Frequently Asked Questions 

A title search is a detailed examination of the historical records concerning a property. For each counThese records include deeds, court records, property and name indexes, and many other documents. The purpose of the search is to verify the seller's right to transfer ownership, and to discover any claims, defects and other rights or burdens on the property.

A title must be deemed "good and marketable" before the settlement process can continue. The results of the title search identify (among other things): the current owner of the property; any liens on it; and any limits on how an owner can use the property. Our attorneys will examine the title search report to determine what - if anything - must be done in order to clear the title to the property so that the buyer can obtain their (and lender's) goal of a "good and marketable" title.

Transfer tax, sometimes referred to as Tax Stamps, is the tax charged on the transfer of a property in NH or ME.

The way to calculate transfer tax in the State of New Hampshire is $15 per thousand dollars of the selling price of the property. This fee is paid at closing and is customarily divided evenly between the buyer and seller unless specified differently in the purchase and sale agreement.

The way to calculate transfer tax in the State of Maine is $4.40 per thousand dollars of the selling price of the property. This fee is paid at closing and is customarily divided evenly between the buyer and seller unless specified differently in the purchase and sales agreement.

The BUYER is customarily responsible for the title search, closing costs, recording costs with the county and ½ transfer tax, unless specified differently in the Purchase and Sales Agreement.

The SELLER is customarily responsible for the deed prep, realtor commissions and ½ the transfer tax, unless specified differently in the Purchase and Sales Agreement.

Please make sure you share that you will not be able to attend closing with your closing coordinator. Try and do this as soon as you are aware to ensure a seamless closing. We are able to overnight or email your documents to you so that you are able to sign in front of a notary and overnight the documents back to our office in time for the closing date.

Currently, our closings are taking place at the green building in our back parking lot. You can park in front or behind the building.

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All parties must bring valid government issued photo identification such as a driver's license or passport to the closing. You will also need to provide your Social Security Number or TIN for the filing of state transfer forms.

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​Any funds due at closing must be certified. This is through a wire transfer to our office.