Q: Do I need a lawyer to buy a house?
A:
In most states, including, California, you do not need a lawyer to purchase a home. In some states a lawyer is required for some aspects of the deal, such as preparing the purchase documents, running a title search and closing.
Buying a house is a complex transaction and for most people the largest purchase they ever make, so having the help of an experienced real estate agent or lawyer who is familiar with the process is helpful. Real estate agents are generally paid by commission. The seller usually pays the commission to both the buyer and seller's agents. Lawyers are usually paid an hourly rate for this type of work.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
