St. Augustine Area's Largest Law Firm
Real Estate Buyer Representation in St. Augustine, Florida
Are you buying a home, investment property, or commercial real estate in Northeast Florida? At St. Johns Law Group, we provide full-service Real Estate Buyer Representation. Our team of over 10 attorneys, together with closers, processors, escrow agents, and title agents delivers personalized, attorney-driven service from contract review to closing day.
We don’t just close transactions — we advocate for your interests, navigate complex legal matters, and make the process smooth, secure, and efficient.
Why You Need a Real Estate Attorney When Buying?
Florida real estate contracts are legally binding documents. Relying solely on a real estate agent can expose you to risk. Our attorneys provide professional legal advice that protects your interests at every stage of the transaction.
Experienced Buyer Representation – We review hundreds of real estate contracts, including FAR/BAR and custom agreements, every year.
Legal Expertise at Every Step – From due diligence and contract review to title resolution and post-closing planning, attorneys handle your file directly — not third-party title processors.
More Lawyers, More Experience – Our real estate team is the most experienced in the St. Augustine area.
Trusted Local Experience:
Douglas Burnett – 25+ years in real estate law
John Whiteman – 40+ years of experience
David Abraham – 30+ years of experience
📞 Contact Our Buyer Representation Team
Katie Lemelin – Closing Agent
Thom Sharpe – Processor & Escrow Agent
Douglas Burnett – Closing Attorney
Contract Review Before You Sign
Before you sign a purchase agreement, send it to our team. Our attorneys will:
Review the agreement for legal protections
Ensure contingencies, deadlines, and financing terms are clear
Suggest or draft any needed amendments or addenda
Add St. Johns Law Group as the Title and Escrow Agent before signing:
Escrow & Title Agent
St. Johns Law Group
104 Sea Grove Main Street
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
(904) 495-0400
We’ll take it from there.
Full-Service Legal Support for Real Estate Buyers
Our buyer representation services are tailored to meet the needs of both residential and commercial real estate buyers. Services include:
Contract Drafting and Review
We review the purchase and sale agreement, ensure the terms reflect your intentions, and advise you on key legal provisions, including financing, inspection, title, and contingency clauses.
Negotiation Assistance
Our attorneys help negotiate contract terms, price adjustments, repairs, extensions, escrow disputes, and post-inspection items to protect your financial and legal position.
Due Diligence Coordination
We assist with ordering and reviewing surveys, title commitments, lien searches, HOA disclosures, and zoning compliance to uncover any potential issues before closing.
Title and Escrow Support
Our team coordinates with title companies to confirm clean title, resolve encumbrances, and ensure proper deed preparation and escrow instructions.
Closing Representation
We prepare and review closing documents, confirm final terms, handle legal compliance, and represent you at the closing table to ensure a smooth and enforceable transfer of ownership.
Who We Represent
Our firm represents a wide range of real estate buyers, including:
Individual homebuyers (primary, vacation, and second homes)
First-time buyers seeking guidance through the process
Investors acquiring rental or flip properties
Buyers of foreclosure or short-sale properties
Buyers involved in 1031 exchanges or seller financing
Commercial purchasers acquiring office, retail, or industrial space
Entities purchasing land for development or subdivision
No matter the complexity or size of your transaction, we provide the insight and legal oversight necessary to protect your interests and minimize your risk.
Common Buyer Concerns We Help Resolve
Unclear or one-sided contract language
Title defects, liens, or easements not disclosed
Disputes over earnest money deposits or contingencies
Unfavorable financing or inspection results
Problems with closing timelines or coordination
HOA restrictions or unpaid assessments
Zoning, code enforcement, or land use issues
We take a proactive approach to identifying potential issues before they escalate into legal problems. Our goal is to provide peace of mind and reduce the risk of post-closing disputes or financial loss.
Buying with a Loan or Refinancing?
Let your lender know that you want St. Johns Law Group to handle your real estate closing. We also assist with:
Refinance closings
Loan document review
Title insurance reissue credits (with prior owner’s title policy)
Please provide:
Your prior owner’s title policy (for possible discount)
Your homeowners insurance declaration page
Need a Mail-Away Closing?
Not in Florida? No problem.
We regularly coordinate mail-away closings for out-of-town or out-of-state buyers. Here’s what you’ll need:
Sign documents in front of a notary public + one witness
Need to use a Power of Attorney? We’ll draft a compliant POA
Bring a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID
Wire transfers only for closing funds (no checks accepted)
After Closing – Tips for Buyers
Keep your title policy – it may qualify you for future discounts on title insurance
Primary residence? File for Homestead Exemption with the St. Johns County Property Appraiser
New Florida resident? Let our wills, trusts & estates attorneys James Hatfield and Ann Miles review your documents to ensure they comply with Florida law
Local Knowledge, Regional Reach
As the largest and most experienced law firm in St. Augustine, St. Johns Law Group offers deep knowledge of the local real estate market, permitting issues, neighborhood developments, and area-specific concerns that impact buyers. We understand the nuances of real estate in coastal areas, planned communities, HOA-regulated neighborhoods, and mixed-use developments throughout Northeast Florida.
Areas We Serve
We proudly offer buyer representation throughout:
St. Johns County: St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach, Crescent Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Silverleaf, Beachwalk, Julington Creek, World Golf Village, Palm Valley, Hastings, Elkton
Flagler County: Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Bunnell, Marineland
Duval County: Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, San Marco, Mandarin, Southside
Clay County: Green Cove Springs, Fleming Island, Middleburg, Keystone Heights
Putnam County: Palatka, East Palatka, Interlachen, Crescent City
Southern Georgia (select matters): St. Marys, Kingsland, Brunswick
Contact Our Real Estate Buyer Attorneys in St. Augustine
If you are considering buying property in St. Augustine or anywhere in Northeast Florida, contact St. Johns Law Group for experienced real estate buyer representation. Our attorneys will help you navigate the legal and procedural complexities of your purchase with confidence and clarity.
Let us ensure that your next transaction is legally sound, financially protected, and executed with professional care.
📞 Call us at (904) 495-0400
📧 Or email our team to get started today.
Have Questions?
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or relocating to Florida, our attorneys and staff are here to walk you through every step — from contract to keys.
🔗 Related Services
Contact Us:
- 104 Sea Grove Main Street | St. Augustine, Florida 32080
