Answers, in plain English.

Every Iowa sale involves legal work before it can close: the abstract gets examined, an attorney's title opinion gets issued, objections get cleared, and the deed and closing documents have to be right. The question is who runs that for you. Our attorney-led closing team handles the title work, prepares your documents, and coordinates the closing, so nothing surfaces the week of closing that should have been caught the week you listed.

It's a smart move. Buyers benefit from having an attorney review the purchase agreement and closing documents just as much as sellers do. We make sure the terms are fair, flag anything that could create problems down the road, and walk you through the documents before you sign anything. It's straightforward peace of mind for what is likely your largest purchase.

The earlier, the better. Many clients reach out as soon as they decide to list or start shopping seriously. Bringing us in before a contract is signed means we can review the terms before you're bound by them. That said, it's never too late. Even if you're already under contract, we can step in and help from wherever you are in the process.

Absolutely! When you sell without an agent, you take on more of the process yourself, and that makes having the legal side handled correctly even more important. We review and prepare the purchase agreement, handle the title work, and prepare your closing documents, so going it alone doesn't mean going without protection. Most sellers going it alone choose Guided or Assured; without an agent coordinating the transaction, priority response times and included title clearing carry the load an agent would otherwise chase.

The key terms: price, contingencies, closing date, what's included with the property, and any special conditions. We make sure the agreement is clear and protects your interests. If something looks unusual or needs to be adjusted, we'll explain it in plain English and advise you on how to address it before you sign. Every purchase agreement review also comes with a recorded video from one of our attorneys walking through your document step by step, so you can rewatch it, share it, and sign knowing exactly what each section means.

It's a free 15-minute call with attorney Jeremy Danilson, scheduled in advance. We'll ask about your transaction (property, timeline, your role as buyer, seller, agent, or investor), answer your questions, and explain how we can help. Once we understand the scope, we'll quote your flat fee so you know exactly what to expect. There's no obligation to move forward.

Claire, our AI assistant: day, night, and weekends. She'll tell you she's an AI, she can answer common questions and book your discovery call immediately, and anything that needs an attorney or a human gets routed to our team. Your scheduled calls are always with real people.

Typically 30 to 45 days from contract to close, depending on financing and the parties involved. Our job is to make sure the legal work is done in time, and we'll flag anything on our end that might affect the schedule. Complex transactions or title issues can extend the timeline, but we'll always keep you informed every step of the way.

Not necessarily. Notary appointments can happen in person at our Johnston office or online, and much of the rest of the work, like document exchange, review, and communication, is handled electronically. Danilson Law was one of the first organizations in Des Moines to offer remote online notarization. We'll work in whatever way is most convenient for you.

By phone and email, with updates at each important step, and you can call any time, day or night; Claire, our AI assistant, answers when the team can't and gets you what you need or booked with us. Attorney calls and appointments are scheduled in advance, so when we talk, your file has our full, undivided attention.

It depends on which side of the table you're on. Sellers usually sign their documents a few business days before closing, so closing day itself is hands-off. Buyers sign on closing day and fund the purchase to the settlement agent's trust account. Once funds are confirmed, ownership transfers and the keys change hands, with no rushing and no confusion, because we've walked you through each document before you sign.