when do you need a real estate lawyer and agent

Generally people hire an attorney if their real estate deal is anything outside a “vanilla transaction,” says Bryan Zuetel, a real estate attorney, broker, and agent in California’s Orange County. Here are a few reasons home buyers and sellers may want to hire an attorney. Reasons for buyers to hire an attorney You’re an out-of-town buyer.

Full Answer

When should you hire a real estate attorney?

Some experts, however, believe you should always hire a real estate attorney, no matter the circumstances. “It is an added level of protection for both sides in covering the seller and buyer for all items on the contract,” says Charlie Gallovitch of Real People Realty in Mokena, IL. “It is especially helpful for home inspection negotiations.

Do I need a real estate attorney when buying or selling?

In addition to hiring a real estate agent before buying or selling, most buyers also will consult with an inspector and pay for an appraiser. Another expert who can play a pivotal role in the transaction is a real estate attorney.

Can a real estate agent give legal advice?

On the other hand, real estate agents are not licensed to provide legal advice. This means they cannot answer a legal question, even if they know the answer, without breaking the law. An agent could potentially lose their real estate license if they tried to practice law.

What does a real estate lawyer do?

A real estate lawyer is licensed to practice law and specializes in real estate transactions. A real estate lawyer is familiar with all aspects of the home purchase process and can represent...

What an Agent Can Do For Your

While you are not required to engage a real estate agent in your real estate transaction, it is quite common for people to do so, and, depending on your state's real estate laws, a real estate agent may be able to handle most or all of the different aspects of your real estate transaction.

What an Attorney Can Do For Your

When particular legal issues or difficulties arise in the context of your real estate transaction that are beyond your real estate agent's capabilities, a real estate lawyer is the appropriate professional to handle your situation. The most common tasks that a lawyer can perform in a real estate transaction include:

Advantages of Using a Lawyer for Real Estate Transactions

The biggest advantage of using a lawyer in a real estate transaction is that the lawyer, unlike the real estate agent, has no financial incentive for the real estate transaction to be successful.

Why do you need a real estate agent?

One of the best reasons to hire a real estate agent is that the sellers are likely to use their own agent— and you want to keep that agent from taking over the process. In fact, the seller's agent might pressure you to let him or her represent both seller and buyer, in a " dual agency " relationship that primarily benefits the seller.

Is a real estate agent required to be a lawyer?

What the Law Says. Every state has its own set of real estate laws. For the most part, a real estate agent's help is not legally required, though agents can help you with tasks that border on legal ones, such as preparing a home purchase contract. In a few states, however, such as New York and Massachusetts, only a lawyer is allowed to prepare ...

Can a real estate agent answer a legal question?

However, legal issues might arise that your real estate agent can't answer. In that case, you'll need an attorney's help. Although good agents know a lot about the negotiating and contracting part of the process, they can't make judgments on legal questions. For example, what if your prospective new home has an illegal in-law unit ...

Do you need an attorney to buy real estate?

Except in states where it's mandated, an ordinary real estate transaction doesn't require an attorney's help. By now, real estate transactions are so standardized that most people in your state will use the exact same purchase contract, just filling in a few blanks.

Can a lawyer close a title search?

In a few states, however, such as New York and Massachusetts, only a lawyer is allowed to prepare the home purchase documents, perform a title search, and/or close the deal.

Do real estate agents get paid?

Real estate agents normally work on commission, not salary. They receive their slice only after your home search is over, the contract negotiated, and the transaction complete. (In many cases, they end up doing a lot of work for nothing, perhaps because the buyers lost interest or can't close the deal.)

What is a real estate lawyer?

A real estate lawyer is licensed to practice law and specializes in real estate transactions. A real estate lawyer is familiar with all aspects of the home purchase process and can represent buyers, sellers or lenders. In states where a lawyer is required to be present at closing, it’s possible that the lawyer is there solely to represent ...

Why is it important to have a lawyer in a negotiation?

This is important because when you’re in the middle of a potentially contentious negotiation that needs to be resolved quickly, you’ll want the lawyer to be available to advise you and negotiate with the other party.

What are some situations that are unusual and might require an attorney’s advice and negotiating skills?

Here are some situations that are unusual and might require an attorney’s advice and negotiating skills: You’re buying a home that is part of a special type of sale, such as an estate sale, short sale, auction or purchase from a bank. You’re purchasing a home that’s in another state.

What could affect the timeline for closing on a home?

