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Buying Real Estate

Once the buyer has identified a property to purchase, the next step in the real estate transaction is to prepare the purchase contract. Victoria Smith works with buyers who are represented by real estate agents but want the reassurance of having an attorney review the documentation, as well as buyers who are self-represented.  The purchase contract needs to include several key components, including the time limitations for investigating the property and removing contingencies, whether there is to be a “liquidated damages” clause so as to limit the cost to the buyer if the contact is terminated, the price, and any repairs to the property.

The buyer must be prepared to do his or her due diligence within a very short time frame, including obtaining various professional reports on the condition of the property.  Understanding the due diligence required of the buyer is particularly important in a post-foreclosure real estate purchase. As well, it is very important for buyers in the Lamorinda area, purchasing hillside property in particular, to learn and understand whether the property has suffered from earth movement or drainage issues, and to obtain an appropriate geotechnical report.  Victoria can work with the parties to be sure the due diligence issues are understood.

It is also critical to the successful transfer of the property, to do a proper review of the title issues in the transaction and provide appropriate instructions to the escrow officer.  With 34 plus years of experience in identifying and resolving title and escrow issues, Victoria will work with buyers and agents to make sure that the parties understand the impact of title issues that are discovered during the title search, and will ensure that the escrow officer is provided with the necessary documents and information to close the transaction on time.

Buyers need to be sure they fully investigate and understand the condition of the property, and any title or easement issues, before they commit to the purchase.  Victoria can help Buyers understand these issues.

  • Easements
  • Buying Real Estate
  • Selling Real Estate
  • Commercial Leases
  • Residential Landlords
  • Title Issues
  • Escrow Issues

Our Goal

From her office in Orinda, CA, Victoria Smith represents clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area in buying and selling real estate, leasing and managing their tenants, title and real estate issues, and secured debts. Victoria finds cost-effective and focused solutions to her client’s problems.

Meeting Client Needs

Victoria represents clients ranging from institutions to everyday families trying to protect their real estate investments. Victoria’s clients include professional fiduciaries, mom and pop real estate investors, lenders, homeowners, insurance companies, and commercial property owners. In each case, Victoria understands that clients need to be kept informed about their matters and want responsive services. We provide clients with copies of all relevant documents and keep in touch promptly via phone, fax, and email.

Putting Experience to Work for Clients

With 38 years of experience practicing law in the Bay Area, Victoria specializes in Real Estate Law.  Victoria can offer her clients the knowledge and experience that she has developed in her real estate law career, including her understanding of the needs of clients as they relate to:

  • Real Estate Transactions, including Contract, Title and Escrow Issues
  • The Joint Ownership, Management and Disposition of Real Property
  • All aspects of Landlord/Tenant Relationships, including Leases, Disputes and Unlawful Detainer for residential and commercial properties
  • Real Estate Disclosures and Due Diligence
  • Mechanic’s Lien Claims
  • Resolving Neighborhood Real Property Disputes
  • Transfer of Business Interests

Victoria Smith offers a free telephone consultation regarding real estate and other contract issues.