If you are planning to buy real estate, you will require the services of a lawyer. Your lawyer has many responsibilities including providing you with sound legal advice. However, in order for your lawyer to conduct his job effectively, there are many things that you must do. Failure to follow these steps may make your lawyer’s job more difficult and may even jeopardize your closing.

Although your lawyer is working for you, he needs your help to do the best job possible. Too many times, a client’s expectations are not met because they do not adhere to some simple rules. Experienced lawyers will often explain the closing process to clients so that many common problems are avoided.

The following are some things that you can do to make your lawyer’s job easier. First, if you are arranging a mortgage as part of your purchase, you need to advise your lender of the name, address and telephone number of your lawyer. Your financial institution needs this information so that it can send your lawyer mortgage instructions. In turn, your lawyer will prepare your mortgage. If you do not relay this information to your lender in a timely fashion, your lawyer will not be able to prepare your mortgage. More importantly, your lawyer will not receive the mortgage funds necessary for closing. This is one the biggest problems that real estate lawyers face. Without mortgage instructions or funds, your deal cannot close. Don’t wait. Give your lender this information as early as possible.

The same rule applies with fire insurance. If you are applying for a mortgage, your lender will require confirmation from your lawyer that adequate fire insurance is in place before closing. If you delay arranging for fire insurance, your closing will undoubtedly be delayed. Fire insurance simply must be in place on closing in order for mortgage funds to be released. Instruct your insurance agent to send your lawyer a fire insurance binder prior to closing. Without it, your lawyer will not be able to release your mortgage funds and close your deal.

Certain personal information must be forwarded to your lawyer for him to be able to complete the documents that will eventually be registered on title to the lands you are purchasing. Your lawyer will need your full name and date of birth. This information will go onto your deed, which is your legal evidence of ownership. It is important that you provide the proper spelling of your names. If you are not clear, a mistake will be made and all of the documents that are prepared will need to be redrafted. Unfortunately, you will not learn of this until you come into your lawyer’s office to sign all the pertinent documents. Since this usually occurs close to the closing date, your lawyer will need to redraft these documents very quickly. If your lawyer sends you a letter confirming the spelling of your name and your date of birth, read it. If there are any errors, you should advise your lawyer immediately so that changes to the documents can be made in advance of closing.

Be prepared to provide your lawyer with proper photo identification when you arrive at his office. With the recent rise in mortgage or title fraud, lawyers must now confirm the identities of their clients. Cooperate with your lawyer by providing him with at least two pieces of photo identification.

If you encounter problems with any aspect of your transaction, advise your lawyer immediately. It is foolish to wait until the day before closing to advise your lawyer of a problem. In so doing, you may jeopardize your legal position. Communicate with your lawyer to avoid last minute problems.

Following these simple steps will help you to avoid hassles, make your lawyer’s job easier and avoid delays to your closing.