Pennsylvania: Real Estate Attorney Necessary?

Question

I'm a new investor, looking for my first purchase in the  Philadelphia area. To my surprise, a real estate attorney is not needed to sign a contract or close on a property. I'm aware it's recommended to have one. I'm also aware Pennsylvania has the standard agreement for the sale of real estate. So how necessary is it to have an attorney if I'm simply purchasing a single family home?

Chris K. · Answer

@Jason Morris

You can probably get by without an attorney. I would say use either a real-estate agent or an attorney depending on the situation. You can also use both but you typically don't need both for a single family purchase (unless there are some complicated issues).

Disclaimer: While I’m an attorney licensed to practice in PA, I’m not your attorney. What I wrote above does not create an attorney/client relationship between us. I wrote the above for informational purposes. Do not rely on it for legal advice. Always consult with your attorney before you rely on the above information.

Ethan Giller · Answer

Neither a real estate attorney nor a real estate agent is required, but if it's your first purchase in the area then having a real estate agent assisting with the transaction will make the process much easier.

Jason Morris · Answer

@Ethan Giller @Chris K. @Mike McCarthy Thanks. Just the answers I was looking for. I am working with a real estate agent, but coming from a state that requires attorneys, I just always thought attorneys were necessary in buying property. I didnt know other state's did it different.

Mike McCarthy · Answer

@Jason Morris a good (decent?) tea estate agent will be able to work through 90% of all sales/closings in PA. Unless there’s something very abnormal, they can handle it (along with the closing title company).

It threw me for a loop the first time too coming from NJ.

Pennsylvania: Real Estate Attorney Necessary?

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