Your timeline for closing on the property could be affected by the sale of your own home or issues largely outside of your control, such as unexpected lender delays. Inspection. A home inspection can uncover many problems, and a seller and buyer could end up negotiating on who will pay for repairs.

What is the most important document in the home sale process?

It can help you avoid potential problems down the line by making the contingencies as favorable to you as possible. The contract is the most important document in the home sale process, and it includes several negotiable issues. Some of the most important issues in the purchase contract involve: Timing. Your timeline for closing on the property ...

Can a lawyer review a purchase contract?

Although real estate agents usually play a central role in preparing purchase contracts, a lawyer could provide a review of the purchase contract terms. What’s more, real estate agents are generally limited to filling out contract templates, rather than drafting them from scratch.

Can a buyer withdraw from a contract without penalty?

In some cases the buyer—if the contract allows it —could withdraw from the contract without penalty. Title. A title search is routine before a purchase, and might turn up a lien on the property you’re selling or buying, which a lawyer can help investigate. A lawyer also could help ensure the title insurance on your new home adequately protects you ...

What is a real estate attorney?

A real estate attorney is someone who is licensed to practice real estate law, meaning they have the knowledge and experience to advise parties involved in a real estate transaction, such as a home sale.

Why do you need an attorney for a home purchase?

Here are a few reasons you might need or want an attorney to be part of your home buying team: State or lender requirement: Every state has slightly different laws regarding real estate transactions, and some states consider certain actions that are part of the process to be “practicing law.”. These regulations are often meant to prevent real ...

Who is in charge of closing a home?

In some cases, a real estate attorney is also the person who’ll be in charge of your closing. In a home purchase transaction, both the buyer and seller can hire an attorney to represent their interests during the process. Or, in the case where an attorney is overseeing a closing where the home is being purchased with a mortgage loan, ...

Is it legal to buy a home?

Buying a home isn’t just a simple purchase; it’s also a legal transfer of a property from one entity to another. Because the legal side of this transaction can be so complex, sometimes it makes sense (or is even required) for home buyers or sellers to enlist an attorney who can look out for their best interests.

Do you have to have an attorney at closing?

If your mortgage lender requires an attorney to be present at closing, whether the buyer or seller covers the cost of the closing attorney will depend on how your contract was negotiated. If you want your own attorney in addition to the one required by your lender, you’ll also pay for any services they provide you.

Why do you need an attorney for real estate?

An attorney helps you protect your investment and assets while ensuring you’re conducting your side of the transaction legally — which can prevent costly missteps. Real estate attorneys are required in many states, but even if you aren’t legally required to use an attorney while selling, it can be a good idea.

What is a real estate attorney?

Real estate attorneys help oversee home sales, from the moment the contract is signed through the negotiating period (aptly called the “attorney review”) to closing. A seller’s attorney reviews sales contracts, communicates terms in a professional manner and attends closings to prevent mishaps. Selling a home is a complex process ...

How much does a real estate attorney charge?

How much does a real estate attorney cost? How much you’ll pay for real estate attorney fees depends on your market and how involved they are in the transaction, but they typically charge a flat rate of $800 to $1,200 per transaction. Some attorneys charge hourly, ranging from $150 to $350 per hour.

What to do if you inherited a home?

An attorney can help you navigate the complexities. Estate sale: If you inherited the home you’re selling, hiring an attorney to sort through ownership documents can ease the burden, which is especially helpful when you’re grieving the loss of a family member.

Who is responsible for underwriting title insurance?

Title company: A representative of the title company is responsible for underwriting the title insurance and transferring the clean title of the home to the buyer.

Who hires an inspector to inspect a house?

Inspector: The inspector is hired by the buyer. Their job is to make sure the buyer knows about everything that may need to be repaired on the home. Sellers also sometimes hire an inspector to do a pre-inspection so they can make any necessary repairs before putting the house on the market.

Do you need an attorney for a closing?

In 21 states and the District of Columbia, attorneys are legally required as part of the closing process. Attorney-required states include: As a best practice, if the other party in your transaction has a lawyer representing them and supporting their best interests, you should too.

How much does a lawyer charge for a consultation?

While lawyers typically charge a few hundred dollars an hour, a brief consultation with a lawyer is generally the way to go. It's much better for a buyer to obtain true legal advice than to try to squeeze it out of their agent just because they don't want to pay a lawyer.

Can a buyer's agent give legal advice?

