Why a real estate attorney matters in a wholesale transaction, and who to call.
MacQueen & Gottlieb
602-533-2840
Wholesale real estate transactions in Arizona are legal and regulated under A.R.S. § 44-5101, but the contracts involved — purchase agreements, assignment agreements, and disclosures — carry real legal weight. Having an attorney familiar with wholesaling review your paperwork before you sign can help make sure you understand exactly what you're agreeing to.
A straightforward review of a purchase or assignment agreement by a real estate attorney is typically a one-time cost, often somewhere in the $200-500 range depending on the attorney and complexity of the situation — this is a general range, not a quote, and any specific engagement should be discussed directly with the firm.
Arizona's wholesaling statute sets out disclosure requirements for wholesale buyers and sellers, including making clear that the buyer may assign the contract to a third party. An attorney can help you understand how these obligations apply to your specific transaction and confirm the disclosures you're being given meet the statute's requirements.
When a wholesaler intends to assign their purchase contract to an end buyer, the assignment agreement itself is a separate document worth understanding — including how any assignment fee is structured and disclosed. An attorney can walk through this with you so there are no surprises.
Some situations warrant legal counsel beyond a basic contract review — short sales requiring lender approval, probate or estate transactions, properties with unclear title, or disputes among heirs or co-owners. In these cases, having an attorney involved from early on can prevent costly missteps.