Technically, you don’t need a lawyer during the home buying process if everything goes smoothly with the seller and your realtor. If the process doesn’t go well, it’s usually due to a disconnect between what the buyer expects and what happens after they sign the contract. For example, in order to secure their chances of selling a property, a realtor may purposefully withhold displeasing information about the house from a buyer.
Even if your realtor is trustworthy, though, an honest mistake may happen. Disconnects between a buyer and realtor could be the product of circumstance or lack of experience. That’s why you should always examine the terms of a contract and bring up any questions you have. If you are uncertain about the terms of a contract, be sure to consult with a real estate attorney before you sign the contract — you don’t want to be surprised by any information after you sign a binding document.