Real Estate Law
Why Contract Review Matters Before Closing
Understand how deadlines, contingencies, title terms and remedies shape a Florida transaction.
Read More →St. Johns Law Group Real Estate Attorneys
St. Augustine Real Estate Contract Review Attorneys
Know the terms, deadlines and risks before you sign.
SJLG advises Florida buyers, sellers, investors, developers and businesses on purchase agreements, addenda, disclosures, contingencies, leases and other transaction documents—from initial review and negotiation through closing.
- Attorney review tailored to your side of the transaction
- Residential and commercial agreement experience
- Closing, title, land-use and litigation capabilities in one firm
Contract-to-Closing CounselReview • Negotiation • Title • Closing • Dispute Prevention
Quick Answer
Should a Florida attorney review a real estate contract before signing?
A contract controls the parties’ rights, obligations, deadlines and remedies. Attorney review before signing can identify unfavorable provisions, missing protections, unclear contingencies and obligations that may be difficult or expensive to change later. If a contract is already signed, prompt review may still help you understand remaining deadlines, notice requirements and available options.
Contract Review Services
Real Estate Agreements We Review and Negotiate
Every agreement should be reviewed in the context of the property, the transaction and the client’s objectives—not as a generic form.
Residential Purchase Contracts
Buyer and seller review of purchase terms, deposits, financing, inspections, repairs, title, surveys, association matters and closing obligations.
Residential Real Estate →Commercial Purchase Agreements
Acquisition and sale contracts involving due diligence, financing, environmental matters, title, surveys, leases, estoppels and business terms.
Commercial Real Estate →Leases and Amendments
Commercial and residential lease provisions, renewals, assignments, guaranties, build-out obligations, operating expenses and default remedies.
Commercial Leasing →Addenda and Disclosures
Inspection, financing, appraisal, sale-of-property, coastal, flood, association, property-condition and other transaction-specific documents.
Disclosure Issues →Options and Development Agreements
Option contracts, rights of first refusal, easement agreements, development terms and documents tied to zoning or governmental approvals.
Land Development & Zoning →FSBO and Custom Transactions
Attorney guidance where no agent is involved, including contract preparation, negotiation, title coordination and closing.
FSBO Representation →Focused Legal Review
What Our Attorneys Examine
The practical effect of a contract often turns on deadlines, defined terms, exceptions and remedies that are easy to overlook.
- Identity and authority of the parties
- Property description and included or excluded items
- Purchase price, deposits and escrow terms
- Financing, appraisal and sale contingencies
- Inspection, repair and due-diligence rights
- Title, survey, lien and association issues
- Representations, disclosures and risk allocation
- Default, cancellation, dispute and attorney-fee provisions
- Closing date, possession and post-closing duties
Timing matters.
Do not assume a standard form is neutral or that unfavorable language can be changed after signing. If you have received a proposed agreement—or already signed one—send the complete contract and all addenda for review as early as possible.
Contract Risk Points
Questions a Careful Review Should Answer
Contract review is not simply proofreading. It should clarify what must happen, by when, at whose cost and with what consequence if it does not.
| Issue | Questions to Resolve | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Deposits | Who holds the funds? When are they due? When are they refundable or forfeited? | Deposit language can determine whether funds are returned after cancellation or become the subject of a dispute. |
| Due Diligence | What may be inspected or investigated? How long is the review period? What notice is required? | Missing a deadline can eliminate a termination right or shift property risks to a party. |
| Title & Survey | Who selects title? What objections may be raised? Who must cure defects, and by when? | Liens, easements, encroachments and ownership issues can affect use, value and insurability. |
| Financing | Is the obligation contingent on approval? What loan terms qualify? What evidence or notice is required? | A weak financing provision may leave a buyer obligated even when expected financing is unavailable. |
| Default | What remedies are available? Is liability limited? Can a party recover attorney’s fees? | Default provisions define leverage and exposure when a transaction does not close. |
Our Contract Review Process
Clear Guidance Before the Next Deadline
Send the Complete File
Provide the proposed or signed contract, addenda, disclosures and any material correspondence, along with known deadlines.
Attorney Review
We examine the agreement in light of your role, goals, property and transaction—not merely the printed form.
Advice and Next Steps
We explain material provisions, identify concerns and discuss proposed revisions, notices, negotiations or closing coordination.
Contract Through Closing
Real Estate Closings at Title Company Prices®
SJLG can continue with the transaction after contract review, coordinating title and closing services with attorneys available to address legal issues that arise.
Title & Curative WorkSearches, commitments, title insurance and resolution of identified title issues
Closing CoordinationDocuments, escrow, lenders, agents, surveys, payoffs and recording
Legal SupportContract, ownership, easement, association, development or dispute issues
The SJLG Real Estate Advantage
One Legal Team for the Full Transaction
A contract question may involve title, land use, association restrictions, construction, business structure, tax planning or potential litigation. SJLG’s full-service platform allows the matter to be evaluated beyond a single document.
