Should You Hire a Real Estate Attorney?

Here’s a question posed by many individuals seeking a Florida home loan:

Q: I am in the process of purchasing a new home in South Florida. My real estate agent told me that I do not need an attorney. Can you tell me if there are any advantages to hiring an attorney when purchasing a home?

A: Because the purchase of your home may involve your largest asset, we would recommend hiring an attorney. First, there are many legal and title issues that can arise. An attorney can explain the effects of different ways of holding title, counsel you regarding financial options, make sure no title defects exist, review zoning ordinances and building-use restrictions.

If you plan to purchase property in an association, an attorney can advise you on the restrictions of the governing documents of that association. The underuse of Florida real estate lawyers has been an issue for awhile, one we’d love to see corrected. Hiring an attorney can only protect your financial interests when it comes to agreeing on terms for a Florida home loan.