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Old 05-23-2011, 08:13 PM
 
Location: Philadelphia
14 posts, read 45,623 times
Reputation: 11

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Hello

I am moving to Philly from NJ. Do I need a Real Estate Attorney when purchasing a home?
In NJ we had to have one and houses go into a 3-Day attorney review after a bid is accepted. I am wondering if it works the same.
Would you recommend using one even if it is not required?

thank you
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Old 05-23-2011, 09:12 PM
 
Location: Phila
518 posts, read 1,052,559 times
Reputation: 636
We purchased a house last year and no attorneys were involved period.
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Old 05-24-2011, 07:03 AM
 
Location: Montgomery County, PA
1,339 posts, read 2,484,182 times
Reputation: 755
Quote:
Originally Posted by lisakitty View Post
Hello

I am moving to Philly from NJ. Do I need a Real Estate Attorney when purchasing a home?
In NJ we had to have one and houses go into a 3-Day attorney review after a bid is accepted. I am wondering if it works the same.
Would you recommend using one even if it is not required?

thank you
Unlike NJ, in PA you do not need an attorney to buy a house and the vast majority of people do not use one. There is still a attorney review period, however. If you are comfortable reading and understanding a standard form purchase contract yourself, then an attorney is not necessary. i would not just put all my trust in a real estate agent to do it for you, however.
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Old 05-24-2011, 07:16 AM
 
584 posts, read 1,424,814 times
Reputation: 240
I bought a house in NJ and we were not required to have an attorney. There is an attorney review period...but we were not required to have an attorney review anything. I think it is still optional in NJ. We were just talking about this on the NJ board. It was pretty mixed...some folks insist on attorneys, others don't feel the need.
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Old 05-24-2011, 09:52 AM
 
Location: Philadelphia
14 posts, read 45,623 times
Reputation: 11
I thought we had to have an attorney review, but our agent said it was not necessary and that most people don't use one.

I have no idea.. this would be my first home purchase.
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Old 05-24-2011, 10:00 AM
 
Location: Montgomery County, PA
1,339 posts, read 2,484,182 times
Reputation: 755
Quote:
Originally Posted by lisakitty View Post
I thought we had to have an attorney review, but our agent said it was not necessary and that most people don't use one.

I have no idea.. this would be my first home purchase.
there is an attorney review period (3 days i think) after you sign the contract, which is dicated by PA law. this essentially gives you the ability to change your mind and get out of the contract if you want to (or if an attorney actualyl does find an issue) without losing your deposit. whether or not you choose to have an attorney review it or not is up to you.
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Old 05-24-2011, 10:08 AM
 
Location: Philadelphia
14 posts, read 45,623 times
Reputation: 11
AHH thank you - that is how it is in NJ
I found it odd the agent would say I don't need an attorney. Being a first time home buyer I would think it is best to have one
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Old 05-24-2011, 10:49 AM
 
Location: SouthEastern PeeAye
889 posts, read 2,573,715 times
Reputation: 407
^ agreed. Just because not everyone does it, ... still it's a good idea. I'd be careful getting anything even remotely considered as legal interpretation by a re agent.
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Old 05-24-2011, 12:13 PM
 
584 posts, read 1,424,814 times
Reputation: 240
Quote:
Originally Posted by PeeAye Native View Post
^ agreed. Just because not everyone does it, ... still it's a good idea. I'd be careful getting anything even remotely considered as legal interpretation by a re agent.
For sure - if you feel more comfortable, hire an attorney. I don't think it's that pricey (especially in light of the cost of a home). I did not hire a lawyer during my past home purchase. During the final stages, things got a little rocky b/t sellers and I (they failed to disclose something) and at that point I was prepared to either walk away or hire a lawyer if they didn't rectify the situation.
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Old 05-24-2011, 12:55 PM
 
Location: SouthEastern PeeAye
889 posts, read 2,573,715 times
Reputation: 407
It's probably the largest financial commitment you'll make in your life. Reason enough to get an attorney involved. I'd go so far as to say have a re attorney review any paperwork you need to sign, before you sign, even the agreement between you and a buyers agent.
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