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By John R. Merlino Jr. Esq.
Founding Attorney

Buying a home is an exciting, and often stressful, time! For many, purchasing a home may very well be the single biggest purchase they make in a lifetime. In addition to the financial investment, there is also a significant emotional investment in buying a home, a place where many hope to build memories for years to come. Because of all of the energy, emotions, and money that can go into finding and buying the right home for you and your family, it can be best that you do whatever you can to protect your interests throughout the process. A dedicated real estate attorney can prove invaluable to the home buying process for a number of reasons, which we will detail here.

Buying a Home? Reasons Why You Should Hire a Real Estate Attorney

First and foremost, it should be said that New York actually requires an attorney to execute certain parts of the home buying process. While many states have no such requirements, New York, as well as Massachusetts, does. In New York and Massachusetts certain steps that need to be taken during the home buying process are considered to be practicing law. These steps include preparing home purchase documents as well as performing title searches and closing the real estate deal. The laws requiring attorneys for real estate purchases are meant to prevent real estate agents from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.

On top of the fact that New York requires a lawyer to perform certain acts incident to the buying of a home, having a real estate attorney by your side throughout this process has other benefits. The complexities that arise when buying a home can be both surprising and stressful. A real estate attorney has the experience and knowledge base to help you resolve some questions that you may not be prepared for. There could be complex property issues pertaining to a home you want to purchase. Perhaps you want to discuss and negotiate the ability to rent the home for an extended time prior to purchase. The details of such an agreement can be effectively memorialized by a real estate attorney. There may also be some other kinds of complex contractual issues associated with the purchase of a home. A real estate attorney can help protect your interests in such situations.

At the end of the day, a real estate attorney can provide you with peace of mind during the home buying process. Peace of mind can feel in short supply during this time and so this is a huge added benefit of retaining counsel. With such a big purchase happening, you want to help ensure that things go as they should and that you are not entering a path rife with land mines you could step on in the future.

New York Real Estate Attorneys

Get the trusted legal counsel you need for your home buying endeavor. The real estate team at Merlino & Gonzalez want to help you navigate the rough waters of real estate buying so that you can get the house you have always dreamed of. Contact us today.

About the Author
John is a fierce advocate and the office guru for problem-solving and brainstorming. He guides clients through every stage of a real estate transaction from offer to contract, navigating through nerve-shattering home inspection and title clearance concerns, maintaining constant contact with lenders, conducting the actual closing, and continuing to advise clients with regard to any post-closing concerns.  John brings a practical and fair-minded approach to the process which has earned him the respect of his clients and peers.