Forum
« Did you use a broker? Or go it alone? Housing for Orthodox Jews coming to Williamsburg? »
December 22, 2007
If you're a lawyer do you need one?
I'm a first-time buyer looking mostly at coops and wondering about what role the buyer's attorney plays in the closing process. From what I've heard, deals involve three attorneys: seller, bank, and buyer. Since I am a lawyer (albeit one with zero real estate experience), I was wondering if I could represent myself or whether it would be a foolish thing to do.
Comments
If you can ask this question you're probably NOT one of those lawyers who give your profession a bad reputation by acting like graduating from law school makes you an expert on all fields of human endeavor. You certainly could represent yourself, but discounting specialized experience might be kind of costly.
Posted by: Bob Marvin at December 22, 2007 10:47 PM
It is a fool who has himself for a client
Get a good real estate lawyer who is knowledgable.
Sellers are tricky folks and so are their real estate lawyers.
Why do you want to be at a disadvantage?
Posted by: Ysabelle at December 22, 2007 10:51 PM
As a lawyer myself, I used a real estate attorney to buy and sell. Basically, as in any form of law, there are specific things a good real estate lawyer will know to add to the contract - rocket science? no, but if it isn't your area, you don't know those things. Would I have been ok without those clauses? Yes, if nothing went wrong. I was happy to pay someone, though.
Posted by: guest at December 23, 2007 1:18 AM
I think you posted the all the stupid posts from the termite post on down. Please get a life.
Posted by: guest at December 23, 2007 2:32 AM
you don't need a lawyer you need a shrink.
Posted by: guest at December 23, 2007 2:34 AM
I'm an attorney too, but I save a few bucks for a big risk in real estate.
Posted by: slick at December 23, 2007 3:02 AM
Considering the big buck that lawyers have, why not spend a lille and use the services of a real estate lawyer?
Posted by: guest at December 23, 2007 1:57 PM
haven't you guys heard? lawyers are basically paupers now compared to hedge fund managers.
they lower middle class. i don't blame them for cutting corners.
Posted by: guest at December 23, 2007 4:10 PM

Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.