GTS Law Firm has experience helping clients pursue personal injury claims, even when the responsible party lives outside Florida. We focus on protecting your rights and working toward the compensation you deserve. Contact GTS Law Firm today to speak with an attorney about your personal injury case. (941) 625-6666

Driving Habit Accidents: How Everyday Choices Can Put You at Risk

By Jason B. Goldman • September 8, 2025
When it comes to staying safe on the road, habits matter. Many car accidents are not caused by reckless behavior or extreme conditions, but by everyday driving habits that increase risk over time. From texting while driving to consistently rolling through stop signs, these seemingly minor behaviors can have serious consequences. Common Driving Habits That Lead to Accidents Distracted Driving – Phones, navigation systems, or even conversations with passengers can take attention away from the road. Distracted driving contributes to thousands of accidents each year. Following Too Closely – Tailgating reduces reaction time and can turn a minor slowdown into a major collision. Speeding in Familiar Areas – Drivers often feel comfortable speeding on roads they know well, underestimating risks like sudden stops or pedestrian crossings. Improper Lane Changes – Not checking mirrors or blind spots increases the chance of side collisions. Rolling Through Stop Signs and Traffic Signals – A habit of ignoring stop signs or lights, even slightly, can lead to intersection accidents. Why Habits Matter Repeated behaviors form patterns. Even safe drivers can develop risky habits over time without realizing it. Insurance companies, accident investigators, and courts often consider a driver’s habits when determining fault or liability after a crash. Protect Yourself and Others Be mindful of your driving habits – Small adjustments can prevent accidents. Avoid distractions – Keep your focus on the road at all times. Maintain safe following distances – Give yourself enough time to react.  Follow traffic laws consistently – Stop signs and lights exist to protect everyone. At GTS Law Firm , we understand how habitual driving behaviors can affect accident outcomes. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision caused by another driver’s habits, our experienced team is here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your rights. (941) 625-6666

Back-to-School Safety: Staying Alert in Busy Parking Lots

By Jason B. Goldman • August 13, 2025
As Charlotte County families prepare for the new school year, stores are crowded with parents and children picking up backpacks, notebooks, and other supplies. While the excitement is high, parking lots at big-box stores and shopping centers can become dangerous if drivers and pedestrians aren’t paying attention. Why Parking Lot Safety Matters Parking lots can be high-risk areas, especially during peak back-to-school shopping times. With increased traffic, pedestrians—especially children—can be hard to see, and distractions can lead to accidents. For Drivers: Navigating Parking Lots Safely Slow Down: Keep speeds low and be ready to stop suddenly. Stay Off Devices: Distractions can cause you to miss a pedestrian. Watch for Children: Kids can dart out from between cars without warning. Use Signals: Let others know when you’re turning or backing up. For Parents and Shoppers Hold Hands with Young Children: Keep them close in busy parking areas. Load Carefully: Position carts and children out of moving traffic while loading purchases. Teach Awareness: Remind kids to stop and look before crossing lanes or emerging from between cars. GTS Law Firm: Protecting Families in Charlotte County At GTS Law Firm, we know that even a quick shopping trip can lead to unexpected accidents. If you or your child is injured due to a driver’s negligence in a parking lot, our attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and seek fair compensation. Let’s keep this back-to-school season safe—not just on the roads, but in the parking lots where families gather to prepare for the year ahead. If you’ve been involved in a parking lot incident, contact GTS Law Firm for a consultation.

Back to School Safety: Sharing the Road with Buses and Students in Charlotte County

By Jason B. Goldman • August 13, 2025
As summer winds down and the school year begins, Charlotte County’s roads become busier with school buses, parents dropping off children, and students walking or biking to class. This time of year is a reminder for all drivers to slow down, stay alert, and take extra precautions to protect our community’s youngest members. School Bus Safety School buses are one of the safest modes of transportation for students, but safety depends on drivers following the law: Stop for School Buses: Florida law requires drivers to stop when a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing, regardless of the direction you’re traveling (unless there’s a divided highway with a barrier). Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain at least 20 feet behind a stopped school bus to give children space to cross safely. Be Patient: School bus stops take time as children may be crossing from multiple directions. Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Students walking or biking to school are more vulnerable during early morning and afternoon hours: Watch for Crosswalks: Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and school crossings. Slow Down in School Zones: Observe posted speed limits, which are often 15-20 mph in school areas. Avoid Distractions: Keep phones down and focus on the road, especially during pick-up and drop-off times. Tips for Parents and Students Teach Safe Habits: Remind children to look both ways before crossing the street and to use crosswalks. Bike Safety: Ensure children wear helmets and use bike lanes when available. Visibility Counts: Bright clothing or reflective gear can help drivers see students more easily. \ GTS Law Firm: Advocating for a Safer Community At GTS Law Firm, we are committed to helping keep Charlotte County safe—on and off the road. Unfortunately, accidents can still happen despite best efforts. If you or a loved one is injured due to a driver’s negligence, our experienced attorneys are here to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. As we head into the school year, let’s all do our part to share the road responsibly and make this season a safe one for every student. If you have questions about your rights following a traffic incident, contact GTS Law Firm today for a consultation.