Contact:
R. Michael Johnson, Jr.
803-547-2800
MJohnson@johnsonsclaw.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Attorney Michael Johnson Simply States the Closing Process in Six Steps

FORT MILL, SC (May 2, 2008)—Attorney Michael Johnson of Michael Johnson and Associates, reveals a simple six-step guide to help homeowners and real estate agents/brokers understand the closing process and minimize stressful roadblocks and delays.   

“The closing process can be a tedious and complicated development,” said Johnson.  “It is important that everyone is in the know at all times and is comfortable and confident throughout.”

Johnson simply defines the six steps of the closing process as the following:

1. A seller accepts the contract on the home.  The attorney deposits any checks into an escrow account and puts in a request for examination of the home’s past ownership.

2. A title company reviews history of titleholders on the home.  The documents with this information are then forwarded to the attorney.

3. The attorney and lender verify dollar amounts and other details of the transaction.  Past mortgage issues are dealt with and any requested loans are handled by the attorney.

4. A professional property inspector examines the home’s condition.

5. The attorney prepares the HUD-1 statement showing all costs to be paid at the closing.

6. Those purchasing the property meet with the attorney to pay the amount determined from step five and sign documents that will be thoroughly explained.  Once completed, the home is officially signed over to the homebuyer.

“Although these steps are brief and seem undemanding, each one presents possible holdups that could arise to slow the process and cause frustration,” said Johnson.  “That is why it is important to hire an attorney who will keep everyone informed along the way and assures full commitment to do everything possible to ensure a smooth closing process.”

Johnson believes it is teamwork that can make the closing a stress-less and quick process.  He offers himself as a speaker at seminars, workshops and conferences to educate real estate agents and brokers of the legal side of the business to open doors of communication and build those important relationships. 

About Michael Johnson & Associates


Michael Johnson and Associates is located in Fort Mill, S.C., providing legal real estate
services for residential and commercial transactions. With over 42 years of combined legal experience, Michael Johnson and Associates offers exceptional and thorough legal services. The firm has two attorneys licensed to practice in South Carolina and one attorney licensed to practice in North Carolina.

Michael Johnson, in addition to being admitted in South Carolina, is admitted before the United States District Court for South Carolina and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. North Carolina counsel is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and certified arbitrator and mediator for the North Carolina Superior Court, South Carolina Circuit Court, the EEOC and the National Arbitration Forum.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 803-547-2800.


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