If you plan to build an addition or run a business out of the home, a lawyer can verify if local zoning laws or HOA covenants actually permit your intended use.
In roughly half of U.S. states—including New York , New Jersey , Georgia, and Massachusetts —state law mandates that an attorney physically conduct the closing or handle specific legal tasks like title certification.
Even in "non-attorney" states, you should consider professional legal help if your transaction involves:
This includes short sales , foreclosures, or properties part of an estate (probate) where multiple heirs may have claims.
If a title search reveals unpaid property taxes, mechanic's liens, or boundary disputes with neighbors, an attorney can help clear these "clouds" before you take ownership.