Our Closing Practice

Johnson & Freedman, LLC provides closing services to mortgage lending professionals, realtors, buyers and sellers. Our attorney and paralegal staff has decades of experience in residential closings. We offer a full service closing practice including purchase and sale transactions, refinances, and REO.

Johnson & Freedman, LLC is committed to making the closing transaction as smooth as possible. We know that the dissemination of information is crucial for a smooth closing. We are here to keep you informed and educated on what to expect throughout the closing process.

There are a number of parties involved in the real estate purchase process, including the buyer, seller, lender, real estate agents, appraiser and inspector. In the typical transaction, the closing attorney is directly involved with only the buyer, seller, agent and mortgage lender (if applicable).

Buyers

A new home purchase may be the biggest financial investment of a person's life. Recognizing this, Johnson & Freedman, LLC will work with you to provide you with all the information necessary to get to the closing table. Although there are many things for a new home buyer to think about, there are several items you should consider that will help us make the process smooth for you.

You will need to provide us with a copy of your insurance policy declaration for your new home. It's a good idea to start shopping for insurance well in advance of closing.

On or before the day of closing, you will need to obtain a certified bank check or money order. You can obtain the amount needed by consulting your good faith estimate of closing costs from your lender, or by previewing the closing statement which Johnson & Freedman will provide.

You should strongly consider purchasing an Owner's Title Insurance Policy at closing. Because of the size and importance of this financial transaction, protecting the marketability of the title to the property is essential. If you are obtaining a loan for your property, your lender will require a lender's title insurance policy to protect their financial interest in your property (their loan amount as secured by the home as collateral). It is equally important for the new home owner to have similar protection again title defects such as deficiencies or inaccuracies in the public records, claims by third parties, lawsuits, unrecorded liens or unreleased liens of record. Contact us and one of our attorneys will be happy to discuss title insurance with you. Your realtor is also a good source of advice when making this extremely important decision about title insurance.

Sellers

As a home seller, you will need to gather your payoff information for your mortgage (s) as soon as your sales contract is signed. Johnson & Freedman, LLC will need this information to facilitate the payoff of your mortgage at closing. In order to obtain the payoff statement, your lender will require us to provide your social security number, your loan number, and may also require your signature on a payoff request release. Please understand that, although we need this information to close the transaction, we will not share this information with anyone, and your records will be secure.

If you anticipate needing funds to closing in order to complete the transaction (if, for example, your loan payoff is more than your sales price), you will need certified bank funds to the closing. Johnson & Freedman will provide a settlement statement for your review in order to determine your seller proceeds or cash to close.

Mortgage and Real Estate Professionals

Our staff is committed to providing you with the information you need to get the deal to the closing table. We strongly believe that communication is key. You will have access to our attorneys and staff to answer your questions and provide you with the tools you need, day or night. We have the resources of a vast network of title insurance professionals, the strength of an experienced title clearance practice area, and seasoned closing professionals. We are all here to help you and work with you.

We know that the closing attorney you choose can be either a positive or negative reflection on you. Our goal is to give you and your client a positive closing experience by treating you with courtesy and respect. We welcome your comments and suggestions.

For more information contact: Brian K. Widener (404) 417-5528 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it