How did your attorney help you ?

Question

I have yet to do my first deal and I recall reading in one of the bigger pockets books that on the west coast they typically use title companies and on the East Coast they use attorneys for closing. I reached out to a family member to discover what their process was for closing (regular home, not investment ) and they mentioned that even though they use the title company they actually had used an attorney as well. I asked what the attorney's purpose was and how they helped them.
His reply was "well I didn't have any questions and he didn't even show up he sent a substitute on the day of the closing." So I asked why he even had an attorney at all? He told me, "well I never bought a house before and you never know what might come up so I figured it would be helpful." Like... Um? Waste of money?

When I purchase my first deal, do I actually need an attorney or can i just use a title company?

Has your attorney actually helped you? Any good stories?

Joe P. · Answer

Typically you do not need an attorney. I might have one for a deal that isn't MLS-based to cover anything I'm not thinking of, but my deals have all been on the MLS and so obtaining financing, insurance, title, etc., is all "part of the process".

I wouldn't overthink your first investment especially if you can part with the dollars on the down payment. Just need to "do it".

Sherry McQuage · Answer

In NC, you have to have an attorney.  They do the title search (yes, they use a title company), create the deed, handle the invoices (paid repairs to property get credited to either seller or buyer), and conduct the closing and deed recording.

I've heard it works differently in other states.  In NC, attorneys are just a required part of closing on a property.