Practice Areas

Real Estate Law

Last updated: June 2026

Thorough legal guidance for every stage of your Ohio real estate transaction—from offer to closing and beyond.

Overview

Real estate transactions involve significant financial and legal commitments—and the details matter. McEndree Law provides focused legal counsel to Ohio buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants who want to understand exactly what they’re signing before the ink is dry.

Whether you’re purchasing your first home, closing a commercial deal, or reviewing a lease for a rental property, Jeffrey A. McEndree II brings careful attention to every document and every negotiation. McEndree Law handles the legal complexity so you can focus on the transaction itself.

Services

  • Deed Preparation
  • Purchase Agreement Preparation, Review, & Negotiation
  • Easement Preparation, Review, & Negotiation
  • Lease Drafting & Review (Residential & Commercial)
  • Transfer on Death Designation Affidavit Preparation
  • General Real Estate Affidavit Preparation
  • Mortgage and Note Preparation
  • Satisfaction and Release of Mortgage Preparation
  • Land Contract Preparation

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a real estate attorney for an Ohio property transaction?
Ohio law does not require a buyer or seller to have an attorney in a residential real estate transaction. However, the purchase agreement is a binding contract, and the documents at closing have real legal consequences. An attorney can review your purchase agreement before you sign, explain what you're agreeing to, and attend closing to review final documents. The cost is typically modest relative to the value of the transaction.
What is a land contract, and how does it differ from a traditional mortgage?
In a land contract (also called a contract for deed), the seller finances the sale rather than a bank. The buyer makes payments directly to the seller and takes possession of the property, but the seller retains legal title until the contract is paid off or refinanced. Land contracts can be useful when conventional financing is unavailable, but they carry risks for both parties—particularly the buyer—and the terms should be carefully reviewed before signing.
What should I look for when reviewing a lease agreement?
Key provisions to examine include: the rent amount and when it increases; the lease term and renewal rights; what's included in rent; the security deposit amount and conditions for its return; maintenance and repair obligations; restrictions on use, pets, or subletting; and the landlord's right of entry. Commercial leases are typically more complex and may include provisions for operating expenses, exclusivity clauses, and personal guarantees.
What is an easement, and how does it affect my property rights?
An easement is a legal right to use another person's land for a specific purpose—a utility company running lines across your property, a neighbor using your driveway to access their parcel, or a public trail crossing the back of your lot. Easements typically run with the land, meaning they bind future owners. Before purchasing property, a title search and review of the title commitment will reveal recorded easements.
What is a title search and why does it matter?
A title search examines the public records for a parcel of real estate to trace the chain of ownership and identify any recorded claims—liens, judgments, easements, or restrictions—that affect the property. The results are summarized in a title commitment issued before closing. Title insurance is then issued to protect the buyer and lender against defects not discovered in the search. Reviewing the title commitment before closing lets you address any issues while you still have leverage to negotiate.

Have a Real Estate Transaction Coming Up?

Don’t navigate Ohio real estate law alone. Contact McEndree Law to schedule a consultation and get the representation you need.

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Real Estate Attorney | McEndree Law LLC