A few situations where your real estate attorney can really help are:

• Tax considerations. Your attorney can explain how property taxes—including the homestead tax exemption—and tax deductions apply to your individual situation.

• Boundary disputes. Say there's a dead tree on the edge of your neighbor's property and the next storm could send it careening down onto your house. Problem is, your neighbor claims the tree's on your property, and therefore you should pay to have it removed. Your attorney can advise you on what action to take.

• Changes in family. Marriage, death, birth—any or all can have implications to your title, or ownership of your home.

• Changes in financial status. Should your income greatly increase, your attorney can counsel you on whether your mortgage contract penalizes you for paying off your loan early. If income declines, he or she can help you with the paperwork of refinancing your mortgage.

• Home equity loans. Your attorney can guide you on the merits of borrowing against the equity in your home to pay off debts or other short-term needs.

• Home improvements. Seek your attorney's advice if you choose to remodel or otherwise alter the structure of your home. Most areas require permits for any construction, and zoning restrictions must also be considered.

• Title insurance review. Your attorney can review your policy after it's been issued to make sure you received the coverage you were promised.

• Permits for changes in use. If one day you decide to operate a business from your home or use it as a rental property, you'll want an attorney's advice on what legal channels to go through.

• Tax assessment. Should your property taxes increase sharply, your attorney can advise you on the appropriate course of action, such as how to formally object to the assessment.

As you settle into your new home, remember that your real estate attorney is always there in your "back pocket," ready to help when you need it!

One more thing.
No matter which side of the table you're sitting on, buyers and sellers are really just mirror images of each other. You go through the same process, but just have different roles and responsibilities. So if you're a seller, chances are you'll be a buyer, too— and vice versa.