For sale by owner transactions.

Selling without an agent removes a cost, not the legal structure a transaction still needs.

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A direct transaction between buyer and seller.

A direct sale still involves a contract, disclosures, deposits, title review, closing documents, funds, and recording.

  • Transaction

    Preparing or reviewing the purchase agreement

  • Contract

    Disclosure obligations

  • Title

    Deposit handling and escrow

  • Closing

    Title examination and title insurance

  • Coordination

    Closing documents and recording

What a direct sale still requires.

General observations about owner-led transactions, not advice about any particular sale.

  1. Someone still has to draft the contract

    Without agents, the agreement and its terms are the parties’ own responsibility.

  2. Deposits need somewhere to sit

    A direct sale still requires a proper escrow arrangement for any deposit.

  3. Disclosure obligations do not change

    Whatever a seller is obliged to disclose applies equally whether or not an agent is involved.

  4. Title work is unchanged

    Examination, commitment, and insurance follow the same process regardless of how the buyer was found.

Questions about for-sale-by-owner transactions.

A direct sale still requires a complete agreement, disclosures, deposits, title work, coordinated documents, and a closing process.

Why use an attorney in a for-sale-by-owner transaction?

Without agents structuring the process, the parties still need a legally complete contract, clear deadlines and responsibilities, appropriate disclosures, title and closing work, and advice about issues that arise. An attorney can perform the agreed legal role without acting as a broker.

Can Colina Law prepare or review the purchase contract?

The firm can prepare or review an agreement based on the negotiated business terms and explain the legal effect of its provisions. The parties should identify price, property, inclusions, deposits, inspections, financing, title, costs, and timing.

What disclosures may be needed?

Disclosure duties depend on the property and facts and can include known material conditions, association information, lead-based paint for applicable housing, and other contract or statutory disclosures. A document should not be assumed sufficient without review.

How should the deposit be handled?

The contract should state the amount, deadline, approved escrow holder, and conditions for release or return. Funds should be delivered only through verified instructions and handled under applicable escrow requirements.

Do direct sales still need title and survey work?

Yes. A sale without brokers does not eliminate recorded liens, ownership questions, easements, restrictions, boundary issues, or title-insurance decisions. Title examination and a current survey may be important to the transaction.

Who coordinates the closing?

The agreement should identify the closing agent and allocate responsibility for title, documents, figures, funds, signatures, delivery, and recording. Colina Law can coordinate those services when engaged to do so.

Client experiences.

Mary and her team were excellent from start to finish! Processes and clear expectations set from the first phone call. Real life past case experiences and advice without pushing your decisions one way or the other. Once you decide together the best course of action, Yali and Beatriz step in to handle details under the watchful guide of Mary. I was keep informed throughout the process while they worked behind the scenes. I had complete faith that no matter the outcome, they were on the ball! Honesty, integrity, professionalism, knowledge, dedication, and care led to the best possible outcome for my case. Thank you, Colina Law, for all your efforts! I hope I never need you again haha... but I surely will refer you to anyone who may. For those reading.... estate planning is now being offered as well so get your affairs in order.... because accidents happen.Gina RussenGoogle Review
I've been to several law firms and have had to deal with different lawyers and professionals in the field. I suppose that as an entrepreneur, it's part of the game, where problems are inevitable. But I've never experienced the level of follow-up and commitment, both personally and to my case in general, that I received from this great law firm, Colina Law. 100% recommended. Professionalism, one-on-one follow-up, transparency, and outstanding service. Thank you for your excellent work.Iosvany Relova reinosoGoogle Review
I am not one to ask for help I fancy myself wonder woman and take care of everything on my own. Then suddenly within seconds, my life changed. The actions of another driver disrupted my life completely. I needed help. I did not have the physical ability or time to deal with insurance companies. I have an autistic son who has severe medical issues, and I was caring for my mother who passed away two Months after the accident. I did not have the physical or emotional strength to do battle with the insurance companies. Thankfully I was Referred to Mary Colina and once I spoke with her, I knew everything would be okay. She instantly helped me resolve immediate issues allowing me to concentrate on taking care of my health and my family. I cannot say enough about the team she has assembled at the Colina Law group. The team is communicative, supportive, and most importantly caring. I can’t thank them enough for fighting for me and having my back during such a difficult time. Things will never be the same but I am thankful more than they could ever know for all they have done! Thank you!Lana CurranGoogle Review
Without a doubt, the best representation I've ever had in my life. Thank you so much for helping me with my case.victor manuel lopez cumaresGoogle Review
I want to express my deepest appreciation to Colina Law, Mary, and her staff who represented me during my car accident case. They did an outstanding job from start to finish. Their professionalism, constant communication, and genuine care made a difficult situation so much easier to navigate. They always kept me informed, answered my questions promptly, and ensured I felt supported throughout the entire process. Their dedication and attention to detail truly set them apart. I am extremely grateful for their hard work and highly recommend this team to anyone in need of reliable, compassionate, and skilled legal representation. For our Latino community! COLINA LAW, the best lawyer in all of Southwest Florida! If you are looking for legal representation, go to Mary Colina and her team. They did an exceptional job from beginning to end. Their professionalism, constant communication, and genuine concern made a difficult situation much more bearable. They always kept me informed, answered my questions promptly, and made sure I felt supported throughout the entire process. Their dedication and attention to detail truly set them apart. I am extremely grateful for their hard work and highly recommend this team to anyone needing reliable, compassionate, and expert legal representation. Thank you so much!Iracema MichelicheGoogle Review
I had the pleasure of working with Beatriz Thomas at Colina Law for the closing of my property sale. Beatriz was extremely professional, prompt, and really made the process easy from start to finish. She handled all communication with ease between the title company and real estate agents. I would recommend this law firm to handle your real estate closing needs!Mallory HolmesGoogle Review

Bring clarity to the next step.

Whether a transaction is just beginning or a question has already surfaced, Colina Law can help you understand the documents and the deadlines.

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