How is my final fee for legal services determined?

Your final fee for legal services in a real estate transaction is determined based on the amount of work that’s required above and beyond the standard settlement services, which a title company would be accustomed to providing. A lawyer can also provide those services, but the fee is often done on a flat rate, just like a title company. If there’s nothing that goes beyond the standard services such as preparing your warranty deed and any affidavits and it’s straightforward, then you don’t have any legal fees. You’ll just have what’s called a settlement fee or a closing fee. If you have a title defect or if there’s some inspection issues that need to be resolved, then you may be charged by the hour. It depends on the attorney that you’re dealing with as well.