Prior to or upon contract acceptance, you choose a settlement attorney to represent you throughout the transaction, including preparing the HUD-1 statement, ordering a survey and title search, obtaining title insurance, preparing deed and other documents, and holding the settlement.

Your agent – or your lender – may make recommendations; however, you have the absolute right to choose your own attorney.

Settlement attorney’s fees in Delaware are generally $350 - $550 depending on the attorney you use. Also, keep in mind… in addition to your attorney’s fee, there are other related charges.


This response is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, tax or other professional assistance.


Letitia A. Stevenson, REALTOR®
Licensed in DE and PA
302.426.4426 (Direct) http://www.recoachhomes.com

Connect with Letitia http://www.activerain.com/REcoach22 http://www.facebook.com/Letitia.Stevenson http://www.linkedin.com/in/LetitiaStevenson http://www.trulia.com/profile/LetitiaStevenson http://www.twitter.com/LetitiaOnline http://www.zillow.com/profile/LetitiaStevenson

Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®
3838 Kennett Pike
Greenville, DE 19807
302.571.8855 (Office)

You select the settlement attorney as soon as you get a contract accepted by the seller. You have to select the attorney right away because the attorney must order a title search, order a survey, and schedule the closing. It is your choice who you use a settlement attorney because the attorney is representing you. Your lender or your agent can recommend one. Be sure you use an attorney that only does real estate because you want a specialist not someone who does real estate part time and criminal law full time. The typical attorney fee is anywhere from $300 to $500. But there are other fees that go along with attorney so you might end up pay alot more for one attorney vesus another even if attorney fee is the same. I would recommend Brian Murray, P.A. who is located in Newark, Delaware. Office 302-731-1776. Excellent attorney and if you are first time home buyer, the attorney fee is only $300.
If you are first time home buyer I recommend you attend our Free Seminar this Saturday October 24, 2009 at the Christiana Hilton Hotel in Newark, DE. We are having two sessions 10 AM till Noon and 1 PM till 3 PM. You should really take the time to educate your self on the whole process.

In Florida usually the buyer selects the attorney or title company and pays for the title search as it is for their benefit. It is always good to get a good faith estimate from the closing agent.