Perhaps the most common transaction in the area of real property is the purchase or sale of a residential property. In many states, real estate brokers, title companies, and escrow companies routinely handle purchases of residential property, without the services of a lawyer, in other states, attorneys handle various parts of the transactions.

However, if you live in a state where attorneys play an essential role in the sale, you need an attorney. In states where an attorney is not required, it may still be worth a few hundred dollars to retain an attorney, particularly to draft or review the original contract and escrow instructions.

• There are many instances in which having an attorney at the outset has assisted in a smooth closing process
• Any deal that is not favorable to you should, in fact, not close
• An attorney is likely to be the most independent party removed from the transaction, and after all is hired to represent only your interests

Remember, as part of your LegalGUARD Plan, you have access to plan attorneys that can help you review or draft your contracts.