REAL ESTATE & TITLE ATTORNEYS
Real estate law in Florida governs property transactions including purchases, sales, closings, title insurance, and dispute resolution. While Florida does not require an attorney at closing, attorney involvement protects buyers by ensuring title is clear, contracts are enforceable, and the transaction complies with Florida statutes. Title insurance protects buyers and lenders against undiscovered ownership claims or liens that may arise after closing. McFarland Gould Law Firm has handled Florida real estate closings and title matters with over 50 combined years of attorney-paralegal experience, issuing title insurance through Attorneys Title Insurance Fund, Inc., a Florida-based insurer operating since 1948. Services include sales contracts, mortgage modifications, short sales, 1031 exchanges, foreclosures, and zoning matters across the Tampa Bay area. Six office locations serve clients in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties. Free initial consultations are available. Call 727-461-1111.
Senior Partner Gary W. Lyons has handled Florida real estate closings and title matters for over 30 years, admitted to the Florida Bar since 1979.
We serve our clients’ needs in all areas of real estate and real estate related issues. We conduct and insure real estate transactions with title insurance insured through Attorneys’ Title Insurance Fund, Inc., Florida’s leading Bar-related title insurer since 1948. With over 50 years of combined attorney-paralegal experience, we guide our clients from the decision to buy or sell any residential or commercial property through the actual closing. We answer all of their questions and concerns, and prepare all of the necessary documents to ensure their complete satisfaction.
We prepare real estate sales contracts, handle mortgage modifications, short sale transactions and any other real estate related transactions. We also protect your investments by acting as Intermediary for your 1031 Exchange needs and represent clients in foreclosures, zoning, variances and more.
The ultimate compliment from our real estate clients is their personal endorsement of our quality work to their friends. This is our mark of excellence in a highly competitive real estate market.
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Practice Areas
Frequently Asked Questions
What real estate and title services does McFarland Gould provide?
Our real estate attorneys assist buyers, sellers, lenders, and investors with residential and commercial real estate transactions, contract review and negotiation, title searches, title insurance, closings, deed preparation, and resolving title disputes. We also handle real property litigation across the Tampa Bay area.
What is title insurance and do I need it?
Title insurance protects buyers and lenders against financial loss from defects in a property’s title that were not discovered during the title search. These can include undiscovered liens, errors in public records, fraud, forged documents, and claims by unknown heirs. Owner’s title insurance is optional but highly recommended, as it provides protection for as long as you own the property for a one-time premium paid at closing.
What happens at a real estate closing in Florida?
At closing, the buyer signs the mortgage and loan documents, the seller signs the deed transferring ownership, funds are distributed to pay off existing loans and cover closing costs, and ownership of the property officially transfers. Title insurance policies are issued and the deed is recorded with the county. Having an attorney review all documents before closing helps ensure there are no surprises.
What is a title search and why is it important?
A title search involves reviewing public records to confirm the seller’s legal right to transfer the property and to identify any liens, encumbrances, judgments, or other claims that could affect ownership. Issues discovered in a title search must typically be resolved before closing. Without a proper title search, you could purchase a property and later discover you are responsible for debts or disputes you did not know existed.
What are common title defects that could affect my purchase?
Common title defects include unpaid contractor liens, unresolved mortgage judgments, errors in recorded legal descriptions, boundary disputes, missing signatures on prior deeds, and undisclosed easements or restrictions. Some defects are discovered during the title search and corrected before closing. Others may not surface until years later, which is why title insurance provides an important layer of protection.
Do I need an attorney to buy or sell real estate in Florida?
Florida does not require an attorney for a real estate closing, but having one is strongly advisable. A real estate attorney can review your contract before you sign, identify unfavorable terms, conduct or oversee the title search, ensure funds are handled properly, and protect your interests throughout the transaction. The cost of legal representation is modest compared to the value of the transaction and the risks of proceeding without guidance.
STEPS TO GET STARTED
STEP 1
CONSULTATION
Have a case and seeking legal representation? Contact us to set up a consultation.
STEP 2
SIGN UP
We have a quick and easy sign up process. Once you sign up for representation, we take care of the rest.
STEP 3
REPRESENT
We go to battle for you. Our team of powerhouse attorneys will get to work and update you regularly on your case.
LOCATIONS
Main Office
1659 Achieva Way
Suite 128
Dunedin Florida 34698
Suite 128
Dunedin Florida 34698
St. Petersburg
260 1st Ave S
Saint Petersburg, FL
Wesley Chapel
28210 Paseo Dr
Suite 190
Wesley Chapel, FL
New Port Richey
6230 Lafayette St
New Port Richey, FL
South Tampa
1646 W Snow Ave
Tampa, FL
North Tampa
6944 W Linebaugh Ave
Suite 102
Tampa, FL
