Real Estate Attorney vs. Licensed REALTOR®: Pros and Cons for Home Buyers and Sellers

Jennifer Yoingco
Jennifer Yoingco
Published on May 18, 2024

When buying or selling a house in Texas, you may wonder whether to hire a real estate attorney or a licensed REALTOR®. Both professionals offer unique benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of using a real estate attorney versus a licensed REALTOR® to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of using a real estate attorney

  1. Legal expertise: Real estate attorneys provide comprehensive legal advice on contracts, property disputes, and legal issues.
  2. Contract review: Attorneys meticulously review contracts to ensure all legal aspects are covered, protecting your interests.
  3. Complex transactions: They are invaluable in complex transactions, such as foreclosures, short sales, or commercial properties.
  4. Conflict resolution: Attorneys can effectively resolve disputes that may arise during the transaction process.

Cons of using a real estate attorney

  1. Cost: Hiring an attorney can be costly, with fees adding significantly to the transaction expenses.
  2. Limited market knowledge: Attorneys might lack in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market, crucial for pricing, marketing, and negotiating.
  3. Less hands-on: They may not handle day-to-day aspects of buying or selling a home, like property showings or staging.

Pros of using a licensed REALTOR®

  1. Market expertise: REALTORS® possess deep knowledge of the local real estate market, helping you price your home correctly or find the perfect property.
  2. Marketing skills: They effectively market your property through various channels, attracting potential buyers quickly.
  3. Negotiation skills: REALTORS® are skilled negotiators, ensuring you get the best deal whether you’re buying or selling.
  4. Full-service support: They provide comprehensive support, including property showings, open houses, and handling all paperwork.

Cons of using a licensed REALTOR®

  1. Limited legal knowledge: REALTORS® are not licensed to provide legal advice, potentially falling short in addressing complex legal issues.
  2. Commission fees: REALTORS® charge a commission (usually a percentage of the sale price), which can be a significant expense.
  3. Conflict of interest: Dual agency situations, where a REALTOR® represents both buyer and seller, might lead to conflicts of interest.

Conclusion

Deciding between a real estate attorney and a licensed REALTOR® depends on your specific needs. For straightforward transactions, a REALTOR®’s market expertise and comprehensive support are highly beneficial. For complex situations or significant legal concerns, hiring a real estate attorney provides essential legal protection. In some cases, using both professionals offers the best of both worlds, combining market knowledge with legal expertise.

If you have any questions about real estate attorney vs licensed REALTOR®, reach out to Jennifer Yoingco, REALTOR®, and her team, The Houston Suburb Group. They’ll help you get ready to EXPERIENCE LIVING IN HOUSTON TEXAS!

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