We haven't heard about this and I've come up empty in all of my searches. Have you contacted the NC Bankers Association?

Suwanee,

I too have not heard any recent news about this...certainly not that lawyers are out and title companies are in.

Attorney led real estate closings in North Carolina are alive and well. This was addressed a few times in 2002 and 2003 by the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission (FTC/DOJ Letter) and the NC State Bar (NC Bar). North Carolina statutes make it very hard, if not downright impossible, for a real estate closing to be conducted without an attorney present.

In my neck of the North Carolina woods at least, closings by title complanies are not heard of. Across state lines however in Virginia, we do it all the time.

I think what you will find in reviewing the opinions of the Bar and the DOJ/FTC is it boils down to simply whether the settlement agent is hosting/conducting a closing meeting or preparing legal documents and giving advice on the legality of the documents.

MarkB

Thanks Cowboy and Elcinoca. I have not contacted the State of N.C. I have read the attorney's opinions of 2002 and also found a new law that is effective early 2008 that indicates that attorneys have to be the only ones that can give legal opinions on real estate transactions. This indicates to me that attorneys may close real estate transactions in N.C. I appreciate your input. Thanks.