{"id":369298,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:20","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/legal-help-resources\/using-real-estate-attorney.html"},"modified":"2026-10-05T12:44:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T17:44:35","slug":"using-real-estate-attorney","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/legal-help-resources\/using-real-estate-attorney.html","title":{"rendered":"How Can Using a Real Estate Attorney Help?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">How Can Using a Real Estate Attorney Help?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/robert-rafii-esq\/\">Robert Rafii, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            October 05, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>A real estate attorney can review the details of a property and agreement to protect your financial interests during a transaction.<\/li>\n<li>You can consult a lawyer about land use and zoning laws, property defects, disputes with a homeowner&#8217;s association, and other problems.<\/li>\n<li>An attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes when buying or selling your home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<p>Homebuyers, property owners, and tenants may try to cut costs by not hiring an attorney for their real estate transactions. However,\u00a0residential real estate players may want to learn\u00a0about the benefits of a lawyer.<\/p>\n<p>This article provides information on what to look for when hiring a real estate attorney. It explores the circumstances in which you may need one and the advantages they can provide. When you&#8217;re ready to get an attorney&#8217;s advice, you can use FindLaw&#8217;s database to compare <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">real estate lawyers near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Why Hire a Real Estate Attorney?<\/h2>\n<p>Many scenarios call for the guidance of a legal professional. For example, say you&#8217;re about to enter a real estate contract for the first time. You have no one to advise you except maybe a Realtor. The real estate deal may be for a home purchase or some other type of real estate. Or you may be a tenant or landlord about to sign a land use contract.<\/p>\n<p>Real estate issues usually concern high costs and investments. An eviction case or a boundary dispute can present expensive risks. A real estate purchase will cost big, especially after tacking on fees for the title company, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/closing-and-continuing-costs.html\">closing costs<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/property-tax-basics.html\">property taxes<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The last thing on your mind might be to spend more money having someone review legal documents. Before asking what a real estate attorney costs, you wonder what a real estate attorney can do.<\/p>\n<p>A trained mind with years of experience might help you avoid potentially costly mistakes. They can address your specific legal questions.<\/p>\n<p>Real estate attorneys can also:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Talk to\u00a0title insurance about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/what-does-title-mean.html\">title searches<\/a> to spot legal issues\u00a0with ownership<\/li>\n<li>Communicate with mortgage lenders to make sure there are no\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/foreclosure.html\">liens, foreclosures, or short sales<\/a>\u00a0threatening a property<\/li>\n<li>Explain any\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/owning-a-home\/ccrs.html\">covenants or legal conditions<\/a> running with real property<\/li>\n<li>Make sure all parties to a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate.html\">real estate transaction<\/a>\u00a0obey relevant laws<\/li>\n<li>Provide\u00a0legal advice to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law.html\">homeowners\/landlords and tenants<\/a> about a lease<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>While a lawyer is not a foolproof warranty against legal issues worsening, having a legal expert on your side reduces the chance of problems.<\/p>\n<h2>What if You Need Help With Real Estate Disputes?<\/h2>\n<p>A real estate lawyer can resolve problems between neighbors, the city, and contractors. For example, suppose there is a confusing\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/land-use-laws\/land-use-and-zoning-basics.html\">zoning law<\/a> affecting your neighborhood. A zoning law may limit what you can build on your property. Your neighbors might think your construction violates municipal codes.<\/p>\n<p>Your attorney can try to keep the peace as much as possible. If that becomes impossible, they&#8217;ll review laws and codes to strengthen your argument that you&#8217;re in the right.<\/p>\n<h2>Do You Need a Lawyer When Buying or Selling a House?<\/h2>\n<p>For most people, a house is the largest purchase they will ever make. It requires a certain amount of legal know-how, which most real estate agents have to some degree. Depending on where you live, you may be able to work with a lawyer who is certified in real estate law.<\/p>\n<p>While you don&#8217;t necessarily need a lawyer for the buying or selling process, they may provide valuable legal advice for navigating the real estate issues you face. They can review the real estate purchase agreement and other legal documents for your legal protection. Your attorney can also provide advice on your legal obligations under your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/legal-help-resources\/state-property-real-estate-laws.html\">state&#8217;s real estate laws<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Legal Assistance With the Purchase Agreement<\/h2>\n<p>In real estate terms, the purchase agreement is the formal written contract for the sale. Entering into a contract obligates its signers to certain fiduciary and legal obligations, so it&#8217;s crucial to make sure you understand what you&#8217;re signing. For example, you may be presented with a purchase agreement that makes you liable for a brokerage commission even without a final sale. These types of oversights may occur when a real estate agent uses standard forms that fail to account for special circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>If you don&#8217;t have a real estate agent,\u00a0having your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/why-you-need-a-lawyer-when-buying-a-house.html\">purchase agreement carefully reviewed<\/a> by a real estate attorney\u00a0is especially important. Even those with agents may want to have a lawyer glance at the documentation. There are many moving parts to a house transaction, so (for example) you may not be thinking about the tax consequences of the sale when you&#8217;re finalizing it.<\/p>\n<p>Real estate attorneys can help you answer countless questions about the purchase agreement, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Were all additions and alterations done legally and in compliance with <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/building-code.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">code<\/a>?<\/li>\n<li>If you are the buyer and want to make changes to the property, can they be done lawfully?<\/li>\n<li>How should the discovery of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-laws-and-regulations\/what-is-hazardous-waste.html\">hazardous waste<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/termite-bonds-and-termite-letters.html\">termites<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/asbestos-in-the-home-liability-and-lawsuits.html\">asbestos<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/renting-buying-or-renovating-a-pre-1978-home.html\">lead-based paint<\/a> be handled?<\/li>\n<li>What are the legal consequences if the sale is not finalized? What about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/mortgages-equity-loans\/finding-a-home-loan-down-payment.html\">down payment<\/a>?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Legal Help for Landlords<\/h2>\n<p>Since the relationship between landlord and tenant is legal and may last for years, it&#8217;s important that landlords work with attorneys. Landlords who don&#8217;t believe they have any particular questions will want to meet with an attorney before they start renting.<\/p>\n<p>An attorney can review the landlord&#8217;s policies and lease agreement language to ensure they are within the legal boundaries. Similarly, homebuyers should at least have a lawyer they may occasionally consult. If you are buying or selling a home or need help as a landlord, you may want to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact a real estate attorney<\/a>. Some lawyers will even work for a flat fee rather than charging you hourly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path 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1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p 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was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    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class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Many real estate processes can be handled on your own or with the help of a realtor\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex real estate issues (such as construction defects or illegal landlord actions) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or mortgage loan issues can benefit from legal expertise. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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