Remember this: It is not that the buyer's agent does not want to help, it's that they can't give legal advice. Additionally, if they violated the law and expressed a legal opinion, a buyer could not rely on it anyway.

Can a real estate agent answer legal questions?

Real estate agents are not licensed to provide legal advice and cannot answer legal questions, even if they know the answer, without breaking the law. It's much better for you as a buyer to get true legal advice than to try to squeeze it out of your agent just because you don't want to pay a lawyer.

Can a real estate agent sue a buyer?

However, real estate agents can't advise a buyer to sue the seller nor guarantee the deposit will be returned. If the agent knows the buyer's deposit is at risk, they might share a few situations about the way their past clients handled these matters.

Can a real estate agent answer a legal question, even if they know the answer, without breaking the law

On the other hand, real estate agents are not licensed to provide legal advice. This means they cannot answer a legal question, even if they know the answer, without breaking the law. Note. An agent could potentially lose their real estate license if they tried to practice law.

Can a real estate agent sue a buyer for a return of earnest money?

However, real estate agents can't advise a buyer to sue the seller nor guarantee the deposit will be returned.

What does a realtor do for me?

Real estate agents are trained professionals with years of experience they apply to get their clients the best deals.

How much does a realtor cost?

Real estate agents are paid in commission. They make a percentage of the home sale price.

Money-saving alternatives to selling a home without a realtor

If you’re looking to save money when selling your home, FSBO isn’t your only option. There are ways to save on commission while retaining the benefits of working with an agent.

Exceptions: When buying or selling a house without a realtor may be OK

Buying or selling a house without a realtor may be warranted in a few situations.

Bottom line: Do I need a real estate agent?

You’re not required to use a real estate agent to buy or sell a home. But if you want to maintain your sanity, it’s a good idea to work with one.

Related reading

How to Choose a Realtor – Don’t Sign a Contract Until You See This: Don’t know where to start when searching for a real estate agent? This handy guide will help you.

FAQs

No. But we recommend you use one. Knowledgeable real estate agents provide significant value to buyers.

How long does it take for an attorney to review a contract?

It’s wise to have an attorney review the terms of the contract during the three day attorney review period once the contracts are fully signed. During this time an attorney can cancel, or revise a contract on behalf of a home buyer or seller. Review of contract deadlines. Attorneys will also help keep track of important deadlines in ...

Can an attorney negotiate inspection terms?

Attorneys can help in negotiating acceptable inspection terms. Often a well drafted letter from an attorney can be more well received if it is coming from an attorney rather from an agent or home buyer or seller. Review of contract terms.

Can a real estate agent give legal advice?

Real estate agents can’t give legal advice. Real estate agents can go over the contingencies of a contract but they can’t give legal advice. Only an attorney can advise you on legal matter. Inspection Negotiations. Attorneys can help in negotiating acceptable inspection terms.

What does a real estate agent do?

A real estate agent can handle both the marketing and the transactional work. The agent negotiates the sales contract and also handles the exchange of disclosures , including timely completion of all required forms. As a result, many sellers don't hire an attorney for a sale of real estate in California.

What are the responsibilities of a real estate agent in California?

They simply help a seller set a price for a property and find a buyer, often scheduling open houses to show the property. The seller in these states hires an attorney to handle the closing paperwork.

What does a seller have to tell prospective buyers about a property?

California real estate law requires a seller to tell prospective buyers a lot about a property's condition, features, issues, defects, pest problems and, essentially, anything else he knows about the property that might influence a buyer to purchase or not to purchase.

What to ask a seller about when selling a house?

A seller must also ask about charges for associates, paralegals and miscellaneous costs. A property owner who is considering selling her own property without a real estate agent should also realize that a real estate attorney is not likely to have the same knowledge about the housing market in a particular neighborhood.

What is the highest duty a real estate agent can owe?

In California, a real estate agent owes her client a " fiduciary duty .". This is the highest duty one person can owe another under California law. It imposes on the agent the highest degree of loyalty and obligation to the client, requiring her to put the client's interest above her own.

What is commission for real estate?

Commissions for Real Estate Agents and Brokers. If a property owner wishes to use a real estate agent to sell his property, he will have to pay a commission from the amount of the sales price. A real estate agent earns her living by selling other peoples' property and taking a percentage of the sale price.

How many classes are required to take the real estate exam in California?

In order to sit for the California real estate licensing test, an applicant must have passed three college level classes. These classes must include both Real Estate Principles and Real Estate Practice. The applicant can choose the third class from a list of about a dozen approved classes.