Do I need a real estate lawyer?

[Anonymous]

I have been conditionally approved for a guaranteed USDA loan. My wife is from Canada and says that using a real estate lawyer is standard practice when buying a house. This is my first house purchase - do I need a lawyer? I am in Ohio.

[Lel]

No. 

[BrianB_The_Loan_Professor]

Depends on the state I would ask your loan agent and see what they say

If there is a title company handling the transaction an attorney probably isnt needed

B

[Anonymous]

Just an update. My LO said that no lawyer was required. Thanks for the replies.

[SonorityGenius]

In NJ, we needed a lawyer, and she did EVERYTHING!  - picked out title, sorted out deed stuff, survey, closing docs prep, HUD 1, everything.. she added 4-5 different "Riders" to our contract and negotiated with the sellers' atty

It was worth every penny knowing that a licenced attorney is reviewing ALL docs, signing off and making sure title is clear and deed is recorded the right way.

I know many states do not require one, but if you can budget them in, they'e well worth it.

[stpn2me]

negotiated with the sellers' atty

If the seller has an atty, why shouldnt you?

[GregB]

Everything varies by State in the US and of course varies even more in a different country.

Different procedures for different laws.