Q: I am in the process of selling a property and I have been advised to get a Real Estate Lawyer. Do I need one?
Why do I need one?
How much will it cost?
How quickly can I obtain a Lawyer?
A: You do not always need a real estate attorney when selling property - it depends on your particular circumstances. You can search for real estate attorneys in the Find a Lawyer section of this site.
A:
Simple real estate purchases, like those of a private home, are commonly completed without legal representation. The real estate agents and bankers are familiar with the contracts and if there is nothing complex it often works fine. To be clear though, none of those "experts" are lawyers and none of them have the same duties of advocacy, koyaty and confidentiality as a lawyer.
If there are complexities, like easement or water rights, etc. the it is more reason to have a lawyer help to be sure all is done correctly. Also if the financing is something other that a bank loan, such as owner financing or a family loan.
Lawyers should be willing and able to quote you a fixed fee for handling the transaction. How much that will be depends on the complexity. If you just want a lawyer to look over the documents, explain them to you and give you advice and guidance through a home purchase that should be a set fee under $1000. If they need to write up new documents, research title issues and so on, the fee would be higher.
It should not take more than a day or two to locate and hire a lawyer.
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