- Residential and commercial transaction counsel
- In-house closing and title professionals
- Land-development and zoning experience
- Real estate dispute, trial and appellate capabilities
- Local knowledge across St. Johns County and Northeast Florida
Real Estate Attorneys & Closing Professionals
Meet the Real Estate Team
From contract review and negotiation through title, closing, development or dispute resolution, SJLG brings together attorneys and closing professionals for the legal and transactional needs of Florida real estate clients.
Attorney
Douglas N. Burnett
Real estate development, land use, commercial real estate and complex litigation.
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Attorney
Megan Burnett Drysdale
Real estate transactions, contracts and land use matters.
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Attorney
John L. Whiteman
Commercial real estate, title, transactions and complex property matters.
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Closing & Title Agent
Christina Guyette
Real estate closings, title services and transaction coordination.
Email Christina →
Closing Agent & Deeds
Katie Lemelin
Real estate closings, deeds and transaction document coordination.
Email Katie →Related Real Estate Services
Continue With the Right SJLG Team
Buyer Representation
Contract, diligence, title, inspection and closing guidance for residential and commercial buyers.
Explore Buyer Representation →Seller Representation
Contract negotiation, disclosure, title, response and closing support for property sellers.
Explore Seller Representation →Contracts & Amendments
Drafting and negotiation of transaction agreements, addenda, extensions and amendments.
Explore Contracts →Closings & Title
Attorney-supported closing, title, escrow, recording and title-insurance services.
Explore Closings →Commercial Real Estate
Acquisitions, sales, leasing, development, financing and investment-property matters.
Explore Commercial Real Estate →Real Estate Litigation
Contract, deposit, title, ownership, easement, boundary and other property disputes.
Explore Real Estate Litigation →Communities We Serve
Real Estate Contract Counsel Across Northeast Florida
SJLG serves clients throughout St. Johns County and surrounding Northeast Florida communities. Representation depends on the facts, deadlines, conflicts and scope of the engagement.
St. Johns County
St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, SilverLeaf, Vilano Beach, World Golf Village, Fruit Cove and Julington Creek.
Flagler County
Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell and surrounding communities.
Duval & Clay Counties
Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beaches, Mandarin, San Marco, Southside, Green Cove Springs, Fleming Island and nearby communities.
Putnam & Surrounding Areas
Palatka, East Palatka, Crescent City, Interlachen and other Northeast Florida communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Florida Real Estate Contract Review FAQs
When should I have a real estate contract reviewed?
Ideally, before signing or accepting the agreement. If the contract is already signed, seek review promptly so counsel can identify remaining deadlines, contingencies, notice requirements and potential options.
Is a standard Florida real estate form automatically fair to both sides?
No form can account for every property, party or objective. Printed provisions and added language may allocate risk differently, and blanks, addenda or riders can materially affect the transaction.
Can SJLG propose or negotiate contract changes?
Depending on the engagement and transaction stage, an attorney may identify proposed revisions, prepare addenda or amendments, communicate with the other side or its counsel, and advise on negotiation strategy.
Can your firm handle the closing after reviewing the contract?
Yes. SJLG provides real estate closing and title services, subject to conflicts and engagement terms, allowing contract review and closing coordination through one team.
Do you review both residential and commercial agreements?
Yes. SJLG advises on residential and commercial purchase agreements, sales, leases, addenda and other property-related contracts. The scope and complexity of review depends on the transaction.
What should I send for review?
Send the complete agreement, every addendum and disclosure, relevant correspondence, the property address, your role in the transaction, your objectives and all known response or closing deadlines.
Recent Legal Insights
Recent Real Estate Law Articles
Practical information for Florida property owners, buyers, sellers, investors and businesses.
Property Issues
Hidden Defects and Florida Disclosure Duties
Learn how known property defects and disclosure issues can affect buyers and sellers.
Read More →Contract Disputes
Florida Real Estate Deposit Disputes
Contract language and notice compliance often control entitlement to escrowed deposits.
Read More →Contract Review Consultation
Understand the Agreement Before the Next Deadline
Send the complete contract and related documents as early as possible. We will evaluate conflicts, timing and the appropriate scope of review.
Office104 Sea Grove Main Street, St. Augustine, Florida 32080
Real Estate HubExplore all SJLG Real Estate services
Contact St. Johns Law Group
Use the form below to provide basic information. Do not send confidential or time-sensitive information until the firm confirms an engagement.
Submitting the form does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after a conflict check and a written engagement agreement accepted by St. Johns Law Group.