You can choose your own real estate closing attorney to handle your refinance closing in Massachusetts.
The Federally-created Consumer Federal Protection Bureau sets the rules for mortgage refinance and purchase closings. The CFPB authorizes borrowers to select their own attorney to handle their closing. In fact, they even encourage it by naming a section of the Loan Estimate “Services You Can Shop For”.
There are various names for the firm that will handle your closing. Among the different terms used are:
Settlement Agent, Settlement Provider, Title Company, Escrow Company, Title and Escrow, Closing Lawyer, Closing Attorney,
Why are their so many different terms?
Massachusetts is one of a handful of states (mostly East Coast states) that require a licensed Attorney conduct the closing.
That means the Closing Attorney conducts a title exam, writes the required lender’s title insurance policy, and records the documents with the Public Records, known as the Registry of Deeds.
Lenders may be able to recommend certain attorneys, but it is your right to shop around. We recommend you “interview” and select a law firm based in Massachusetts with local, licensed real estate attorneys.
About the author: The above Real Estate information on A Typical Timeline to Buying a Home in Massachusetts with Estimated Costs was provided by Timothy Sherman, an active attorney in the real estate law field. Tim can be reached via email at [email protected] or by phone at 781-664-4936. Attorney Sherman has helped people close on their homes in many Massachusetts cities and towns for the last 10+ Years.
Thinking of buying, selling or refinancing your home? I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my legal expertise!
I handle closings throughout the South Shore and Greater Boston Area such as: Boston, Braintree, Canton, Cohasset, Dartmouth, Dedham, Duxbury, Fairhaven, Hanover, Hingham, Marshfield, Milton, Nantucket, Newton, Norwell, Plymouth, Quincy, Walpole, Wellesley, Westwood, Weymouth and Wrentham.
