Real Estate Transactions and Sales Agreements

Attorney Guided Real Estate Transactions and Closings in Western Pennsylvania

Most real estate disputes are not caused by bad intentions.
They are caused by bad drafting.

A real estate transaction is a legal contract first and a business deal second. When agreements rely on form language, unchecked assumptions, or one size fits all templates, small issues at the contract stage can turn into expensive problems later.

Lebovitz and Lebovitz represents buyers, sellers, and small business owners in residential and light commercial real estate transactions throughout Western Pennsylvania, with additional support for Florida transactions involving snowbirds and dual state property owners.

Our role is simple.
Structure the deal correctly before problems arise.

What We Handle

We assist clients with real estate transactions and closings at every stage, including:

• Drafting and negotiating Pennsylvania real estate purchase and sale agreements
• Attorney review and revision of PAR Pennsylvania Association of Realtors Agreements of Sale and other broker prepared contracts
• Attorney review of contracts prepared by agents or counterparties
• Representation in private real estate transactions without a realtor
• Residential home purchases and sales
• Light commercial transactions for small businesses and owner operators
• Lease to purchase and nonstandard transaction structures
• Arranging, assisting with, and reviewing real estate closings
• Coordination with title companies, lenders, and tax professionals

We are often engaged when a transaction is important enough that the parties want legal oversight, not just document processing.

Purchase and Sale Agreement Drafting

The purchase and sale agreement controls everything that follows.

Price is only one term. Inspection rights, financing contingencies, repair obligations, default remedies, deposit protection, closing conditions, possession, and risk allocation all matter just as much.

Many transactions begin with a broker prepared or MLS form agreement of sale, often a PAR Agreement of Sale. These forms are common, but they are not tailored to every transaction and often leave risk unaddressed.

We draft, review, revise, and negotiate agreements of sale designed to:

• Clearly define each party’s obligations
• Anticipate common failure points
• Protect deposits and enforcement rights
• Reduce ambiguity that leads to disputes

Private Real Estate Transactions Without Realtors

Not every transaction needs a broker.
Every transaction needs a lawyer.

We regularly represent clients buying or selling property without a realtor, where there is no agent managing deadlines, contingencies, or contract structure.

In these situations, legal drafting and coordination are critical. We step in to manage:

• Contract preparation and negotiation
• Transaction timelines and closing conditions
• Communication with title and lender professionals
• Legal risk that would otherwise fall entirely on the parties

Residential and Light Commercial Transactions

Residential real estate

• Primary residences
• Second homes
• Investment properties

Light commercial and small business transactions

• Owner occupied commercial properties
• Mixed use properties
• Property purchases tied to business operations

We focus on transactions where legal clarity and risk control matter more than speed or volume.

Real Estate Closings Legal Oversight From Contract to Completion

A real estate closing is not just a signing.
It is the point where contractual obligations become permanent legal consequences.

We arrange, assist with, prepare for, and review real estate closings in coordination with title companies, lenders, and other professionals involved in the transaction.

• Reviewing closing documents for consistency with the agreement of sale
• Addressing title issues, payoff statements, and last minute changes
• Confirming that contractual conditions have been satisfied
• Resolving issues that arise immediately before or at closing
• Ensuring the transaction closes as negotiated

This level of legal oversight is especially valuable in private transactions, small commercial deals, and closings that do not follow a standard script.

Fees and Engagement Structure

Some real estate transactions can be handled on a fixed fee basis. Others require a custom engagement based on complexity, structure, and risk.

We are transparent about fees at the outset and align the scope of representation with the realities of the transaction.

Florida Transactions and Snowbird Representation

In addition to Western Pennsylvania transactions, we assist clients who:

• Own property in both Pennsylvania and Florida
• Are purchasing or selling Florida property as seasonal residents
• Need coordinated legal guidance across jurisdictions

Where appropriate, we work alongside Florida counsel to ensure continuity and consistency in transaction planning.

When to Involve a Real Estate Attorney

• Buying or selling without a realtor
• A standard form does not fit the transaction
• A deal involves a business or nonstandard structure
• Legal review is desired before signing
• A transaction feels simple but the stakes are high

Early involvement is almost always less expensive than