Buying a house in Ohio or Kentucky? Here’s when to bring in a real estate attorney.
Real estate transactions can look very different depending on where you are in the country. Different states – and even different regions within those states – have unique rules, customs, and expectations when it comes to buying or selling real estate.
For example, in some parts of the U.S., it’s common for homebuyers to be represented by their own real estate attorney throughout the process. In Ohio and Kentucky, however, that’s not typically the norm – especially for residential transactions. Many buyers and sellers rely on their real estate agents and title companies to guide them through the process, and legal counsel is often seen as optional.
In many cases, hiring an experienced real estate attorney can offer critical protection, guidance, and peace of mind.
When Is Hiring a Lawyer a Smart Move?
Buying Commercial Property, Development Land, or High-Value Real Estate ($500,000+)
If you’re buying commercial real estate, land for development, or property with a purchase price above $500,000, it’s standard practice to work with a real estate attorney. An attorney can assist with contract negotiation, title examination, due diligence, and lending documentation.
These transactions are often more complex, and legal guidance can help avoid costly mistakes.
Residential Real Estate in Ohio or Kentucky: Do You Need an Attorney?
In Ohio and Kentucky, it’s less common for lawyers to be involved in residential transactions. Buyers often rely on their agents and title companies. But based on nearly 20 years of practicing real estate law, we’ve seen firsthand how going without legal representation can end up costing buyers—and their agents—dearly.
While it’s not standard practice in these states, here are situations where hiring a lawyer is strongly recommended:
- Splitting or creating new parcels of real estate
- Converting a mobile home to permanent real estate
- Buying land with plans to build or develop
- Purchasing land for business use or future subdivision
- When the buyer will not occupy the property as a primary residence
- When unusual possession rights are involved
- When additional property rights (e.g., water rights, dock rights) are at issue
If you’re already under contract, you may still benefit from hiring a real estate lawyer—especially if:
- Damage or destruction has occurred since the contract was signed
- There’s a dispute about whether a contingency has been met
- A title defect is discovered during the title exam process
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Real Estate Attorney?
Fees vary depending on the lawyer’s experience, location, and scope of representation. At Northwest Law, we offer different service tiers—from basic contract review to full representation, including custom contract drafting and attendance at closing.
Every transaction is different. Discussing your goals and needs with a real estate attorney is the best way to determine what level of support is right for you.
Why Should a Buyer Hire an Attorney?
It’s common for buyers in Ohio and Kentucky to rely on their real estate agent for guidance. While agents are experts in their field, they are not licensed to offer legal advice.
Real estate attorneys are trained to interpret legal documents, such as contracts and title commitments, and to protect your legal rights throughout the process. If a dispute arises or a problem is discovered during due diligence, a lawyer is best equipped to advocate for you.
Can I Hire a Lawyer After I’m Already Under Contract?
Yes—but ideally, you should consult with a lawyer before making an offer. If you haven’t yet, you can include a 7-day attorney review clause in your contract to allow time for legal review after acceptance.
Amending a contract after it’s been signed can be difficult, and sometimes impossible. Getting legal advice before you sign is often the best—and most cost-effective—choice.
It might feel like hiring a lawyer is just another expense in an already costly process. But when you’re investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into a property, protecting your investment with legal counsel is not just smart—it’s often essential.
Time Considerations for Real Estate Transactions
If you’re searching for a property and you don’t have real estate counsel, that’s ok. Be sure to write a 7-day review period into your offer letters, and then when you go into contract, reach out to an attorney right away.
Secure your Future with Northwest Law
For buyers and sellers alike, hiring an attorney to help you through your real estate transaction can help you avoid running into issues that could become very costly down the road. Why risk so much when you’re investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into something you’ll own for years to come? Reach out today to talk to our team and learn more about how much we can do for you.
🚨 DISCLAIMER: The blog published by Northwest Law is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter. By viewing blog posts, the reader understands there is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. The blog should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney, and readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.