Frequently Asked Questions

What is Timely Contract^®?

Timely Contract connects homebuyers and sellers with up to three experienced real estate attorneys in an arms-length transaction.

Is Timely Contract a law firm?

No. Timely Contract does not employ attorneys for the purpose of providing legal advice. Attorneys voluntarily associate with Timely Contract as independent business entities to serve the legal needs of homebuyers and sellers in their jurisdiction.

How long does it take to fill out an Attorney Call Request (ACR)?

Typically between five and ten minutes. Be prepared to upload any documents you have questions about to minimize the amount of time spent.

How fast can I expect a callback?

Expect a callback within two business days. Day One is the first day after the Attorney Call Request is submitted. For example, if you submit a request on the Friday before Memorial Day, expect a callback by end-of-day Wednesday.

Is there a charge for the initial calls?

No. There’s never a charge for the initial attorney calls.

How much do Timely Contract solutions cost?

The cost of a legal solution generally depends on two factors: 1) the number of legal hours billed and 2) the rate at which they’re billed. Expect the number of hours to be lower with a Timely Contract solutions. The rate at which they’re billed, the hourly rate, is based on market conditions in the jurisdiction where your property is located. In the end, Timely Contract solutions generally cost “pennies on the dollar” before the close of escrow compared to legal remedies available after the close of escrow.

Will I get legal advice during the initial attorney call?

No. You’ll need to engage the services of an attorney before receiving legal advice. 

Do you do real estate forms? 

No. Timely Contract offers homebuyers and sellers the opportunity to engage a TC Certified attorney for timely legal advice, not boilerplate documents.

Is it ever too late to use Timely Contract?

Yes. If there are less than five business days to close of escrow, you’ve waited too long.

What do real estate attorneys do? 

Real estate attorneys are experienced professionals who analyze legal documents, interpret these documents in light of specific circumstances, and render legal advice to clients that holds up in a court of law.

What does it mean to engage an attorney?

Once engaged, you’re a client of the attorney. Once a client, the attorney is committed to representing your legal interests according to the rules of professional conduct specific to your jurisdiction.

How do I engage an attorney? 

Engagement typically requires a signed Fee Agreement and an advance fee.

What is a TC Certified^® attorney?  

Attorneys apply to become TC Certified. To be accepted, they must be 1) licensed in good standing, 2) have five years full-time experience as a real estate attorney, and 3) become trained in Timely Contract legal solutions designed to meet the residential real estate transaction’s need for speed.

How does the connection process work? 

As part of the ACR, you’ll select up to three attorneys licensed in the property’s jurisdiction. The selected attorneys are committed to reaching out to you for an initial attorney call. Engage the attorney you want to work with.

Can I work with the same TC Certified attorney each time?

Yes. Select just the one attorney you want to work with on the Attorney Display page. You’ll receive just the one callback from that attorney.

How much does a TC Certified attorney cost?

TC Certified attorneys act as independent business entities and charge the going rate in their local market. Inquire about hourly rates during the initial attorney call.

How does the initial, free attorney call work?
TC Certified attorneys are committed to responding to your ACR within two business days. The initial call is no-charge, no-obligation.

What is a Fee Agreement?  

Fee Agreements memorialize an attorney’s terms of engagement. Terms include scope of service, hourly rate, and advance fee, among other things. Read the Fee Agreement in its entirety for a complete understanding of the engagement.

Do I have to engage the TC Certified attorney after the initial call?

No. You’re under no obligation to engage the attorney. Also note that attorneys are under no obligation to offer representation to you.

What is an advance fee? 

Advance fee is the dollar amount required in advance before legal services are rendered. The advance fee remains the property of the client until exhausted by invoiced legal services and expenses. Any balance due after work is complete is the client’s and should be refunded.

What is a trust account?

By law, advance fees for legal services are held in trust by the engaged attorney. Trust accounts are held to strict accounting standards.

I have not received all initial attorney calls. What can I do?
Timely Contract cannot guarantee every TC Certified attorney will respond to every ACR. If you have selected three attorneys, you’re likely to have at least two attorney respond within two business days.