Do you need a lawyer to buy a house in Maryland?
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.
How to be careful and smart with purchase agreements
Realtors serve a vital function, but they may not understand the legal complexities of a home purchase contract. Although most realtors do not set out to create problems, the contracts they and the home buyer sign can create problems in future.
Although you don’t have to hire a lawyer if you plan to purchase a home in Maryland, you should consider doing so if:
- You are a first-time homebuyer
- The home purchase agreement is confusing or difficult to understand
- You lack confidence in the realtor
- You are planning on purchasing an expensive property.
Most contractual problems can be avoided with proper legal assistance. If you hire an experienced Maryland real estate lawyer to review your contract before you sign, the chance that you will run into a problem is greatly reduced.