Sherman & Phalen, LLC

06/03/2026

We would like to thank the Chapter for hosting its recent networking event at Junior Achievement of Georgia.

We had a great time meeting with credit union representatives from across Metro Atlanta, as well as other vendors that serve them.

We look forward to the next meeting later this summer and to the opportunity to continue sharing our story of serving credit unions throughout the Southeast as their real estate closing partner.

05/27/2026

Private equity groups face a unique challenge: you're buying and selling residential assets at volume, and you need an attorney who can move at your pace.

We handle investor closings differently. We know you're not interested in hand-holding. You need speed, accuracy, and someone who understands that the numbers matter. When you're closing multiple properties monthly, delays cost money.

We clear titles, close deals, and keep your portfolio moving.

Managing a residential real estate portfolio? Let's talk about how we can help streamline your closings.

https://shermanphalenlaw.com/contact-us/

05/18/2026

Making Closings Work—Even When They're Not Ours

A few years ago, we closed a transaction during Covid, and the seller was out of the country with no way to execute a Power of Attorney at an embassy. We used a Remote Online Notarization (RON) signed POA, and the Attorney-in-Fact wet-signed the deed. Everything was done correctly.

Fast forward to today: our buyer is now selling the property. The new title examiner and underwriter wouldn’t accept the RON-signed POA, despite it being valid in Georgia, and demanded a corrective deed from the original seller.

What we did:

- Tracked down the original seller (now in Hawaii, ended up signing in California)
- Coordinated a new deed ex*****on
- When the notary used the wrong acknowledgement form, we arranged for it to be re-signed with the correct language
- 𝗡𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴

We weren’t the closing attorney on the second transaction. And the first closing was done properly, but we found ways to make the closing work while the other attorney found reasons to hold it up.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻: Are we serving the client by putting up barriers or by providing solutions? We choose to provide a solution - twice.

https://shermanphalenlaw.com/contact-us/

05/15/2026

Four years ago, barely 10% of homeowners had mortgage rates above 5%.

Today, over 30% do. And about 20% have rates over 6%.

Meanwhile, 39 million homeowners have rates below 5%—and 94% of them are holding tight. They're not selling. They're not refinancing unless they need cash.

This is the rate lock-in effect. It's why home sales stay constrained and why refinance volume is concentrated among recent borrowers.

Refinance demand fell 4.4% for the week but was 29% higher than the same week one year ago.

If you know of a homeowner who wants to take advantage of lower rates and refinance, we can help with the closing.

Read more:

Mortgage applications decreased 4.4 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending May 1, 2026.

05/06/2026

What makes a good real estate closing attorney?

It's not fancy offices or big advertising budgets. It's competence. It's answering your call on the first ring. It's having the experience to handle weird title issues without panicking.

It's being humble enough to admit when we need to research something, and confident enough to figure it out. It's treating your business like it matters, because it does.

That's been our approach for 30 years, and it's why our clients stick around.

Ready to work with attorneys who actually care about your success? Reach out today.

https://shermanphalenlaw.com/contact-us/

04/30/2026

The March 27th Market Composite Index, which is a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 33% from the same week one year ago.

But here's what the numbers don't tell you: sustained growth depends on more than temporary rate dips or increases.

Your business needs a closing partner who's ready for whatever comes next. When purchase volume increases, we scale with you. When rates shift and refinances surge, we handle it. When the market slows down, we're still here picking up the phone.

We've helped credit unions and lenders navigate every market cycle for three decades because we built our practice around one principle: your success is our success, regardless of market conditions.

Learn more about 2026 mortgage trends: https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/mortgages/article/mortgage-rate-predictions-for-the-next-5-years-195826401.html

Mortgage rate predictions for the next five years heavily rely on what the 10-year Treasury yield does. Learn about the rate projections through 2030.

04/21/2026

Nashville's housing inventory is up 13% year-over-year, reaching the highest levels since 2014. Median home prices are holding steady around $480,000 to $500,000, and the market is transitioning from frenzy to balance.

For credit unions and lenders serving Tennessee, this means something important: your borrowers have real choices again. They're not waiving inspections or making desperate offers. They can actually negotiate.

And that means your closings need attorneys who can handle more complex transactions. Multiple contingencies. Inspection negotiations. Title work that takes time to sort out properly.

We've been closing Tennessee deals for decades. We know how to handle the complicated stuff while keeping your timeline on track.

Tennessee closings getting more complex? We're ready. Let's talk.

https://shermanphalenlaw.com/contact-us/

04/15/2026

Our very own William Phalen was recently interviewed on the Closing Market Weekly podcast with Phillip Hogan.

In this episode, William explains how attorneys act as the neutral party verifying ownership, funds, liens, taxes, and title integrity so buyers and sellers can move forward confidently. Through real-world examples, he shows how curiosity, research, and client-first thinking can save deals.

Listen to the full interview here: https://youtu.be/TB9tQs0jBbs?si=BD9m0Fa7JDpoLUCg

Don’t forget to pre-order my book, Relentless Excellence. Learn more at philliphogan.comIn this episode of Closing Market Weekly, Phillip Hogan sits down wit...

04/06/2026

Core values aren't just words we practice every day; they're what have built trust with credit unions and lenders for 30 years.

If you’re looking for a trusted firm for your next closing, look no further than Sherman & Phalen.

https://shermanphalenlaw.com/contact-us/

04/02/2026

Georgia's housing market is finding its footing. According to recent market data, the state saw $19.9 billion in real estate transactions this year, down just 1% from last year. Atlanta's inventory has grown to a healthier 4.7 months of supply, compared to the one-month frenzy we saw during the pandemic.

What does this mean for your lending business? It means the market is more balanced. Buyers have time to make decisions. Sellers need to price realistically. And closing attorneys need to be ready for transactions that actually make it to the finish line.

We've been closing deals in Georgia for 30 years. We know this market when it's hot, when it's cooling, and everything in between. Your deals still need to close on time, regardless of market conditions.

Need a Georgia closing attorney who understands the current market? We're here to make your next closing easy.

https://shermanphalenlaw.com/contact-us/