Real Estate
Transactions
Legal representation and title services under one roof.
Whether you're buying your first home, selling commercial property, or transferring real estate into an LLC for asset protection, real estate transactions involve complex legal documents, significant money, and serious consequences if something goes wrong. We represent buyers and sellers through every step of the process - and because Jennifer Routte is both an attorney and licensed title agent who owns Gahanna Title Agency (ACS Title), we provide seamless coordination between legal representation and title services that most firms can't offer.
The Routte Law Advantage: Attorney + Title Agent
Our team is uniquely positioned as Jen Routte is both a licensed attorney and title agent, owning both Routte Law and Gahanna Title Agency (ACS Title).
This dual expertise means:
✅ Seamless coordination - Your attorney and title team work together, not as separate companies trying to communicate
✅ Faster resolution - When title issues arise, we handle both the legal strategy and the title work simultaneously
✅ Complete protection - Legal and title expertise integrated from contract review through closing
✅ One team - No delays waiting for outside title companies to respond to attorney questions or vice versa
✅ Better problem-solving - Complex transactions get solutions faster when legal and title work together under one roof
This matters most when deals get complicated - title defects surface, financing falls through, or creative solutions are needed to close the deal.
How We Help Real Estate Buyers & Sellers
Residential Transactions
For Buyers:
Contract review and negotiation
Title Commitment review
Closing document review
Closing coordination and representation
Post-closing recording and delivery
For Sellers:
Contract review and negotiation
Title issue identification and resolution
Disclosure guidance
Closing coordination
Title company services through ACS Title
The integration advantage: When title problems arise, we don't wait for separate companies to coordinate - we solve issues immediately with legal and title expertise working together.
For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Transactions
Selling or buying without a realtor? You still need legal protection AND title services.
We provide complete FSBO support:
Purchase agreement drafting and review
Title examination and insurance through ACS Title
Legal representation throughout the transaction
Full closing services
Document preparation and recording
Common FSBO problems we prevent:
Incomplete or unenforceable contracts
Missed title defects that surface after closing
Disclosure violations that create liability
Closing delays due to documentation gaps
You're saving realtor commission - invest in professional legal and title services to protect that savings.
Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Commercial transactions require sophisticated legal analysis and comprehensive title work. We handle both.
We represent clients in:
Purchase and sale agreements for office, retail, industrial, and investment property
Due diligence (title, surveys, leases, environmental, zoning)
Title examination and insurance for commercial property through ACS Title
Development projects and land acquisition
Lot splits and land division
1031 exchanges
Commercial leases
Entity transfers and asset protection strategies
Development transactions
We work extensively with developers on land acquisition, lot splits, subdivision planning, and commercial development. Having both legal expertise and title services in-house means complex development deals move efficiently without coordination delays between separate companies.
Lot Splits & Land Division
Dividing parcels requires legal precision and proper title work.
We handle:
Lot split applications and approvals
Deed preparation with accurate legal descriptions
Easement drafting (access, utilities, shared use)
Title examination for parent and new parcels
Title insurance for split lots
Recording and post-closing
The advantage: Legal descriptions, surveys, and title commitments are coordinated seamlessly when legal and title teams work together.
Transferring Real Estate to LLCs & Business Entities
Transferring property into entities for liability protection or estate planning requires both legal structuring and title coordination.
We provide:
Entity formation (creating the LLC or corporation)
Deed preparation and execution
Lender approval coordination (avoiding due-on-sale issues)
Title examination and insurance coordination through ACS Title
Tax planning support (working with your accountant)
FinCEN reporting compliance
CRITICAL: New FinCEN Reporting Requirements (2024)
If you transfer residential real estate (1-4 units) to an LLC, corporation, trust, or other legal entity, you may be required to report this transaction to FinCEN (Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) within 30 days.
Failure to report can result in significant penalties.
We help clients:
Determine if reporting is required
Prepare and file FinCEN reports
Ensure compliance with federal regulations
Coordinate reporting with closing timeline
ACS Title Services
Gahanna Title Agency (doing business as ACS Title) provides title examination, title insurance, and closing services for residential and commercial transactions throughout Ohio.
Our title services include:
Title examination and commitment preparation
Title insurance (owner's and lender's policies)
Closing and escrow services
Title issue resolution
1031 exchange coordination
Recording services
You don't have to use Routte Law's legal services to use ACS Title - we provide title services to other attorneys, agents, and clients throughout Central Ohio.
But when you use both, you get the seamless integration advantage.
What We DON'T Handle (But Work Closely With Those that Do)
We focus on transactional real estate law and title services. We don't handle:
❌ Litigation - Boundary disputes, quiet title actions, specific performance lawsuits
❌ Evictions - Landlord-tenant disputes, eviction proceedings
❌ Zoning variances and appeals - Variance applications, zoning board hearings
We have excellent referral partners for these matters and will connect you with trusted attorneys who handle litigation and zoning work.
Why You Need an Attorney for Real Estate Transactions
"But I have a realtor/title company. Why do I need a lawyer?"
Realtors facilitate deals - but they can't give legal advice, review contracts for legal sufficiency, or protect you from legal liability.
Title companies examine title and issue insurance - but they represent BOTH parties and can't advocate for your specific interests.
Real estate attorneys represent YOUR interests exclusively.
When you use Routte Law + ACS Title, you get:
✅ Legal representation that protects your interests
✅ Title services from the same team
✅ Seamless coordination when issues arise
✅ Faster problem resolution
✅ One point of contact from contract to closing
Real estate is likely your biggest financial transaction. The cost of proper legal and title protection is small compared to the cost of problems after closing.
Real Estate Law FAQs
Q: When should I hire a real estate attorney?
A: Before you sign a purchase agreement if possible. If you've already signed, most Ohio contracts have an attorney review period - we can still help.
Q: What's the advantage of having legal and title under one roof?
A: Speed and coordination. When title issues arise, we solve them immediately - no waiting for separate companies to communicate back and forth. In complex deals, this saves days or weeks.
Q: Can I use ACS Title without hiring Routte Law as my attorney?
A: Absolutely. We provide title services to other attorneys, real estate agents, and clients throughout Central Ohio.
Q: Do I have to use ACS Title if I hire Routte Law for legal representation?
A: No. You can choose any title company. But using both gives you the integration advantage.
Q: Can you help with my commercial lease?
A: Yes, we draft and review commercial leases for both landlords and tenants.
Q: What if I need help with an eviction or boundary dispute?
A: We don't handle litigation, but we have excellent referral partners who do. We'll connect you with the right attorney.
Q: Do I need to report my LLC transfer to the federal government?
A: If you're transferring residential property to an entity, new FinCEN reporting rules may apply. We'll determine if reporting is required and handle it for you.
Ready to Protect Your Real Estate Investment?
Whether you're buying, selling, developing, or transferring property, we provide integrated legal representation and title services. Real estate deals move fast. Get legal and title protection from the start.