Do-It-Yourself Real Estate

What are some things you regret trying to do yourself? Do you change your own oil? Fill your own cavities? Prepare your own will? or draft your own property deed?

Sometimes when you do things yourself, if you do it wrong, the worst is that you’ll need to fix your mistakes. If you don’t replace the air filter correctly, your AC won’t be as efficient.

The risk of doing these things, and what you might have to fix, varies. If you fail to give the executor of your will the power to sell real estate, it will take extra time and money to get permission from the court to sell any real estate.

If you prepare your own deed, your notary may not execute the official witness section properly and the deed will fail, and then you don’t own the house.

You may notice that every form or article about real estate law online will include a disclaimer to check with your local real estate attorney.

If your neighbor is buying a house without an agent, suggest a call to Origin Title. Our attorneys will prepare the contract and make sure the sale is completed correctly.


John C. Bennett is a real estate closing attorney and owner of Origin Title and Escrow, Inc.. Since 2003, Origin Title has handled real estate transactions – purchases, refinances, reverse mortgages – quickly and professionally. There will be no surprises, nothing misunderstood. Title searches are thorough and well-reasoned, to avoid unpleasant surprises later down the road. Calculate your closing costs in Georgia or Florida using our calculator or contact Origin Title using this form.