St. Augustine Residential Real Estate Lawyers | Closings & Contracts – St. Johns Law Group

Introduction: Why Residential Real Estate Needs Legal Guidance

Buying or selling a home is one of the most important financial and personal decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. Whether it’s your first home in St. Augustine, a vacation property on the coast, or an investment property in Northeast Florida, every residential real estate transaction involves contracts, title work, and potential risks that should not be taken lightly.

At St. Johns Law Group, St. Augustine’s Largest Law Firm, our team of experienced residential real estate attorneys is here to make the process seamless while protecting your interests. We handle everything from contract drafting and negotiation to title services, closings, and dispute resolution.

With 12 attorneys and 250+ years of combined legal experience, we have guided thousands of buyers, sellers, and families through the Florida real estate process. Our firm combines the accessibility of local representation with the resources of a full-service law firm, providing Dedicated & Responsive Service® at every stage of your residential transaction.

👉 Related Resource: St. Augustine Real Estate Lawyers

Why Work With a Residential Real Estate Attorney?

Florida law allows title companies to process real estate closings, but only an attorney can:

• Review and negotiate your purchase or sale contract

• Resolve title defects and lien issues before closing

• Advise you on escrow and earnest money disputes

• Enforce disclosure requirements under Florida law

• Represent you in litigation if a dispute arises

Choosing St. Johns Law Group means you benefit from attorney-led closings at title company prices — giving you the peace of mind that every step is legally sound.

👉 Related Resource: Real Estate Closing Attorneys in St. Augustine

Services for Buyers

Our attorneys help buyers secure their dream homes while avoiding costly mistakes. We provide:

• Contract Review & Negotiation – Making sure terms are clear, enforceable, and favorable to your position.

• Title Searches – Identifying and resolving liens, judgments, or encumbrances.

• Deed Preparation – Ensuring ownership is transferred properly.

• Financing Review – Coordinating with lenders and explaining mortgage terms.

• Due Diligence – Reviewing inspections, surveys, HOA restrictions, and disclosures.

👉 Related Resource: Commercial Real Estate Attorneys in St. Augustine – If you’re purchasing property for business or investment purposes.

Services for Sellers

Selling property can be just as complex as buying. Our firm represents sellers in:

• Drafting & Reviewing Sales Contracts – Protecting your rights and minimizing liability.

• Disclosure Requirements – Ensuring compliance with Johnson v. Davis and Florida disclosure laws.

• Title Clearing – Addressing liens or ownership disputes before listing.

• Closing Representation – Reviewing settlement statements and ensuring timely disbursements.

• For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Support – Helping sellers without a realtor manage contracts and closing correctly.

👉 Related Resource: Real Estate Contract Dispute Attorneys in St. Augustine – If issues arise after signing a sales contract.

Title & Closing Services

A real estate closing is the final step in transferring ownership, but it is also the stage where hidden issues often surface. St. Johns Law Group provides:

• Attorney-Supervised Closings – At title company prices, giving clients both affordability and legal protection.

• Title Insurance & Searches – Preventing problems from undisclosed liens or title defects.

• Buyer, Seller, & Lender Representation – Advocating for your side of the deal.

• Escrow Handling – Managing funds securely and resolving disputes fairly.

• Secure Insight Verification – Providing closing procedures that meet industry standards for compliance and safety.

👉 Related Resource: Real Estate Closing Attorneys in St. Augustine

Disputes in Residential Real Estate

Not every transaction goes as planned. When conflicts arise, our attorneys step in to protect your rights. We represent clients in:

• Breach of Contract Claims – When buyers or sellers fail to honor agreements.

• Earnest Money & Deposit Disputes – Ensuring deposits are returned or enforced properly.

• Survey & Boundary Issues – Resolving conflicts with neighbors or incorrect surveys.

• Nondisclosure of Defects (Johnson v. Davis) – Pursuing remedies when sellers fail to disclose known problems.

• Post-Closing Disputes – Handling hidden defect and repair disputes after the sale closes.

👉 Related Resource: Commercial Real Estate Attorneys in St. Augustine – For disputes involving investment or business properties.

FSBO Transactions: Why Legal Support is Critical

Many homeowners choose to sell their properties For Sale By Owner (FSBO) to save on realtor commissions. But FSBO sales often run into legal challenges, including poorly drafted contracts, missing disclosures, and closing errors.

At St. Johns Law Group, we provide flat-fee services to assist FSBO sellers, including contract drafting, disclosure compliance, deed preparation, and closing representation. This ensures that while you save money on commissions, you don’t risk expensive legal mistakes.

👉 Related Resource: Real Estate Contract Dispute Attorneys – Protect yourself if a buyer disputes your FSBO sale.

Local Knowledge Matters

Residential real estate in Northeast Florida is unique. Historic St. Augustine homes may have easement and boundary issues. Coastal properties raise flood zone and insurance concerns. Planned communities and HOA-governed neighborhoods add another layer of restrictions.

Our attorneys live and work in the region, giving us firsthand knowledge of the issues homeowners face. From beachfront condos to golf-course communities and downtown investment properties, we understand the local market and tailor our representation to your needs.

👉 Related Resource: St. Augustine Real Estate Lawyers

Areas We Serve

Our residential real estate services extend across:

• St. Augustine (historic district, Vilano Beach, Anastasia Island, St. Augustine Beach)

• Ponte Vedra & Nocatee

• Palm Coast & Flagler County

• Jacksonville & Duval County

• Clay & Putnam Counties

Why Choose St. Johns Law Group?

• St. Augustine’s Largest Law Firm – 12 attorneys with 250+ years of combined experience.

• Full-Service Representation – From closings to disputes, we handle everything in-house.

• Dedicated & Responsive Service® – Clear communication and personal attention throughout your case.

• Attorney-Led Closings at Title Company Prices – Affordable legal protection.

Meet Our Residential Real Estate Attorneys

• Douglas N. Burnett – Founder & Owner; extensive experience in Florida real estate law.

• John L. Whiteman – Senior Attorney with 40+ years of residential and commercial transaction experience.

• David T. Abraham – Closing attorney focusing on title services and real estate transactions.

👉 Meet the Full Team of Attorneys

📞Contact Us

Whether you are buying your first home, selling property, or facing a real estate dispute, St. Johns Law Group provides the knowledge and resources to protect your investment.

📞 Call (904) 495-0400 or request a consultation online to connect with an experienced St. Augustine residential real estate attorney today.