My Attorney told me not to show up at closing (attorneys, house)

[litlux]

Considering the variety of scams afoot in this nation today, I think it is insane not to go to a closing, but it is the seller's choice.

When I bought my current house, my lawyer asked me to sign some papers. I said I wanted to read them first. He admitted he had not read them himself, they were just standard.

If I hadn't already given him a retainer, I would have fired him on the spot.

So I ask you, you're going to trust a lawyer to look out for you?

[LoveAlbuquerque]

Thanks to you all for the comments! I would like to share with you what happened - My attorney insisted that I not go to the closing.

So I brought a friend with me to my attorney's office before the closing. I said I wanted to see the figure I would get at closing if I didn't go, and I also wanted to see if there would be extra charges if I didn't go.

My attorney then showed me a figure that I would get (with my friend standing by my side). He promised that there would be no more charges. I had no other choice but to not go to the closing.

A day after the closing, I got in my bank account the amount slightly more than what the attorney promised. I guess this is all set!

The only regret is that I didn't get the chance of witnessing the transaction process at the closing.

[CaseyB]

Congratulations on selling your house, I know it has been a trial. Good luck with your move.

[LoveAlbuquerque]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

Congratulations on selling your house, I know it has been a trial. Good luck with your move.

Thanks for all the support I've received from this forum! Your inputs have always been valuable.

[jfkesq]

Shiver provided the best answer. As an experienced real estate attorney in Massachusets, it is common practice for counsel to appear on behalf of the seller. There is nothing suspicious about it.

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by jfkesq

Shiver provided the best answer. As an experienced real estate attorney in Massachusets, it is common practice for counsel to appear on behalf of the seller. There is nothing suspicious about it.

But it's suspicious if they forbid you to go.

[Beachcomber4]

Originally Posted by jfkesq

Shiver provided the best answer. As an experienced real estate attorney in Massachusets, it is common practice for counsel to appear on behalf of the seller. There is nothing suspicious about it.

Only if you don't know the backstory.

[litlux]

Originally Posted by jfkesq

Shiver provided the best answer. As an experienced real estate attorney in Massachusets, it is common practice for counsel to appear on behalf of the seller. There is nothing suspicious about it.

Funny I have to remind a lawyer about the old adage, "caveat emptor"

[haberstroh]

I have never been to the closing as the seller but always as the buyer :-)
The only time we bought a house with the seller there (in MA) it almost ended in a disaster with all parties getting upset and the seller taking several chain-smoking brakes. It was over the balance of the oil tank and had been all settled before. The seller wanted more money then agreed and got very upset. In the end his Realtor paid him because he threatened to walk away. Needless to say that it was very unpleasant and I wished the seller was not there. As if I have not enough anxieties buying an expensive house...
I wish you all the best I know it is a stressful time.

[navi_jen]

Depends on how much you trust your attorney...They are right that the 'out of sight' principle does shield you from any liability during the actual close process. With the new HUD standard, most close paperwork is pretty standard, so there is less risk.

If you don't want to attend, but want to ensure there is no funny business, ask your lawyer if you can read through the docs prior to the actual closing. The most important docs are the HUD closing and paperwork showing clean title...good luck