{"id":28835,"date":"2021-12-30T12:26:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-30T20:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=28835"},"modified":"2024-04-23T17:07:03","modified_gmt":"2024-04-24T00:07:03","slug":"buyer-lawyer-cost-for-buying-a-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-lawyer-cost-for-buying-a-house\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need a Lawyer to Buy a House (And How Much Does That Cost)?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Buying a house is a pretty big deal. If you work with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-buyers-agent\/\">buyer\u2019s agent,<\/a> you\u2019ll sign a contract. When you make an offer to buy a house, you\u2019ll sign and initial contracts for each offer, and when one is accepted, it\u2019s now officially a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-real-estate-contract\/\">purchase agreement<\/a>, which becomes a legal document. At some point, you might ask yourself: Should a lawyer be involved?<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/agents\/matt-laricy-il-mlaricyamericorprecom\">Matt Laricy<\/a> is a top agent in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/chicago-il\/top-real-estate-agents\">Chicago<\/a>, completing 41% more sales than the average agent in his area. He says that: \u201cIn my market, the contract is everything. You can\u2019t even make an offer until you\u2019ve put it on a contract.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The contracts you sign are legally binding, and failure to comply with their terms could result in forfeiting your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-earnest-money\/\">earnest money<\/a> \u2014 or even in a lawsuit. Which is why, if you live in certain states, you\u2019re required to have a lawyer oversee the process. And even in other states where it\u2019s not required, you still might want a lawyer involved, depending on your situation.<\/p>\n<p>Wondering what, if anything, you need to do? Here\u2019s an overview of what a real estate lawyer does, when you\u2019ll need one, and what it will cost you to use one.<\/p>\n<section class=\"building-block bb-type-default bb-agent-quote bg-none\" id=\"bb-1\"><div class=\"body block\"><div class=\"container-fluid\"><div class=\"block-content\">            <blockquote class=\"post-blockquote\">\n                <q>In my market, the contract is everything. You can\u2019t even make an offer until you\u2019ve put it on a contract.<\/q>\n                                    <div class=\"contributors\">\n                        <ul class=\"list\">\n                            <li>\n                                <div class=\"inner\">\n                                    <div class=\"opener\">\n                                        <div class=\"avatar\">\n                                                                                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.homelight.com\/uploads\/agent\/picture\/2760652\/cab8c224-ecd9-427a-b565-be2cd8d24d96.png?width=121\" alt=\"Matt Laricy\">\n                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"info\">\n                                            <strong>Matt Laricy<\/strong>\n                                            <span>Real Estate Agent<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n\n                                    <div class=\"contributors-detail-modal\">\n                                        <div class=\"holder\">\n                                            <a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-close close\">\n                                                <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Close<\/span>\n                                            <\/a>\n                                            <div class=\"top\">\n                                                <div class=\"avatar\">\n                                                                                                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/media.homelight.com\/uploads\/agent\/picture\/2760652\/cab8c224-ecd9-427a-b565-be2cd8d24d96.png?width=121\" alt=\"Matt Laricy\">\n                                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <div class=\"info\">\n                                                    <strong>Matt Laricy<\/strong>\n                                                                                                            <span>Real Estate Agent at Americorp Real Estate<\/span>\n                                                                                                        <div class=\"rating\">\n                                                                                                                    <span>5.0<\/span>\n                                                            <ul class=\"star-list inline-list\">\n                                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ccprototypev5\/images\/star-solid.svg\" width=\"16\" alt=\"star\">\n                                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ccprototypev5\/images\/star-solid.svg\" width=\"16\" alt=\"star\">\n                                                                    <\/li>\n                                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ccprototypev5\/images\/star-solid.svg\" width=\"16\" alt=\"star\">\n                                                                    <\/li>\n                                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                                                                                     <\/div>\n                                                                                                            <span class=\"note\">Currently accepting new clients<\/span>\n                                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                            <\/div>\n                                                                                            <div class=\"btm\">\n                                                    <ul class=\"exp-list inline-list\">\n                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                <span>Years of Experience<\/span>\n                                                                <strong>24<\/strong>\n                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                <span>Transactions<\/span>\n                                                                <strong>6524<\/strong>\n                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                <span>Average Price Point<\/span>\n                                                                <strong>$476k<\/strong>\n                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                                                                    <li>\n                                                                <span>Condominiums<\/span>\n                                                                <strong>4357<\/strong>\n                                                            <\/li>\n                                                                                                            <\/ul>\n                                                <\/div>\n                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                            <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/blockquote>\n        <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<h2>Do I need a lawyer to buy a house?<\/h2>\n<p>Not only is a home a large financial purpose, but the clauses in your purchase agreement and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-mortgage-agreement\/\">mortgage agreement<\/a> also can greatly impact your future. This is why, in almost half of states, an attorney has to at least be present at closing \u2014 if not actively overseeing the deal.<\/p>\n<p>Which states require a lawyer to be present at closing?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Alabama<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Connecticut<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Delaware<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Florida<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Georgia<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Kansas<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Kentucky<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Maine<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Maryland<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Massachusetts<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Mississippi<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">New Hampshire<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">New Jersey<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">New York<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">North Dakota<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Pennsylvania<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Rhode Island<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">South Carolina<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Vermont<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Virginia<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">Washington, D.C.<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">West Virginia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The theory goes that, if you have any questions about the many legally binding documents you sign, the lawyer can answer them.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.spectorfoerst.com\/doni_landy.php\">Doni R. Feinberg <\/a>is a real estate lawyer with more than 20 years of experience in New York and New Jersey, both states that require a lawyer present at closing. She thinks that \u201cit\u2019s important to have legal representation when you\u2019re making a big-ticket purchase \u2014 which is also something that most people don\u2019t really understand.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Lawyers represent the buyer&#8217;s best interests, explain the process to them, and also make sure that the title is clean. In some states, you could have three attorneys involved \u2014 the buyer\u2019s attorney, the seller\u2019s attorney, and the mortgage lender\u2019s attorney \u2014 in a purchase and sale.<\/p>\n<p>In other states, you may hire a lawyer to help with parts of the real estate transaction, but state law doesn\u2019t require that they attend the closing. Typically, another professional party handles the closing and other parts of the deal.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_28838\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28838\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-4.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-4-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"a wooden gravel used to resemble the lawyer cost for buying a house the\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-4-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-4-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-4-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-4-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-4-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-4-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-4.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-28838\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (Tingey Injury Law Firm \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>What will a lawyer do in the transaction?<\/h2>\n<p>How a lawyer can help, and what they\u2019ll do in the purchase transaction, depends on your state. In states that require their help, the lawyer typically reviews the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-real-estate-contract\/\">purchase agreement<\/a>, handles the title review, and oversees the closing.<\/p>\n<p>A purchase agreement is a legally binding document that spells out the terms of the purchase: everything from what you\u2019re paying for the house to other legal responsibilities you may have. It could include important contingencies \u2014 like a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-home-inspection-cost\/\">home inspection<\/a> \u2014 and the timeline to get them done.<\/p>\n<p>In other states, agents handle writing up the purchase agreement. And the agent will also handle negotiations with the seller if (for example) an issue emerges during the home inspection, or the appraisal comes in low.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important that this contract has all the boxes checked. According to Laricy, \u201cin a super-competitive marketplace, if your contract is incomplete or not done correctly, the (other agent) is going to assume you don\u2019t understand the business and may never even call you back.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If the sellers are looking at five offers, and yours is incomplete, whereas the other offers are strong, the listing agent is likely going to advise those sellers to pick someone (maybe <i>anyone<\/i>) else.