Frequently Asked Questions

What is Timely Contract^®?

Timely Contract connects homebuyers and sellers with up to three experienced real estate attorneys licensed in the jurisdiction of the property. Timely Contract is not a law firm.

How long does it take to fill out an Initial Attorney Call request?

It takes between five and ten minutes to start the process, depending on how many documents you have to upload.

Is there a charge for the Initial Attorney Call?

No. There is never a charge for the initial phone call.

How much do Timely Contract solutions cost?

Timely Contract solutions cost “pennies on the dollar” compared to legal remedies available after the close of escrow.

How fast can I expect a call?

Expect a call within two business days. Day One is counted as the first day after the Initial Attorney Call request is submitted. For example, if you submit a request on Monday, Tuesday is counted as Day One. Expect a call by end-of-day Wednesday.

Will I get legal advice during the Initial Attorney call?

No. TC Certified® attorneys can sometimes give non-legal advice that can be very helpful. However, if you have a legal concern, you’ll need to sign Fee Agreement and meet the terms of the Fee Agreement. 

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.

How much do Timely Contract solutions cost?

Timely Contract solutions implemented before the close of escrow cost “pennies on the dollar” compared to legal remedies available after the close.

What do real estate attorneys do? 

Real estate attorneys analyze legal documents, interpret these documents in light of client circumstances, and render legal advice on how to proceed.  

What is the TC Certified^® attorney difference?  

In addition to being experienced real estate attorneys licensed in the jurisdiction of your property, TC Certified attorneys are trained in legal solutions designed specifically for the real estate transaction.  

How are TC Certified attorneys selected? 

TC Certified attorneys have a minimum five years of substantive experience in real property law and are licensed in the state where the property is located. 

Can I work with the same lawyer each time?

Yes, if you’d like. Work with the same TC Certified attorney every time by selecting only that one attorney on the Attorney Display page. 

How does the connection process work? 

After filling out information about where the property’s located, you will select up to three attorneys licensed in that jurisdiction. These attorneys will reach out for an Initial Attorney call. Engage the attorney you want to work with. 

How do I engage an attorney? What does this mean?

Attorneys render legal advice after the terms of the attorney-client relationship have been agreed to. The terms of the attorney-client relationship are specified in the attorney’s Fee Agreement.  When you have satisfied the terms of the Fee Agreement, you are said to have “engaged” the attorney.  

How much does a TC Certified attorney cost?

TC Certified attorneys charge the going rate in their local market for their experience level. Inquire about rates during the Initial Attorney Call.

How does the free Initial Attorney Call work?
Select up to three attorneys for an Initial Attorney Call. Upload the documents you have questions about when you put in your request. The more information the attorney(s) has, the better able they are to advise you.  

What is a Fee Agreement?  

A Fee Agreement outlines the terms defining the engagement. Important terms include hourly rate and advance fee, among others. TC Certified attorneys who are interested in representing you will email you a Fee Agreement after the Initial Attorney Call.

Do I have to engage an attorney after speaking with them?

No. You are under no obligation to engage an attorney. Similarly, 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 unless exhausted by invoiced legal services and expenses. Any balance due after work is completed is refunded to the client.

What is a trust account?

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

I have not received all three Initial Attorney Calls. What can I do?
Timely Contract cannot guarantee every TC Certified attorney will reach out to every Initial Attorney Call request. If you have selected three attorneys, you are likely to have at least two Initial Attorney Calls within the initial two days.