St. Augustine Closings & Title Services Attorneys | St. Johns Law Group

Real Estate Closings at Title Company Prices®

Buying or selling property is one of the largest financial transactions most people will make in their lifetime. At St. Johns Law Group, St. Augustine’s largest and most experienced law firm, our attorneys guide clients through every stage of the real estate closing process. Unlike title companies that only process paperwork, our attorneys provide both title services and legal protection to safeguard your investment.

We are proud to offer real estate closings at title company prices®, with the added benefit of full-service legal representation. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, a real estate investor, or a business purchasing commercial property, our team ensures your closing is efficient, compliant, and fully secure.

Why Choose a Closing Attorney Instead of a Title Company?

In Florida, you are not required to hire an attorney for closings. However, relying solely on a title company can leave you exposed. Title companies cannot give you legal advice or represent you if problems arise.

At St. Johns Law Group, we provide:

• Attorney-reviewed contracts and disclosures to catch risks before closing.

• Comprehensive title searches to uncover liens, easements, or ownership defects.

• Title insurance policies underwritten by top national providers.

• Escrow and fund disbursement services with strict trust accounting compliance.

• Resolution of disputes when unexpected issues threaten to delay or cancel your deal.

📌 Related Services: See our Contract Review & Closing Attorney page for more details on how we protect clients before signing.

Residential Closings: Protecting Homebuyers and Sellers

Purchasing or selling a home is exciting—but also stressful. Small mistakes in contracts or title work can have long-lasting consequences. Our attorneys routinely assist clients with:

• Single-family homes

• Condominiums & townhomes

• Vacation rentals & investment properties

• New construction purchases

We ensure your purchase contract is enforceable, your deed is recorded correctly, and all closing documents comply with Florida law.

📌 See also: Buyer Representation | Seller Representation

Commercial Closings: Complex Transactions Made Simple

Commercial real estate requires a higher level of scrutiny than residential deals. We represent businesses, investors, and developers in transactions involving:

• Office buildings

• Retail centers

• Industrial facilities

• Multi-family housing

• Vacant land for development

From due diligence and zoning reviews to leases and financing, our attorneys handle every aspect of a commercial closing.

📌 Explore further: Commercial Real Estate | Investor & 1031 Exchange

Title Searches and Title Insurance

Every closing begins with a title search—a review of public records to ensure the property is free of liens, unpaid taxes, boundary disputes, or ownership conflicts. If issues arise, our attorneys cure defects before closing.

We also issue title insurance policies that protect buyers and lenders against future claims. Title insurance is a one-time cost at closing, providing peace of mind for as long as you own your property.

📌 Related Litigation: If a defect is discovered after closing, see our Quiet Title and Hidden Defects & Johnson v. Davis pages.

Escrow Services and Fund Disbursement

At closing, significant sums of money change hands. We provide secure escrow services to hold deposits, down payments, and lender funds until all conditions are satisfied. Funds are released only after confirming that all documents are properly signed, recorded, and legally binding.

📌 Learn more about dispute resolution: Visit our Contract Disputes & Property Litigation page.

Resolving Disputes That Arise Before or After Closing

Even with careful preparation, disputes can occur. Common issues include:

• Undisclosed property defects

• Boundary or easement disputes

• Clouded title or ownership claims

• Financing or appraisal challenges

• HOA and condo association disputes

Because St. Johns Law Group is a full-service litigation firm, we can quickly pivot to resolve problems through negotiation, mediation, or courtroom representation.

📌 Related Pages: Boundary Dispute & Easement | Property Disputes & Contracts | HOA & Condo Association Law

Local Knowledge, Regional Reach

We are based in St. Augustine, but we handle closings throughout Northeast Florida, including:

• St. Johns County – St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Silverleaf, St. Augustine Beach

• Flagler County – Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Hammock Dunes

• Duval County – Jacksonville and surrounding areas

• Clay, Putnam & Nassau Counties – expanding our reach for clients statewide

📌 Explore more local services: Land Development & Zoning

Attorneys Dedicated to Real Estate Closings

Our closing and title services are led by experienced attorneys including:

• Douglas N. Burnett – Founder with 25+ years of experience in land use and real estate law

• John L. Whiteman – 40+ years of experience in probate, real estate, and complex commercial transactions

Clients choose our team because we combine local market knowledge, broad legal skill, and responsive service that title companies cannot match.

📌 Meet our attorneys: Douglas N. Burnett | John L. Whiteman

FAQs About Closings & Title Services

Do I need a lawyer for a closing in Florida?
While not required, having a lawyer ensures your documents are legally correct, risks are identified, and disputes are addressed before you sign.

What is the difference between a title company and a closing attorney?
Title companies process paperwork, but only attorneys can provide legal advice and represent you if problems arise.

What does title insurance cover?
Title insurance protects against future ownership claims, liens, and undisclosed defects in the property’s history.

How long does a real estate closing take?
Most closings in Florida take 30–60 days, depending on financing, inspections, and title review.

Can I do a remote closing?
Yes. St. Johns Law Group regularly assists clients with remote and out-of-state closings.

📞Call St. Augustine Closings & Title Services Attorneys

📞 Call 904.495.0400 or Email info@sjlawgroup.com to schedule a consultation with our real estate closing attorneys.

We offer Closings at Title Company Prices® with the security of having St. Augustine’s Largest Law Firm on your side.