<\/p>\n<p>During the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-what-is-a-property-title-search\/\">title review<\/a>, the lawyer \u2014 or title company, in states where lawyers aren\u2019t required \u2014 ensures that the title has no pre-existing claims or liens against it.<\/p>\n<p>The title spells out the legal ownership of the property; without a clear title, the seller can\u2019t legally transfer ownership to you. A lawyer or title company can also check for any deed restrictions limiting the property\u2019s use, in addition to any easements that might grant other parties the right to use part of your land.<\/p>\n<p>During one <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/title-searches\/\">title review<\/a>, Feinberg requested a survey and found that half of the swimming pool on the seller\u2019s property was actually on their neighbor\u2019s property. The buyers she was representing talked to the neighbor about getting an easement \u2014 but they also went to the seller and got a credit at closing in case they needed to move the pool.<\/p>\n<p>As she puts it, \u201cA lot of different things can come up in terms of property and in terms of title.\u201d As a real estate lawyer, she knew how to read a survey and helped the buyer identify the issue <i>before<\/i> closing.<\/p>\n<p>The escrow or title company usually handles the transfer of ownership. They\u2019ll manage documents and hold your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/how-to-protect-earnest-money\/\">earnest money<\/a> \u2014 and possibly your down payment \u2014 in an escrow account.<\/p>\n<p>The title company, a notary, or a lawyer will oversee the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-closing-on-a-house-checklist\/\">closing<\/a>. The closing could be held at the title company or lawyer\u2019s office, with your agent present. The lawyer will ensure that everything is filled out correctly and all the paperwork is in order, and then will witness your signatures. A lawyer will also draft the settlement statement, which spells out all the costs of the sale, in states where this is part of their duties.<\/p>\n<p>They could also write the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/deed-vs-title\/\">deed, which includes a description of the property and identifies the grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) for a particular transaction. Both buyer and seller must sign the deed <\/a>before it\u2019s recorded with the county. In some states, you can\u2019t take possession of your new home until the county records the deed.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_28839\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28839\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-2.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-2-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-2-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-2-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-2-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-2-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-2-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-2-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-2.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-28839\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (Lauren Sauder\/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>When else might you want to hire a lawyer?<\/h2>\n<p>There are some circumstances when you might want to hire a lawyer even if it\u2019s not required. Not all home purchases follow the traditional path of buy and sell.<\/p>\n<p>If it\u2019s a \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/what-is-fsbo\/\">for sale by owner<\/a>\u201d (FSBO) situation, it\u2019s a wise idea to get a lawyer involved. Anytime there\u2019s not an agent involved on either side of the transaction, it increases your risk. A lawyer can review the seller\u2019s documents, including any seller\u2019s disclosures, to be sure they\u2019ve been filled out and recorded correctly. They can also review or prepare the purchase agreement if you\u2019ve decided not to use an agent.<\/p>\n<p>Another tricky home purchase is if you\u2019re buying the house with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-whats-the-catch-with-rent-to-own-homes\/\">rent-to-own contract<\/a>. With a rent-to-own, you\u2019re putting down money on the house when you move in, and a portion of your monthly rent payment usually goes toward the future home purchase. At some point in the next couple of years, you\u2019ll purchase the home. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-is-rent-to-own-a-good-idea\/\">rent-to-own<\/a> scenario is common in situations where the buyer doesn\u2019t quite have the credit score or down payment to buy the house outright.<\/p>\n<p>But a lot can go wrong if the contract isn\u2019t airtight. For example \u2014 does it specify what will happen if you can\u2019t qualify for a mortgage and buy the home? If something breaks, who\u2019s responsible for fixing it? This is one situation where you\u2019d be very wise to have a lawyer look over the contract.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve agreed to a dual agency situation \u2014 one agent representing both you and the seller \u2014 then an extra set of eyes will likely benefit you. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/dual-agency-is-illegal-in-some-states\/\">Dual agency is illegal in some states<\/a> because the agent could be incentivized to behave unethically to maximize their commission. If it\u2019s allowed where you live, consider having a lawyer review the purchase agreement to ensure that it\u2019s fair and reasonable.<\/p>\n<p>You also might want to involve a lawyer if the house you\u2019re buying has some kind of existing tricky legal situation. This could include a tenant who doesn\u2019t want to leave, easement or title issues, or in short sale or foreclosure situations.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/tenant-rights-when-house-is-for-sale\/\">Tenant\u2019s rights laws<\/a> could prevent you from evicting an existing tenant \u2014 even if you intend to live in the home yourself \u2014 and force you to honor the existing lease. An easement or title issue could delay the home\u2019s closing, and you may not want to buy a house if someone else has the right to access your property at any time (for example, to use a path for beach access).