Real estate attorneys can be a valuable resource for anyone buying a home.

A real estate attorney is, by definition, one who focuses on real estate transactions. Some specialize in particular types of real estate, such as commercial leases, investment property, residential rentals, or single-family home transactions. If you’ll be working with a real estate attorney, make sure you find one who specializes in helping buyers with their residential real estate transactions: drawing up or approving contracts, researching title, reviewing homeowner association rules, assisting with the closing, and the like.

Do You Need to Hire a Real Estate Attorney When You Buy a House?
In several states, including New York, real estate attorneys are a regular part of the homebuying process, either by law or practice.  Your real estate agent should be able to explain the role of attorneys in your state. You can also check with your state bar association; find yours on the American Bar Association’s website. Your state real estate commission or department may also be useful; find yours on your state’s home page available at USA.gov.

Even in states where it isn’t a legal requirement (or practice) to hire an attorney when you buy a house, a complex transaction may need an attorney’s assistance. If you don’t use an attorney and the transaction later goes awry, you’ll still have to hire one, at much greater time and cost. Better to work with a lawyer to structure a deal, not salvage it.