Buying a Home · Straight answer from Kathleen
Do I need a real estate attorney in Massachusetts?
In practice, yes. Massachusetts closings are conducted by attorneys and most lenders require one, so virtually every home purchase here includes legal representation for the buyer.
Also answered on this page
- Why does Massachusetts require an attorney at closing?
Your attorney reviews the purchase and sale agreement, catches anything unusual in the title or condo documents, and handles the legal steps at the closing table. It is not an extra you can safely skip in this state.
You will typically work with the attorney from the offer forward: they review the agreement before you sign, and they are your advocate if issues arise during the inspection or financing period.
A good buyer's attorney and a good buyer's agent are a team. I work alongside yours so the process stays coordinated and nothing falls between the two seats.
On the North Shore
Massachusetts is one of the states where the attorney is a standard part of the transaction, and North Shore buyers come to expect it: title, deed excise, and the closing all flow through the attorneys on both sides.
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Buying a Home
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