<\/p>\n<p>Both foreclosures and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-short-sale\/\">short sales<\/a> have additional legal complications in the transaction that could be risky for you as a buyer. When dealing with a bank-owned property, \u201cIt\u2019s important for buyers to be guided by counsel,\u201d Feinberg says.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCounsel evaluates the title to make sure they\u2019re getting a clear title, helps the buyers obtain title insurance, and educates them on all of their rights.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>If you were only working with a title company, not a lawyer, be aware that a title company is an impartial entity that represents neither the buyer nor the seller \u2026 so you won\u2019t have a representative looking out for your best interests.<\/p>\n<p>She adds that properties owned by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/selling-parents-home-after-death\/\">estates<\/a> that go into foreclosure can get tricky because the buyers have to make sure they\u2019re buying the title clear of any estate tax liens. The estate might have failed to pay property taxes, or it might have additional tax liens (or other claims) against it.<\/p>\n<p>Without a lawyer performing due diligence, \u201cThere could be a lien on the property that you wouldn\u2019t know about,\u201d says Laricy. \u201cYou could close on the property and find out there\u2019s a $200,000 fee you have to pay.\u201d In his market, he sells primarily condos, and in those cases, there could be back assessments due to the building association.<\/p>\n<p>When dealing with the intersection of estate law, trusts, and foreclosures, you want a lawyer to guide you through the process. Basically, anytime your home purchase has an unusual element to it, it\u2019s wise to consider bringing in a lawyer.<\/p>\n<h2>What\u2019s the lawyer cost for buying a house?<\/h2>\n<p>The cost of using a lawyer\u2019s services in buying a house is really going to vary depending on where you live! It\u2019s also going to depend on the transaction\u2019s complexity \u2014 it will take them more time to review documents and clear the title if you\u2019re buying a foreclosure or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-good-to-buy-short-sale-house\/\">short sale<\/a>, for example.<\/p>\n<p>Lawyers will charge either a flat rate for handling an entire transaction, or they will charge by the hour. In New Jersey, Feinburg says that a flat fee between $1,500 and $2,000 is the norm, or an hourly rate between $350 and $550 \u2014 but in New York, those fees are often double.<\/p>\n<p>You may either pay those fees out of pocket or roll them into your closing costs.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re unsure if a lawyer\u2019s quoted fee or rate is fair, ask your agent or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-what-is-a-mortgage-broker\/\">mortgage broker<\/a> what\u2019s standard in your area. Because they handle multiple transactions monthly, they probably have a good feel for the going rate.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_28840\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-28840\" style=\"width: 700px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-3.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"666\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-3-666x381.png\" class=\"attachment-content size-content\" alt=\"a laptop used for researching lawyer costs for buying a house\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-3-666x381.png 666w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-3-64x37.png 64w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-3-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-3-192x110.png 192w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-3-432x247.png 432w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-3-500x286.png 500w, https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/BODY-3.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 666px) 100vw, 666px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-28840\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: (Nathana Rebou\u00e7as \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Where can I find a lawyer for buying a house?<\/h2>\n<p>Agents and lenders handle hundreds of real estate transactions annually. Over time, they\u2019ll learn which attorneys are thorough and professional. They likely have a list of names and numbers they can give you, so don\u2019t be afraid to ask for recommendations!<\/p>\n<p>Friends and family who\u2019ve bought and sold houses might also have a lawyer or legal firm they can recommend. Ask for suggestions online or in the group text.<\/p>\n<p>While you can also lookup potential lawyers via an internet search or the state bar website, take the time to read their online reviews or ask them for references. After all, they\u2019ll be overseeing a transaction worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n<p>Laricy thinks a lawyer is worth it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA house is one of the largest assets ever purchased in your lifetime,\u201d and a lawyer can help ensure that you\u2019re protected \u00a0 \u2014 \u201cat a relatively cheap cost.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><em>Header image Source: (Zac Gudakov \/ Unsplash)<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you live in certain states, you\u2019re required to have a lawyer oversee the homebuying process. Here\u2019s a breakdown of the lawyer cost for buying a house.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":153,"featured_media":28837,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[192,703,646],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28835","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-buyers","category-legal-tax","category-making-offers"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What\u2019s the Lawyer Cost for Buying a House (And Do You Need One)?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you live in certain states, you\u2019re required to have a lawyer oversee the homebuying process. Here\u2019s a breakdown of the lawyer cost for buying a house.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/buyer-lawyer-cost-for-buying-a-house\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Do I Need a Lawyer to Buy a House (And How Much Does That Cost)?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you live in certain states, you\u2019re required to have a lawyer oversee the homebuying process. 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